Phoebe Dent tells us to get up, go outside and do something creative
[divider]Write a line a day[/divider]
WHILST not being the most artsy activity, committing to writing a brief line is an easy and quick way to document the highlight of your day, without having to dedicate yourself to daily diary entries, as we’ve all tried and failed at that! If you wanted to make a decoration out of it, use a sheet of paper and cover it with colourful writing and maybe even some illustrations to keep as a memory of the summer. A line a day keeps the doctor away! You never know, you could be the next Simon Armitage…
[divider]Go outside and get creative[/divider]
IT is time to make the most of going to the beach by collecting either shells or pebbles to take home and paint later on. I have fond memories of doing this on summer holidays on the Dorset coast. This is a great activity to do with younger siblings, cousins or your friends, whilst also creating souvenirs of the holiday or trip to the beach. Painted pebbles also make useful and pretty paperweights, either for yourself or as a thrifty and innovative gift. Who doesn’t need a paperweight? For those feeling a little more adventurous and confi dent in their artistic abilities, why not take your pens, pencils or paints outside and make the most of the good weather at home or abroad? A hard-backed paper pad is a must, along with some time, a drink, and maybe some snacks to keep you going. Perfection.
[divider]Get out your camera and scrapbook[/divider]
DISPOSABLE cameras are a perfect and cheap way to photograph whatever you get up to this summer, without Instagram fi lters or hundreds of practically identical pictures to choose from. It is extremely easy to pick these cameras up in your local chemist, and they are a great way to get creative with a naturally retro vibe, without any fancy editing. Trees, beaches, and daisy chains are all perfect subjects for your summer snaps. After the photos have been developed, sticking them into a scrapbook or pinning them up on a pin board is a simple way to display your memories, with little labels alongside them to remember the particular place or day you took it. But remember, in the words of JLS: “You only get one shot, so make it count.” WARNING: these photos will have to be developed, so make sure you don’t photograph anything that would be embarrassing to collect from the Boots shop assistant.
[divider]Invest in an adult colouring book[/divider]
THE astonishing popularity of colouring books for adults over the past few months got me really excited. Purchasing one is a great idea for getting creative this summer, especially for those who aren’t naturally arty. Most books have simple line drawings and patterns for you to fi ll in, with pens, pencils or whatever else you choose. Although it takes quite a while to complete each page, it’s the perfect thing to do whilst sitting outside in the sun (or, as we’re in the UK, in front of the TV on a wet afternoon). Proven to help aid stress relief and a way to get your creative juices fl owing, this activity teams relaxation with expression, serenity with artistic ability. It’s time to dig out the crayons from GCSE Geography, and rediscover your inner artist.
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Phoebe Dent