Hello, sweet creative
It feels so good to be writing again, after taking a month-long break. I've missed this space!
I'm not going to lie, I'm still struggling with health issues and stress, but I'm trying to be patient with myself, rest and take it slow. In the midst of it all, I feel so grateful for all the support and encouragement I've received from our lovely community, my family, and my new team of power-girls who are helping me so much.
And it's made me think about how important encouragement is, especially when it comes to our creativity.
Just last week, my daughter sent me a text saying that one of her friends loved my art. Such a simple thing, but oh, it totally made my day!
Especially because, to tell you the truth, I haven't been feeling creative at all lately. My paints and brushes have been waiting patiently for me, and that creative spark feels a bit out of reach right now.
But reading those few words felt like a little spark of its own. A sweet reminder that my art is still out there, touching people, even when I'm not making anything new.
And it reminded me of something...
We all need someone who believes in our creative dreams.
When I was a budding artist, my grandparents were some of my biggest supporters. Whenever they fell in love with one of my paintings, they would insist on buying it, just like any other customer! They didn't want me to give it to them. They wanted to support me as a real artist, and that meant so much.
Here is one of my early paintings that they purchased. It’s in my home now that they’ve passed, and it feels like a sweet reminder of their love and support:
And whenever I did an art show, my family would turn up in numbers for the opening. Seeing all those familiar, smiling faces among the visitors made me feel so loved and supported.
My mom would always buy a small piece too, as a way to wish me luck!
Looking back, I realize how much those gestures helped me believe in myself and keep going. I was lucky to have that encouragement, and I know not everyone has the same experience.
Have you ever felt excited about something you were making, only to find that the people around you didn't quite understand?
Perhaps you shared an idea and received a polite smile. Or talked about a new art project, only to hear a well-meaning question about what you would actually do with it.
And when creativity is such a personal part of who we are, feeling understood can make all the difference.
Finding your creative people
One of the lovely things about making art is discovering that there are others who see the world a little like we do.
People who understand why a tiny scrap of paper is worth keeping. Who get excited about an unexpected color combination. Who know that sometimes the most interesting part of a painting is the layer we almost covered up.
These people don't need to make art exactly as we do. They simply understand the joy of exploring, experimenting, and seeing where our imagination takes us.
Sometimes we find them among friends and family. Sometimes they're fellow artists, teachers, or people we meet in the online world.
Sometimes, meeting just one person who understands can help us feel less alone. And when we finally find our creative tribe? It feels so powerful.
It gives us wings and it feels like home.
A place to grow your artist wings
I think one of the most precious things about finding a supportive creative community is that you can be yourself, wherever you are on your artistic path.
You can be a complete beginner, ask questions, try something unfamiliar, make a mess, and discover things you couldn't have planned in advance.
You can share something you're proud of, or something you're struggling with. You can celebrate each other's discoveries, and find the courage to keep exploring.
And when someone encourages you to keep going, especially on a day when you're not sure about what you're making, that encouragement can stay with you long after you've left the art table.
Sometimes, the right words from the right person help us believe in ourselves again.
This is one of the reasons why I love bringing creative people together.
I know how much courage it can take to try something new, especially when we're learning to trust our own instincts rather than worrying about getting everything right.
And I love seeing what happens when people give themselves that freedom. You begin to experiment more. You discover unexpected possibilities. You start to recognize your own creative voice.
come and get your free intro to
Art Supplies
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, not knowing what supplies to buy, how to use them or where to start.
Join me in these 5 playful art lessons, where I’ll show you all my fun and simple techniques, and guide you through the basics so you go from overwhelmed to “I’ve got this!”
DAY 1: Painting tools
DAY 2: All about acrylics
DAY 3: Magical inks
DAY 4: Pens, pencils, pastels
DAY 5: Collage & texture
We may come to the art table to make something, but we often find so much more along the way.
And I hope you know that, whether you're making art every day or haven't picked up a paintbrush in months (like me!), you belong here just the same.
Our creativity doesn't disappear when we're not using it. Sometimes it just needs a little rest, a spark of inspiration, and someone to remind us that it's still there, quietly waiting.
Do you have someone who encourages your creativity?
Perhaps it's a friend who always wants to see what you're making, a teacher who helped you believe in your abilities, or a creative community where you feel free to be yourself? I'd love to hear about them.
And perhaps today, you can be that encouraging person for someone else, too!
Leave a kind comment on an artist's work, tell a creative friend how much you admire what they're making, or reach out to someone who's been doubting themselves. It doesn't have to be anything grand. Sometimes a few heartfelt words can make someone's whole day. I know they did for me last week.
Tell me in a comment
Who has encouraged your creativity and helped you believe in your artistic dreams? Or are you still looking for your creative people?
I’d love to hear your story.
A little encouragement can go such a long way, especially when we share it with each other.
Light, Love & Fairy Dust,
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I’m slowly finding my way back after a month-long break. I’ve been dealing with health issues and stress, and lately, my paints and brushes have been waiting for me. I haven’t felt as creative as I’d like to, so when my daughter sent me a message saying that a friend loved my art, it made my day.