Atiliay noun, a play off the French word “atelier”; a workshop/studio, esp of an artist or designer; my creative space

Notes plural noun, a brief record of facts, topics, thoughts written down as an aid to memory; a short informal letter

 

It can feel so hard to start creating sometimes because there's a lot that may be associated with it: perfectionism and messing up, not knowing where to start or what do, not having made anything for a long time, or feeling stuck, blah, and uninspired. 

 

I have felt all of those things and there was a long period in my life where I wasn't creating much at all. I really missed it--working with my hands, having a paint brush in my hand, feeling the texture of paper--but I didn't know where to start. 

 

I finally decided to commit to my creative practice, got my very first sketchbook, and started filling in the pages inspired by prompts I came up with and mini challenges I assigned to myself. That was in 2021 and I haven't looked back!

 

It truly changed my life--what I spend my time doing, the community I have found, the meaning, connection, and inspiration I feel, and the fun I'm having!

 

Ever since that turning point in 2021, I've felt passionate about encouraging anyone who feels the pull to create to do just that! Because maybe someone out there has felt the challenges I've felt too or maybe there's someone who might want to try and will like this project as well.

 

All of the above has been my “why” for hosting different projects and challenges and I'd love for you to join me for some of them!

 

I'm excited to be hosting a few things in the months ahead. If you've been feeling the desire to create, learn more and sign up for July's Creative Spark Mail Club, season 2 of 21 Every Days, and this year's Sketchbook Un-Slump below!

Make Mulberry Paper Collages Did you know you can make collages by layering mulberry paper with water?? It still blows my mind and has been such a fun and meditative process and project. If you'd like to get a sampling of papers, instructions, and ideas to try it out, you can do so by:

Create a 21 Every Days Project (July 12th - August 1st) This is a free 3 week project where we'll create 21 sections on our paper then fill in a section every day to add a little bit of consistent creativity, visual documentation, and fun into our routine! By signing up you'll receive weekly prompts and check-in emails. Sign up for 21 Every Days here. (Thank you to those who participated in season 1 and voted on prompts--the winner was completely different prompts! But I will be giving options for those who want prompts with a similar theme as before :))

 

Join the Sketchbook Un-Slump (August 16th - September 12th) This is a free 4 week email series to help us find inspiration and fill in a sketchbook page per week. You'll receive an in-depth prompt at the start of each week and have 7 days to explore your ideas. That way we get more time to dive into our inspiration and create a finished piece. (Originally inspired by the desire to combat the “summer slumps", I realized it's only summer in the northern hemisphere so took out the summer part!) Sign up for the Un-Slump here.

Creativity isn't about being perfect. It's OK to make a mess and not love everything you make. You don't have to have a lot of experience or technical skill. It's about inspiration and expression, a reflection of who you are through a visual medium. And just like a muscle, the more you use it and work it out, the stronger it gets.

 

Take good care and I hope we get to create together soon!

PS: I try my best to keep track of all the prompts from past challenges so that I don't repeat them (unless it's intentional)!

PPS: A sun print and sunset for the recent summer solstice ☀️

 

 

Share my newsletter or work with a friend! There's nothing like good old fashioned word of mouth :)

 

Visit my website & shop for the Creative Spark Deck, prints, PDFs, and more.

 

Shop my favorite art supplies & more. I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase from my links.

 

If you haven’t yet, subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow my Instagram to stay in touch!

 

 

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