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!

Hi Scribblers,

The New Year brings new resolutions. Have you made your New Year’s Resolutions yet? I sometimes find it hard to keep up with and remember my resolutions so this year I decided to craft a little reminder!

This little craft is a great way to keep your New Year’s Resolution fresh in mind. Once you’ve made your New Year’s Leaf, write your resolution on the back and hang it up, place it in your day planner or display it on your desk. Encourage your kids to do the same. This is a great way to keep you moving toward your goal!

To get this activity sheet, simply click on the image, download and print!

Hi Scribblers,

New Year’s Eve is just a few days away! Have you started decorating? Today, we were busy getting scribbley and made our own New Year’s Eve Sparkle Ball!

This craft is super easy to make!

To start, push one end of the pipe cleaner into the Styrofoam ball.

Next, use the sequin pins to pin the sequins to the ball. To do this, simply push the pin through the center hole in the sequin.

Alternate colors of the sequins as you go around the ball.

Continue working your way around the ball until it is completely covered in sequins. Tie the wire ribbon to the pipe cleaner letting the ends fall to either side. Using Puffy Paint, write “Happy New Year” and  “2012″ on the Ribbon ends.

Twist the top of the pipe cleaner to make a loop.

Hang up and enjoy!

Hi Scribblers,

I bet you didn’t know it, but today, December 27th, is Make Cut Out Snowflakes Day! I used to love making cut-out snowflakes in school, but as I sat down to try to make these fun little crafts, I realized I didn’t remember how to fold the paper to make the 6-sided shape! After some tinkering, I eventually figured it out and to save you the hassle, I decided to make today’s post a photo-tutorial to help you along!

To start, all you will need is a piece of paper and a pair of scissors.

First, fold the corner of the paper into an isosceles triangle (two equal sides).

Cut the remaining rectagluar piece off so that you have a square piece left over when you open up the triangle.

Refold the square into a triangle.

Fold in half again to make another triangle.

Imagining that your triangle is split in thirds, fold the first third over towards the center.

Next fold the opposite third over so that the points overlap.

Cut off the top (the points) at an angle, making sure to cut it so that all the layers are equal.

Cut into the folded sides to begin making your snowflake.

Get creative- cut out different shapes of different sizes and angles. Hint: For more intricate cutting, use cuticle nippers to make a more precise cut.

Unfold your finished snowflake to admire your work. You can glue your snowflake to a piece of colorful paper or string onto monofiliment and hang up near a window.

Enjoy!

For a little extra fun, save the scraps!!

These cut-out pieces make great confetti!