Creative Space for Mothers - create, chat & a cuppa
Join us for an afternoon ‘creative escape’ each week
For MOTHERS AND PREGNANT FOLK to COME TOGETHER have some CREATive time IN A POSITIVE, UPLIFTING AND FUN WAY. BRINGING CREATIVITY, WELLBEING AND COMMUNITY TOGETHER FOR MOTHERS IN AND AROUND YORK.
These lovely sessions are inclusive, supportive and fun. Join together to have time and space for you (for once!). Think of it as a little ‘creative escape’ from the busyness and stress of everyday motherhood life. We’ll doodle, draw, collage, colour in, write and journal in a mindful way alongside connecting and chatting with other local mothers, birthing people and pregnant folk in a supportive, friendly and welcoming space. These sessions are run by me, Susan Bradley, who has many years of experience both in creating mother-focused groups & community and is also an award-wining designer and creative director (see my creative website here)
You’ll get to gently explore your creative side (yes we all have one!) through simple supportive prompts, tools and techniques. Have fun, create and connect. Come just as you are and find some relaxed time for yourself (babies are very welcome too of course) and hopefully find more joy, more self-compassion and be able to find simple ways to build more self-care and mindful practices into your days that can make you feel good.
Absolutley no experience of journaling or art or creativity s required - come just as you are. Just a willingness to be creative and find a pocket of calm
Book now for sessions up to end of May 2024:
A class for the Mothers
Motherhood can be amazing, and also amazingly challenging. Often in unexpected ways, or at unexpected times.
Our culture gives little acknowledgement to this massive shift and change in who we are (mentally, emotionally, hormonally, and physically). It’s a process called Matrescence - but most people have never even heard that word! Yet all mothers go though it - Matrescence is the transition to motherhood, and it can take many years.
We're expected to casually stroll into motherhood, trying to keep a tiny human alive, to keep it all together, whilst trying to get our heads around who we are and what’s going on and keep our new emotions in check. It’s a big ask, and it’s exhausting. And where is the support? All the ‘baby classes’ tend to focus on the baby. That’s why a relaxed and supportive class and coming together of mothers for themselves is so very important.
That is the exact point of these sessions. They are a chance to focus on YOU, and to use creative and mindful practices and techniques that I will provide for you (all super simple I promise - no you don’t have to consider yourself as ‘creative’ or ‘artistic’ - this is not about labels. If you can hold a pencil you can do this, I promise!) to help you take time for yourself. Maybe to help you find your way in your new role as a mother and give yourself some time to ‘step out of’ the repetitive (and lets be frank often tedious and boring!) tasks of being a mother for an afternoon. Done in a positive and empowering way.
Review of the class on Mumbler website
You can read a review of the class on the brilliant Mumbler website here:
https://york.mumbler.co.uk/mindful-creative-journaling-for-mothers-a-mumbler-review
“There were new mums and experienced mums, mums with babies on their knees and mums with their children in school, all with stories to share from bedtime struggles to weaning advice. While we were there for creativity, the reality of being a mum was at the centre of it. Susan never hurried us along, and the whole session felt relaxed and cathartic.”
Some more lovely feedback…
“ I didn’t realise how much I needed it until I was there... I’ve come home inspired to try to use my journal to get some stuff out of my head and onto paper in whatever form it comes... Sometimes it’s easier to draw than write even if, like me, you would not consider yourself an artist.”
“The opportunity to sit round and talk to other mothers about babies and all things creative felt like such a healthy space to create in the week”
“I’ve come home feeling relaxed with a reinstated passion to get out my colouring books and have some me time when the kids are asleep. ”
“A really lovely and relaxed way to meet other local mums and mum-to-be. Such a friendly group - thank you Susan”
“So nice to be in a group with such lovely women. My confidence got quite knocked by the birth, and I don’t have friends and family locally. So it’s lovely to be able to sit and relax and draw and chat.”
“This time so so precious, being a mum can take all of your energy and your needs are usually at the bottom of the washing pile, but it’s so so important.
I can’t wait for the next class next week!”
“Such a lovely quiet time to spend focus on something that wasn’t kid related or chore related. It was so nice just to chat and do something mindful. Plus the coffee and biscuits were a bonus. Cant wait for next week!”
Benefits of creativity for mothers
coming together to be Creative in pregnancy and motherhood can help you in so many ways…
Creativity is something we all have inside us. But many of us feel we’re not creative. Maybe we had a bad experience at school or someone once told us our art was rubbish - and now understandably, we just never do create stuff. I want to banish those expectations we put on ourselves and just enjoy the process of making and creating.
My fun and relaxed classes are aimed at everyone who wants to simply have a good time through doodling, drawing, stickering, collaging, writing lists, cutting up words, and more. In these classes we’ll go through a series of prompts aimed at getting us to not overthink - and just see what happens. Being creative for the fun of it, not the end result.
So whatever your background, however creative you feel you are, can can start or continue your creative journey and enjoy having fun.
the classes are simple, and anyone can do it with my gentle guidance and support.
the classes are something for YOU - when everything around you seems solely baby focussed
the classes have a positive framework - we are looking ahead with a positive vibe, not looking at what’s already gone before that we can’t change. So you’ll leave feeling good, calmer and gently energised.
using the creative part of your brain is well-known for its positive benefits on brain health and wellbeing.
creativity has played a big part in the history of women's self expression. Some weeks we’ll take inspiration from amazing women artists and creatives like Frida Kahlo, Hollie McNish, Tracey Emin or Virginia Woolf.
this is simple creativity you can fit it in around your hectic parenting schedule.
the classes are a simple creative outlet at a time when you can most need that outlet!
coming together to be creative brings support and encouragement. It creates space for creating together and being together (so missing over the pandemic). Connecting together can create powerful, supportive community and support networks and friendships can gently blossom.
Creative Space for Mothers - create, chat & a cuppa
WHAT WE’LL DO…
Join us for a little haven of mindful creativity and space for YOU at this pivotal time.
It really doesn't matter if you haven't journaled before or think of yourself as ‘creative’ in any way. Don’t worry about that. We are all at heart creative, because pregnancy and motherhood are the ultimate creative act - you made a human! Let go of expectations and labels and come and explore and have fun with no expectations..
In these workshops I’ll share with you creative tools and techniques from doodling, to collage, to coloring in, to creative list making to poetry. If you can hold a pencil then you can do it all - I promise!
All with the aim of being positive, supportive and uplifting. A ‘creative escape’ once a week to get out of your busy mind with something fun and new.
Each week there will be a couple of simple step-by-step mindful and creative activities for you. It will be fun, welcoming and inclusive to all. All the materials are included, and you’ll get to take your journal/sketch book home and to add to it between sessions and after the course if you want to.
Plus you’ll get a cuppa, biscuits and chocolate too. Yes!
All classes are suitable for all anyone who is pregnant now or is a mother* You can attend in pregnancy at anytime, or after you babies birth anytime afterwards (as soon as you are ready to leave the house, or if you child is no longer a baby!). Babes in arms are very welcome to come along - of course. As are other children - but please bring toys etc to keep them happy (the activities are not themselves for children).
Weekly sessions - booking now up to mid February 2024
WHERE…
TUESDAYS // 1pm to 2.30pm // at The Poppleton Centre, Upper Poppleton, York YO26 6JT
Free large carpark at venue - so stress free! Also an award-winning, baby friendly, on site cafe, so you can grab lunch before/after the class if you want too.
DATES…
Booking now for these Tuesdays:
16th, 23rd, 30th April. 7th, 14th, 21st May 2024
COST…
Session are booked by the block/term, and are just £9 per 90 minute session.
This includes everything - all art materials, including your own sketch book, and a brew, biscuits & chocolate to keep you going too.
There will also be an optional private online Facebook community created too, so you can connect with the others on your sessions between sessions and afterwards too if you want to.
If cost is a barrier to attendance then let me know as I will be offering a number of subsidised places too - just ask.
Open to…
Anyone who want to take a little creative escape each week, at anytime through pregnancy and motherhood.
FAQ’s
Do I have to be creative?
Nope. If you can hold a pencil then you can do it all!The classes are here for everyone, whether you think of yourself as ‘artistic’ or ‘creative’ or not. I firmly believe that motherhood itself is the ultimate creative act. So you’re already there!
The main essence of these workshops is time for you to play, explore and to be in a wonderful community atmosphere that provides emotional and wellbeing support. The sessions are friendly, fun and very easy going within a safe and nurturing environment.
Do I bring my baby?
Yes if you have a baby that’s not yet on the move absolutely bring your baby along. If you are pregnant bring your bump, and if you child is older then come solo. All warmly welcomed.
If you have a baby do not worry or stress about feeding baby, about baby crying or being vocal or if you need to change your baby. All of this is normal and welcome. Come as you are!
What about older children?
You can bring older children, but you must be able to keep them entertained and safe. And please remember that there will be scissors and paint around that’s not for children - so you’ll need to keep them safe. Plus there will be small babies, who also need to be kept safe too. If you are unsure please contact me in advance, as refunds will not be made if you cannot attend.
Who are the classes for?
Open to pregnant folk and anyone who has had a baby (from as soon as you feel ready to leave the house onwards. No end point to this).
*This is an inclusive and safe space for anyone who has experienced pregnancy, given birth, identifies as a mother or as a woman or non-binary carer. Everyone warmly welcomed. I use the term ‘mother’ to mean all of those things.
Is this art therapy?
No it is not therapy of any kind, and I am not a therapist. Although you may find some of the techniques have a therapeutic value to you. This is positive, uplifting and mindful journaling and not therapy. If you would like to be out in touch with an Art Therapist please let me know and I can signpost you to some folks I know.
Other questions?
If you have any questions at all do simply contact me by email susan@formodernmothers.com or head to my contact page to get in touch
About your workshop leader…
Hello I’m Susan. I’m a mother, a creative director, award-winning designer, and a creator of community for mothers and mothers-to-be in York, UK.
I hold spaces for women through their transition to motherhood in a variety of ways - yoga, breath work and meditation classes and workshops. As well as trained in birth listening and reflecting, birth trauma support and I am a doula too.
With these workshops I will be combining my expertise a successful and award-winning creative designer, with my knowledge and expertise working with mothers and pregnant people is bring you these supportive, relaxed, fun and community connecting workshops. Using creative journalling to help your journey through Matrescence, to find your new identity, to help support you through the ups and downs of pregnancy and motherhood together.
Find out more about my award-winning creative career here - www.susanbradley.co.uk (website being updated currently)
Find out more about my work supporting mothers here on the website you’re on right now!
Feedback from my previous motherhood classes & workshops…
“Your classes have been amazing and really helped me navigate becoming a first time mum. You’ve created such a welcoming and supportive space, and it’s great that you raise so many of the important (and often undiscussed) issues, and challenge the status quo. Please keep doing what you’re doing!”
“I’ve been to a number of mum and baby classes through the first year and none were as friendly or supportive as yours Susan. Thank you so much”
“we wanted to say thank you for creating your groups and helping us find our way into motherhood. The support has meant everything to me, and helped me and my baby sooo much. The group has also lead us to make some amazing new friends and has helped not to feel alone.”
“ Susan has created such a warm, easy and friendly space for all of us when we need it the most. She is just so supportive and full knowledge you can tell her whole heart is in this. Thank you💛 ”
“I find it such a supportive lovely group and great for making friends so thank you very much for creating this.”
“It’s been my favourite class to attend each week helping my recovery after birth and mental health too. And J has enjoyed seeing the other babies so much.”
“Thanks so much, we really enjoyed coming to the classes. You are a great support for women during this crazy rollercoaster ride of motherhood- so Thank you! ”
“I honestly cannot tell you what these classes have meant to me. In both body and mind I have grown so much, The support that you give in these classes is something so special”