 Summer often arrives with good intentions.
We plan to spend more time outdoors, try new things, slow down, and make room for activities that bring us joy. Yet between vacations, family schedules, and everyday responsibilities, the season can slip by before we've had a chance to do something just for ourselves. This year, consider approaching summer differently. Instead of focusing on productivity, focus on creativity. You don't need a dedicated studio, expensive equipment, or years of artistic experience. Sometimes all it takes is a simple activity, a few supplies, and the willingness to explore. Whether you're looking for a quiet solo activity, a screen-free family project, or a thoughtful gift for a creative friend, these art-inspired ideas can help make summer a little more colorful. Send Something Meaningful: Beautiful Notecards In a world of texts and emails, a handwritten note feels surprisingly special. Summer is a great time to reconnect with friends, thank a teacher, send vacation greetings, or simply brighten someone's day. Consider keeping a collection of: A card can become both a creative practice and a meaningful gesture. Let Chance Lead the Way: Creative Prompt Tools One of the easiest ways to overcome creative blocks is to remove decision-making from the process. Creative tools designed to spark ideas can help you get started without overthinking. Instead of staring at a blank page, let a prompt guide your next move. Consider trying a mix of these creativity-boosting tools:
These tools can help determine:
Watercolor Workbooks for Adults Watercolor workbooks continue to be one of the most popular creative tools for adults—and for good reason. Unlike blank sketchbooks, workbooks provide structure without pressure. Look for books featuring:
Many include pre-printed designs, making them approachable for beginners while still enjoyable for experienced creatives. Pair a workbook with a portable watercolor set and a water brush, and you have a creative activity that travels well all summer long. The Return of the Puzzle Art puzzles have become increasingly popular as a relaxing, screen-free activity. Unlike traditional puzzles, art puzzles allow you to spend time with beautiful imagery while slowing down and focusing on the process. Some popular themes include:
They're perfect for rainy summer afternoons, vacation homes, or family gatherings. Embroidery: Slow Creativity for Busy Lives Embroidery continues to grow in popularity because it combines creativity with mindfulness. Modern embroidery kits often include everything needed to get started:
Current trends include: It's a portable hobby that can easily travel from the porch to the beach or to the backyard. Creative Journaling A creative journal can become a record of your summer experiences. Instead of focusing on writing alone, consider combining:
The result becomes part scrapbook, part art project, and part memory keeper. Paint-by-Number, Reimagined Today's paint-by-number kits are far from the kits many people remember from childhood. Modern designs include: They provide an accessible way to spend a few hours creating something beautiful without worrying about drawing skills. Creative Gatherings Summer is filled with opportunities to gather. Consider replacing one evening of television or scrolling with a creativity. Ideas include:
The goal isn't perfection, it is connection. A Season of Making This summer, give yourself permission to explore, experiment, and enjoy the process. Whether it's a watercolor workbook on the patio, a puzzle on the dining room table, a journal in your beach bag, or a handwritten note sent to a friend, creativity has a way of making ordinary moments feel a little more meaningful.  Creativity doesn’t require a dedicated studio or a perfectly designed workspace. Sometimes all you need is a small corner, a few materials you enjoy, and permission to begin.
Whether you live in a house, apartment, or shared space, creating a simple creative corner at home can make it easier to build moments of calm, reflection, and creativity into your everyday routine. At Express Yourself Studios, we often encourage people to think less about having “the right setup” and more about creating an environment that feels welcoming and low pressure. Your creative corner doesn’t need to be elaborate, it just needs to invite you back to it consistently. What Makes a Good Creative Corner? The best creative spaces are functional, comfortable, and easy to return to. Start with:
Even a small rolling cart or basket can become a portable creative station. Simple Supplies to Keep Nearby You don’t need a large collection of materials to create regularly. A few approachable tools go a long way. For Painting & Color Exploration
For Journaling & Everyday Creativity
For Hands-On Creativity
Keeping materials visible often makes it easier to actually use them. Add Small Touches That Make the Space Feel Personal Your creative corner should feel calming and inspiring, not intimidating. Try adding:
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s creating a space that encourages you to pause and make something. Books to Keep in Your Creative Corner A few thoughtful books can help support a more creative mindset and encourage consistency. Some recent favorites include:
Books like these are helpful reminders that creativity doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. Simple Ways to Use Your Creative Corner You don’t need hours of uninterrupted time. Try:
Creativity becomes more approachable when it’s part of everyday life. A Space to Return To A creative corner is less about aesthetics and more about intention. It’s a reminder that creativity can exist alongside daily life, not separate from it. Creative practices can support rest, reflection, confidence, and connection. Sometimes all it takes is a small space and a willingness to begin. Art in the Community: Upcoming Workshops Express Yourself Studios continues to bring creative programming into communities across New Jersey. Registration for workshops are handled directly through the host organizations. Upcoming Programs
Learn more about upcoming workshops and creative programming at: www.expressyourselfstudiosllc.com Spring has a way of inviting us to start fresh. Longer days, more light, and a shift in energy make it the perfect time to reconnect with creativity, not as something reserved for artists, but as something available to everyone.
We see creativity as a daily practice, one that supports focus, relaxation, and even joy. Whether you haven’t picked up a paintbrush in years or you’re simply looking for a new way to unwind, this is a great season to begin. Easy Ways to Reignite Creativity This Spring You don’t need a full studio or hours of free time. Start small:
Creativity doesn’t require expertise. It just requires space. Simple Tools to Get You Started If you’re not sure where to begin, a few accessible materials can make it easier to take that first step: For Painting & Color Exploration
Books to Inspire Your Creative Practice Sometimes the spark starts with a shift in mindset. These recent and relevant titles offer approachable ways to reconnect with creativity, whether through journaling, habit-building, or simply seeing the world differently.
Look for books that feel approachable, something you can return to in small moments, not something that feels like a task. Create in Community: Upcoming Workshops with SOMA Adult School If you’re looking for a structured way to get started, our Founder, Simone Anthony-Brown, will be facilitating upcoming classes through the South Orange–Maplewood Adult School, held at Columbia High School. Adult Workshops (7–9 PM | 1 session):
Teen Camps (9:30 AM–12:30 PM | 4 days):
All materials are provided. To register, visit: https://www.somadultschool.org/ and search by course code. Art in the Community: Spring & Summer 2026 Express Yourself Studios continues to bring creative programming into communities across New Jersey. Registration is handled directly through each host organization. Upcoming Workshops:
A Fresh Start Through Creativity Spring is a reminder that growth doesn’t have to be dramatic, it can be small, consistent, and intentional. Whether you’re picking up a sketchbook, joining a class, or simply making time to explore something new, creativity has a way of meeting you where you are. At Express Yourself Studios, we’re here to support that journey, through workshops, community programs, and creative resources designed to help you begin. Learn more at: www.expressyourselfstudiosllc.com As we move through 2026, Express Yourself Studios continues bringing creative experiences directly into schools, libraries, senior centers, and community organizations across New Jersey.
From children’s pottery workshops celebrating Black History Month to adult education classes and summer teen programming, this season reflects our ongoing commitment to making art accessible, engaging, and meaningful for participants of all ages. Below is a look at where we’ll be in the coming months. February 2026
February programming focuses on reflection, storytelling, and creativity in celebration of Black History Month, offering young artists opportunities to explore clay and mixed-media projects inspired by themes of culture, resilience, and community. March 2026
March workshops expand our intergenerational reach—from seniors exploring hand-building techniques to children and adults engaging in themed creative experiences connected to Women’s History Month. April 2026
Spring programming introduces collage-based storytelling and continued exploration of clay for adult learners seeking both technical skill-building and creative community. May 2026
May sessions embrace seasonal color and energy, combining acrylic painting with hands-on pottery experiences for teens. Summer 2026
Our summer teen day camps provide multi-day immersive creative experiences designed to encourage experimentation, collaboration, and confidence-building through art. Fall 2026
Continuing the WorkExpress Yourself Studios remains committed to:
Registration for each workshop is handled directly through the host organization. If you represent a school, library, senior center, or community group interested in partnering with Express Yourself Studios to bring a workshop to your community, we welcome the opportunity to connect. Let’s continue building community through art—together.  As we step into a new year, Express Yourself Studios begins 2026 grounded in purpose, collaboration, and the belief that art has the power to bring people together in meaningful ways.
This year, we continue our work as a mobile arts organization—partnering with libraries, schools, community groups, and civic organizations to create accessible, welcoming spaces for creative expression across New Jersey. From pottery and painting to collage and community artmaking, our programs are designed to support reflection, connection, and learning through hands-on experiences. Art as Service: MLK Day Mini Mural Project in LivingstonWe are honored to share that Express Yourself Studios will participate in Livingston’s 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service by leading a community art project titled “Pieces of the Dream.” Taking place on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM at the Livingston Senior Community Center, the MLK Day Mini Mural Project invites families and community members to create individual 8” x 8” canvases inspired by Dr. King’s teachings on unity, hope, service, and belonging. Each canvas will serve as a “tile” in a larger collaborative artwork--“Pieces of the Dream: Livingston’s Community Mural”—which will be publicly displayed throughout February. The project is facilitated by Simone Anthony-Brown, Founder of Express Yourself Studios, and a member of the Livingston Committee for Diversity and Inclusion (LCDI). Designed as an intergenerational, welcoming activity, all materials are provided, and participation is free to the community. This initiative continues a long-standing tradition. Since 2008, Express Yourself Studios has used art to honor Dr. King’s legacy—previously through the annual workshop “Celebrate Dr. King: Explore the Dream Through Art” in Maplewood. The Mini Mural Project carries that work forward in a new, collaborative format aligned with Livingston’s broader Day of Service. Art, in this context, becomes a shared language—one that invites participation, reflection, and collective responsibility. Art in the Community: Where We’ll Be in Early 2026 As we begin the year, we’re excited to share where Express Yourself Studios will be bringing art programs in the months ahead. Registration for each program is handled directly through the host organization. January
March
April
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Later in the Year
Looking Ahead As we move through 2026, Express Yourself Studios remains committed to creating thoughtful, inclusive art experiences that meet people where they are—physically, creatively, and emotionally. If you represent a school, library, senior center, community organization, or civic group interested in partnering with us, we welcome the opportunity to collaborate. Art is how we gather. Art is how we reflect. Art is how we build community—together. For more information contact Express Yourself Studios.  As we close out the year and look ahead to 2026, it’s the perfect moment to reset, refocus, and make space for creativity. Whether you’re an artist, a lifelong maker, or someone looking to bring more creative moments into everyday life, a few thoughtfully chosen tools can make all the difference.
This guide features inexpensive, art-inspired essentials to help you kick off a creative year, items that are practical, versatile, and easy to incorporate into daily routines. Creative Essentials for a Fresh Start Perfect for warming up your creativity or trying something new:
These are ideal for quick sessions—no full studio setup required. Collage & Mixed-Media Tools For artists who love layering, texture, and storytelling:
These supplies make it easy to experiment without pressure. Clay & Hands-On Making Great for grounding, tactile creativity:
Perfect for beginners or anyone inspired by our pottery workshops. Creative Organization & Everyday Inspiration Sometimes creativity starts with staying organized:
Functional tools that make creating more inviting. Simple Ways to Add Creativity to Your Day You don’t need hours, or a studio to stay creative. Try this:
Creativity grows through consistency, not perfection. Art in the Community: Where We’ll Be in 2026 Express Yourself Studios will continue bringing hands-on art experiences to schools, libraries, and community spaces throughout 2026. Registration for each workshop is handled directly through the host organization. Upcoming Programs:
A Creative Year Ahead Whether you’re gathering new supplies, joining a workshop, or simply making space to create at home, 2026 is an invitation to explore, experiment, and connect through art. We look forward to creating with you in the year ahead. Learn more about our programs, workshops, and creative resources at: www.expressyourselfstudiosllc.com/  The holidays are a perfect time to celebrate creativity—whether you’re shopping for a loved one who paints, sketches, sculpts, or simply loves beautiful things that inspire. This year’s Express Yourself Studios Gift Guide is filled with thoughtful, practical, and creative picks that will brighten any artist’s studio (or kitchen table).
1. The Everyday Artist’s Essentials You can never go wrong with a beautiful set of acrylic paints paired with high-quality brushes. Look for a versatile brush set that includes both flat and round tips—perfect for blending and detail work. Add a multi-pack of stretched canvases or mixed-media sketchbooks to complete the set. 2. Tools for Creative Exploration For the artist who loves to experiment, consider a portable easel and palette combo that folds up for easy storage or travel. Pair it with a heavy-body gel medium or textured modeling paste—perfect for adding depth to acrylic or mixed-media pieces. A handheld heat craft tool can also be a surprising favorite, great for speeding up drying time during creative marathons. 3. Gifts That Spark Mindful Creativity Art is as much about the process as the result. A ceramic paint-water cup with a brush rest or a Pantone mug brings artful flair to daily routines. A tabletop daylight lamp is another thoughtful addition, helping artists work comfortably through shorter winter days. 4. For the Collage and Mixed-Media Enthusiast Those who love layering paper, paint, and texture will appreciate a curated bundle of acid-free adhesive sheets, precision scissors, and washable glue pens. Combine that with a mini paper trimmer and a set of decorative handmade papers to encourage endless possibilities for creative storytelling. 5. Pottery and Clay Lovers For anyone inspired by our pottery workshops, a tabletop pottery tool kit makes a wonderful gift. Include air-dry clay, texture rollers, and a banding wheel—ideal for hand-building at home. Round it out with a clay carving tool set and an art board to make clean-up easy. 6. Stocking Stuffers for Artists Small but mighty gifts: paint pens, gelly roll markers, fine-liner pens, and mini watercolor travel palettes are always a hit. A rolling art supply organizer helps keep everything tidy while adding color and inspiration to any creative space. 7. Prints and Artful Finds from Express Yourself Studios Alongside art supplies, don’t forget that original and limited-edition fine art prints from Express Yourself Studios make meaningful gifts. Explore collections like Ink & Impact and Blooming Essence for artwork that celebrates beauty, culture, and joy. Inspire Creativity Year-Round While art supplies make great gifts, the real magic happens when creativity becomes part of everyday life. Encourage the artists in your world to set up a small creative corner at home, take a local class, or explore new materials that push their imagination. Express Yourself Studios will continue sharing inspiration, projects, and community programs throughout the year—offering ways to learn, create, and connect wherever you are. Stay tuned to our blog for upcoming workshops, creative ideas, and opportunities to make art part of your daily routine. To explore upcoming workshops, prints, and creative offerings, visit: www.expressyourselfstudiosllc.com This fall has been full of creativity, connection, and community.
We recently wrapped up the Expression of Art Through Pottery program—a six-week collaboration with the Darren Clark Jr. Memorial Foundation and the YMCA of East Orange. Youth from across New Jersey explored clay as a form of self-expression and wellness, creating six unique pottery pieces. The program concluded with an inspiring showcase where families and friends gathered to celebrate their work. Programs like this demonstrate the powerful role art can play in fostering focus, confidence, and community among young people. Earlier this month, our Bold Fall Florals: Acrylic Painting for Beginners class at the South Orange-Maplewood Adult School was a beautiful evening of creativity. Participants painted vibrant floral compositions while enjoying the relaxed, supportive environment that makes creating in community so rewarding. Last week’s Pottery Workshop at the Chatham Adult School was equally inspiring. From hand-built face mugs to textured pots, participants embraced the process, experimenting with clay and letting their creativity take shape. Workshops like these remind us why we love what we do—helping people explore, create, and build confidence through art. Up Next: November & Winter Workshops Join our Founder, Simone Anthony-Brown, in her next adult school class: Expressive Collage: Stories in Layers – November 12 & 19 (Class Code: 0304) Participants will create collages inspired by Simone’s Echoes of Heritage and Legacy Woven series, using a focal image to explore storytelling through layered paper, paint, and texture. Additional upcoming workshops include:
Art in the Community If you represent a school, library, senior center, or community organization interested in bringing hands-on, wellness-focused art programming to your members, contact us to collaborate. Let’s create something meaningful together. Contact us! This past Saturday marked a successful start to Expression of Art Through Pottery, a collaboration between the Darren Clark Jr. Memorial Foundation, the YMCA of East Orange, and Express Yourself Studios.
Youth from across New Jersey gathered to explore clay as a tool for creativity, focus, and wellness. Each participant began their very first piece and, over the next six weeks, will complete a total of six unique projects. The program will culminate in a community art show where family and friends can celebrate the participants’ work. Programs like this underscore the power of collaboration in bringing art and wellness opportunities to youth. We’re honored to play a role in making these experiences possible. Upcoming Fall/Winter Workshops Express Yourself Studios continues to bring art programming into communities across New Jersey. Join us at one of our upcoming sessions:
Mobile Art Parties – Now Booking We’re currently booking mobile art parties for late October through December. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or team gatherings, our parties are fully customized with themes and creative projects designed to engage your group. Partner With Us If you’re an organization—school, library, senior center, or business—interested in bringing creative, wellness-focused programs to your community, we’d love to connect. Together, we can create experiences that inspire joy, learning, and connection through art. 📩 Contact us today to start the conversation.  Express Yourself Studios proudly announces that Simone Anthony‑Brown, Founder of Express Yourself Studios, and her son, Aaron Brown, a rising senior at the School of Visual Arts, have been independently selected to present their work at the 2025 Newark Arts Festival (NAF 2025). They join more than 115 visual artists exhibiting across Newark this fall.
About Newark Arts Festival 2025 Now in its 24th year, NAF 2025 runs from October 8–12, turning Newark into a vibrant citywide celebration of art, music, and culture. With exhibitions, live performances, installations, talks, and more, the festival invites audiences of all backgrounds to explore how JOY functions as a radical, creative force. The festival is produced by Newark Arts, founded in 1981 to strengthen and support the arts in Newark. Under the leadership of Daryl Stewart, Festival Producer and Director of Programs, and Adrienne Wheeler, Lead Curator, Artistic Initiatives, Newark Arts Festival continues to evolve as New Jersey’s premier destination for artistic expression and community impact. For the full schedule and festival map, visit: newarkartsfestival.com |
AuthorSimone Anthony-Brown is the founder of Express Yourself Studios, an artist, and a passionate advocate for creativity in everyday life. With over 16 years of experience running her New Jersey based studio, Simone has inspired countless individuals through art workshops, community events, and her own mixed media artwork. Archives
June 2026
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