Creativity is our birthright! It’s part of everything we do and whether we realize it or not, we create our own reality everyday. Artistically speaking though, there are times when we may need a little inspiration to help us reach our goals. For me, the key is to do at least one thing everyday to satisfy my creative needs.
But with busy lives, families and multiple commitments how do we find the time? The answer is to carve just a few minutes out of each day for our inner child to play. Expressing our creativity breaks up the mundane aspects of life and can even add a little magic when you need it most!
"Creativity is our birthright!"
Here are 5 tips that don’t cost money and only takes a few minutes. Pick one and get started!
1. Pick some fresh flowers from your garden or go for a little hike and collect pinecones, twigs, fallen leaves etc. Arrange them yourself in a new creative way. Play with color combinations, texture and size. Add unusual embellishments or ephemera from around the house. If this sounds too complicated, try going very stark and simplified i.e. a single flower in a vase partially filled with stones and water.
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| Wooden Striped Circle-Shaped Flower Vase $15 by JillianJonesEnt.etsy.com |
2. Take a small sketchbook to work everyday.
Sketch for 10 minutes at some point during lunch or break time. If you can’t think of something to sketch, choose simple images or photographs and paste them on the opposite side of the page. Over time, your observational skills will improve along with your results. Most importantly, keep it simple, use any ordinary pencil and stop after 10-15 minutes. Don’t worry about the quality of the sketch; simply try to enjoy the act of creativity and the rejuvenation it can offer you. When I used to work in a stressful corporate job, this activity totally switched up my energy and mood. It changed my day!
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| Mini Rustic Suede Sketchbook $20 by christinemarieford.etsy.com |
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| Pencil King $30 by katsiki.etsy.com |
3. When you make a meal, use your creativity to make the presentation interesting. Adding a garnish like parsley or arranging foods on the plate in a pleasing way can make an otherwise ordinary meal into something exciting.
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| Ceramic Tapas Plate Set $36 by artsielady.etsy.com |
4. Take some time to enjoy your favorite craft. If you don’t have one yet, start by
reading. There are many
craft blogs and books available. By browsing through, you may just find something new and exciting to try.
Reading fiction can also stimulate your imagination rather than simply watching a movie. Try using the search word
"Tutorial" on
Etsy and just see what comes up! Here's a couple that look great to try.
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| NEW Tutorial 8 How To Create Perfectly Textured Multi-Dimensional Focal Beads $15 available at SCDiva.etsy.com |
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| Clutch Tutorials & 6 patterns (10 inch, (2) 8 inch, 6 inch, 4.5 inch, 3 inch) - $8 by whilebabynaps.etsy.com |
5. Get outside! Take a little time each day to be outside. Breathe in the fresh air and really take in your surroundings. Listen to the sounds. Look closely at what’s around you. You might even see or hear something that inspires your next art or craft project!
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| A Place to Be - 8x8 Art Print - A soothing blue ocean view on a sandy calm beach. $30 by donnageissler.etsy.com |
Here’s a bonus tip you might like to try too!
6. Start a journal. Spend a few minutes each day to record your thoughts. If you don’t know what to write just keep going and you may find that in fact you do have something to say. The very act of writing is intrinsically creative and you may be surprised at what’s inside just waiting to come out.
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| 30% OFF Steampunk Handmade Journal and Free Bookmark - Ready to Ship $30 by keilantra.etsy.com |
These are just a handful of ideas to get your creative juices flowing. The most important advice I can give to anyone looking to become more creative is to do your best not to judge yourself during the process. Persevere and be persistent. Rewards will come to you, though not always as you might expect. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes are AOK. In fact, they can lead you to your most brilliant ideas. Focus on the process, not the result.
"Mistakes are AOK. They can lead to your most brilliant ideas."
How do you stay creative? Share your tips here by leaving us a comment!
Creatively yours,
Christine
© 2011 Christine Marie Ford
The text of this article is the property of Christine Marie Ford and may only be reproduced only with expressed written permission.
