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Even If Only for Five Minutes
Making time for creativity when it feels hard to begin
This blog post was inspired by some of the heartfelt responses I received to last week’s Creative Check-In — a new section I’ve added to my newsletter. I asked the question:
If you could have a personal guide in your art space for one day, what would you want help with?
(Hands-on techniques, emotional encouragement, or creative structure, etc.)
The replies were tender, honest, and deeply familiar. One beautiful message came from Christine, who put it into words so clearly:
“I get caught up in thinking I need the right place or the right space/time to create in and I struggle to find it. I need to just do it. Even if only for 5 minutes.”
— Christine
Oh… I felt every word.
So many of us know this tug-of-war, don’t we? Especially those of us who are natural caregivers, helpers, or nurturers. We’re so good at showing up for others — but showing up for ourselves? That feels like a whole different skill set.
I used to get stuck waiting for the “right time” to make art. I would fuss over my space, tidy my entire studio (more than once), tell myself I needed a full afternoon, a clean table, or the perfect lighting. But the truth is, that was often just a soft form of avoidance. Creative procrastination dressed up as productivity.
What I’ve learned — slowly, over time — is that even fifteen minutes can be enough. Truly. Some days that’s all I get, and still… something moves. A layer goes down. An idea takes shape. A bit of joy bubbles up.
Of course, to claim those fifteen minutes (or that hour), I’ve had to let other things go. And I’ll be honest — that part wasn’t easy at first. Housework has slid. Takeout has been ordered. There are days when laundry waits and emails stay unanswered. I used to feel guilty, even selfish. But after a good stretch of time, choosing my art over perfection, this way of living has become my new normal. It’s how I stay grounded, well, and creatively alive.
If you’re feeling that pull — the longing to begin, but also the overwhelm of when or how — maybe start here:
Even if only for five minutes.
Even if your space is messy.
Even if you don’t feel ready.
Show up. Make a mess. Touch your materials. Let your hands remember what your heart already knows.
And if you’re looking for gentle support, I invite you to set aside the time slot for our open studio sessions as your creative time — even if you just pop in for a few moments. You don’t need to be on camera. You don’t need to share. Just bring yourself. There’s a quiet magic that happens when we gather to create, even in silence. That shared energy has a way of nudging us back to ourselves.
You’re not alone in this. I’m walking the path with you — messy, imperfect, and joyfully committed to making art anyway.
A Note from the Studio: Personal Portraits Returns This Spring
If you’ve been curious about painting a face—or capturing the spirit of someone you love—Personal Portraits: Honoring Your Story in a Self-Portrait returns this spring, beginning May 26.
This six-week live workshop is all about approaching portrait-making with ease, warmth, and meaning. I’ll guide you step-by-step in creating a mixed media portrait using approachable techniques and personal layers—papers, textures, textiles, and little elements that carry meaning just for you.
Whether you paint yourself or someone dear to your heart, the process is deeply reflective. Together, we’ll explore simple ways to transfer a face onto canvas, develop skin tones and color harmony, and weave in the stories that matter most.
✨ This will be a small, intimate group and the only time I’ll offer Personal Portraits in 2025.
🌿 You can join the waitlist here to be first to know when doors open.
I’d love to create alongside you.
Stay Connected & Inspired!
If you enjoyed this post, subscribe to the Creative Delight Studio newsletter for more musings, creative prompts, and studio updates—straight to your inbox. Let’s create, explore, and nurture our creativity together.
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With heart,
Most-Loved Blog Post: The Magic of Soul Foraging: Blending Nature and Creativity for Healing
Nourish Your Creativity: Download My Free Creative Wellness Guide
Next Workshop – Personal Portraits: Join the Waitlist
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I live and create on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabeg peoples, lands that remain under their original stewardship. I honor their enduring connection to this place and their care for it over generations.
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