23 Comments
User's avatar
Nicola B's avatar

This is an inspiring read Molly. I’m feeling very stuck at the moment. I want to start some kind of junk/art journaling. I’ve got everything to get started except the permission slip I need to give myself. I’m stuck overthinking it and worrying it’ll all go wrong (stupid, right?).

Your ideas and examples give me hope. I could easily start with just doing some colouring to get used to putting colour on paper and I love your Spring Bucket List idea!

Expand full comment
Molly Ella's avatar

I'm so glad you found this useful Nicola! I can relate, sometimes I still feel like this but I have found its easier over time to stop overthinking and start enjoying :)

Expand full comment
Melanie Barradell's avatar

Thank you Molly for some lovely ideas. I journal and have started to add photos to my writing ( it’s something for my children for when I’m not here ha ha) but you have given me great inspiration to add more creative designs. I have recently subscribed to your Substack and I am looking forward to your tea time chats. Wish I had done this earlier!! Thanks again for sharing your life with others and giving a 59 year old woman, living simply and intentionally in West Wales such joy and great book recommendations too. X

Expand full comment
Molly Ella's avatar

Aw thank you Melanie, so happy to welcome you into our inner circle! And your journal sounds lovely :) x

Expand full comment
Louise Marie's avatar

Oh wonderful! I too have fallen into the trap of thinking I can’t start because I’m a beginner or maybe I should monetise it… hence my Substack never gets written! I also want to make a scrapbook for my son to document his first year - but I haven’t started it yet 🤦‍♀️

Expand full comment
Molly Ella's avatar

I can so relate Louise! I hope this helps give you the permission you need to embrace some playtime :)

Expand full comment
Rose's avatar

yes yes yes! creativity as a daily practice <3 I love this conversation -- thanks for the tips!

Expand full comment
Terry Denton's avatar

I like your art work and "blob" monsters!

Expand full comment
Molly Ella's avatar

Aw thank you!

Expand full comment
Manika Wangata's avatar

Thank you for all the lovely ideas! I am someone who's definitely afraid of failure or that I lack any artistic talents, so I don't even begin.

I'll keep in mind your gentle approach next time I feel afraid :).

Expand full comment
genie’s writing room 🥀's avatar

Recently I’ve been really into scrapbooking, especially as gifts for others. It’s very relaxing to put my headphones on and just cut away at photos of fond memories and pasting them into beautiful works of art. Great post!

Expand full comment
Molly Ella's avatar

This sounds like a lovely idea! :)

Expand full comment
Luanna Stewart's avatar

Thank you for reminding me about the adult colouring books I have gathering dust on my shelves. And also for the reminder that crafting doesn't need to result in a finished product (pair of knitted socks, for instance) but can be done for the pure pleasure of doing.

Expand full comment
Tania Weatherley's avatar

I live junk journaling and so excited to see it becoming more popular among creatives

Expand full comment
Rachel Ooi's avatar

So many good tips on accessible creative fun things to do!

Expand full comment
Olivia Wickstrom's avatar

I think this is so important when creativity is our JOB. I'm a full time copywriter, and found once I started writing professionally, I shied away from writing creatively. I've been trying to be more intentional about creating just to create, not to hit submit or publish. Collage is one of my favorite ways!

Expand full comment
Molly Ella's avatar

I so agree!

Expand full comment
Sophie S.'s avatar

The blob monsters are the best! Love these ideas for short creative practices that we can do any time any day

Expand full comment
Molly Ella's avatar

They are so much fun to create! :)

Expand full comment
Savita Gupta's avatar

Your art is so cute, especially the little monsters🎨☺️

Expand full comment
Molly Ella's avatar

Aw thank you lovely! :)

Expand full comment
Mansi Kwatra's avatar

Molly, I was once trapped in the cycle of trying to monetise every inch of my creativity but I soon realised that it didn't serve me well. Over the years, I have started focusing on little tasks that only belong to me and fuel my happiness (one of them being making my vision board). I don't share it with anyone but it allows me to dream. Thank you for sharing this lovely post. You have inspired me to pick up my colouring book that I haven't touched in a while.

Expand full comment
Becky Wren's avatar

There’s something about being creative & switching off from the hub bub of life which is so good for the soul. Last weekend I dusted off my sewing machine & made some bunting & then taught myself in 15 minutes or so to make a scrunchie which was very satisfying.

Expand full comment