#VikingArtyParty at Lumière London: The Art of Practicing Mindfulness through Crafts

As someone dealing with anxiety, I can’t recall how many times I’ve been told I should do yoga or any one of these peaceful sports. Put aside horse riding, sports classes have always been my obsessive fear, making me feel even more awful and worthless about myself than I already was. I’ve always been a more artsy spirit, and instead of appeasing my mind and body while jogging or swimming, I had rather found peace and calmed my nerves through crafts.

The #VikingArtyParty at Lumière London reminded me of exactly this. Situated nearby Elephant and Castle, the very English venue is a real hidden gem. The event itself was taking place on the second floor in the Gallery, a brick-walled, light and spacious room, outfitted with colourful rococo furniture, a fully equipped kitchen, a buffet composed of amazing French viennoiseries as well as biscuits, cakes and some tea and coffee, and three workshop tables put in place for the day.

Organised by Viking, the crafty afternoon offered four hours of fun and meditation, helping me and the other bloggers focus on the present moment.

© Photo by Search Laboratory // Taken by Natalie from The Tofu Diaries

© Photo by Search Laboratory // Taken by Natalie from The Tofu Diaries© Photo by Search Laboratory // Taken by Natalie from The Tofu Diaries © Photo by Search Laboratory // Taken by Natalie from The Tofu Diaries © Photo by Search Laboratory // Taken by Natalie from The Tofu Diaries © Photo by Search Laboratory // Taken by Natalie from The Tofu Diaries

Origami

The first workshop I took part into was the origami one, which was held by MindFOLDness.

In about 50 minutes, we not only learnt to fold an envelope and a flapping paper bird, but were also taught about the origins of the Japanese art, as well as a mindful way to practice it.

Also considered as yoga for the mind, origami turned out to be a great introspection and relaxation tool.

Prior to the folding, each model was to be tied to a story withholding positive and inspirational value; on Saturday, our guide asked us to focus on one person in our lives who makes us happy and to keep them in mind while folding, as it would later link the act of folding an envelope or a bird to this specific person, who cheers us up and warms our heart.

© Photo by Search Laboratory // Taken by Natalie from The Tofu Diaries © Photo by Search Laboratory // Taken by Natalie from The Tofu Diaries © Photo by Search Laboratory // Taken by Natalie from The Tofu Diaries © Photo by Search Laboratory // Taken by Natalie from The Tofu Diaries © Photo by Search Laboratory // Taken by Natalie from The Tofu Diaries © Photo by Search Laboratory // Taken by Natalie from The Tofu Diaries © Photo by Search Laboratory // Taken by Natalie from The Tofu Diaries

Block printing

The second workshop I attended was the block printing one with Jane, our lovely teacher from Tea and Crafting.

The activity consisted in painting a pattern of our own choosing on a white box file that would end up totally personalised.

Willing to remain in the positive mindset that I received during the first workshop, I chose to cut out a little heart and use it to block print my box.

© Photo by Search Laboratory // Taken by Natalie from The Tofu Diaries © Photo by Search Laboratory // Taken by Natalie from The Tofu Diaries

Calligraphy

Last but not least, the calligraphy workshop held by Suzie from A L’aise, taught us the basics of the art of beautiful lettering.

In line with the previous two workshops, calligraphy proved to be very calming for me. The attention I needed to pay and the concentration required to shape such beautiful letters was the best tool – as far as I’m concerned – to be in the instant and forget about any noisy thoughts.

What else could have I asked for after the announcement of Brexit?

NB: Get a 15% discount on Suzie’s eshop (http://a-laise.co.uk/ ) with the code SUPER15 

© Photo by Search Laboratory // Taken by Natalie from The Tofu Diaries © Photo by Search Laboratory // Taken by Natalie from The Tofu Diaries

Marie