A Dozen Ways to Be Creative While Quarantined by Judi Kauffman for The Queen’s Ink

The stash of supplies I have in my studio is coming in mighty handy during these challenging days of being self-quarantined and I’ve enjoyed doing a bit of online shopping, too, since I can’t budge from home.

How about you? Are you doing art projects with your family or on your own? Have you found peace of mind and an escape from worry while you’re working in an art journal, stamping cards or stenciling that crate you primed five years ago and never finished?

I’ve compiled a list of ideas to help you survive the coming weeks:

1. Stamp simple cards using only one ink.

2. Die cut assorted shapes for future projects, put them into folders, envelopes or baggies.

3. Decorate those assorted folders and envelopes!

4. Turn the envelopes into coil- or ring-bound books! Organize recipes or memorabilia into the envelopes.

5. Cut words and short phrases from magazines or old books. Arrange them to create “found poetry” and glue into a journal or onto some of the folders and envelopes or onto some of the die cuts.

6. Get out your gel plate and create some fabulous papers or prepare backgrounds in an art journal. Limit yourself to paint and stencils or mix in stamps and collage.

7. Take an online class (check out my friend Carla Sonheim’s web site where you’ll find free classes, among them are 5 years of Kids’ Art classes!).

8. Browse through old books and magazines. Flag some projects to revisit.

9. Organize and inventory your supplies. Box up items to sell or donate. Make swatches for inks and ink pads.

10. Phone a friend and talk about your projects. This is the time for human voices, not just texts and email.

11. Bake something tasty! (Repeat as necessary.)

12. Give yourself a daily challenge. Keep at it, give yourself permission and time to do this! But don’t stress if life intrudes and you get behind. Invent the challenge or find one online via Instagram or Facebook - there are MANY.

Other options:

• ICAD (Index Card A Day)
• ATCs
• A Zentangle tile
• Theme (flowers, animals, faces, quotes, bible verses, trees)

I began to make a die-cut pocket and hand-cut tag each day even before the coronavirus crisis began and kept it going for 40 days. Time for a new challenge! Not sure yet what it will be.

Stay safe. Stay healthy. Keep creating!