“Just make a mark and see where it takes you.”
That’s one of my favorite lines from my very favorite book about creativity – THE DOT by Peter Reynolds. (That’s an affiliate link.)
It’s also the inspiration behind the start of my creative practice for the new year – and I’m inviting you to join me in this 31-day challenge.
Make a dot!
Make a dot every day in January and see where it takes you. Use a different medium every day – or use this as an opportunity to explore one medium you’ve always wanted to try (or get better at).
You can do anything! Crayons! Pastels! Paint! Collage! Embroider! Applique! Clay! Photography! Jewelry!
Post a photo of your creation on Instagram and tag it #dailydot2020. (You’ll be able to see all my dots here.)
If you’re looking for some inspiration, here are a few links for you.
- The Dot by Peter Reynolds – seriously my favorite book about one girl’s path from “I just can’t draw” to “I am an artist.” It makes me teary every time.
- If you’re an Amazon Prime member you can watch a lovely animated version of the story here.
- What the heck – get the whole “Creatrilogy” from Peter Reynolds – three books about creativity, the beauty of imperfection, and creative inspiration.
- Start with a Dot – a guided journal with all kinds of fun prompts “whether you’re a timid beginner or a seasoned artist who needs a creative jolt to keep fresh and recharge.”
- I have a Pinterest board here jam-packed full of gorgeous circles, ovals, and scallops.
I can’t wait to see what everyone makes. There are soooooo many possibilities in a simple dot!
Happy Almost-New Year!
Best,
Wendi
That is so fantatic creativ, thank you for your imagine. Now I see so many dots in my life an surroundal. Should it be a single dot every day or coud it be an arrangement of dots? I like the idea and looking around me what is a dot
Whatever works for you! I think I’ll do single dots some days and maybe clusters of dots on others. 🙂
This is a great idea! I have a pinterest board that has lots of dots too. https://www.pinterest.com/shastamatova/circle-quilt-ideas/
Thank you for sharing your book list and your creativity. I believe we have similar taste in books. Two other authors you might explore are Charles Finch and Anne Perry. Anne Perry’s true life story is fascinating! I’ve enjoyed making 3 of your quilts and have appreciated the methods, quilting tools and fabric you have tried and recommended. Happy New Year! I am going to explore my “dot” creativity – such a simple, but intriguing activity!
I’ve read most (I think) of the Pitt novels, but I read them all willy-nilly and I kind of want to go back and read them in order. I still need to read the Monk and younger Pitt series – and I’ve never read Finch at all. Thanks for the recommendations!
Love this idea and will be joining in. Love all your posts and videos.
A HUGE THANK YOU to you, dear Wendy, leading the daily dot for a month. I really appreciate your hard work on this project, loved it and it was a lot of fun ‘finding/making’ daily dots! …and seeing all the ‘other dots’ out there on Instagram 🙂 🙂 🙂 Thank you, thank you!