10 Easy Ways to Be Creative Every Day

What would it feel like to be creative every day? What image comes to your mind when you think of the word, “creativity“?

Do you picture a blank canvas waiting for you to splash paint on it?

An empty plot of land begging you to dive in and landscape?

How about a room with mismatched furnishings that need a little love?

All of these images (and thousands more!) define creativity.

One of the definitions of the word, “create” is: “to produce through imaginative skill.” (source: Merriam-Webster dictionary)

Each of us has a chance to daily create something out of our lives but often we feel rushed and frustrated with our lack of time. I thought I’d share 10 easy ways to be creative every day that will allow you to access your inner child, grow, and feel happier. Because who isn’t happy when they’re in the midst of a creative project?

10 Easy Ways to Be Creative Every Day

1. Give yourself a lot of opportunities.

Rather than boxing your creativity into one thing, consider how you can make it something you “run into” on a regular basis. Keep an art journal and a few supplies out. Doodle on your grocery list. Draw notes for the kids’ lunches. Pack a couple of cards and envelopes in your purse to write notes when you’re waiting at the doctor’s office. Giving yourself regular opportunities to create will allow you to expand the time you’re able to spend creating just by virtue that you’re armed and ready when the opportunity arises!

• Take a 10-minute letter-writing “retreat” (includes printable stationery and prompts!)
• Make your own cards with these tutorials

2. Try some prompts.

I don’t know what’s worse—not having time to create or having time and not knowing what to create. I always feel a little desperate when I have a morning to myself and yet can’t figure out what I want to do. It’s usually in those moments that I overcompensate and drag out all the art journals and all the supplies, get everything set up, and then my time is over. It’s like the adult version of getting the Barbie house finally set up and mom calls out that it’s dinner and time to clean up.

In times like these, using a creative prompt can really help me (and you!) quickly get into the creative groove. I wrote a whole month’s worth of these in my eBook, Creative Sparks. All you have to do is choose a prompt, do it, and you’re off and running. Sometimes I use my own prompts, and sometimes I use other people’s. They’re a great way to explore my creative side.  (Here’s an additional sheet of one word prompts!)

3. Take 15 minutes to color.

Coloring completely counts as a creative activity. I mean, it’s not a sport (or is it?) Print out a coloring sheet, or toss a small coloring book in your purse for on the go, and you’re halfway there. For a grown-up spa experience, diffuse some restful essential oils, put your feet up, and color away.

4. Try a new recipe.

I admittedly like to read cookbooks. (Jamie Oliver and Canal House are favorites.) Cooking isn’t my favorite thing in the world, but I admire those who do love it. (Yes, I’m talking to you, mom.) That said, I do like trying new recipes. Many of my current culinary loves are because I decided to buy the ingredients for a strange-to-me recipe and try it. And now I’m in love. (Still can’t believe how many years I wasted not eating curries! So sad . . .)

5. Eat a new food.

Similar to trying a new recipe, but this one is more simplistic. Give your taste buds a creative treat by choosing a brand new food (to you) at the grocery store. This is how I discovered the amazing wonder of Medjool dates. And 90% dark chocolate. (Okay, your food discoveries don’t have to be treats. ;)) What have you always passed by at the supermarket? Toss one in your cart this week. It might end up being your new favorite food!

6. Learn how to use your camera.

How many of us have a decent camera that we know little to nothing about? Ahem. There are so many free and reasonably priced photography courses online these days that you could “go back to school” and learn how to use your amazing camera in a very short time. Or if you have a photographer husband, you could just ask him. 😉  Either way, you’ll be able to document your world and have a record that better represents what you want to say through pictures.

7. Go on a scavenger hunt.

My mom is so good at this one. She has the gift of seeing the world like an artist—around every corner is an opportunity, and if you stay open, you can find supplies to make things everywhere. All of us are influenced by her optimism when we’re around her.

The grandkids make cool creations out of pinecones, we snip herbs out of the garden and toss them into pasta dishes for dinner, and we take time to sketch and think about projects in the morning. I always, always leave her house filled to the brim with creative ideas. Let yourself be open to the opportunities around you. And surround yourself with creative people. They will inspire you!

8. Start small.

When I took Myquillyn Smith’s Cozy Minimalist decorating course last year, I was initially overwhelmed. I am so not a decorator. A maker of things, yes. A decorator, no. The thought of decorating our master bedroom had me completely frozen for a few days. But after listening to her webinars and taking baby steps, I began to slowly but surely transform our room into an oasis.

I look at it now and cannot believe it. Our room is tranquil and beautiful. Not perfect, but beautiful. Also, it cost me less than $100 to do this makeover. If only I had known I didn’t have to have “the perfect house” (we rent) or that I didn’t have to have a home improvement budget like they have on tv shows! Seriously, start small. In whatever creative endeavor you’re doing, take baby steps. You’ll be so glad you did! (This is her book on the same subject.)

9. Learn how to art journal.

Art journaling has become a thing lately. You can buy kits and take free classes. And you can spend a LOT of money on supplies. But here’s a little secret, art journaling doesn’t have to be money- or time-consuming. It can be your own personal Pinterest board that you keep in your purse.

Clippings that amuse you, color samples you like, a napkin from your favorite coffee shop, and a sketch from your porch . . . all of these items can be glued into a small book that you call an art journal. My art journal is my personal happy place. It’s basically a tactile gratitude journal that’s filled with beautiful things I love. What would you put in yours? There’s no wrong answer.

• Fun Ways to Fill Up Your Blank Journal
• How to Start an Art Journal
• Take an Art-Journaling Retreat

10. Make a creativity jar.

Kind of like prompts, but with a twist. To make a creativity jar, write out ten (or more) activities you love to do (or would like to try) on slips of paper. Fold them, and place them in a jar. As time allows, choose a slip and do the activity. This is also a great idea for kids! How I’d love to see all of the fun ideas you’d put in your jar. 🙂

BONUS IDEA: Start a Happy Journal.

I began my first happy journal almost twenty years ago. And this simple practice of “drawing my day” has brought me So Much Joy. It’s a great way to sneak a quick bit of drawing and creativity into my day since these drawings only take 5 to 10 minutes max. Even my preschool-aged daughter loves to draw happy journal entries.

I wrote about my happy journal journey in a post or you can click here to see my Happy Journal, Happy Life book. (It includes a journal in the back so you can start right away!)

I love how we can be creative every day with the simple choices we make. And I especially love how our individual creativity can (and will!) influence the lives of our family and friends for the better. Making time for creativity matters! 🙂

I hope you have a lovely {and creative} day!