My Pathway is Colourful by Heather R
Inspirational Stories
Hi, I’m Heather, and I met Debbie in 2019 at the Adult Learning Art classes for wellbeing run by Gary at Barnsley in South Yorkshire.
We soon realised we had a lot in common, and we both attended Recovery College. Both thirsted for art and wanted to try any medium Gary was doing a course on!
I was learning how relaxing and therapeutic art was for me and this has had a massive positive impact on my mental health and anxiety.
Debbie and I also like an excuse to meet up for a natter over coffee and cake!
When the pandemic and lockdown arrived and all classes were online I was so grateful to be in the same class as Debbie. Computers and the internet were way out of my comfort zone! I can honestly say my art has got me through lockdown.
When Debbie told me all about Creative Wellness Journey (CWJ), (now Art for Wellness CIC) I was blown away by the positivity and amazing ideas she had. I’m so proud to be on part of her journey with her.
When Debbie suggested me becoming an administrator for her Facebook groups this made me feel a little nervous at first it was the first time ever done this. However, I found over time it was all about supporting members, leaving feedback and genuine encouraging messages, and making new friends and I can see the benefits of being in a safe environment online.
The great thing I love is getting the importance across that Creativity is not just about being able to draw and paint…. it’s about having fun and enjoying yourself in a relaxing way. It can be photography, knitting, writing, poetry or gardening, whatever makes you smile and keep you focused.
Especially during lockdowns when our routines have gone out the window and most of us have time on our hands.
Art for Wellness Facebook groups help give a safe place for people to learn and create and connect with people which in turn boosts confidence and mental wellness. The Facebook groups just keep growing and growing and I am blown away by how they spread globally and always interactive 24 hours a day. Yes even when I wake in the wee small hours can’t resist a peak.
I have even rediscovered my creative writing again, following the idea of writing about your own name as a limerick, which was great fun.
The positivity in the groups is phenomenal. I think this is a brilliant way to help people through creativity. It’s given me a huge boost to my self-worth and self-esteem to be part of Art for Wellness. I have even helped create posts to celebrate the growth of the groups, which is brilliant.
Debbie surprised me with a video of some of my artwork, it was lovely, and in that moment, I felt so proud of myself.
My first blog – Share the love through creativity
Working with Debbie, I was very proud when we wrote our first joint blog for Valentine’s Day 2020. We wanted to share the message that love is really all around in many different forms. So we came up with the theme “Love is All Around”
In 2021 after the Facebook groups success a new website was launched and Debbie invited me to become supporter in the adventure. I was thrilled to have been asked to support this new adventure and everyone is so nice and welcoming.
Members Creative Gallery
A theme is set for members to create their own work and share on the website which is a great way to help and support each other. An example was the new year new start and what 2021 means to you.
Meet The Team
We now have a “Meet The Team” support group and found a wonderful supporting and friendly group of people and I am looking forward to working together where we can share the beauty of creativity and finding mental wellness.
Little Book of Hope
My first ever solo blog, “Little Book of Hope”, was written about sharing an idea I had for art journaling during lockdown. Being able to write and share has been an amazing opportunity and I have grown in confidence and found something that I love to do.
Little Book of Hope
Written by Heather June 2023
I once had an idea—a simple yet vibrant concept—of creating coloured backgrounds in a little book using watercolour paints. The beauty of it? You don’t need to create a masterpiece all at once. Just play, let the colours flow, and return later when inspiration strikes to doodle, sketch, or tell a story through art.
“This is a wonderful way to ease into art journaling—step by step, at your own pace. Splashing colours when the mood strikes is pure fun! Then, on another day, you can return to your pages, ready to bring them to life with doodles and creative expression.”
At the start of lockdown, creativity became my sanctuary, a way to channel my thoughts and anxieties. Picture this: soft relaxation music playing in the background, paint swirling on paper—it was my escape, my moment of calm in the chaos. Honestly? It kept me from going bonkers!
Now, I’m mindful of my health, my pain levels, and my hands’ flexibility. I don’t pressure myself. I create when I want to, for the joy of it, and in doing so, I find calm, relaxation, and a sense of personal style in every brushstroke.
How to Make a Little Book of Hope
Creating your own little book journal is simple, accessible, and, most importantly—FUN!
Step one: Get yourself an A5 sketch pad. No need to break the bank! I found mine for just £3 at The Works. Plain pages, no pressure, just an open invitation to create whenever inspiration calls.
My First Journal Pages
At the beginning of lockdown, I felt the need to document my thoughts and feelings creatively. And what better way than through art?
Debbie’s Feather Zentangles
Inspired by Debbie’s intricate Feather Zentangles, I decided to give it a go. I must say, it was a game-changer! This creative community is simply amazing—I highly recommend giving it a try.
Golden Hearts
A gentle reminder to myself: I matter, too. It’s so easy to forget our own needs. For this page, I used cardboard—peeling it in places for texture—then painted it with acrylics, finishing with a touch of gold stamping ink and metallic pen. A little shimmer, a lot of love.
Freedom
Watercolour washes ran down the page like streams of thought, drying into organic shapes. Once set, I took a black pen and let my imagination flow—balloons representing freedom, flowers symbolising nature, both things I deeply missed during lockdown.
Three-Stage Watercolour Doodle
Step one: A vibrant blue and purple watercolour background, left to dry naturally. Step two: Positive affirmations, thanks to a pack of stick-on words. Step three: Black and white pen doodles to bring it all together.
Every piece tells a story.
Upcycling in My Pictures
Ever received a beautiful perfume box and just couldn’t bear to throw it away? Same here! Instead, I tore it up, glued it into my journal, and outlined the edges. Now, it lives on as a piece of art rather than gathering dust on a shelf.
Friendship Bubbles
Gratitude comes in many forms. For me, it was the unwavering support of my friends during uncertain times. To honour that, I created a page filled with bubbles! I used acrylic paint, masking tape, and household lids dipped in bright colours—turning everyday objects into a celebration of friendship.
Rest and Recharge Days
Acrylic paint sponged across the page, magazine clippings carefully placed—this page is my visual reminder that rest is not a luxury, but a necessity. Our bodies and minds deserve time to recharge.
Lost Your Umph?
Ah, the ‘umph’ days! We all have them. Debbie and I laughed when we talked about those moments when motivation just vanishes. And guess what? That’s okay! Whether it’s a nap, a walk, deep breaths, or simply taking the day off from creating—it’s all valid. Self-care first, always.
Just a Plain and Simple Felt-Tip Pen Day
Not every page needs layers of paint or mixed media. Some days, a few simple felt-tip pen doodles say it all. And that’s the magic of journaling—no rules, just expression.
Cosy Winter Nights
With Christmas films on the horizon, I ripped up an old TV guide, jotting down plans for a snug and creative winter. There’s something so comforting about capturing the small joys of the season.
Art Journaling & Being Creative
There are no rules—only possibilities. You create when you feel like it, share if you want to, and embrace the journey. I feel truly blessed to share my creative wellness experiences, and I hope it inspires you to pick up a pen, a brush, or even just a scrap of paper and start your own journey.
When we share, we uplift. And that, my friends, is what it’s all about.
If you know someone who could benefit from a friendly, safe space to explore creativity, tell them about Art for Wellness. Because everyone deserves a little art, a little joy, and a little hope. 💛
Art Classes with Gary
Of course, Debbie & I will continue to enjoyed the online art classes with Gary as this was our fun time together and allows us to meet friends, laugh, and learn new techniques in creative art for wellness.
Although we have now reached the end of the courses and gone on to grow Art for Wellness I am so delighted for being a supporter and encourager for Debbie as we have grown together on the journey.
Who knows what the future will bring I am just grateful that my journey brought me towards creativity and I look forward to meeting new people along the way.
Thank you for reading my story I hope this gives you positive thoughts about taking a chance and having a go. If I can learn, then you can too.
Written and shared by Heather Roundell in 2021
During our journey, I had the pleasure of becoming a co-author of a children’s art journal with Debbie—“Scribble & Sketch.” This fun and creative notebook is designed for you to sketch, scribble, draw, and doodle freely.
Drawing and writing help to release thoughts and feelings in a visual way, allowing expression through words, illustrations, and colours. When we express ourselves like this, it positively impacts how the brain works, gradually shifting our thinking.
And the best part? When the brain feels happy, it releases those feel-good chemicals, bringing hope, love, and joy! “Scribble & Sketch” is available on Amazon, and every penny from sales is reinvested into Art for Wellness, supporting more creative wellbeing projects.
Copyright © 2025, Art for Wellness
Heather Roundell & Debbie Crouch
Creative art for all ages and abilities. – Let’s share the beauty of creativity