A Tranquil Escape: Art and Craft at an Eco House in Central London for MTT
Earlier this summer, our My Tribe Teens (MTT) took some time out of the fast-paced rhythm of city life to immerse ourselves in a nature-inspired arts and crafts session.
In the heart of bustling Central London, where the rhythm of city life is fast and relentless, there exists a hidden oasis: an eco house, a wooden pod nestled amidst nature. It was here, in this serene setting, that we gathered for an unforgettable art and craft session, a world away from the concrete jungle outside.
Into a place of calm
The contrast between the vibrant city streets and the peaceful embrace of the eco house could not have been more striking. As we stepped into the wooden pod, the city’s noise seemed to melt away, replaced by the gentle rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds. The eco house, surrounded by greenery, provided the perfect backdrop for our creative endeavour. It felt as though we had been transported to a different world, where time slowed, and the worries of the day faded into the background.
Inspiration through immersion in nature
Our session began with immersing ourselves in the beauty of nature: we admired the flowers, twisting branches, and vibrant foliage, all of which served as our muse. The natural elements our art tutor had collected beforehand— wildflowers, branches and grass —became the foundation of our art. Each of us found inspiration in different aspects of the surroundings, leading to a diverse array of artistic expressions.
Relaxed concentration and free-flowing creativity
As we settled into our creative space, the atmosphere was one of relaxed concentration. Some of us chose to paint, capturing the essence of the flowers and plants we had seen. From detailed, realistic depictions to more abstract, modern interpretations, the variety of styles reflected our unique perspectives. The paints flowed freely, each stroke a reflection of the peace and inspiration we felt. Our art tutor demonstrated various techniques with paint and pen, guiding everyone — regardless of their skill level — to create beautiful works of art.
Others decided to work with play dough, moulding it into whimsical representations of nature. Frogs, trees, and flowers took shape in three dimensions, their forms playful yet grounded in the natural world around us. The tactile experience of working with the dough added another layer of connection to the earth, making the creations even more meaningful.
A mix of participants, connecting and being present together
What made this session truly special was the mix of participants: adults and children, each bringing their own ideas and energy to the table. Conversations flowed easily as we shared our thoughts, discussed our creations, and appreciated the beauty of the moment. The simplicity of the activities allowed us to be fully present, to let go of the outside world, and to enjoy the company of one another in this peaceful setting.
In a city known for its pace and pressure, our art and craft session at the eco house was a rare and cherished opportunity to slow down. It was a time to reconnect with nature, to find joy in creativity, and to simply be. As we left the eco house, returning to the busy streets of Central London, we carried with us the calm and inspiration of that afternoon—a reminder of the beauty that exists when we take the time to look, create, and appreciate.
Join us on our next workshop "Imagination Unleashed" with Bold Tendencies – 23 August (10:30am-2:30pm – click here to book ) and our “Tube, Trains and travel” on 28th August (Click here to book).
MTT restarts on 5th September, from 3:30-6:30pm at Mint Street Adventure Playground.