“Don’t think. Thinking is the enemy of creativity. It’s self-conscious, and anything self-conscious is lousy. You can’t try to do things. You simply must do things” ~ Ray Bradbury
It’s the start of a fresh year, and all these days are stretching out in front of us, begging to be filled. And just like last year, they will get filled. With shopping, sleeping, working, couch surfing, housework, coffee, yard work, cooking, worrying and maybe a bit of fun stuff. Whether we plan it or simply let it happen, this time next year, all 2013 will be is a bunch of lived days, and we’ll be looking at the possibilities of 2014.
But what about your art? What about the creative project that’s always on the back burner? The thing you’d love to do, that you DREAM of doing, but never actually get around to?
My ‘Creative Project’ Challenge for 2013 is this:
Be bold and brave and take a moment to publicly name the project you’d like to give energy to this year in a comment at the bottom of this page.
Then throughout the year I’ll blog check-ins and little things to help keep you on track. Your commitment to the project is about making time through out the year to work on your project. And you can all reach out and support each other, no matter what your project might be.
Maybe you want to take art lessons. Maybe you want to work out how to use that expensive camera you bought. Maybe you want to write a novel, or edit a novel, or illustrate a children’s book. Maybe you want to build a vegetable garden or knit a matching set of jumpers for the whole family by Christmas.
I have found that by being part of a creative-purposed group, my wonderful writing sisterhood – Sisters of the Pen – my productivity, accountability and sense of connectedness to my writing has improved. I’ve gone from thinking about being a writer to actually writing!
So how about you? What creative project will it be for you this year?
Let yourself get excited. Give yourself the gift of a whole year of little windows of creative time. Imagine what might happen…
Are you in? Will you join me?
Go ahead, and sign your name below. Let’s make 2013 a year of Creative Action. That’s the kind of energy I want to see in the world!
Make wood art, Finish a collage, Process the photos I took last year and publish them somewhere, do more hooping, learn to Rollerblade.
As “me too-ed” above, garden(with better tomato trellising), sew (more of my own clothes that will FIT), write more, edit more, get a Real Job (that pays my expenses), start having a social life again.
The weather is warming and the rain is coming to soften the earth! I will be planning my veggie and herb gardens this year. Last year, I just got them into the ground, no matter what! This year will be planned and created! I have soo much in store!
5 quick sketches a week. 2 hours (block session) per week painting(either at home or at an art group). Aim- to develop skill, confidence and my own style.
Hi Nicole,
Three projects from me:
1. We’re getting renovations done, so one big project will be decorating the finished rooms.
2. I’ve finally started getting back in touch with my intuition, and part of that has involved getting my crystals out..which has in turn evolved into making crystal bracelets and necklaces so will make sure I send you photos.
3. Finally time to make some of that ‘bad art’ you told me about. Am going to give my blog another solid go. And I will try and remember to write about the stuff that matters, this time.:)
much love
Fi xx
Yay, this is such good news!!! Much love to you, Fi xoxo
Finish all my quilts I bought fabric to make. And not buy anything new until I have!!!
Hi Nicole, beautifull project, my creative goal for 2013 are: open atelier – a closlieu where people from 5-99 age are able to paint togheter and find a mentore where take painting lessons.
thanks soo much to joint togheter for this project.
chiara
Thank you Nicole! Another late entry as I just found this post. I commit to making a lot more jewelry for my business out of metal clay! Specifically steel clay with various other clays combined with it (bronze, copper, etc.) I have already begun and am so excited. I love the idea of the artist dates. I did that for a year many years ago when I read “The Artist Way” by Julia Cameron. Great ideas on your blog. Thank you!
I’d like to make a quilt from scratch – not use a panel like I normally do.
Tidy up and organise my sewing space. Make a brooch. Improve my soap recipe.
Paint something!
I read you blog often and have been so inspired. I hadn’t checked in in a while but am so glad I did. I couldn’t have come across this post at a better time. I have been wanting to learn to knit so I could start making baby cloths for my toddler. I have instructional books from the library and some supplies so I now pledge that I will make time for knitting throughout the year!I may even produce so much that I could open a shop on ESTY. I am committed to this goal!
I’m going to become an active member of my amateur writing group again and dredge up my lost and buried inspiration and imagination to create my contribution to the monthly allotted subject.
My creative commitment is to run a retreat called ‘Raw to Roar’ around fully connecting to your spirit and passion 🙂 PS Thanks for the inspiration to really get this done this year XX
My commitment is to spread the smiles, love and compassion in the world through collections of photos. Also to complete my book about ‘Living your best Life’
I quietly, non publicly, pledged to myself to sign up for some sort of writing course, or group. With a new born and 3 beautiful older children in my care, it seemed ridiculous!! But along came a fabulous course…to be completed module by module, completely in your own time, everything via email…..it seems like a miracle to me. And I feel excited!! So, belated public commitment from me. Thanks Nicole. I am inspired by you daily!
I would love to add a late entry as well – I would like to start by reading for pleasure again – something I haven’t dared myself to do for years in case I find how blissfully happy I might feel absorbed in another world. I would love to put more energy into coming up with a creative plan to make my food dreams come true. I want to sew – create things for my family. I want when people tell me how ‘creative’ I am, to actually FEEL creative. I think there is finally room in me to get lost in my own mind again. (Not loosing my mind, just lost in it!)
I like ‘blogging’ nature and taking photos….
http://lynsoutside.wordpress.com/
You’re a wonderful photographer!
I really, really want to finish my new novel ‘Night Myst’ that I started last year and abandoned. It calls to me every day and I ignore it – I say get back there, somehow, some way. I would also like to do a course in public speaking…anyone recommend anything in the Brisbane Northside/city area?
To pick up my crochet hook and reiginite my crocheting skills. Then to start making those throws I’ve always wanted to make for those I love and appreicate. Maybe even start a crocheting/knitting circle in this little town. To do more creative activites from my Keri Smith books/journals.
I am going to follow a more spiritual path and also see the ush tucker fabric printed and made into sarongs!
Wanted to add to my commitment. By spiritual path I mean an iner journey looking for my purpose/s at all times. Looking if I am where aim meant to be and doing what I am meant o be doing. I am open in my head an heart to change. Fully committing to knowing noting is impossible and trusting! Love love love. Xxxxx
late entry! I want to learn to use watercolours. Have enrolled in a course. Will commit to doing a little every day as well as some drawing, perhaps on alternating days. Practice makes perfect is the old adage
I don’t know how I missed this creative challenge post, but is am so in! I have a bit of a list when it comes to my creative goals (making up for lost time haha).
Top of my list is creating blog/website where I can share my passion for gardening, eating wholesome food and being self reliant and sustainable. Next comes learning some advance knitting/crochet skills and at least making one item of clothing on my sewing machine. Number 3 is making my own money, not through my day job, but through our (hubby and I) own business (still yet to be created) by the end of 2013. Lastly dusting off my trusty camera and getting back behind the lense…it is truly a love of mine!
Lots of love and rainbows to you all… It is awesome seeing how much creating is going on!
Thank you as always Nicole for being our beacon!
Xx
I didn’t join this last month because I could not think of a creative project. Interestingly, my business – LifeSavvy – which I have put into the ‘too hard basket’ has been popping into my head quite frequently of late. I am going to commit to developing LifeSavvy to become a business that makes my heart sing – not the business I think it ‘should’ be. I am not setting deadlines but will be making a regular commitment to see where it takes me.
OK…Knit a cardi/bolero…start a herb garden…work on my “Tea with a Twist” business idea…and a fashion/jewellery/accessories label…and to learn French!
I would like to paint again
Thank you..sending love and light! Xxxx
I’m in!! Creatively I would like to GARDEN!!! and SEW!!!!! Let’s do this!!
These too! 😉
Sewing by machine, again. 🙂
Hi!!!! ok….. mmmmh. Focus more on photography, I have been taking photos since I can remember (3 years old!) but never have had the courage to do it seriously. I also just started a blog, so I need to give shape to that!!! yey!!!! 🙂
I”m going to learn how to make beautiful and tasty sugar cookies! Also, I am going to do at least one art/craft project each month because I’m good at it and I need to express myself in this way because when I did in the past, I felt much more happy and centered.
Going to keep working on my blog artfullydistracted.com and being creative everyday
Hi Nicole, I would love to take part in the challenge, thank you!!
This year I would love to creatively play more with my healing techniques and develop my channeling stuff.. It would help I think in the healing sessions, I want to do as it would be great to give people a uniquely awesome healing experience. this year it would be so good to finally build my healing practice/business.. It would be so cool to make products for clients out of natural things. I have some great Ideas for this!
And I want to plant out my herb garden again which I didn’t look after very well last year:-(
There are so many things to do it’s hard to stay focused on one or two at a time.. Lots of love to you Xx
.
Me and every cell of my DNA are in! Onwards and upwards this year..
Count me in…I have a business idea that I’m working on! I’ll let you know when it comes to fruition! I appreciate your inspiration for 2013!
Complete the editing process of my non-fiction book “Whole Music” which I started writing last July. AND continue my green fiction series (short fiction on Kindle) “Miranda and Pierre.” I also continue to take digital photographs and blog.
Good wishes to all who engage in creative play in 2013 (notice I didn’t say “work”).
I am so in! This year I want to write an hour a day; complete a wine course and plant my first crop; finish one unit of Interior Design Diploma (finally) and read a new book per month by a completely new author. That is MY creative promise to myself for 2013. So, any further support never goes astray. Thank you Nicole. Thank you for acknowledging that creativity is so important in our lives xx
I am doing explore (locally) & draw sketchbook project blogging the results on http://blucameleon.blogspot.fr/
What great way to start 2013. I am definitely in. I am committing myself to violin lessons and producing healing meditation CDs. All my love x
Thanks for the inspiration Nicole. I’m going to learn to play ukulele so I can show my granddaughter. Much love xx
Hi. My project is to write a book. It is a two year project.
Hi Nicole, Thanks for sharing some of your creative projects for the year and good luck with shopping when the time comes. As always with your posts, serendipity, yesterday speaking with a singer friend saying this year I have to remember to put my own creative projects on the table (as much as supporting all those around me in their pursuits).
One of the writing projects – finishing at least 1 of the 3 manuscripts that keep telling me to ‘get on with it’. As well, I would like to finish one of the cross stich projects waiting patiently to be done and on a beginner/for-the-experience of it, I’ve bought some charcoal & small sketch book to play with drawing.
Hi Nicol this is e beautiful project . I want to find my Mentor halping me in paintig process and create my skills in art counselor and a way to express my creativity.
Hi Nicole
I bought a tablecloth after seeing a pattern to do crossstitch. It has such pretty green herbs to be stitched around the hem of it – just so beautiful. Well over a year ago and its still unopened! At the time I had a vision of my “new little family” and extended family all seated around outside in my garden enjoying the sun and eating around the table using this pretty tablecloth!….well I’m single and have no garden of my own yet, but I’ll get the tablecloth done this year, with the thought that one day very soon that vision will happen!……I also pledge to learn Persian cooking this year…thank you again for such an inspiring blog, much love, Jo xx
There are so many Nicole, But for the start what I really want to do is Paint and write my heart. Everything under the sun and above the earth. Everything I can feel and place my on.Though no one can teach you arts and writing I still want to learn arts and how to write fluently (without curved lines and grammatical errors) and than continue doing it for rest of my life :D:D. May be make my life an amazing paintings with beautiful words.:D:D
Your words excited and motivated me, must say..Thank you :D:D
I want to be earning money at the end of the year. My creative project has been myself, my healing from trauma, and from being withdrawn from the world I want to go back in, as my whole self.
Oooh! There’s the Post Comment button!
That’s beautiful, and so worthwhile. Bravo xx
May I join you in these goals, Clare?
I’m in too, I’m going to learn tap dancing. Something creative & something I get to enjoy being a beginner at xx
Tap dancing? That’s WAY cool! 😀 xo
What a good idea Nicole!!! You are a gift of God!!! Tears come while I’m writing this. Thank you so much!!
I”ve been practising body awareness and chi kung for my own body health and now I start to share it with my collegues and our clients.
This art have been sooooo helpful to me. My body have become more and more flexible, I have more tranquillity and I can express myself more easy.
I also planed to do creative art with my clients, such as painting.
I think you’re the gift, Jetske! How marvellous that you’re going to teach chi kung. This makes me so happy 😀 love, love, love to you xoxo
Thank you, I love you 😀
Thankyou for the opportunity to further commit, I am going to make my art [painting and illustrating] take priority over all daily things and become an eccentric, bohemian, obsessive painter!! Thanks so much for the inspiration. xx
Robin, your words remind me of Margaret Olley – a woman and artist I much admired…
http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2012/07/24/3552118.htm
ok I’m in, thanks for the prod! I have soo many creative projects in my head just busting to get out. I have been about to do a mosiac vase for at least the last 8 years!!! so this will be THE YEAR, and I have signed up to start figure drawing classes with a wonderful teacher and I want to re-flesh the tired bones of the garden. So thanks for the motivation and providing the back-up team!! xxLyn
Sounds like a very hands-on year for you, dear Lyn. One that will keep you grounded and still let you reach and stretch. Yay! ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
Am trying my hand at so many short term creative projects at the moment, the sort that give me instant gratification, but I really want to start on a scrappy patchwork throw, have been thinking about it for ages, 2013 is the year to do it.
Just the name “scrappy patchwork throw” sounds inviting, don’t you think? I am definitely creating a gallery where we can upload pics of our creations. Big hugs and love to you, Anna xx
I’ve already made a commitment to try to maintain my Owls and Orchids blog up this year. I’ve promised to keep to at least every other day since it has been erratic so far.
Since I’ve already begun that, (just) I’m also going to set myself the goal of completing Mums tapestry I inherited. I’ll post a picture on my blog. It has to be done sideways so its not as simple as it sounds but I’m looking forward to it. Thanks for the boost!
I’ve enjoyed doing tapestry since I was a little girl. The arts and crafts need to make a comeback in our busy worlds. So comforting. And I’m wishing your blog every success too. Love to you, dear friend xx
I would like to learn to use Photoshop.
Me too! Mind you, can’t really see that happening for me this year. Good luck with it! 😀 xoxo
Enjoy developing my personal development business and developing me! Allow the creative juices to flow in regards to this…Lots of love to you Nicole xxx
Here’s to heaps of flowing, Helen. Can’t wait to see what tasty morsels you offer the world. {{{HUGS}}} ♥ xoxo
I’ll jump in … prepare more watercolors to join in concert with my mom’s art show during the summer (July). She is 92 and still painting — her forte are oils, landscapes and still life. She wants me to add my meditative art into her featured show. I will enlarge the size of my “canvas”!! 😀
I hope I’m like that at 92! And meditative art? Soul Food!!! Bless ♥ xx
Just noticed my first message… which I thought hadn’t gone through because of a log-in issue… did actually go through. Sorry about that. But telling you twice how much you rock is never enough 🙂
Hahaha… I’ll take that… *grins* Thanks Mudd ♥♥♥
HI Nicole,
your projects sound like fun! Thanks for sharing them. My aim for this year is to simply put pen to paper and see what happens. ie, stop thinking and just do it! <3
What a great plan. Who know where that will lead you? I love those kinds of adventures. {{{HUGS}}} xoxo
Hi Gorgeous One,
I am going to write my children’s book in the first quarter of this year having done the plotting and now applying bum-glue (discipline), do another writing course with Marg McAllister and do more daily ‘throw-away’ journalling. Much love to you bella xxxxooo.
Go Lynette!!! I am on the side-lines with outrageous pom-poms and a megaphone. Go, girl, go. 😀 Much love to you too xx
i already have a blog site set up….i am afraid to write in it as…well for so many reasons however i set up this blog for a reason. So in 2013 i would like to blog about my adventures as there will be many. Its just making a start.
I have loved journaling & wanted to take this love into my blog. I am by no means a writter nor do i want to write a book however i do want to express myself through my adventures.
Well, you know I happen to be a fan of blogging…
I am going to try and keep a journal of my journey this year. My thoughts and feelings and motivations and desires. I have never kept a diary for more than 3 weeks, so this will be a challenge.
What a great challenge though, Mary. And you get to go journal shopping. What could be better? 😉 xx
I found a lovely book, a dark red hibiscus looking like the trumpet of an old phonograph with a hummingbird flying into the opening, a few musical notes coming out and the phonograph is sitting on a bed of open red hibiscus flowers.
I know it is only day 4 but given recent health concerns I am finding being able to vent and just put stuff down on paper very cathartic. Thank you so much for your advice, meditations and recipes. You are doing a fantastic job. I wish you the best of health and blessings back to you.
Love
Mary.x
Hi Nicole
I’m in! I would like to get back into sewing. I used to sew most of my own clothes when I was (much) younger but over the years just got out of the way of doing this. Now when I am shopping for a new outfit, I get so frustrated that the clothing (especially for over 50’s) is all so mass produced & dull.
Moya
♥
Moya, I’m cheering for you, my banjo plucking seamstress friend!!!
Sewing is such a forgotten art.
Bright Blessings to you
♥ xoxo
I’m in! But there’s so many choices, I’ll have to think a bit on my project
Thinking is good. As long as it leads to a choice! Keep us posted. xoxo
This might be just the push I need. I love to draw and would like to paint and every year I think I must find a class. Maybe this could be the year?
Of course it’s the year!!! Hooray for you and hooray for art 😀 xoxo
YESSSSS!!!
Serendipity once again, Nicole. Just like last year’s Gratitude Challenge, your Creative Project Challenge has come knocking at my door at precisely the right time — YOU ROCK.
This year, my creative commitments are: to get cracking on a book project, to work on a series of drawings, and FINALLY… to get my online shop going. Becoming *sustainably creative* is definitely one of my goals for 2013.
Off to spread the word about this exciting project. Thanks! LOVE YOU xoxo
I love that idea of ‘sustainable’ creativity, Mudd. And I can’t wait to see what goodies you have for us in your online shop. Much love to you xx
YESSSSS!!! I will spread the word. Nicole… you ROCK. Love you xoxo
Thanks Mudd!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love you too 😀 xx
i’m in! regular painting and other little creative projects, then studying colour design… yeah!
So up your alley, Sarah, my colour queen xoxo
thanks hun, did another painting yesterday, will send through a pic when it’s done, my lady of letters! haha! sx
I want to complete any of the drawings I have started, and get them matted and framed to amass enough for a future art show at our local museum by age 40. I have 3 more years for that goal, but I only completed 1 drawing last year, so I better get going! I love drawing, why don’t I do it?
Now’s the time! And it’s a great creative goal. 🙂 xoxo
Redecorate my freshly reno’d house, redesign and landscape current rambling vegie patch and backyard and commence teaching yummy yoga classes that incorporate lots of self healing treats. xxxxx Plus finish last unit of degree so can get stuck into an interesting (creative?) Masters degree. Thanks for the help along the way 🙂
I love that patchwork of inter-related beauty, healing and creativity, Jo. Just wonderful xx
Take up Lapidary learning to create with crystals then on to silver smithing 🙂
Oh, that’s something close to my heart. All those lovely rocks! And silver-smithing is on my to-do list for one of these days as well 😉 xx
Started Lapidairy last Saturday and had a blast most enjoyable afternoon, am working with a beautiful peice of Jasper turning it into a Caberchone ( hope I spelt that right)and will post a photo when finished.
Amazing how much the Jasper was need in my life right now…..
Blessings to you Nicole and I trust you are feeling better soon. x 🙂
I would love to write more. It doesn’t matter what: a blog, a non-fiction book, a fiction book, a short story, a comic book. I am working toward journaling more, too.
Yep, regular writing of any flavour is a good thing. Hooray for you, Daniela! xx
I’m in for this category.
I’m going to try and finish 5 songs and my goal is to perform in front of a crowd this year 🙂
And like Karyn said you’ve inspired me to start something new, so I’m going to try to grow my own herbs and vegetables. Such fun! Thanks for the inspiration!
I hope you sing to your garden too! 😀 Much love to you xoxo
What about you, Nic? Will you tell us what yours is? 🙂
Of course, Miss Sally Amber Antler. Thank you for asking. This year I am going to Edit Mapping the Heart and shop it round. Maybe in time to pitch for the Romance Writers Thingy in March. Finish Pirates, Book One so that it makes sense for what follows, and then see where the rest of the writing year takes me with Pirates. And create an App. Just because apps are… fun!!!!! So I have some little writing spaces already carved out in my life, just waiting to be filled with my presence. Oh, and I really want to learn how to bake sourdough bread. How about you?
Yes Nicole, there is someone here in Tweed who makes sourdough bread- I will see if she is still around and open to sharing her skill with others 🙂 We are in sync – I spent yesterday making a creativity wellness package and I am speaking on creativity and change next week on a telesummit. This I feel is the year of big creative action for many. I too want to make an App or 2. I am writing each day for my book lucky to Be Alive and I am enjoying it immensly also probably quite cathartic love and blessings xx
I can teach you how to bake sourdough bread any time you like <3
On Jan 1st I started a project to outcreate myself everyday – without having a point of view about what that actually looks like. And the first 11 days have been amazing!! So many cool things showing up…
And now I’m going to add that I’ll do at least one painting or drawing a month… for the joy of it!! (Rather than just pinning the ideas on Pinterest and never doing them lol !!)
I love doing things for the joy of it! (And I’m hearing you on the whole Pinterest thing too LOL) xx
Count me in! Developing my Chinese brush painting skills and using the paintings in a new book. Yay!
Ooooh, Simone! That sounds so exotically wonderful. I’ll have to create a gallery for all of this outpouring, don’t you think!
I have a couple of writing projects, too, but you’ve inspired me (there’s a surprise!) to commit to another creative project. I’ve had an idea for a while of a painting I want to try (appreciating I’m rubbish at painting) for a gap on a wall. I can see it in my head… This is the year I’ll see something(!) on the wall. Thanks, Nicole. xxx
The writer who paints? There’s a lot of that going around!
😀 xx
Finish a garden sculpture, learn to carve wood, and have a successful garden. : )
Will you post pics of your garden sculpture? In my mother’s family we had many female wood carvers. A wonderful art! Pics of that would be cool too! Much love to you xoxo
I will finish revising my novel. I will master Adobe Creative Suite 6 (or at least Photoshop). Whew! That’s on top of a lot of other work, too….
Wow! But yay! Gee, there seem to be a lot of writers here. How lovely!!! 🙂 xx
What the heck I’m in. To start my novel and to sit my grade one exam for cello.
That’s double delicious! And so like a creative person to go “I’ll have that one, with a side of…”
I would love to do it !! Great idea! I think I would do a photo project!
My first book. . .xxx
Yahoo, Marilyn!!!!! xoxo
Yes i am going to work on opening my studio to the public. Finish all my part done paintings, continue teaching art with my friends and display all our works. Anyone can join me.
I’m in. Thank you for the motivation. New business idea in the works.
That’s exciting, Joelle. And life transforming 🙂