Since the theme for February’s NaBloPoMo is “Make” (check out this post for more info and all the links!), I thought it would be a great time for me to review and update my (hopefully comprehensive) compilation of the leisure-time, hobby-type, creative activities I’ve learned (or, in far too many cases, attempted and abandoned) in the past.
It’s actually QUITE the list!
(Please note, though, that these items represent a wide, wide variety of skill levels! In other words, just because something shows up on the list doesn’t mean that I did it well, or even stuck with it for long… but I did try, which is to me one of the most important things in life.)
So without further ado, I present…
My Lifetime Inventory of Attempted
Leisure-time, Hobby-type, Creative Activities
- Playing musical instruments – piano, flute, clarinet, guitar
- Jewellery making using wire, beads, leather, polymer clay, metal, etc.
- Sewing
- Crocheting
- Knitting
- Needle felting
- Cross-stitch
- Macramé
- Rug hooking
- Weaving friendship bracelets
- Scrapbooking
- Rubber stamping
- Paper making
- Book making
- Origami
- Sketching using pencil, charcoal, pastels, etc.
- Sketching using a drawing app
- Calligraphy
- Artistic lettering
- Zentangle® and ZIA (Zentangle®-Inspired Art)
- Oil painting
- Acrylic painting
- Découpage
- Papier-mâché
- Wax sculptures
- 30 Days of Creativity Challenge
- Photography
- iPhoneography with editing apps and filters
- Photo A Day Challenge
- Photo Friday Challenge
- Aromatherapy
- Making bath goodies – salts, bombs, oils, scrubs, etc.
- Sushi making
- Vegetarian cooking
- Baking
- Writing poetry
- Writing newspaper articles
- Journalling
- Blogging
- Mindful Writing Challenge (Small Stones)
- Rock tumbling
- Basket making
- Copper tooling
- Candle making
- Indoor hydroponic gardening
- Herb gardening
- Acting
- Web design
- Flash design
- Icon making
- Learning French
- Learning Italian
- The Artist’s Way
- Art journaling
Well, that’s all I can dream up at the moment – but I reserve the right to edit as more things come to mind (or as I try something new). And I’m always up for something new… in fact, here are a handful of things I’d love to be able to add to the list some day (in addition to improving on some of the items on my earlier list!).
- Watercolour painting
- Quilling
- Rubber stamp carving
- Stained glass
- Pottery
Now it’s your turn… feel free to inspire me!
What have you tried? What can you add?
Please share!

Twitter: PattyChangAnker
February 5, 2015
What an inspiring list! I thought I was a pretty crafty person and I have enjoyed many things on your list but…copper tooling?? Indoor hydroponic gardening?? There is clearly much more for me to explore…
And on your futures list I do recommend pottery!
Patty Chang Anker recently posted… Are Your Kids Afraid of Food? Face Your Fears First – A guest post by Veera Hiranandani
Twitter: alphabetsalad
February 6, 2015
I so wish I had a photo of the copper tooling picture I made – I was only 10 or 11 at the time, and unfortunately it’s long gone, but it was a fun activity! And pottery is definitely something I want to try!
Laurel Regan recently posted… My Creativity Inventory
I do still have one of our copper tooled pictures hanging in my studio… Who knows – it could be one of yours! Want me to send you a pic?
Twitter: alphabetsalad
February 8, 2015
Oh, I’d love a pic! I had no idea any of them were still around! I’m pretty sure I did one of a boy walking his dog, and the dog ended up looking more like a pig – but even if that’s not the one you have, I’d love to see it and be reminded of the whole copper tooling thing!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Today’s Gratitude List + February 2015 Gratitude Linkup
Twitter: luxganzon
February 5, 2015
Oh you’re so crafty. Wish I’m half as creative as you. 🙂
Lux Ganzon recently posted… Love Is Not Just An Emotion
Twitter: alphabetsalad
February 6, 2015
You might surprise yourself some day! 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… My Creativity Inventory
Heehee… I was wondering if I would see basket weaving and copper tooling on the list… We had a cool childhood, didn’t we?
Twitter: alphabetsalad
February 6, 2015
We certainly did! I’m really glad we had the opportunity to try so many different – truly different! – things.
Laurel Regan recently posted… My Creativity Inventory
Twitter: blogqueendiane
February 5, 2015
Great list – and great idea for a blog post. Thought I’d tried tons of crafts til I saw your list! Here are a few I’ve tried that I don’t see on your list: ceramics, Zentangle, scherenschnitte (fancy paper cutting) — tried to sell things I made at a craft show once and actually lost money that day, wreathmaking (http://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/12/10/host-fun-girlfriends-wreath-making-party/). You’ve given me something to think about the rest of the night!
Twitter: alphabetsalad
February 6, 2015
Thank you, and you’ve done some interesting things too! But check out item #20 on my list – Zentangle is definitely there, and quite possibly my most favourite creative activity ever! 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… My Creativity Inventory
What a list! I love all the creative t u ins you’ve tried in your life. There are some really cool things I’d even like to give a shot at. 🙂
Life Breath Present recently posted… Selfies, Selfies, Where Are The Selfies?
Twitter: alphabetsalad
February 6, 2015
I was surprised at how long the list ended up being!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo Friday: Weather
Twitter: DebbieDoglady
February 6, 2015
You are obviously incredibly creative, Laurel and a linguist too! Parli Italiano? 😀
Debbie D. recently posted… WEATHER – PHOTO FRIDAY
Twitter: alphabetsalad
February 6, 2015
Oh, I wish – I started learning, but didn’t get too far. Becoming fluent is on my bucket list, though! 😉
Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo Friday: Weather
Twitter: karenandwendy1
February 7, 2015
You realize of course that as soon as I saw those gorgeous little bumps of wool top and roving, I started salivating. Yep, spinning & knitting are at the top of my list. 🙂
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Twitter: alphabetsalad
February 8, 2015
Aren’t they lovely?! They, along with a bunch of needle felting tools, were a gift from Peter a few birthdays ago. I need to get them out again and get creative!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Today’s Gratitude List + February 2015 Gratitude Linkup
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