Happy New Years everybody! Did you make any resolutions for 2013? I’m not one to make a ton of resolutions, but I do think the beginning of a new year is a great built-in checkpoint in life—a time to ask, “Am I happy?” “Am I living the life I want?” “What can I do to make it better?” For me, I’m usually looking for more ways I can incorporate creativity into my everyday schedule. Below are some ideas to lead a more creative and artistic life this year. They don’t have to be concrete resolutions, but rather some fun goals or guidelines to give a try!

1. Scribble something every day… a doodle, a whole picture, a silly note… anything! This ensures time for a little creativity in your daily routine.

2. Keep an art journal. This could take the place of your daily scribble session.

3. Try a new medium you’ve never worked in before. Always wanted to try pastels or watercolors? Now’s the time!

4. Organize your arts and crafts area. Clear out any dried up or empty markers and containers, separate your supplies into categories… perhaps put them in bins or baskets. This helps keep your space clean and makes it easier to find things.

5. Try to use what you already have. Instead of accumulating tons of half-empty containers of glitter or glue and just buying new ones, see if you can find a way or create a project to use up any leftover craft supplies.

6. Try creating something out of only recycled materials—newspapers, cardboard, cans, bottles, etc.

7. Sign up for an art class in something you’ve wanted to try. Perhaps pottery, oil painting, sewing, or figure drawing. It’s always a good time to learn something new!

8. Instead of buying something for your room or house… see if you can DIY it first! Is your dresser looking shabby or you want a different color? Repaint it!

9. Once a week, take a little time to learn about a new artist. It can even be just a few minutes. Go on the internet or grab a book and learn a bit about the work of someone who interests you. It’ll really add up!

10. See more art! Every so often, go to a museum, local gallery, or crafts fair. It’s great for inspiration.

Are you going to try any of these this year? Do you have your own fun goals for a more creative 2013? Please share them here!

And from the whole Scribble team, we wish you a happy, healthy, and creative new year!

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree… no, not the real ones with pine needles that are reach up to the ceiling! How about the ones made of paper that fit right on a page? This paper tree collage is a perfect rainy day or evening activity during the holiday season.

 

All you need is…. paper! Well, okay… paper, scissors (or a paper cutter if you have one at home), and glue. When it comes to paper, let’s specify. You’ll need a large sheet of white paper for your background and then a variety of paper scraps that include the color green. You could use construction paper, scrapbook paper, leftover wrapping paper… whatever you like!

Cut your green paper into strips of different widths and lengths. Once you have a nice little pile, start stacking them on your white sheet, longest strips on the bottom. The rest can be random and don’t be afraid to mix your patterns and angles. Use a glue stick to adhere them down when you’re ready. If you like, you can cut out some ornaments, a brown tree trunk, and a star from construction paper to decorate your tree. Ta-da!

 

Quick, simple, and pretty! And your entire cleanup consists of sweeping any scraps of extra paper into a recycling bin. Display and enjoy!

Happy Greeting Card Season! Time to grab the address book and stamps and spread the well wishes to our loved ones. Of course there’s the classic route of vacation photos or professional portraits, but those can get a bit pricey. Why not make a card that’s cute, creative, personalized, and easy on the wallet?

 

To make these adorable ornament cards, you’ll need some cardstock and paper, a black marker, an assortment of colorful buttons, glue, and some optional rhinestones.

 

On a piece of paper (cut it in half and fit two to a page), draw several ornament strings and bows with your black marker (You can also purchase a string and bow stamp, but a marker works just as well!). Then glue buttons below the strings as ornaments. If you feel like adding a little sparkle, you can glue rhinestones on top of a few of the buttons. Then just add a little message and glue the paper to a folded sheet of cardstock.

 

Aren’t these precious? For another fabulous homemade card idea, check out our post over at Scribbleshop. You can also frame them for simple holiday decorations. Christmas cards don’t have to be fancy or expensive to make a splash… just heartfelt and creative!

 

Photo via Michelle Philippi

 

Photo via J. Day Designs

Photo via Splitcoast Stampers

 

 

Hi Scribblers!

We hope you are enjoying your Columbus Day. Last week one of our Scribblers made a fun Columbus Voyage Craft.

Here is the activity sheets to make a Columbus Day Craft of your own!

Just click on the images, download and print! You can use this craft to teach your little ones about Christopher Columbus and the three ships he used to sail the ocean blue! Plus, puppets are always a great tool to inspire creativity and encourage imagination!

Happy Scribbling!