With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it's easy to get caught up in the chaos and miss the small moments that bring us joy. In the spirit of the fall season — a time for reflection, gratitude, and warmth — I've created a project that combines art, mindfulness, and gratitude into one meaningful practice: the Glimmers and Gratitude Sketchbook.
This simple yet impactful art project is perfect for anyone looking to slow down, cultivate gratitude, and connect with their creativity. Whether you’re an art teacher, a parent, or simply someone looking to enhance your well-being, this project is a beautiful way to focus on what truly matters.
What Are Glimmers?
Before we dive into the project, let’s talk about glimmers. Glimmers are small, everyday moments that spark joy or bring a sense of comfort. They can be as simple as the warmth of a cozy blanket on a chilly evening, the sound of birds chirping outside your window, or the smell of freshly baked cookies. These tiny, often-overlooked moments can brighten our day if we take the time to notice them.
The concept of glimmers is rooted in mindfulness and positivity. When we intentionally look for these small moments, we train our brains to focus on the good around us, which can help reduce stress and improve our overall happiness. By combining this practice with art, we can create a visual record of these joyful moments to look back on and appreciate.
The Benefits of Practicing Gratitude Through Art
Research has shown that practicing gratitude has a profound effect on our mental well-being. It can reduce stress, improve sleep, boost happiness, and even strengthen relationships. But when we combine gratitude with art, we tap into an even deeper level of mindfulness and self-expression.
Creating a sketchbook dedicated to glimmers and gratitude helps us:
- Focus on the present moment: Drawing and reflecting on moments of joy encourages mindfulness.
- Reduce stress and anxiety: The act of creating art can be meditative, while reflecting on positive moments increases feelings of contentment.
- Build a habit of gratitude: Regularly sketching what we’re grateful for helps us shift our mindset towards positivity and appreciation.
- Create a tangible record of joy: Your sketchbook becomes a personal keepsake filled with memories that you can revisit whenever you need a boost of happiness.
How to Start Your Glimmers and Gratitude Sketchbook
Ready to get started? Here’s how to create your own Glimmers and Gratitude Sketchbook:
Materials Needed:
- A sketchbook (any size will do, but I prefer to have something portable to sketch on the go. Here my fav brand. )
- Drawing tools (pens, markers, colored pencils, or even travel watercolors and a water brush)
- Optional: Quell Carrier Case to keep all your supplies together and ready for on the go! I'm obsessed with mine, and keep it on me at all times!
Step 1: Set the Intention
Begin by taking a moment to think about why you’re starting this sketchbook. Are you hoping to slow down, appreciate the little things, or simply spend more time creating art? Setting a clear intention will help you stay motivated to keep up with this practice.
Step 2: Notice the Glimmers
Throughout your day, pay attention to small moments that bring you joy or make you feel grateful. It could be something as simple as:
- The smell of rain on a fall afternoon.
- The sound of leaves crunching beneath your feet.
- The first sip of your favorite hot beverage.
If you have to take a quick picture to remember the moment, go for it!
These are the “glimmers” you’ll capture in your sketchbook.
Step 3: Reflect and Draw
There are a few ways you can go about capturing the glimmer. You could, in the moment, take out your supplies and draw the glimmer, right then and there if you have the time and supplies on hand. This is how I like to capture my glimmers, drawing or painting them "en plein air" which means drawing them outside or in the moment. Or instead, at the end of each day (or week), choose one or two glimmers that stood out to you. To alleviate the overwhelm of a daunting blank page, I like to draw smaller squares and rectangles on a spread in my sketchbook for my glimmers. These smaller spaces are called " thumbnail drawings" and is a less intimidating way of approaching art making, especially as a beginner. Draw or paint a glimmer in each space, and feel free to title them as you go. Don’t worry about creating a "perfect" piece of art — this is more about capturing the essence of the moment and expression or gratitude. The process is far more important than the product.
Examples of Glimmers to Get You Started
If you’re feeling stuck, here are a few ideas to inspire your first entries:
- The smell of cookies baking in the oven.
- A quiet morning with your favorite book.
- The soft glow of candlelight in the evening.
- The laughter of children playing outside.
- Watching a beautiful sunset or sunrise.
Step 4: Add Personal Touches
Feel free to get creative with personal touches! Add color, use stickers, or decorate the page with washi tape to make it more personal. You can even include pressed leaves, ticket stubs, or photos if they’re part of your glimmer. This is all about what makes YOU happy, and honoring your artistic process.
Step 5: Make It a Regular Practice
Consistency is key. Try to set aside a few minutes each day or week to reflect on your glimmers and add to your sketchbook. For me, I love drawing first thing in the morning while I drink my coffee and my kids are still asleep. It's the perfect peaceful time to set my intentions for the day and reflect on what I am grateful for. With anything, the more you practice, the easier it becomes to notice and appreciate the small joys in life.
Tips for Staying Consistent
- Set a reminder: Schedule a regular time each day or week to reflect on your glimmers.
- Keep it simple: Remember, this doesn’t have to be a long or complicated process. Keep it small. A quick 5-minute sketch or a few words of reflection can make a big impact.
- Limit your supplies/ palette: With great restraint often comes great creativity. Sometimes just one supply or a few colors in your work is all you need!
- Involve your family: Encourage your children to start their own glimmer sketchbooks, or turn it into a weekly family activity. We did a family glimmer and gratitude challenge this month and it was so much fun! More to come on that!
- Share your sketches: If you’re comfortable, share your sketches on social media using a dedicated hashtag like #GlimmersAndGratitude. It’s a great way to connect with others who are on a similar journey.
The Glimmers and Gratitude Sketchbook is more than just an art project — it’s a mindful practice that can transform the way you see the world. By focusing on the small moments that bring us joy, we can cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude and contentment, especially during this reflective fall season.
Whether you’re an artist looking for a new creative outlet or someone seeking more mindfulness in your life, this project is a wonderful way to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the beauty in everyday life. So grab your sketchbook and start capturing those glimmers!
