Cut It Up / Activity

A Common Exception signature workshop for you to do at home. Cut It Up helps you take limiting thoughts and transform them into something bold, expressive and new — using pens, paper and scissors!

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Ever had a thought that’s held you back? The quiet ones that creep in are the worst! I’m not good enough. That’s not for me. I’ll mess it up. This activity is about facing those thoughts, cutting them up (literally), and turning them into something bold and beautiful. Cut It Out is one of our signature Common Exception workshops, shared everywhere from community meetups to creative spaces like Ladies, Wine & Design. And now, you can try it too. It’s part creative release, part mindset shift. You don’t need anything fancy, just a pen, some paper, scissors and a little bit of trust in the process. Let’s turn those limiting beliefs into something you can hold in your hands. Something new.

Activity

What you’ll need:

– Pen or markers
– Scissors
– A glue stick
– Coloured paper

1. Write it down
Take a blank sheet of paper and write out all your negative thoughts. Anything that’s been making you feel small, stuck or unsure. Don’t overthink it. Just write it down.

2. Cut it up
Grab your scissors (or your hands!) and destroy the page. Rip it or cut it up. Enjoy the moment, and release and let go!

3. Stick it down
Take your pieces and glue them onto a new sheet. Let the chaos become the background for something new. There’s no right or wrong way. Just respond to how you feel.

4. Add something good
Now, be your own best friend. What do you want to be reminded of each day? What words or images bring you joy? Layer them on top. This is your affirmation and truth to yourself.

Want more? Try our Creative Pact activity. A small, daily commitment to what you want more of.

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We can't wait for the next collaboration with Louisa! It was such a JOYFUL evening - and the perfect match of self-expressive collage making and our colourful reclaimed materials!

Renée Materials

Working with Louisa has been a joyful journey. Her approach is led by honesty, collaboration, and a strong commitment to her personal practice. Her presence created a soothing and relaxing atmosphere, fostering joy, creativity, and meaningful engagement. She nurtured a space where participants felt safe to connect deeply with their surroundings and their feelings.

Louisa was very inspiring, providing the audience with valuable techniques while encouraging them to reflect on themselves and express vulnerability in a creative and cathartic manner. We received lots of positive feedback from our community. They described the workshop as fun, mindful and uplifting, with everyone leaving with their own unique artwork.

Ladies, Wine & Design - London

Louisa and Coco Lom immersed us in music while we drew with our eyes closed. Listening to the beat without thinking completely shifted my mindset, dissolving tension and clearing away distracting thoughts. It was a transformative experience, where letting go of control and simply tuning into the music rhythm led to a more intuitive and authentic creativity.

The Negativity into Creativity workshop got me hooked. After the event, I had to meet Louisa. From the session, I had loads of clarity on personal ideas. Insights included: Have grace for yourself. Be patient with progress. 80% perfect is perfect enough. People come to you because of how you make them feel. Stay on your brand: if you are not walking the walk, how can you teach it? Stay creative, stay joyful.

Jonė Gimbutytė

Designer & Creative Director

I booked a coaching session as I’d been thinking of running workshops alongside my ceramics practice. The session was so inspiring and I found it the perfect mix of practical ideas and mindset work. I immediately felt at ease and able to talk through any challenges openly. Louisa offered another way of seeing things, along with helping me feel confident and supported in my decisions. My workshops are now up and running, and getting booked up!

Louisa is pure magic. She brought such an incredible, inspiring energy into my Antipodreaming brunch club event. You could feel everyone light up as she gently guided them to tap into their own creativity. Louisa has this amazing way of making people feel free, fearless, and excited to express themselves. She's an extraordinary creative and beautiful soul to work with.

Brand Strategist + director

I had a fantastic mentoring session with Louisa. I got so much value from our conversation. What really stood out was her follow-through after our call. That kind of support truly felt above and beyond. I highly recommend Louisa to any creative entrepreneur looking for guidance and clarity. I’m already planning to book a follow-up session once I’ve made progress on the action steps we outlined!

Christina Jones

Thank you for organising such an inspirational workshop! I enjoyed that 120%! Your event gave me a new feeling about the chemistry between music and handwork.

Girrrrrrl!!! With all your help I am top dog with Meta. I still need to jump through some hoops, but I am the one they've chosen.

Eloisa Henderson-Figueroa

Who We've Worked with