As we kick off a fresh year, I’m taking a moment to reflect on the creative journey that shaped 2024. This special blog post features the best of 2024—my top DIY projects, time-saving art techniques, upcycling ideas, and creative gift inspiration—all curated to inspire artists and makers like you.
My job as your Motivatarian is to empower your artistic process to spark fresh ideas for your art business or creative space. My highlights celebrate the vibrant, innovative community that makes The Turquoise Iris so special. Whether you’re revisiting a favorite post or uncovering new tips, let these insights fuel your creative momentum for 2025!
During our first quarter, I worked hard to bring you stunning velvet fabrics and show ways to incorporate them into your home and lifestyle.
Velvet Boho Fabric
Stepping outside my comfort zone has led to some of the most exciting moments in my creative journey, including the launch of my Velvet Boho Fabric! What started as a fun day of finger painting and mixed media art turned into something I never expected—transforming my artwork into luxurious, one-of-a-kind fabric. With the encouragement of my community and a commitment to working with small, local businesses, I’ve poured my heart into every step of this process. Whether you’re dreaming of custom fashion or unique home décor, these limited-run fabrics are made to inspire your creativity. Read the full post to hear the whole story and see how you can make these designs your own! Read the Velvet Boho Fabric post!
Easy DIY Fabric Wall Art
One of my favorite projects this year was creating DIY fabric wall art! This simple, budget-friendly tutorial shows you how to transform old canvases into stunning art pieces using just fabric, a canvas, and a staple gun. I loved using leftover sample yards of my velvet boho fabric, but you can customize this project with any fabric you like. Whether you’re upcycling materials or trying something new, this easy DIY is perfect for adding unique, personal touches to your space. Check out the full post for step-by-step instructions and creative ideas to make it your own! Read the DIY Fabric Wall Art post here.
Upcycled Clothing Ideas
This year, I embraced the transformative power of upcycled clothing as a way to combine creativity with sustainability. Upcycling old garments into unique, wearable art is not only a way to stand out but also a meaningful step toward reducing waste and supporting eco-friendly fashion. In this post, I share my journey of painting on pre-loved garments, sourcing materials, and creating one-of-a-kind pieces that tell a story. If you’ve ever wanted to explore sustainable fashion or learn how to make upcycled clothing, this is the perfect place to start. Check out the Upcycled Clothing Ideas post for tips, inspiration, and more!
The second quarter focused on transformation and ways to get the most out of your uniqueness.
Easy Boho Furniture Renovation
During May, in my Creative Connection group, I shared a heartfelt furniture makeover in honor of Erin, a beloved member we lost too soon. “Erin’s Garden” features a moody background with vibrant leaves and flowers, symbolizing her radiant positivity. Using DIY Paint and a few simple tools, I transformed this piece into a secret garden-inspired masterpiece. If you’d like to learn my techniques, from layering washes to creating organic leaves and blooms, check out the full tutorial. Let Erin’s memory inspire your creativity and join our community for even more artistic transformations! Check out the Boho Furniture Renovation post.
Easy DIY Backdrop Ideas
When my son Elijah married his love, Julia, I had the joy of creating a photo backdrop for her bridal shower. With everything else on my plate, I needed a quick yet personal solution. I started with an affordable floral backdrop and customized it with paint to match their wedding colors. In this post, I share easy, budget-friendly DIY backdrop ideas that you can recreate at home, whether by upcycling an existing design or starting from scratch. Perfect for any event, these tips will help you craft a unique and reusable backdrop! Check out the Easy DIY Backdrop Ideas post!
DIY Large Abstract Canvas Art
Have you ever wondered what to do with those old, forgotten canvases piling up in your studio? In this post, I share how I upcycled a collection of my own unused paintings into a stunning large abstract canvas art piece. By distressing the canvases, experimenting with composition, and arranging them into one cohesive work, I created a bold, functional piece that now serves as both wall art and a staging backdrop. If you’re looking for a creative way to repurpose your artwork, this project might be just the inspiration you need! Read the DIY Large Abstract Canvas Art post here.
Prioritizing our passions became the focus for the third quarter.
The Motivatarian Path To Creative Empowerment
Do you ever feel like your creative spark is dimmed just when you need it most? I created the Motivatarian Path to Creative Empowerment to help artists overcome those moments of doubt and reignite their passion. Built on four pillars—Courageous Expression, Curious Exploration, Compassionate Community, and Connected Growth—this framework offers practical steps to break through creative blocks and keep your artistic flame burning bright. In this post, I share how my journey as a creative coach and artist inspired this path, and I invite you to discover your own inner Motivatarian with my new quiz! Read the full blog post for more information!
How to Prioritize Your Passions
Have you ever struggled to find time for the things that light you up? In this post, I explore why so many of us push our passions aside and share ways to break through the guilt, fear, and perfectionism holding us back. From setting boundaries to celebrating small wins, I outline simple steps you can take to give yourself permission to prioritize what truly matters. Saying “yes” to your passions isn’t selfish—it’s empowering! Join me as I share my journey of learning to embrace my creativity, and let’s reclaim the time and energy to live our most vibrant lives. Learn How to Prioritize Your Passions!
The fourth quarter was filled with ways to think outside the box collectively by saving time, energy, and resources.
Christmas Gift Basket Ideas
This holiday season, I shared creative and sustainable Christmas gift basket ideas that blend thrifted finds with handmade treasures from my shop. Whether you’re putting together a basket for an aspiring artist, an art collector, or someone who loves one-of-a-kind accessories, I’ve got you covered with thoughtful, meaningful gifts that are both eco-friendly and unique. From DIY paint sets to hand-painted journals and accessories, I’ll show you how to create personalized gifts that reflect love and intention while supporting sustainability and independent artists like me! Check out my Christmas Gift Basket Ideas!
Time-Saving Techniques for Artists
In this post, I share five time-saving techniques that will help artists like you work smarter and unleash your creative potential. From leveraging series work to trusting the process and knowing when to stop, these strategies are designed to streamline your workflow, reduce overthinking, and build confidence in your art. By making intentional shifts in how you approach your projects, you’ll not only save time but also free up space for more creative freedom and a better work-life balance. Check out the full post to start transforming your art-making process today!
Are you ready for 2025?
Be sure to explore my upcoming workshops, join my community, or watch my latest YouTube video for even more inspiration! Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive tips, updates, and creative prompts delivered straight to your inbox. Here’s to another year of art, innovation, and connection—let’s create something beautiful together! Stay curious!
Love, D