A Creative Pause Before the Holiday Rush
Can we just take a deep breath together for a second?
Inhale… Exhale…
We made it to November! Can you believe it?
The air is crisp, the leaves are crunchy, and the scent of cinnamon and pine is starting to sneak into everything. I don’t know about you, but this is the time of year when I intentionally start to slow things down, just a little, before the chaos of December kicks in.
November is like the calm before the glittery, gift-wrapped storm. And it’s honestly one of my favorite months for that exact reason.
It’s an invitation to pause. To gather. To enjoy the present before all the presents.
Cozy autumn scene with a cup of coffee, fall leaves, mini pumpkins, and an open book—capturing the warmth, calm, and creative inspiration of the season. This image reflects the spirit of slow, intentional living and the cozy moments that spark mixed media ideas and brave creative exploration.
A season for connection and creativity
There’s something extra special about this in-between season. We’re leaning into gratitude, preparing for celebration, and craving warmth, both literally and emotionally. It’s the perfect time to reconnect with what matters most:
slow mornings
full tables
heart talks with close friends
and yes… time to create
This doesn’t have to mean making a masterpiece. It can be as simple as:
Pulling out your art journal for a few cozy layers
Creating a handmade card for someone you love
Sitting down with your kids, grandkids, or gal pals for a “just because” craft night
Making place cards, gift tags, or ornaments together
Creativity is connection.
And when we make space for it during a season that often feels rushed and overwhelming, we give ourselves a deep exhale. A moment of joy. A way back to ourselves.
Four women raising glasses in a joyful toast over a cozy autumn table filled with roasted vegetables, pumpkin pie, and vibrant fall colors. This image celebrates creative connection, gratitude, and the warmth of gathering—reflecting the spirit of community and brave self-expression that fuels mixed media art and creative living.
What slowing down really means
Slowing down doesn’t mean doing less- it means doing more of what really matters.
It’s about presence.
It’s about saying “yes” to the things that nourish you and “not right now” to the things that drain you.
It’s about sipping instead of gulping. Wandering instead of racing. Making instead of consuming.
This is your permission slip to do November your way.
To create a little. To laugh a lot. To share warm meals and messy paint palettes.
To trade in hustle for heart.
Women joyfully tossing autumn leaves into the air beneath a bright blue sky, celebrating the beauty of the season and the creative energy of fall. This image reflects the spirit of brave exploration, connection, and playful self-expression that inspires mixed media artists.
Create together
If you want to bring more connection into your November host a low-key art night with a few friends or family members. Light some candles, play soft music, and put out a bunch of supplies—paint, collage, stencils, even markers. No rules. No pressure. Just play.
Or, set aside time one morning to paint while sipping tea and journaling your gratitude. Invite someone to join you.
It’s amazing what happens when we create alongside others. We remember we’re not alone. We let go a little easier. We laugh more.
Woman arranging pinecones, dried oranges, and evergreen sprigs to create a handmade holiday wreath. This image captures the warmth of the season, the joy of crafting, and the creative courage to make something beautiful by hand—reflecting the spirit of mixed media art and brave self-expression.
Want to make art part of your seasonal rhythm?
My online workshops are the perfect way to reconnect with your creative voice before the holiday season sweeps in. They’re cozy, playful, beginner-friendly, and full of permission to create without perfection.
Whether you want to make something just for you, or invite a friend to join you for a creative afternoon together-this is your moment.
💙 Click here to join my next online workshop — let’s make something beautiful before the year ends.
Hi, I’m Misty
Mixed media artist, creative guide, and passionate believer in the power of fearless self-expression. After years of playing small and settling for a life that didn’t feel like mine, I chose to rewrite my story through art — and I’ve never looked back.
Now, I help women just like you break free from perfectionism and self-doubt so you can reconnect with your creative voice and boldly explore what lights you up. Whether you’re picking up a paintbrush for the first time or returning to art after years away, my mission is to help you step bravely into your own magic — one joyful, messy layer at a time.
Let’s create a life (and art) you absolutely adore. 💙