creative warm-up calendar
An invitation to warm up your hands and your creativity as you prepare for the new year. Each day provides a prompt to spark your creativity—no pressure, just a chance to show up, make something, and get into the cozy rhythm of creating.
Use this calendar in the way that serves you best. Let the prompts inspire you, and feel free to change "Make" to whatever fits—write, paint, sing, build, anything.
It’s all about building the habit, letting your ideas unfold, and getting ready to dive into the year ahead with fresh energy.
Day 31: Make Something to Guide You
Day 31: Make Something to Guide You
Create something that helps show you the way—maybe a map, a journal, a list, or a symbol that gives you direction. It could be something practical or something symbolic that reminds you of where you’re headed.
Reflection: How does it feel to create something that helps guide you? What kind of guidance do you need right now—clarity, motivation, or maybe a little nudge forward?
Day 30: Make Something to Close the Door
Day 30: Make Something to Close the Door
Create something that signifies closure—a latch, a lock, or a metaphorical "goodbye." It could be a physical object or even a symbolic gesture that helps you close a chapter and move forward.
Reflection: What did you create to close a door today? What does it feel like to let go of something and move on?
Day 29: Make Something to Open the Door
Day 29: Make Something to Open the Door
Create something that invites new possibilities, like a key, a handle, or even a little sign that says “Welcome!” It doesn’t have to be literal—just think of something that symbolizes opening a door to new opportunities or experiences.
Reflection: What did you create today that opens something up? How does it feel to think about unlocking new doors in your life?
Day 28: Make Something Outside
Day 28: Make Something Outside
Step outside and create something in the fresh air! Whether it's a nature-inspired doodle, a pile of rocks, or leaving footprints in the sand—let the environment guide you. There’s something special about making when you're connected to the world around you.
Reflection: What did you create outdoors? How did being outside influence your work? What footprints (literal or figurative) did you leave behind?
Day 27: Make a Mess
Day 27: Make a Mess
Today, embrace the chaos! Create a mess—maybe it's a pile of paint splatters, a kitchen disaster, or a tower of mismatched socks. Let things get a little wild and see what happens when you let go of perfection.
Reflection: What did your mess look like? How did it feel to just let go and make something messy?
Day 26: Make a Problem (The Sillier, The Better)
Day 26: Make a Problem (The Sillier, The Better)
Today, create a problem that’s completely ridiculous! Maybe your pet unicorn can’t find its favorite rainbow snack, or the fridge is plotting to steal your socks. The sillier, the better! Challenge your imagination and see where the absurdity takes you.
Reflection: What totally wild problem did you come up with today? How did solving it (or not) spark any unexpected ideas?
Day 25: Make an Escape
Day 25: Make an Escape
Create something that lets you escape, even if just for a moment. It could be a paper boat to sail away in your mind, a cozy nook to retreat into, or even making plans for a future trip. Let your imagination wander and give yourself the freedom to dream.
Reflection: Where are you escaping to today? How does it feel to plan or create a space that takes you away from the everyday?
Day 24: Make a Crown
Day 24: Make a Crown
Create a crown fit for anyone who deserves to feel royal today. Use whatever materials you have on hand—paper, fabric, twigs, or even pasta! This crown is all about celebrating yourself or the feeling of being honored.
Reflection: Who are you crowning today, and why? How does it feel to wear your own creation?
Day 23: Make Something Distracting
Day 23: Make Something Distracting
Today, create something that pulls your focus away from everything else. Whether it’s a silly drawing, a random craft, or something unexpected, let it be something that grabs your attention completely.
Reflection: What did you create to distract yourself today? How did it feel to step away from your usual routine?
Day 22: Make Something That’s Broken Unbroken
Day 22: Make Something That’s Broken Unbroken
Today, find something broken—whether it’s a physical object, a relationship, or something inside of you—and try mending it. It could be as simple as gluing a cracked mug or as meaningful as offering an apology. Mending doesn’t have to be perfect; it's about taking the time to repair, heal, and bring something back together.
Reflection: What did you choose to mend today? How did it feel to restore something that was broken? Did you find peace in the process of healing?
Day 21: Make Something Fueled by Fear
Day 21: Make Something Fueled by Fear
Fear is often a powerful motivator. Today, create something that taps into that energy—something that scares you, challenges you, or even something that brings out your nerves. Use fear as your creative spark. It might be a bit uncomfortable, but there’s something transformative in facing it head-on.
Reflection: How did fear influence what you made today? Did it push you to try something new or unexpected? What did you learn by creating from a place of fear?
Day 20: Make Something to Celebrate Yourself
Day 20: Make Something to Celebrate Yourself
Take a moment to honor who you are and what you’ve accomplished. Create something that celebrates you—whether it’s a drawing, a list of your strengths, or even cooking yourself a favorite meal. It’s about giving yourself a moment of care and appreciation.
Reflection: How did it feel to put your energy into something just for you? What did this act of self-celebration teach you about yourself?
Day 19: Make Something That Holds Your Tears
Day 19: Make Something That Holds Your Tears
Create something that holds space for your sadness—a piece that symbolizes what you're going through right now. It doesn’t have to be neat or perfect; it just needs to be an honest representation. Maybe it's a collection of memories, a form that reflects heaviness, or just something that resonates with your emotional state.
Reflection: How did it feel to express your sadness through making? Did it shift how you felt about it or offer you any insight?
Day 18: Make Something to Hang on the Fridge
Day 18: Make Something to Hang on the Fridge
Create something small and fun—something that would look right at home on your fridge. It could be a doodle, a poem, a reminder, or even a mini artwork. Keep it light and easy, but make it something that brings a little joy or meaning to your everyday space.
Reflection: How does it feel to create something just for the sake of adding a little brightness to your world? What message or feeling does it hold for you?
Day 17: Make Something Destructive [Break Something]
Day 17: Make Something Destructive [Break Something]
Make a break from building and focus on destruction. Tear something apart, break it down, or deconstruct it. Whether it’s an object, an idea, or a pattern, explore the act of breaking things to see what new possibilities emerge.
Reflection: How did it feel to destroy something? What did you learn by taking it apart instead of building it up?
Day 16: Make Something Confusing
Day 16: Make Something Confusing
Today, embrace the chaos. Create something that doesn’t quite make sense—whether it’s a piece of abstract art, a jumbled poem, or a confusing arrangement of objects. Let it be messy and playful.
Reflection: What was confusing about this process? How did it feel to make something intentionally unclear?
Day 15: Make Something a Child Would Make
Day 15: Make Something a Child Would Make
Channel your inner kid today! Let go of perfection and create something accessible playful, and full of wonder—like a drawing with wild colors, a paper airplane, or a goofy sculpture. Remember, kids aren’t worried about making things "right," they just have fun with it.
Reflection: How did it feel to make something without worrying about it being perfect? What part of the process was the most fun?
Day 14: Make Something Simple
Day 14: Make Something Simple
Today, keep it easy. Choose a project that’s quick, minimal, and uncomplicated—whether it’s a doodle, a folded paper crane, or a single line of poetry. Focus on the process, not the outcome.
Reflection: What made this project simple for you? How does it feel to create something without overcomplicating it?
Day 13: Make Something Collaborative
Day 13: Make Something Collaborative
Today, team up with someone else to create something together. It could be a shared project, a co-written poem, or even just brainstorming an idea as a duo. Collaboration is all about combining energies, bouncing ideas off each other, and seeing what magic happens when you join forces.
Reflection: How did the collaboration feel? What did you learn from working with someone else today?
Day 12: Make Something for a Stranger
Day 12: Make Something for a Stranger
Today, create something with someone you don’t know in mind. It could be a small note of kindness, a craft to give away, or even a gesture of goodwill you can offer to a stranger. You might even consider giving away something you no longer need to someone who could use it. It’s all about sharing a little bit of yourself with someone else.
Reflection: How did it feel to make something for a stranger? What impact do you think your gesture might have on their day?
Day 11: Make Something That Warms Your Heart
Day 11: Make Something That Warms Your Heart
Today, create something that brings you joy. It could be as simple as a warm cup of tea, a drawing that reminds you of a favorite memory, or even writing a heartfelt note to someone you care about. Focus on making something that feels comforting and positive.
Reflection: How did it feel to make something that brings you joy? What moment or memory inspired you today?
Day 10: Make Something You Hate
Day 10: Make Something You Hate
Today, lean into something you don't enjoy making. Whether it's a task you’ve been avoiding or a project you’ve been dreading, give yourself permission to create it without expectations. It might feel uncomfortable, but it’s a great opportunity to explore resistance and push through it.
Reflection: What made this thing hard to create? Did it feel different than you expected once you started?
Day 9: Make Something to Finish Another Day
Day 9: Make Something to Finish Another Day
Start something today that you can wrap up later. It’s about planting the seed for a future project—an idea, a sketch, a beginning. Don’t worry about finishing; just create a starting point that you can pick up again when you’re ready.
Reflection: How does it feel to leave something unfinished? What’s your plan for when you come back to it?
Day 8: Make Something Flexible
Day 8: Make Something Flexible
Create something that can bend, twist, or move—like noodles! Whether it’s a piece of rubber, a stretch of fabric, or some pasta, think about flexibility in both form and function. Let it twist, turn, or stretch to show how it adapts.
Reflection: How does it feel to make something that can move and change? Does flexibility feel freeing or challenging today?
Day 7: Make Something to Keep
Day 7: Make Something to Keep
Create something you can hold onto—something that’s meaningful and lasting. It could be a small keepsake, a piece of art, or a token that represents something important to you. Take your time and make it with care, knowing it will stay with you.
Reflection: What makes this object special enough to keep? How does it feel to create something with lasting value?
Day 6: Make Something for a Friend
Day 6: Make Something for a Friend
Create something to brighten someone’s day—a quick doodle, a handmade note, or even a small snack. It doesn’t have to be big; it just has to be thoughtful.
Reflection: What did you make and why did you choose that friend? How did it feel to create for someone else?
Day 5: Make Something of Fire
Day 5: Make Something of Fire
Let fire spark your creativity. Light a candle and watch the flame dance, try sketching with charcoal, or cook something new. Maybe your "something" is a moment—sit by a fire, or safely burn an old note to release it.
Reflection: How did fire’s energy inspire you today? What did you notice about creation and transformation?
Day 4: Make Something Out of Water
Day 4: Make Something Out of Water
Let water be your medium or your muse. Try painting with watercolors, shaping ice, or creating ripples in a bowl. Maybe your "something" is a moment—take a mindful shower or bath, and notice how water shapes your thoughts.
Reflection: How did working with water feel different from other materials? What did it inspire you to reflect on?
Day 3: Make Something That Echoes
Day 3: Make Something That Echoes
Create something that repeats, reflects, or reverberates. It could be a sound, a pattern, or even an idea. Try tapping a rhythm, drawing a design that repeats, or writing a line that circles back.
Reflection: How does repetition shape your experience? What does it feel like to create something that echoes?
Day 2: Make Something for the Earth
Day 2: Make Something for the Earth
Create something that gives back—plant a seed, add scraps to the compost, or build a bird feeder. Think of it as a little thank-you to the planet.
Reflection: How did it feel to create with nature in mind? What impact do you hope it has?