The BIG Power of Working Small
[bctt tweet=”It’s amazing how making a tiny art piece can help you with such big feelings. “]
The BIG power of working small is that it gives you permission to experiment. If you’d like to learn more about working this way and finding your creative voice through art journaling and creative self-care techniques, you’ll love my class, Fluid Art. You’ll use high flow acrylic paints and gel pens to make highly original, organic pieces you’ll love.
If you are new to Mindful Art Studio, be sure to sign up to get your free copy of the Guide to Creative Self-Care.
Many folks have asked about the supplies I used, you can find the mixed media paper, square hole punch, and liquid acrylics by clicking the links.*
More Creative Self-Care Inspiration:
- A short video tour of an accordion fold journal I am creating together with another artist, here,
- A podcast about pushing past anxiety in art.
- A blog post about fueling your creative dreams.
I’d also love to hear what you think in the comments.
Creatively Yours,
Amy
Learn more about the techniques I use in this video here.
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I adore this tiny journal. Thank you Amy for the inspiration!
HI Michaela!
I’m tickled that you like it, Michaela. I hope you play with small journals and post in our group!
Creatively Yours,
Amy
Gorgeous Amy! Both your words and the tiny journal. Love.
Thank you so much, Lanie! I really appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment!
I’m so excited to read about your Eco Art Therapy approach and new focus for your art therapy work. You know how much I love combining art and nature in my own art, I know how powerful this is for folks.
Cheers,
Amy
I loved this! Thanks for the encouragement! You do beautiful work!
Hi Ann!
I’m so pleased that the video spoke to you. I’d love to see your mini work too if it feels okay to share in Creative Self-Care.
Creatively Yours,
Amy
There is so much wisdom in your brief video, Amy. I love the idea of working small to allow one’s creativity to come out to play, to release our feelings and see what transpires. Also, thank you for the Pingback. With joy and appreciation, ♥ Dr. Angi
HI Dr. Angela:
Thanks so much for dropping in and for watching the video with an open heart.
Cheers,
Amy
What gorgeousness, Amy! Your words and the small art expressing big feelings.
Art to clean you out. Love it.
Aw, Sally, I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Happy Creating! – Amy
Amy,
I looooove these tiny books. Every word you said in your video spoke to me, too.
Thanks for sharing your art, ideas, and inspiration!
Cheers,
Briana
Hi Briana:
Thank you SO much for taking the time to watch the video – I’m so happy it spoke to you. Will you do some minis?
Cheers,
Amy
Amy, This is wonderful! I would love to make this and wondered what type of paper that you used? It seems sturdy and able to take paint well.
Loved both the project and your words……it has inspired to break out my paints this morning, and practice a little self care. Thank you!
HI Sharon:
Oh I’m so thrilled I’ve spurred you into action! Here’s the paper I used, it is an affiliate link. It’s Strathmore Mixed Media Paper. It totally holds up to all I did with very liquid media and being held on the ring. I can’t wait to see what you create!
Creatively Yours,
Amy
It’s when I’m not thinking, I am my most creative. And your video really brought this home to me. Working small is a great idea, Amy! And now I’m going to prepare the needs tools to slow down, and creatively take care of my feelings.
Thanks,
Tanya
Hi Tanya:
Wow – this is so amazing to read! I’m so psyched that this video re-awoke your own inner wisdom about slowing down and allowing the creative energy to flow through you freely. I love that you are preparing to “creatively take care of your feelings.”
Cheers,
Amy
Hi Amy
I want to have a go at this mini bits of magic. They look real small! what size did you work on? Are they 1″ squares or bigger? Love to hear so i can get into this asap!
Hi Fiona: Sorry for the delay! They are 1 inch squares. I can’t wait to see what you do!
Cheers,
amy
Hi Amy,
The link to the craft punch you have goes to “Fiskars Everywhere Window Punch System starter set” In the comments and questions sections, buyers observed (& some complained) that this does NOT make usable square punched shapes – it leaves holes in the punched out square part. It is used for making “windows” in things. Is this really the product you used to make your 1 inch squares for painting on? It’s quite a bit of money and I don’t want to get the wrong thing! Thanks!
Hi Heidi:
Oh thank you so much for catching this. I so appreciate it. This was an error, which I have fixed. The link is for a Michael’s product which I do in fact use daily and while none of my hole punches make an absolute flawless punch, it’s pretty close. I hope this helps, and you may also find it in your local store.
Cheers and happy creating!
Amy
You are welcome! I’m off tomorrow to check at a local Michael’s for one. : )
Thanks so much for sharing this, Amy! I agree that playing small, or creating with constraints, can definitely aid creativity.
I bought my first set of travel watercolors as an adult in the fall of 2016, and with it I got the tiniest watercolor pad I could find (viewable here). This made it so much easier to just dive in and start playing—so approachable. (I’m actually still a little intimidated by the full-size watercolor journal I now also own—originally purchased with the intention to become an art journal.)
Anyway, thank you for sharing and reminding me that small gives permission to experiment!
HI Rose: Oh it’s so fun to see your work! What a lovely painting. I love your paintings and I agree – those types of watercolor books feel so fun! Happy creating! XO Amy
Amy, where can I find information on your Fluid Art classes online and the cost and how to register. Thank you.
Pat
Hi Pat!
You can find all the information and inspiration right here: Fluid Art. It’s a self-paced course with an involved, supportive Facebook group. The cost is $129. I’d love to have you!
XO Amy