Embrace Daily Art Practice with Just 10 Minutes

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Have you ever thought, “I’d create more if I just had more time”?

It’s easy to imagine that making art requires a quiet afternoon, a perfectly organized studio, and hours of uninterrupted creativity. But it doesn’t have to. A daily art practice can be as simple as picking up a pencil, opening a sketchbook, or spending a few minutes playing with color. The goal isn’t to create something amazing every day. It’s simply to make a little room for creativity.

Start Small

If the idea of creating every day feels overwhelming, start with ten minutes. Draw a few lines, experiment with color, fill a page with doodles, or make a few quick sketches. You don’t need a plan, and you don’t need to finish anything. Those few minutes are enough to get your creative mind moving.

Make It Easy to Begin

One of the best ways to create more often is to make starting easier. Keep a sketchbook and a few favorite supplies somewhere you can easily reach them. You don’t need your entire art collection sitting out. Having just a few things ready can remove the little bit of resistance that makes you think, “I’ll do it later.” And sometimes, later never comes.

Give Yourself Permission to Play

Your daily practice doesn’t have to produce “good” art. Some days you may create something you love. Other days, you may make a mess. Both are part of the process. Experiment with a color combination you’ve never tried, make random marks, or paint without knowing where you’re going. There is freedom in knowing that nothing has to become a finished piece.

Don’t Wait for Inspiration

Inspiration doesn’t always show up before you begin. Sometimes, it appears because you began. Start with whatever catches your attention—a color, a photograph, a flower, an interesting shape, or something you noticed during your day. You might be surprised by where a few simple marks can lead.

Find What Works for You

A daily art practice doesn’t have to mean creating seven days a week. If every day feels like too much, start with a few days. If ten minutes is all you have, make those ten minutes count. You can also stay connected to creativity without actually making art. Take a photograph, look through an art book, notice interesting colors, or simply pay attention to the world around you.

Keep It Joyful

The biggest secret to building a lasting art practice is to make it something you enjoy—not another item on your to-do list. You don’t need a complicated routine, a perfectly organized studio, or hours of free time. You just need a little time, something to create with, and permission to play.

So grab your sketchbook, pick up a brush, or make a mark on a blank page. Start small, stay curious, and most importantly, have fun. Creativity doesn’t have to take over your day. Sometimes, a few minutes is all it takes to keep that creative spark alive.

Thank you so much for spending a little time here with me today. I hope you find a few quiet moments to create, play, and let your imagination wander. Wishing you a beautiful and creative day!

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Exploring Creative Freedom in Art Journaling

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Art journaling is such a fun way to play and get in some practice at the same time. It’s the perfect space to try out new ideas, techniques, tools, and colors without any pressure—just pure creativity.

When I make these abstract pieces, I love how the shapes and colors take on a life of their own. Simply using more or less water can create the coolest organic effects. Whether I’m brushing wet paint onto dry paper or working wet-on-wet, the results are always different, and honestly, always a little surprising!

This piece was created in my Strathmore Watercolor Journal using only three shades of blue. I added some line work and fun details with Posca pens and gold metallic markers. It turned into an interesting little design that really invites you to stop and look a bit closer.

Whatever your passion is, keep practicing and nurturing it. Doing what you love brings so much joy—and it’s amazing to see how your skills grow along the way.

Thanks so much for stopping by, and I hope you have a wonderful day!

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Exploring the Magic of Accordion Art Journals

There’s something uniquely delightful about working in a handmade journal and letting creativity spill across the pages. Lately, I’ve been diving into my very own and first, accordion-concertina art journal, that is part of the Art Sparks online course by the ever-inspiring Joanne Sharpe (@joannesharpe). If you’ve ever taken one of her classes, you already know how her imaginative approach fuels fresh ideas and brings your creative energy to life. If not, I can’t recommend her courses enough—every lesson feels like a personal invitation to play.

My first few journal pages are coming to life with vibrant layers of color, cut-out flowers, and collaged whimsical shapes—all brought together with two delightful little pockets tucked into the left and right sides. While I might go back and add a few more details here and there, I’m giving myself the gift of time—letting the ideas simmer, evolve, and grow organically. This slow, joyful approach is a beautiful reminder that art doesn’t always need to be rushed. It’s not about the finish line; it’s about what we learn along the way.

What’s stood out to me in this process is how art journaling builds a daily habit of learning. Each time I sit down, I discover something new—about color, composition, or even my own creative moods. Sometimes it’s a technical insight, like balancing a busy page; other times, it’s simply about letting go and enjoying the moment. Art journaling invites constant exploration, and the accordion format makes it all the more playful and satisfying as it unfolds.

If you’ve never tried working in an accordion-concertina journal, I highly recommend giving it a go. The continuous flow of the pages invites new perspectives and ideas that just don’t happen in a traditional book layout. There’s something magical about seeing your artwork stretch and connect across folds—it feels alive.

Have you ever experimented with this kind of journal? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s chat!

Wishing you a wonderfully creative weekend, thanks for stopping by!

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