Month of Motivation

Juicy Grapes Wine Bottle Stopper

Monday Pick-Me-Up

 Today's pick-me-up is actually a whole month of pick-me-ups! Celebrate your creativity all month because November is  Art Every Day Month.

The challenge
Art Every Day Month is the brainchild of artist Leah Piken Kolidas. Here is how Leah describes the low-pressure challenge that marks the event.

“ I encourage people to make something every day, but my goal is to foster more creativity, so if you make just one piece of art per week or just one for the whole month, that's fine with me. The idea is to bring more creativity into your life, not to make you feel overwhelmed, pressured or guilt-stricken.”

But I'm not an artist!
She defines art as anything creative, whether that be painting, drawing, knitting, sewing, cooking, decorating, writing, photography, clay, jewelry-making or whatever.


Keeping winter depression at bay
November ushers in the beginning of winter depression for me. Our days are shorter, the temperature is falling, and snow could be here anytime. I stumbled upon this challenge last year, and I almost dismissed it because I am already so overwhelmed this time of year.

Something in me said, "Do it. What would it hurt?" So I decided to use the recipe scrapbook that I wanted to make my mom for Christmas as my project. It turned out beautifully. Mom cried when she opened it.
 
Unexpected bonus
Many of the participants share their projects on their blogs or through Flickr accounts. I started Creative Sprinkle as a place to share my progress. Many of my first followers were AEDM participants, and I met some great online friends.

Not only did this challenge help me finish the scrapbook,  it gave me a creative outlet in the form of my blog which carried me through a record-breaking Pennsylvania winter. The 2009 challenge was so rewarding, I can't wait to see what 2010 brings.

Kicking it off
I don't have big project planned this year. I'm trying to work on more spontaneous creativity. Those who know me know what a big challenge that is for me. So to kick things off I'm sharing a new wine stopper.

I have another one with Dionysus on it in the Polymer Clay Artists Guild of Etsy Monthly Challenge. I'll share more about this on Wednesday, but if you want a sneak peak, voting in the November "Seasonal Themes"  is open. Vote for your favorites and you can win an one-of-a kind polymer clay creation from one of these very talented artists.