Art feeds me in a way nothing else can.  I tinker, dabble, take apart, mess up, play around, and experiment with just about anything!  I am an artist.  I think everyone is.  

I’ve made a nativity scene out of Legos and a jeep out of sand on the beach.  I’ve baked gingerbread into a castle and folded a piece of paper into a dress.  Making things feeds my soul.  It improves my life and gives me joy.  I do it often and at times, with abandon. 

I am dead serious that everyone is an artist! Almost every person I know practices an art in some form or another. 

Barry bakes, Cheryl decorates, Max designs t-shirts, Eddie makes furniture, Margie sews, Will gardens, Cade creates music, Pat creates with wood, Berni sews quilts, Jenna crafts cards, Paul cooks, Rocky makes candles, Andrea writes, Sheri makes zines…

… you get the picture.  So, what’s YOUR art? What type of art feeds you?  Not art as in drawing, painting or sculpting but art in the broadest sense –as simply the means creating something. 

Is it cooking or baking?  Arranging your space? Origami? Contour line drawings?  Photography? Writing jokes?  Yarn arts?  Sword Smithing? (I have to be honest, this one is kinda on my bucket list.)

I’ve gone through periods in my life when I wasn’t creating. 

Those times have felt slumpy, bleak, and empty. Now when I start to feel that way, I break out my paints and glue gun!  And if need be, Pinterest for inspiration. 

Why DOES creating have such an impact on our psyche? 

I believe making something gives us purpose and a sense of accomplishment.  It allows us a sense of control in an often-unpredictable world.  It exercises the brain and allows for expression.

What do you make that brings you joy?  Maybe it is crocheting a ski mask into the shape of a beard.  Or cultivating plants in a head-shaped planter!   Whatever it is, explore it.  That interest is there for a reason. 

Art makes life exciting, original, and LIVABLE!  Art isn’t the FLUFF of life.  It IS life! 

Let me help you get you started.  I have an easy art project that ANYONE can do. Really. I’ve done it all through this article and I’ve used it in my home. (See feature photo above!)  It can be used to decorate any space.  It’s QUOTE ART. 

It’s easy, quick and cheap, so no excuses! Pick a favorite quote and make it into art. Directions and tips follow.

It’s your turn, now.  Go feed your soul.

Happy Creating! -Amy

Difficulty: Easy Time: Quick Cost: Cheap

Materials: Printed scrapbook or art paper (8 1/2 by 11, Letter size) Computer Printer

Directions:

1. Pick a favorite quote. Movie quotes are some of the best!

2. Pick a font or letter style. Download funky free fonts for added art excitement!

3. Choose a background paper from your favorite craft store.  They cost as little as 25¢

4. Print the quote on the paper. Use Pages (Mac) Or Word (PC) or even Google Docs.

5. Frame it. Grab a frame while you’re at the craft store!

6. Display it!  For most impact, place in a fun and surprising spot!    

NEED MORE?

If you want to make a large poster or canvas of a quote or quotes, you can always use CANVA, a free online publishing software. It’s amazing! I absolutely love it.

It might have a bit of a learning curve but I found it to be very user friendly, and I have a habit of losing my cookies if I can’t learn something quickly!  You can make the poster as large as you like and get it printed at your local Kinkos or Fed Ex Printing or any number of online printing services. I have had good luck at printing my art illustrations at OvernightPrints.com.   

You can always use your own printer to print out a poster by using BLOCK POSTERS.  It is a free online service that I have used many times. You print out your poster as a puzzle on multiple sheets and then glue or tape them together.  But be patient.  You might have to trim the edges of your prints before connecting depending on your printer and it can be a bit tricky getting the pages straight!