Vlinder Expressive Arts

28/08/2026

Every month we have an Art on Point workshop for kids. Our hands-on 90minute Saturday morning workshops support confidence, sensory engagement and a calm and playful space where each child’s story is honoured.
DM us for more info on our fun, educational screen-free workshops where you can take a break while your kids enjoy something new and creative!

28/08/2026

When I was little, I loved collecting shells.
 
But I was particular.
 
I was not always looking for the prettiest shell.
 
Or the brightest shell.
 
Or the most unusual shell.
 
I wanted a whole one.
 
If a shell had a piece missing, I often felt sad.
 
I could not have explained why at the time.
 
I just knew something in me noticed.
 
Looking back, I think this matters.
 
Children often notice things long before they have language for what those things mean.
 
A texture.
 
A shape.
 
A broken edge.
 
A colour.
 
A feeling in their body.
 
A tiny detail everyone else walks past.
 
In expressive arts therapy, we do not need to rush those noticings into explanations.
 
We do not have to ask,
 
“What does that mean?”
 
too quickly.
 
Sometimes it is enough to say,
 
“I noticed you chose that one.”
 
Or,
 
“You paused there.”
 
Or,
 
“That part seemed important to you.”
 
The meaning may come later.
 
Or it may stay wordless for a while.
 
That does not make it less real.
 
Sometimes the noticing is the beginning.
 
🌿
 
Is there something you were drawn to as a child that still quietly says something about who you are today?

14/08/2026

A creative participant first came to visual journalling in the studio.

Same table. Same materials. Same gentle rhythm of arriving, creating and reflecting together.

Then life changed. They returned home to Ireland. The distance became enormous. But the connection did not end.

They continued to join us by Zoom.
From another country. Another time zone. Another room.

Still gathering. Still creating. Still connected.

I have never forgotten that. Because it reminded me that belonging is not always about being in the same physical space.

Sometimes belonging is carried through rhythm. Through relationship. Through returning. Through the shared practice of making something and being witnessed gently.

The creative practice kept travelling too. In their own way.
In their own time.
Creativity continued to be one of the ways they cared for themselves while living with chronic illness.

At Vlinder, creativity is not a performance. It is not about being “good at art.”

Sometimes creativity becomes a companion. And sometimes connection finds a way to keep travelling with us, even after the place has changed.

🌿

Has there been a connection in your life that continued, even after the place changed?

At Vlinder, we value creative spaces where connection, curiosity and belonging can grow gently over time. Whether in the studio or through carefully held online spaces, visual journaling is one way we gather, notice and create together. DM to inquire about our services.

10/08/2026

Some of the most meaningful moments in life have arrived when I've stopped trying to decide which truth is the right one.
Instead, I've learnt to hold two truths at the same time.

I can feel grateful for where I am and still long for what's next.
I can be deeply committed without becoming attached to how things unfold.
I can honour my past without letting it define my future.
I can feel uncertain and still take the next small step.

Nature has never seemed uncomfortable with paradox.
The tide comes in and goes out.
Trees let go of their leaves while quietly preparing for new growth.
Day gives way to night, and night welcomes the morning.
Perhaps we are more like nature than we realise.
Perhaps becoming isn't about choosing one truth over another.
Perhaps it's about learning to hold them both with kindness.

🌱 A Vlinder Noticing
Sometimes wisdom isn't found in choosing between two truths. Sometimes it's found in gently carrying both...

06/08/2026

Be captivated by the magical intersection of nature, your imagination, and advanced cyanotype printmaking techniques. Combine the sentiment of a personal photo (person, place, pet, for example) and the quiet beauty of the shapes, forms, and textures of leaves and flowers to create a cherished blue and white memento ready to frame. Allow your heart to expand, immerse, and explore your creative edges and go where curiosity leads. A fabric tote bag and paper will be supplied for printing.

Cyanotype is an alternative photographic technique making monochrome Prussian blue (white where shielded from UV light) prints. This is a process-focused workshop for creative exploration and self-expression.

-Simple afternoon tea supplied (GF, vegan catered for).
-Small sized groups so secure your place soon!

NDIS participants welcome. Please message to inquire or book!

06/08/2026

Be captivated by the magical intersection of nature, your imagination, and advanced cyanotype printmaking techniques. Combine the sentiment of a personal photo (person, place, pet, for example) and the quiet beauty of the shapes, forms, and textures of leaves and flowers to create a cherished blue and white memento ready to frame. Allow your heart to expand, immerse, and explore your creative edges and go where curiosity leads. A fabric tote bag and paper will be supplied for printing.

Cyanotype is an alternative photographic technique making monochrome Prussian blue (white where shielded from UV light) prints. This is a process-focused workshop for creative exploration and self-expression.
- Small sized groups, so secure your place soon!

-Simple afternoon tea supplied (GF, vegan catered for).

NDIS participants welcome. Please PM for more info or to book!

05/08/2026

Before someone arrives at the studio, I sometimes leave a few things on the table.
 
A basket of animal figures.
 
A few pencils.
 
A book.
 
Some textured papers.
 
A small object from nature.
 
Not because I know what the person will need.
 
I do not.
 
I am simply wondering.
 
Sometimes they walk straight past everything.
 
Sometimes their hand reaches for something before they have words for why.
 
Sometimes an object becomes part of the session.
 
Sometimes it simply sits there quietly.
 
Either way, I try not to rush the meaning.
 
At Vlinder, creativity is not something we force.
 
It is not a performance.
 
It is not a test.
 
It is not about choosing the “right” material.
 
Sometimes the gentlest beginning is simply noticing what we are drawn to.
 
A colour.
 
A shape.
 
A texture.
 
A tiny animal figure.
 
A page in a book.
 
A piece of paper with an edge that feels interesting.
 
These small invitations matter.
 
They help create a space where choice is honoured, curiosity is welcome, and people can begin from where they are.
 
🌿
 
I wonder...
 
What small invitation has made you pause lately?
At Vlinder, we begin with curiosity, choice and gentle invitations. If you are looking for a creative space where you do not have to perform, explain everything, or know where to begin, we would love to welcome you. PM us with your inquiry!

04/08/2026

What would you choose to hold in blue?

A photograph of someone you love.
A place that carries a memory.
A beloved pet.
A small moment you would like to keep.

In our upcoming cyanotype workshop, you will combine a personal image with leaves, flowers and natural textures to create something uniquely your own.

Cyanotype is a gentle photographic process using sunlight to reveal deep Prussian blue prints. There is room to experiment, follow your curiosity and allow the unexpected to become part of the work.

You will create prints on paper and a fabric tote bag, with all materials supplied.

No previous experience is needed. Simply bring a photograph, your curiosity and a willingness to see what unfolds.

A simple afternoon tea will be shared, with gluten-free and vegan options available.

NDIS creatives are warmly welcome. Please message us if you require an invoice.

-August 15th
- 10am-12pm
-2 Sunset Ave, Paradise Point
PM to book!

30/07/2026

Learn the alchemy of cyanotype printing using a photo transparency!

Be invited into the magical meeting place of nature, imagination and cyanotype printmaking.
Using a personal photograph, perhaps of a person, place or beloved pet, alongside the quiet shapes, textures and forms of leaves and flowers, you will create a blue and white keepsake ready to frame.

This is a space to slow down, immerse yourself in the process and gently explore your creative edges, allowing curiosity to guide what unfolds.

Cyanotype is an alternative photographic process that uses sunlight to create distinctive Prussian blue prints, with areas shielded from UV light remaining white. This process-focused workshop offers room for creative exploration, discovery and self-expression.

-Adults' workshop including NDIS participants- beginners welcome!
-You'll get to take home a fabric tote bag and and various sized paper based prints
-A simple afternoon tea will be provided, with gluten-free and vegan options available.

When: August 18th, 10am-12pm
Where: Vlinder Expressive Arts, 2 Sunset Avenue, Paradise Point
DM to book or for more information!

We offer a supportive space for children, teens, and adults to explore their inner world through guided creative expression.

28/07/2026

Years ago, I bumped into someone I had not seen for a very long time.

Our children had been at school together, and back then this person was studying to become a teacher.

When I saw them again, they had done it.

They had become a teacher.

I remember feeling so genuinely delighted for them.

I said something like,

“You did it.”

And they said,

“Thanks to you.”

I was completely confused.

I did not remember doing anything significant.

Then they reminded me.

During their studies, they had been worried about how they would keep going financially.

Apparently I had said something like,

“You always find a way to do the things you love.”

I had forgotten the conversation.

They had not.

That moment has stayed with me.

Not because I gave advice.

Not because I solved anything.

But because, without realising it, I had reflected something back that was already true.

Their determination.

Their resourcefulness.

Their love for what they were becoming.

Sometimes encouragement is not about telling someone what to do next.

Sometimes it is simply noticing the strength that is already there and gently naming it.

We rarely know which words will stay with someone.

So perhaps it matters that we speak with care.
Has someone ever said something to you that helped you keep going?

At Vlinder, we value the small moments where people begin to recognise something true about themselves. If you are looking for a space where creativity, curiosity and careful noticing are welcome, we would love to meet you! PM for more information.

Pic: Paradise Point canal by Vlinder Expressive Arts