Creative Monsters is a creative workshop for children where imagination gets to take the lead. Children are invited to create their own odd little monsters using all kinds of materials, such as recycled objects, natural materials, paper, paint and other fun things that can be cut, glued, painted and pieced together.

The project is inspired by play, the strange world of monsters and the idea that being odd or different can also be something good. It can be beautiful, funny, creative and meaningful.

The goal is to create a warm and encouraging space where children can create on their own terms, enjoy quality time with adults and have fun along the way.

Guðlaug Þórlindsdóttir and Sonja Ólafsdóttir are occupational therapists who combine professional knowledge, playfulness and creative thinking in their work with children. They both have extensive experience working with children and families, with a strong focus on strengths, participation, self-esteem and solution-focused approaches.

In their work, they use play, storytelling, visual material and creativity to turn challenging tasks into engaging and encouraging experiences. Their goal is to help children build self-understanding, discover their strengths and find strategies that work in everyday life.

Guðlaug graduated with a BS degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Akureyri in 2020 and works at Gló Æfingastöð. Her work includes individual and group interventions, education and guidance for parents, teachers and professionals. She has also given lectures on sensory processing and its impact on children’s wellbeing, participation and daily functioning.

Sonja graduated with a BS degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Akureyri in 2017. She has worked with children throughout her career, including at the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Department and Æfingastöð. Today, she works as the head of the art department at Sjáland preschool, where she focuses on creativity, imagination and children’s self-expression.

Together, Guðlaug and Sonja created Furðuskrímsli (Odd Monsters), a colourful world of monsters, designed to help children with ADHD understand executive functioning, strengths and challenges in a simple and visual way. Furðuskrímsli are also part of the course Ofurhugar (Super Minds), where children learn that ADHD does not mean they are “difficult” - it means they have powerful brains that need the right tools.