Did you know that …?
…there is a clear, evidence‑grounded record of current research saying that there are sensory benefits of arts and crafts:
“Just 45 minutes of creative activity can significantly reduce stress hormones.”
Research shows that engaging in art lowers cortisol levels, helping adults feel calmer and more regulated.
“Hands‑on making boosts mood, focus, and mental clarity.”
Creative activities reward pathways in the brain, improving attention and emotional balance.
“Tactile, repetitive activities like knitting and weaving support sensory regulation and reduce anxiety.”
Studies link rhythmic handwork to improved nervous system regulation.
“Creative activity improves overall wellbeing — even for people with no art experience.”
“Arts and crafts strengthen fine motor skills and keep the brain agile as we age.”
Sensorimotor engagement supports cognitive health in older adults.
“Making with our hands reconnects us to sustainable, mindful ways of living.”
Slow, intentional craft practices promote environmental awareness and reduce stress.
“Community art participation is linked to better social connection and lower levels of loneliness.”Group creativity enhances belonging — a key factor in adult wellbeing.
Chinese New Year
The Chinese New Year celebrations of the Fire Horse marks Željana’s great comeback and renewal of her regenerative community engagement by offering a colour course with a sustainable twist to Maidenhead Chinese and Oriental Community Association.
We are reconnecting on April 20th at Nicholson Shopping Centre in Maidenhead, 20 years later.
Then...
Now...
In the newspaper article on the left, explains about the ladies attending the 10 week course from the Chinese and Oriental Society in Maidenhead. Explaining about the 10 week course and the impact it had on them.
Previous Community Projects
-
2011-2013 Highly Sensitive People Network – Z.S. set up and led a support network for people with a highly developed nervous system, also facilitated regular meetings and coordinated / provided activities to support better quality lifestyles of the individuals involved
-
2006-2013 Creative Art Courses / Life Coaching - Open Learning Centre, Bracknell Several series of skills courses with confidence building programmes, such as improving relationships, self awareness through self portraiture, asserting own needs, enhancing lives
-
2010 ‘Healing through Colour’ - MS Society clients and their carers, Earley
-
2010 ‘Confidence Building & Improving Relationships’ Dyslexia Association, Maidenhead
-
2008 ‘Discover Your Power through Colour’– Maidenhead Synagogue, Stress management/personal development course for Training for Work in Communities (TWICS) & Federation for Community Development Learning (FCDL)
-
2008 - 2010 ‘Confidence through Colour’ series of seminars for entrepreneurs starting their own businesses, more than 275 Business Link clients have experienced ZS-Art workshops, Coaching and Mentoring individuals working in creative sector, Enterprise Link Slough. Coached individuals have been running successful businesses
-
2005-2006 Art Explorative Courses for people with learning disabilities, young and homeless.(Oxford, Slough, Wokingham)
-
2006 - 2007 Art & Meditation Workshops for refuge women, wives of soldiers serving in Bosnia and Iraq and men in detention centre for asylum seekers at Campsfield House nr. Oxford
-
2003 - 2010 Art & Creative Workshops – East Berkshire Mind in Bracknell, Maidenhead, Windsor, Slough and Wokingham. Designed and delivered weekly art workshops for people with severe mental health needs