15 Ways to Explore Your Creativity with Joy

The joy of making art lies not only in the creative process but also in the transformative impact it can have on your life.

This Creative Calendar blog story explores how embracing arts and crafts can enhance your well-being, reduce stress, and provide an outlet for self-expression. 

Through mindful engagement, art becomes a form of relaxation, fostering creativity and boosting self-esteem as you develop your skills. We’ll explore various ways to incorporate art into your routine, from attending workshops and classes to engaging in purposeful practice. 

The Joy of Making Art

Bringing more joy into your life can have a profound impact on your overall well-being.

When you choose joy over stress, negativity, or the daily grind, you shift your mindset to one of positivity and abundance.  Joy fuels creativity, opening up new ways of thinking and problem-solving, making even routine tasks feel lighter. 

By focusing on thoughts that uplift and energise you, rather than those that drain, you cultivate a sense of peace and contentment. Embracing joy allows you to experience life with greater enthusiasm, clarity, and a deeper connection to your true self.

How the Arts and Crafts Bring Joy

Engaging in arts and crafts encourages creativity and problem-solving. Whether you’re painting, sculpting, or knitting, you’re constantly making decisions—choosing colours, patterns, or materials—nurturing both cognitive flexibility and imagination. This can lead to a sense of accomplishment and boost self-esteem, particularly as you see your skills improve.

15 Ways to Find Creative Joy

Finding joy in creative experiences can significantly enrich your life.

Here’s 15 joyful ideas for you to explore:

1. The Joy of Participating in Workshops

Workshops provide a structured yet relaxed environment to try new creative techniques.

You’ll meet like-minded individuals, share ideas, and learn new skills from experienced artists.

The hands-on experience in a workshop often leads to personal breakthroughs, and the collaborative atmosphere can be deeply inspiring.

2. Incorporating Creative Experiences into Weekends and Holidays

Instead of sticking to the usual holiday activities, incorporating arts and crafts experiences into your weekends away or holidays adds a unique layer of enjoyment. 

Whether it’s pottery in a local studio, market or festival, craft fair, or a sketching class in a picturesque location, it’s a chance to unwind, connect with your surroundings, and return home with something you’ve created.

When the arts and crafts give you joy planning a holiday around creative activities, events and places makes for an inspiring change.

Click here to request the Crafting Your Own Creative Tasmanian Holiday Guide.

3. Joining Arts and Crafts Groups, Societies, or Guilds 

Being part of a group dedicated to the arts fosters a sense of community and belonging.

Guilds, groups and societies often host regular meetings, exhibitions, and collaborative projects, allowing you to learn from others while also sharing your own work. It’s a great way to stay motivated and grow within a supportive network.

Many of these groups run workshops, classes and retreats for members. Some groups actually require you to be a member to attend workshops etc so that you’re covered by insurance. 

4. Exploring Local Markets with Artists and Makers 

Local markets, fairs and festivals are treasure troves of creative inspiration.

Browsing stalls run by independent artists and makers gives you direct access to their work, techniques, and stories.

Conversations with these creators can spark new ideas and encourage you to try your hand at something different.

Plus, supporting and shopping with local artists fosters a deeper connection with your community.

5. Joining Online Creative Challenges  

Online challenges or creative prompts on social media, offer an easy and accessible way to push your artistic boundaries.

These challenges foster a global sense of community, allowing you to connect with people from all over the world who share your passion.

The regularity of these challenges encourages discipline and creativity, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see how your peers interpret the same prompt.

6. Attending Regular Arts and Crafts Classes

Regular classes provide routine and discipline, essential for skill development. Whether you’re a beginner or more advanced, these classes offer consistent progress in a supportive, communal environment.

Plus, the opportunity for feedback from both instructors and fellow participants helps to refine your technique and grow as an artist.

By regularly attending a class you may just discover that you can develop the technical skills needed to express yourself in that medium in the way you want to.

7. Going on Artist Residencies  

Artist residencies offer the chance to immerse yourself fully in a creative environment, often in an inspiring location. 

The dedicated time and space to focus solely on your art can lead to profound personal and artistic growth. 

Residencies also offer opportunities to connect with other artists, collaborate, and gain new perspectives, all while expanding your creative horizons.

Whether you craft your own tailored residency, an externally structured one, participate in a society or guild residency or apply for an interstate or international residency, the very act of being part of one can constructively alter your perspectives and experiences.

10. Exploring with Your Sketchbook for Nature Journaling and Urban Sketching

Taking your sketchbook outdoors, whether for nature journaling or urban sketching, brings a new sense of joy to your practice. 

Observing your surroundings and capturing moments in real-time enhances mindfulness and creativity. 

Nature journaling helps you connect with the natural world, while urban sketching introduces you to dynamic cityscapes and people watching, both of which can be deeply rewarding.

11. Signing Up for Online Art and Craft Courses

Online courses offer flexibility and the chance to learn from instructors across the globe.

Whether learning a new technique or refining existing skills, the variety of courses available means you can tailor your learning to your own pace and interest. 

The accessibility of online platforms allows you to fit creative growth into your schedule, no matter where you are. 

The courses also offer a diverse range of artists and makers to share their own skills, perspectives and techniques online.

12. Incorporating Purposeful Practice into Your Creative Time

Purposeful practice—setting clear goals and focusing on specific skills—helps you grow as an artist. 

Whether mastering colour theory or honing fine details, this intentional approach builds confidence and ability. 

Over time, you’ll see marked improvements in your work, which can be incredibly fulfilling and motivating.

13. Entering Your Work into Art Exhibitions, Shows, and Festivals 

Displaying your art publicly is an exciting way to share your creativity with a wider audience and grow your artist profile. 

Entering exhibitions and festivals can boost your confidence, provide valuable feedback, come onto the radar of potential buyers, and create opportunities for networking. 

It’s a great way to challenge yourself and grow as an artist by stepping out of your comfort zone.

When considering which art exhibitions to enter look for those who strongly promote their participating artists both off and online, have a strong and growing following of their own and are active through out the year, not just for the brief time of the show and understand the value of helping you make connections. 

Whether the connections are via Facebook, Instagram etc, newsletters and website, at openings or introductions.

14. Doing Arts and Crafts with Kids

Sharing arts and crafts with children brings a sense of playfulness and joy. 

Their boundless creativity and enthusiasm are infectious, and the experience can reignite your own passion for making.

Plus, guiding young minds in creative expression fosters their own artistic development, creating a shared sense of accomplishment.

15. Getting Involved in Arts and Crafts Hubs

Arts and crafts hubs are centres where artists, makers, and enthusiasts come together.

They are often run by volunteers or as a micro-small creative business with just one or two people making a great deal happen.

Being part of such a community provides access to resources, workshops, and networking opportunities.

It’s a fantastic way to stay connected, collaborate, and be inspired by other creatives in your area.

These art and craft hubs often have an online presence, whether it is a website or social media profile and it is important to support them by getting involved and sharing what they are doing. 

Without these art and craft hubs our towns and suburbs can be very bland and boring.

Bringing Joy and Growing Creatively

These experiences bring joy by fostering connection, encouraging creativity, and enhancing your skills in a way that’s both fulfilling and fun.