A Creative Catch-Up: What I’ve Been Making So Far This Year

The start of a new year always brings a sense of possibility – fresh pages, new ideas, and a quiet pull toward creativity. Over the past few months, I’ve been exploring a range of creative practices, from daily projects to learning new skills and simply noticing the beauty around me.

This is a little creative catch-up – a look at what I’ve been making, learning, and experiencing so far this year.


The 100 Day Project: Building a Daily Creative Practice

One of the biggest creative commitments I’ve made this year is taking part in the 100 Day Project.

This daily practice has been less about creating perfect pieces and more about showing up consistently. Some days feel effortless, while others are slower and more uncertain – but each day adds something to the journey.

Through this project, I’ve been reminded that creativity grows through small, regular acts of making rather than waiting for inspiration to strike.

Key takeaway: Progress comes from consistency, not perfection.


Art Journaling: Creative Play Without Pressure

My art journal has become a space for experimentation, reflection, and creative freedom.

Here, there are no rules – just layers of paint, collage, mark-making, and thoughts captured on the page. Some spreads feel messy, others more cohesive, but each one represents a moment in time.

Art journaling has helped me reconnect with creativity as a process rather than an outcome.

Key takeaway: Creative spaces don’t need structure – they need freedom.


Taking Part in the Incognito Art Show

One of the most exciting things I’ve done this year is submitting work to the Incognito Art Show.

If you haven’t come across it before, Incognito is a unique art exhibition where all artworks are sold anonymously and at the same price – meaning the focus is purely on the art itself rather than the artist’s name or reputation.

There’s something incredibly freeing (and slightly nerve-wracking!) about creating work that will be viewed without context. It shifts the focus back to the piece – the colour, the composition, the feeling it evokes.

Participating in Incognito pushed me to:

  • Let go of perfectionism
  • Trust my creative instincts
  • Put my work out into the world in a new way

It’s a reminder that creativity is not just about making – it’s also about sharing.


Colour Theory Workshop: Learning the Language of Colour

This year, I also explored creativity through a colour theory workshop, which has changed how I approach colour in my work.

Understanding how colours interact – contrast, harmony, and balance – has added a new level of intention to my creative process. I’ve started experimenting more with palettes and noticing how colour influences mood and storytelling.

Key takeaway: Learning the fundamentals can transform how you create.


Photography: Finding Beauty in Everyday Moments

Living in rural Tasmania offers endless inspiration, and this year I’ve been leaning into photography as a way to capture it.

From changing light to small details in nature, photography has become a practice in slowing down and noticing. It’s less about technical perfection and more about presence and perspective.

Key takeaway: Creativity often begins with paying attention.


Upcoming Creative Plans

Looking ahead, there are so many creative threads I’m excited to keep following and exploring.

Continuing the 100 Day Project

I’ll be continuing my daily creative practice, building on what I’ve already started and seeing where it leads.

Creating a Photo Essay for Uni

One of my upcoming projects is developing a photo essay, combining storytelling and photography to explore a theme in more depth. It’s something that feels both challenging and exciting.

Workshops & Creative Exploration

I’ve also signed up (or am planning to take part in) a range of workshops that bring both learning and play:

  • Treasures of the Junk Drawer – creative reuse and found-object inspiration
  • SFX Makeup (with the kids) – a fun, hands-on creative experience together
  • Exploring Neurographic Art – blending creativity and mindfulness
  • Painting a Watercoloured Flower – connecting with community creativity
  • Outer Cove Creative Mandala Workshop — pattern, repetition, and meditative making

Youth Week & Community Involvement

I’ll also be supporting Youth Week activities through our local Youth Impact Council – something that feels especially meaningful in terms of creativity, community, and connection.


What I’m Learning About Creativity This Year

Reflecting on these projects, a few themes keep emerging:

  • Creativity thrives on consistency, not intensity
  • Imperfection is part of the process
  • Learning new skills expands creative possibilities
  • Sharing your work can be just as important as making it

This year hasn’t been about mastering one thing – it’s been about exploring many.


Continuing the Creative Journey

As the year unfolds, I’m hoping to continue creating with curiosity and openness – following ideas, learning as I go, and embracing the process.

There’s still so much to explore, and that’s part of the joy.

100 Happy Days 2026

🌞 What Is the 100 Happy Days Challenge?

The 100 Happy Days Challenge (founded at 100happydays.com) is all about slowing down and noticing the good moments in everyday life – big or small.

For 100 days straight, you take (& share) one photo a day of something that makes you happy. It can be anything: your morning coffee, a beautiful sunrise, a funny family moment, or a quiet walk by the water.

The goal isn’t perfection – it’s gratitude. It’s about shifting focus from what’s missing to what’s already wonderful.


📸 How It Works

  1. Choose your platform: You can share your daily photos on Instagram, Facebook, your blog, or even keep them private in a journal or folder. Use the hashtag #100HappyDays.
  2. Start your 100 days: My challenge begins March 26th, 2026, and runs through July 3rd, 2026. You can start any time – it’s never too late to find happiness.
  3. Reflect and celebrate: At the end, look back through your 100 photos and see how many simple joys filled your days.

🌼 Photo Ideas for Your 100 Happy Days

Need a little inspiration? Here are some categories and ideas to get started:

Everyday Joys

  • Your morning ritual (tea, coffee, journaling)
  • A cozy corner in your home
  • Freshly made bed or clean desk space

Nature & Outdoors

  • Sunrise or sunset
  • Flowers in bloom
  • Favourite walking path or local park

Creativity & Hobbies

  • Craft projects in progress
  • Planner spreads or journaling pages
  • Books you’re reading or art supplies

People & Pets

  • Candid family smiles
  • Playtime with pets
  • A catch-up with friends

Food & Comfort

  • Home-made meals
  • Seasonal treats
  • Your go-to comfort drink
A collage of small happy moments.

📚 My Previous 100 Happy Days Journeys

It’s become a little tradition here at Nightwolf’s Den – and I love seeing how each year’s version captures a unique chapter of life. (Since making a few changes to the blog, some of the photos are no longer showing, so that’s a little job I need to do, as well as updating the years I haven’t shared.)

Here’s a look back through my previous challenges:


💬 Why I Keep Coming Back to This Challenge

Each year, this project reminds me to slow down and notice. It’s not about pretending everything is perfect – it’s about finding one good thing, even on hard days.

Sometimes it’s as simple as a warm meal, a soft blanket, or laughter with family.

Happiness isn’t always loud – sometimes, it’s quietly waiting for you to look up and see it.

🍂 Autumn Blog Challenge 2026

Welcome to the Autumn Blog Challenge

As the Southern Hemisphere begins to cool and the leaves turn golden, there’s something magical about slowing down and reconnecting with creativity.

The Autumn Blog Challenge is a three-month creative project running from March to May. It offers 30 themed prompts inspired by the rhythms of autumn – from cosy rituals and gratitude to self-reflection and creative renewal.

You can interpret each prompt in your own way: write a blog post, share a journal entry, post a photo, or even create artwork.

This is a flexible, self-paced challenge – join any time, share as often as you like, and enjoy the process.


✨ How to Join

  1. Start any time between March and May 2026. The prompts are timeless though and can be revisited each year.
  2. Follow the Prompts. Use them as daily, weekly, or intuitive inspiration.
  3. Share Your Work. Use the hashtag #NDAutumnBlogChallenge and tag @NightwolfsDen so others can find and support your posts.
  4. Connect with Others. Comment, share, and engage with others taking part – community makes it richer.

🍂 The 30 Autumn Blog Challenge Prompts

Here’s the full list for 2026 – designed to flow gently from March through May:

  1. The first signs of autumn
  2. A cosy morning ritual
  3. Autumn colours where I live
  4. My favourite autumn comfort food
  5. Reflections on summer’s lessons
  6. Slow living: what it means to me
  7. Gratitude for the little things
  8. What I’m releasing this season
  9. A walk through nature
  10. Creating a sacred space at home
  11. Autumn self-care essentials
  12. Finding beauty in change
  13. My autumn reading list
  14. Comfort in routine
  15. A recipe that feels like home
  16. Candlelight moments
  17. Things I’ve learned so far this year
  18. My favourite rainy day activities
  19. Autumn playlist or soundtrack
  20. Seeds of intention for winter
  21. Reflections by firelight
  22. A letter to my future self
  23. My creative goals for the next season
  24. How I’m simplifying life right now
  25. Favourite autumn scents
  26. Finding balance during transitions
  27. Journaling in the quiet moments
  28. Gratitude for growth
  29. My seasonal bucket list
  30. What I’m taking with me into winter

(You can also download a printable and shareable version of the full prompt list – coming soon!)

🍵 Journal Prompt Extension

Prefer journaling over blogging? Each of these prompts can easily become a reflective writing exercise. Try exploring:

    • What am I ready to release as the leaves fall?
    • How do I nurture creativity when life gets busy?
    • What comforts me when the days grow shorter?
    • What am I learning to embrace this season?

🕯 Why You’ll Love This Challenge

    • Seasonal creativity – reconnect with your writing and creativity.
    • Mindful reflection – use each prompt as a way to slow down and notice.
    • Connection – be part of a gentle, supportive blogging community.
    • Versatility – great for blog posts, journaling, photography, or social media.

🪶 Final Thoughts

The Autumn Blog Challenge 2026 isn’t just about writing – it’s about noticing. It’s about paying attention to the golden light, the changing leaves, and the way this season invites you to pause. So grab your favourite blanket, pour a cup of tea, and let’s create something beautiful together this autumn.

From Art for Change to Christmas Whimsy: Two Recent Exhibitions

The past season has been one of deep reflection, creative vulnerability, and joyful expression, with my work featured in two very different but equally meaningful exhibitions. Each show invited a unique response – one rooted in advocacy and hope, the other in celebration and tradition – and together they represent the breadth of my current creative practice.

Today, I’m sharing the stories behind these works, the intentions that shaped them, and what it meant to place such personal pieces into public spaces.


Exhibition One: Art for Change

Launceston Library | 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

The Art for Change exhibition was held at Launceston Library as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence – a powerful global campaign calling for awareness, education, and action.

The exhibition brief invited artists to create a “future you” person – a representation of what we hope for ourselves, our communities, and the world ahead.

My first piece focused on envisioning a future version of myself grounded in safety, confidence, and self-worth. It was shaped by the idea that imagining a future is, in itself, an act of resistance and hope – especially for those who have lived through violence or trauma.

Words I Wish I Had Heard

My second piece was deeply personal: a canvas decorated with butterflies and carefully chosen quotes – words I would have loved to have heard during the time I was in a domestic violence situation.

Butterflies, often symbols of transformation and resilience, became a visual anchor for this work. The quotes were selected to offer gentleness, validation, and strength – not just for my past self, but for anyone standing in front of the piece who might need encouragement.

My hope is that this work offered:

  • A moment of recognition
  • A sense of being seen and believed
  • Courage to imagine something more

If even one person felt less alone because of it, then the work has done what it needed to do.

Butterfly artwork with inspirational quotes about healing and courage

Exhibition Two: Christmas Traditions Near & Far

George Town Council Pop-up Christmas Exhibition
Jim Mooney Gallery, George Town

The second exhibition invited a completely different creative energy. Hosted by the George Town Council, the Pop-up Christmas Exhibition explored the theme:

“Christmas Traditions Near & Far invites you to share what the festive season means to you, whether it is a family ritual, a cultural celebration, or a local tradition that brings people together.”

For this exhibition, I leaned into playfulness, whimsy, and visual joy, creating two framed acrylic works titled A Whimsy Christmas.

A Whimsy Christmas – Green

The first piece features a green palette knife–painted background, rich with texture and movement, layered with two silver reindeer. The work reflects the magic and quiet wonder that often accompanies the festive season – moments of pause, sparkle, and imagination.

A Whimsy Christmas – Red

The second piece uses a red palette knife–painted background, bold and festive, paired with a silver whimsical branch adorned with black and silver decorations. This work celebrates the decorative rituals of Christmas — trimming branches, hanging ornaments, and creating spaces that feel warm and inviting.

Together, these pieces speak to Christmas as a time of creativity, tradition, and small moments of joy — whether celebrated loudly or quietly.

Christmas art exhibition at Jim Mooney Gallery, George Town

Holding Space for Both Healing and Celebration

What struck me most about exhibiting these works so close together was how clearly they reflect the dual nature of my creative practice.

Art can be:

  • A tool for advocacy and healing
  • A space for softness and celebration
  • A bridge between lived experience and shared connection

From deeply emotional storytelling to festive whimsy, both exhibitions reminded me that creativity doesn’t need to fit neatly into one box – it simply needs to be honest.


What’s Next in the Creative Den

These exhibitions have left me feeling both grounded and inspired. New ideas are already forming, shaped by reflection, courage, and a desire to keep telling stories that matter – whether they speak to survival, tradition, or everyday magic.

Thank you for being here and for supporting art that holds space for truth, transformation, and joy.