After I married my husband in 2014 my entire life had changed as well as my priorities. I directed a lot of my energies into being a good wife and really "dug in" to my new role. Art sort of took a back burner. I realize now looking back that most of my creative block had come from me simply not wanting to make a mess because I did not want to have to clean up afterwards. Our first place together was a quaint 2 bed to bath in the upstairs apartment of a duplex. There was hardly enough space for me to store my Stache of art and craft supplies, let alone have a large enough area for me to "Do a Project Spread". 

Whenever I have time to create, I usually devote all my time and energy to just that. Then when I am finished I hardly have any fuel left in the tank for cleaning up.  I will just leave my "spread" right where it is until I can continue to work on that project (ideally), or have the energy to clean it up. Does this sound familiar anyone? I seriously would like to know, so please comment below if you have similar habits.

The premise of simply not wanting to make a mess can greatly stifle any creative process. Artist blocks form as soon as the process itself gets in its own way. If you cannot allow yourself the freedom to fling a little paint splatter here and there, because you know that you aren't going to want to clean it later, chances are you won't be breaking out the brushes any time soon.  It will most likely sit there for a very long time, so long that in order to get it off the tile you have to get on your hands and knees with a razor blade to scrape up  each splattered droplet. OOUUFF!

After awhile of not being able to stretch my creative wings, I was becoming noticeably depressed, on edge, anxious and uneasy. Art is a great way to unwind. Especially if you are already anxious, empathetic, or prone to boughs of depression. Being able create and make art is essential to my wellbeing. Being able to express oneself is the greatest way to combat negative emotions. You are in effect, giving your subconscious an outlet to make a statement. If you constantly have to be thinking about where to set down your paint brushes between stokes careful not to get paint on anything, this inhibits the voice of your subconscious. I managed to find ways to dampen the little voice in my head by coming up with "ways to make art in very small spaces", or working "en plein air". In short, be conscious before creativity... so during, your subconscious can roam free. Here are a few ways I came up with to "Save space with your Art" and  "Quick Clean-Up" hacks.

It is also extremally beneficial for children to make messy art. According to the National Art Education Association, studies show that the development of skills for problem solving, sensory and spatial awareness are built when messes are allowed to be made. Check out these great "Messy Art projects for kids", and "Make messy art a breeze".

I personally love to dye paper. Its almost like creating mini pieces of abstract art. The method I use its nearly impossible to predict the exact outcome of the paper, which makes the process so exciting. Sometimes you will achieve a beautiful marble effect, others you will create interesting splotches and dots. each page is just as beautiful and unique as the next.

Has your child or even you ever lost the cap to a marker? And what a shame the whole thing just dries up and goes to waste. Well not anymore! it can become your very own homemade alcohol ink in just a few simple steps. Alcohol ink is wonderful for distressing paper, creating lovely backgrounds, stamping, calligraphy, and so much more. It can become expensive. So being able to make your own with something that would be headed for the bin otherwise is a huge win. Especially after you create something beautiful with it. You can check out my article "How to dye paper with alcohol ink".