August is a month of change—summer’s winding down, school’s around the corner, and there’s a feeling in the air that says, “Let’s make the most of it!” It’s the perfect time to stretch those creative wings and try something new. Whether you’ve been crafting for decades or just starting out, exploring new mediums is a wonderful way to push your creative boundaries and surprise yourself with what you can make.
Now, sugar, I’ve been known to make a wreath out of bottle caps and a lamp out of an old teapot, so trust me when I say—anything can become art. All you need is curiosity and the courage to try. Here are some fun ways to shake things up this August:
1. Paint with Unusual Tools
Who says you need a fancy brush? Try painting with a feather, a sponge, a bundle of cotton swabs, or even a fork! Dip your “brush” in paint and see what kind of textures and patterns appear. It’s fun, messy, and might just inspire a whole new style.
2. Try Nature Printmaking
Head outside and collect leaves, flowers, or ferns. Brush them lightly with paint and press them onto paper or fabric for beautiful prints. You can make your own nature-inspired wrapping paper, cards, or even wall art.
3. Make Sculptures with Recyclables
Dig into the recycling bin for cans, cardboard, plastic lids, and more. Glue, tape, and paint your way into creating robots, animals, or abstract art. It’s a great way to reuse what you already have—and stretch your imagination at the same time.
4. Mix Your Materials
Ever tried combining fabric with wood? Or paper with clay? Mixing materials can open up a whole new world of creativity. Sew fabric scraps onto canvas, decoupage paper onto a wooden tray, or glue yarn onto cardboard to make textured wall hangings.
5. Journal Outside the Lines
Instead of keeping your crafts tidy and “perfect,” give yourself permission to play. Make a creativity journal where you glue scraps, doodle freely, write down wild ideas, and paste in photos or quotes. Let it be messy and full of life—just like August!
6. Invite Others to Join In
Sometimes, stepping out of your comfort zone is easier with company. Host a craft night where everyone tries a new medium—watercolors, air-dry clay, fabric dye, or even candle-making. You’ll learn from each other, laugh at the flops, and cheer for the successes.
August reminds us that change can be beautiful—and so can our bold, messy, colorful creations. Don’t be afraid to try something new, even if it feels a little strange at first. Every splatter, smudge, or “oops” is just part of the process. So gather your supplies (whatever they may be), roll up those sleeves, and let August be your month to grow, create, and explore.
Go ahead now—push those boundaries and make something wonderfully unexpected. You got this, darlin’!
