A Mid-Year Creative Check-In

Plus, side quests and my playful plan for the rest of 2026…

Unbelievably, we’re approaching the end of June. The midpoint of the year.

So far, 2026 has been far from straightforward. I lost my bonus dad in February, spent an unplanned month in Australia, and I’ve been navigating grief, and all that comes with it, ever since.

I’ve been feeling extra grateful for my creative practice in recent weeks. It’s the best kind of self-care. Making things with my hands, dreaming up ideas, and turning them into art grounds me like noting else.

I’m committed to building a deeply creative life. Despite the obvious challenges, I feel like I’m making that happen in 2026.

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My Progress So Far

I set myself five creative, crafty goals this year. You can read about them in more detail via the link below.

This is where I’m at with everything at the mid-point of the year…

1. Learn a New Paper Crafting Technique

This year, I want to learn how to stitch directly on to my scrapbook pages. I did quite a bit of research back in January, but I’ve made zero progress since because I haven’t really had the funds to purchase a sewing machine.

But I’m not giving up yet! It’s my birthday in August, and after that I’ll still have four months to fill with learning and lots of practice.

2. Take a Scrapbooking Class

Achievement unlocked! I’ve completed Abbey Sy’s media journaling class via Skillshare and attended a junk journaling workshop hosted by Tillie Rose Studio at On Paper Festival. I’m hoping to squeeze in a couple more classes and/or workshops before the end of the year.

3. Host a Crafty, Creative Playdate, Online or In-Person

Back in January, I mentioned my desire to host a one-off, in-person workshop. I also shared my plan to launch regular online co-crafting session as part of my paid Substack offering. While I haven’t made either of these things happen {yet}, I have started inviting friends round for a spot of casual crafting.

Most recently, I spent a quiet Saturday morning colouring while my friend worked on her current paint-by-numbers. It was lovely to hang out with each other while also making time for our hobbies. Highly recommend.

4. Attend an In-Person Flower Arranging Workshop

My mum and I are still planning to attend a workshop at The Bath Flower School, but we can’t make any of the dates work this year, so we’re going to look again next spring.

In the meantime, I’ve recently discovered Bristol Flowerpot Girl. She hosts twice-weekly workshops, so hopefully I can make it along at some point this summer.

5. Repurpose a Vintage Book into a Scrapbook

In progress! I’m so excited about this project. I’m using a vintage book from the 1960s to document my first year in the garden. So far, I’ve planned out the stories I’d like to tell, ordered my supplies, and started altering my book. I’d like to wrap this project up before the end of the summer, but I have no idea if that’s realistic or not. I’ll keep you posted…

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An Update on This Year’s Scrapbook Projects

I’m hoping to complete four scrapbook projects in 2026. The good news is I’m already halfway there!

• December Daily 2025

• Oslo Travel Scrapbook

• Portugal Travel Scrapbook

• A Year in My Garden {in progress}

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Creative Side Quests

I find setting goals and planning out my projects helps me stay on track and make time for my hobbies, but it’s also important that I give myself space to follow my curiosity and be spontaneous.

Here are some of the creative side quests I’ve already been on this year…

I’ve started a colouring book. I ordered a set of Ohuhu alcohol markers and a Coco Wyo cosy colouring book* and I am really enjoying this new hobby. As you can probably imagine, it’s very relaxing. Bonus points for helping me avoid doomscrolling and keeping me off my phone.

I’ve set up a book journal. Not to log reads or write book reviews, but to scrapbook some of my best bookish adventures, starting with the trip my mum and I took to Brontë country last year. So far, I’ve only got as far as gathering supplies and decorating the front and back cover.

I’m slowly working my way through Martina Calvi’s Year of Junk Journaling. I’m a longtime follower of Martina and huge fan of her work. When I was in Australia earlier this year, I treated myself to one of her Memory Collecting Journals. As well as following the prompts in A Year of Junk Journaling*, I’m documenting smaller, everyday stories whenever inspiration strikes.

I made a zine business card. I had so much fun putting this together, and the response has been really positive.

*Links marked with an asterisk are affiliate. When you make a purchase, I’ll receive 10% commission and BookShop.org will give a matching 10% to independent bookshops. Thank you for supporting my small business and the indie bookshops I love so much.

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The Next Six Months

During the second half of the year, I’m going to continue working towards the goals outlined above. Making time for creative play and cosy hobbies will remain my top priority. I’d like to experiment with some different materials and try some new crafts.

My screentime has crept up a little over the last few months, so I’m also going to focus on staying off my phone as much as possible in the evenings. When I do spend time online, I want to make sure I’m consuming content that feels nourishing and inspiring.

If you’d like to follow along in real time, I share everything I make in a monthly reel on Instagram.

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Did you set yourself any crafty, creative goals for 2026? I would LOVE to know how you’re getting on!