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The New Year is here at last, a time to make resolutions and try to stick to them for a change!

I’ll give you an idea for one that doesn’t involve dieting, exercise or studying 4 hours a day to improve your mind. In fact, this one is just based on having fun and creating things that make you and everyone else around you happy! Of course it does require a little initiative, but what good things in life don’t?

Everyone, as you may be tired of hearing me say, is an artist. I have some new ideas on how to get started and find your “inner artist” without spending much money or too much time (at least at first. Just wait till you get so into this that your can barely pull yourself away!).

Have fun and Happy (Creative) New Year!

How’s this for a great idea? Write a book for a favorite child, all by yourself. If you’re artistic, illustrate it as well. It doesn’t have to look like a professional artist did it. But think of the wonderful stories and ideas you can put into something geared just for one special child.

I think everyone should think about doing this. Not only is it a record of the time in which we live, but it is sure to be treasured for many generations to come. You can even color it with magic markers, or invite the little girl or boy receiving it to color it his or herself.

Inexpensive, and marvelous. Don’t discount your own humor and abilities by thinking you could never pull this off. Your child, grandchild or young friend will love you for it!

I love my pets. I think they are quite beautiful, and I plan on keeping them happy and healthy by an occasional trip to the vet for a check up. Recently I took my cat to the vet and had a great surprise there- imagine me, who sees art in just about everything being amazed by something artistic at the vet office !

Just when you think you’ve seen it all. It just goes to show there are a lot of people out there creating, even without my constant cheerleading.

Of course I realize the world of creativity doesn’t revolve around my Moon Majic Blog page, but I do hope I contribute a little bit to its continuance. And better yet, I like to think this has a little bit of a domino effect, spreading the love of creativity like ripples on a pond.

When was the last time you made Christmas cookies for all your relatives? I understand that time may be a problem, but I swear there’s nothing that says “I really care about you” then a batch of homemade cookies received in the mail.

They aren’t expensive, you can decorate them in unique ways, and they will be appreciated not only for their yumminess, but because you took the time to create them. Just a dozen cookies, decorated and presented in a cute little holiday tin (you can find them at the thrift store) makes a gift that can’t be beat. If you’re trying to cut down on your holiday spending, this might be the way to go.

Just a little old fashioned creative genius!

I realize I can be a real stickler when it comes to encouraging you to be the artist you know you are. And yes, I feel strongly that all of us have that potential.

Still, sometimes you just plain run out of time and need a special Christmas gift that you can only find online or in a store somewhere (preferably an artist’s gallery). When those times occur, don’t feel bad. After all, if artists aren’t supported, how can they go on creating their beautiful works of art?

One thing I do encourage is bartering. You have a skill (making Christmas cookies, perhaps) and your friend makes gorgeous wreaths. Get the idea? This is a wonderful way to collect gift items for special people. I’ve always done a lot of bartering. Besides, it’s awfully fun!

One of the most precious gifts I’ve ever received was a card created by someone I loved dearly. She spent hours conceiving the design, thinking up the message and then putting it all together for me. It meant more to me than any store-bought gift ever could, and to this day I keep it with my most treasured possessions.

We all have a lot of “stuff”, I’d wager to say a lot more than we’ll ever really need. This holiday season think about either making your own gifts to give, or, like my wonderful young friend, crafting a card that has a message you’re beloved friend or family member will hold dear throughout the coming season and beyond.

With the threat of economic hard times looming, this is a good time to reevaluate the important things and rediscover the inner artist longing for expression. Creating has many benefits on so many levels.

Do you like animal art ? How about animal photos? Animal photographs are some of the most popular photos searched for on the internet. How about turning some of that admiration into your own animal art?

There are a lot of ways to honor our fellow earthlings in art, music and poetry. And since most everyone is in love with their pet, it isn’t too difficult to become inspired. Don’t think you have to show your work to anyone else, unless you really want to. Creating for you alone has its own rewards!

Besides, just about any artist will tell you that when you’re starting an artistic adventure you probably will want to work on your technique until you feel confident enough to show it to the world.

I’ve never raised birds, but recently I’ve been paying more attention to the true aesthetic wonders that they are. Take hummingbirds , for instance. Are they not like living jewels? They are so exquisitely beautiful that I have to take them in a little at a time.

If you can appreciate the natural environment you’re already on your way to becoming an artist. It’s been said that if you can really LOOK at what’s in front of you, then you can describe it. And that description could be either via ink (writing) or paint of course.

Take a moment and soak in your natural environment. Don’t rush; just sit amidst all that beauty. Now go write a poem or draw it. You’ll be surprised how satisfying this can be.

Funny question, but the more I look at all the natural beauty on this planet, the more I think there had to be someone to create it all. It’s all just a little too coincidental otherwise! From somewhere the art, jewelry and beautifully artistic clothing we love to wear had its inspiration.

And that creator whoever he, she or it might be was most assuredly an artist. Who else could conceive of a poison arrow frog in excruciatingly beautiful colors, or the unbelievable fresh loveliness of a red rose bud? I don’t think the reason we love these things is just because we’re used to them. No, there’s a communication there, and the intention is surely to make us sigh with admiration.

But whatever or however these things came about, be they animal or vegetable I’m grateful they’re here.

If you aren’t yet convinced you’re an artist, you can still create lovely art at very little cost to decorate a dreary room. All you need is:

•    A favorite calendar
•    Some old frames (think thrift store)
•    A book of art prints (think used or discount book store)

Maybe you want to start by painting your room in a luscious color. Be brave! Pick out a color that makes you feel happy, and one you can enhance by the lovely art about to grace its walls.

You can even paint the frames if you like. If you’re using a calendar with art prints, for instance, you might want all the frames to match. Black is a good choice. Use a shiny latex paint to create a finished look.

Put that artwork and those frames together and have fun placing them around the room! Hint: put your artwork at eye level and slightly below eye level, not high on the walls.