I recently splurged on a new brush pen Reader. If you have been following along for a while, you will know that I used to have #allthepens before I moved to focus on found and handmade tools. I love nothing more than creating unique and random tools out of found objects and materials.

Recent things I have written and made marks with include:

- Aluminium cans

- Sticks

- Leaves

- Toilet rolls

- Pegs

- Toy dinosaurs

- Packaging foam

- Nerf bullet (sorry kids)

- Bamboo

- Sting

- Rocks

- Spoons

- Guitar picks (sorry husband)

- Etc., etc.

In fact, if you are interested in seeing a mini workshop I did in 2024 for Typism and haven’t already, please send me an email reply with “TYPISM” in the body of the email, and I will send you the link to the recording.

Anyhoo, I love “playing” as you probably know, but bringing it back to the original point, I bought a new brush pen – yep, that is where we started! A sharpie brush pen that I hadn’t seen before, and I freaking love it!

I want to write #allthethings again! It is flowing and smooth, and while this post is obviously not sponsored (boo for me basically!) I haven’t had this much joy in a store-bought pen for some time.

There is something about feeling a sense of freedom with a tool that makes it become an extension of you. I find this increasingly with paint as my art practice has evolved, and I remember it clearly from my more advanced lettering days.

But I didn’t always feel this way.

Feeling “at one” with materials and tools doesn’t come naturally for many people, and that is so normal. This is where play is so imperative. When we allow ourselves a safe space to play, we open the door to possibility and wonder. When we do this, we remove judgment and meet our exploration with compassion… and then the freedom starts to flow. Our self-expression becomes less forced and more natural.

Just this month, I registered the business name Permission to Play; many of you will know I have been running programs, workshops and the wonderful membership community under this name since 2022. I can’t wait to continue to grow this movement in communities, local and online, and I invite you to attend any of our fortnightly live creative play sessions.

These are not your typical art classes, paint-and-sip sessions, or “how to” lessons; these are gatherings of a close-knit group of incredible humans who come together to create and play. We get excited about all the things we do, and that’s part of the joy. Life is full of judgment and criticism. Come to a space where you get to show up exactly as you are right now (PJs are always welcome!)

We have had a few new folks join recently, and I would love to invite you to check out the next live call, this coming Sunday at 8 am AEST.

You can sign up through the website and join for free for two weeks to test it out, or reply to this message and ask any questions you may have. I also offer different pricing structures and options (just can’t work out how to do that on the website currently) so if cost is something you need to discuss, reach out and let’s find the best solution for your situation.

Please consider joining us and experiencing the benefits of social play and creative connection.

What’s been happening:

Humanity: I have been blown away by the support from social media for my fundraising artworks for families in Gaza. I have now sold approximately 30 original paintings, with all the proceeds (except for shipping) going to the families I have been supporting for the last six months or so. I was also thrilled to attend the historic National Day of Action for Palestine here in Meanjin/Brisbane, with over 50,000 people saying 'enough!'

Yes, I did take yet another handmade sign and, of course, bubbles to the rally, and I am thrilled that the excellent Alex Bainbridge snapped this photo of me!

University: I am in the throes of my final subject for my postgrad certificate in Mental Health and Neuroscience. I am working hard on understanding the ageing brain and am excited to combine my creative art experience and knowledge with neuroscience and mental well-being evidence to create new programs across the community as we move forward.

Hush hush: Possible secret collab in the works. I can’t share anything on this yet, so this is a massive teaser that I will share when it hopefully goes ahead!

Birthday: It was also my birthday this month and I did a reflection post here if you want to check it out!

Well, if you made it this far, thank you! If you want a little more info on how to prepare for Sunday’s live play session… here is a little video I made (spoiler – it’s not hard!)

Have a wonderful rest of the week and I hope you might join us in the live session this weekend Reader!

With Kindness,
Delphie Joy xox

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