With money being a little tight right now, we’ve had to make some difficult choices, cut back on a few things, and adjust some of our services to save money. Unfortunately, that also meant putting one of my goals for the year on hold: Invest in My Creativity.

The original idea behind this goal was to visit some of the websites I’ve saved over the years, the ones selling interesting and unique art and craft supplies, and order something new each month. I wanted to experiment with different materials, expand my skills, and find new sources of creative inspiration.

Since we need to manage our finances more carefully, I’ve decided to pivot the goal instead of abandoning it completely. Rather than buying new supplies every month, I’m focusing on creating with the supplies and kits I already own.

Honestly, it has been fun going through everything. I’ve discovered materials, unfinished projects, and complete kits that I had completely forgotten about.

A few of those kits came from a website called Let’s Make Art. Over the past month, I’ve used them for art journaling and watercolor painting, and I still have enough projects left to keep me creating throughout the rest of the year.

I’ve also discovered that creativity doesn’t have to be expensive. While browsing the clearance section at a local craft store, I found a wooden paint-by-number kit for only $10. Instead of following the original design, I used the materials to create something completely different and make the project my own.

This goal may look a little different than I originally imagined, but I’m still investing in my creativity, just in a more resourceful way.