Last year I created the #augustinspiration challenge while I was sitting at the kitchen table with my granddaughter coloring.  I decided while she was happy and coloring then I could do something creative. So took a magazine, cut out inspirational words and different patterns, used her crayola markers, scissors, kids glue stick and created an inspirational index size card.  We had so much fun just creating. Plus, while she was learning to use scissors, I got to create. Win! Win!

This year, I decided to once again do the #augustinspiration2023 challenge and create a different tag everyday.  My goal was to use different techniques, products that I hadn’t used in a long time and just create something inspirational everyday.

I had so much fun during the month of August using gelatos, chalk pastels, acrylic paints and distress inks. I created a suggestion list of 30 different prompts that could be used for the #augustinspiration2023 challenge.  

Using the Prompts for #augustinspiration2023

I created a list of 30 prompts to help overcome that blank page syndrome. You don’t have to use these for the challenge - you can use them whenever you want. The list of prompts is just to get your creative juices flowing.

The list of 30 prompts made it easy for me to make a tag everyday because I didn’t have to think of a theme or an idea for my #augustinspiration2023 tag each day.  Here are a few of the prompts that I used for my tags.

Prompt #4 - Circles

I used an empty toilet roll dipped in acrylic paint for my circles.  Don't limit yourself to traditional art supplies – think outside the box! Explore unconventional materials like recycled objects, netting from a bag of fruit, natural elements, or even everyday household items to create mixed media masterpieces.

5. Hearts

I love that I found on my table this hymn Heartaches (I’ve never heard this hymn before). It was perfect to use on my heart tag and the graphic for the woman came from www.thegraphicsfairy.com.

Prompt # 9 - Black and White

I have always loved simple black and white. Don’t throw away those business envelopes because the inside of the envelope adds great texture to any surface.

Prompt #11 - Magazine

This is such a simple way to add color, pattern and words to any tag, journal or planner. Just get out a magazine and start cutting!

Prompt #12 - Flowers 

I love creating flowers for my art journals, planner and scrapbook.  Plus they are really easy to make.  You can use watercolor paper, copy paper or cardstock. 

Prompt #15 - Watercolor Circles

Start painting circles in different sizes and add marks for a quick and easy tag.  This is one of my favorite #augustinspiration2023 tags. 

Prompt #16 - Use a product you forgot you had 

I had completely forgotten that I had purchased a set of chalk pastels a long time ago when I had taken a Donna Downey class.  I used them a few times in my art journal but eventually put them in a drawer and forgot about them.  They are so easy to work with and the chalk pastels create a soft look.  I love how this tag turned out.

17. Favorite Bible Verse

I created a Freebie for my Bible Journaling group. I printed the sheet on clear sticker paper and used a few of the stickers on several of my #augustinspiration2023 tags.

 Prompt # 18 - Use what's on your desk  

This was fun because I had so much stuff on my desk.  I had been working on several projects at one time and I had pieces of paper, ribbon and paint all over my desk. The hard part was narrowing down what I wanted to use.   

23. Texture 

I tried out Dollar Tree Spackling Paste instead of a more expensive Molding Paste and found that this $1.25 product works great.  I love how the seahorse turned out. All I did was add paint to a small amount of spackling paste and applied it with a palette knife. I also used some of the paste through a stencil to give some added texture.

If you missed the #augustinspiration2023 challenge, it’s not too late to start.  Pick a different month or just start today and challenge yourself to be creative everyday even if it’s only for 10 - 15 minutes. 

Pull out all those art supplies that you’ve purchased but have forgotten about.  Start cutting out images and words from a book or magazine.  Maybe try a color combination that you don’t normally like.  You never know what you may discover.  

Unleashing your artistic potential is not about achieving perfection; it's about the process, the journey, and the continual evolution of your art. It's about finding your own voice, your own style, and your own unique way of communicating through your chosen medium. So, don't be afraid to take risks, to experiment, and to make art that truly reflects who you are.