Creative Resolutions for 2025

Happy New Year!

I've been making creative resolutions for around 20 years, which is even longer than I've been blogging. I wish I could go back and see my very first set of resolutions, but they're long gone. The oldest set I have documented are my 2011 resolutions. It is so interesting to me to see how my creative priorities and focus have changed over the years.

Before setting new goals for 2025, let's look at how I did in 2024.

Of the eight resolutions I made, I completed five and made partial progress on two. All things considered, I'm extremely happy with this. It's much better than I expected.

First, the resolutions I completed: 

• I greatly exceeded my goal of taking two creative classes by enrolling in Sketchbook Revival. I attended all 33 sessions and completed the projects for six of them. 
• I took an in-person cookie decorating class, which is where I tried a new technique in edible art. I've never used a stencil with royal icing before, like we did with Madame Leota. I had no idea that stiff tulle netting helps make complicated stencil designs come out crisp and clean. I used another new-to-me technique when I made my personalized candy bar. 
• I read a lot of art-related books (at least a dozen), courtesy of my local library. I love the library. 
• At the end of June, I had at least four craft ideas for 46 of the 50 states. Six months later, all the states have more than 4 and I'm continuing to add more all the time.  
• I several new-to-me art supplies, including: Woody 3-in-1 pencils, masking fluid, and Ohuhu's Pupe paper-friendly markers. 

I gave myself partial credit for two resolutions:

• I finished 40 scrapbook layouts in 2023. That's twelve short of the one-per-week goal, or 77%. Definitely a solid effort, considering. Fun fact: I didn't make any two-page layouts this year. Every layout was a single-pager. I've never gone a whole year without making a double-pager before.
• I tried a handful of ideas from Pinterest, including a fireplace craft, a card featuring lots of patterned papers, and multiple recipes. I didn't make a layout inspired something on my Pinterest board. Oh well.

There is one resolution I didn't do:

• I did not make Caldecott-inspired art. I actually checked out a bunch of Caldecott winners from the library, read (and enjoyed) them all, but wasn't inspired to make any projects. I'm not sure why, but I just wasn't.

Here are my creative resolutions for 2025:

Have you made creative resolutions for 2025? Want to join me as I tackle one of my goals? If so, please tell me in the comments!