I used to enjoy David Letterman’s Top 10 lists. While my list might not be as humorous, it’s a good reminder to me about why I enjoy the process of creating. Maybe this list will provide some inspiration to you as well.

10.       It keeps me out of trouble (more or less), as long as I don’t visit art supply web sites too often.

9.         It allows me to use up all the supplies I’ve purchased (see number 10) or accumulated—think gift wrap tissue paper, cardboard, junk mail and other materials that were just too interesting to recycle.

8.         I create to give away the end products. I enjoy making greeting cards, postcards, books and journals to give as gifts (and sometimes I sell them and other pieces of my art too). The photo below shows my collaged greeting cards, mini books, and journals.

7.         There are so many options, media, approaches to creating that I am never bored. Think—cooking/baking, dancing, writing, gardening, singing, playing a musical instrument, crafts, decorating your home or yourself. All of these are creative endeavors.

6.         It can be a pressure-free activity when I allow it to be. I’ve learned that everything I create doesn’t need to be a finished piece of art. The process of creating is usually more important for me.

5.         My creative practice connects me to others either through social media, as conversation starters at shows or other events, or in classes that I take or teach.       

4.         It gives me the opportunity to explore my inner landscape (i.e. what am I feeling, what do I want to explore through my art, what am I liking or not liking). I come away with a better understanding of myself.

3.         I enjoy making something out of random pieces and parts. Similar to planting a seed in the garden and watching it grow or crafting a lovely meal or forming a loaf of bread, there’s just something about that miracle of transformation during the creative process that is fascinating to me.

2.         It’s an opportunity to just have some fun, play, explore possibilities, and see what happens.

1.         It’s good mood food. Most of the time I feel better after creating. It may relax me, energize me, help me focus, or give me new ideas and solutions about a problem.

In the months ahead look for more ideas on my site which will offer specific ideas for incorporating creativity into your life.