The Power of Creative Play

When was the last time you let yourself play?

Not produce. But play.

This is a toughie for me… for lots of reasons (thanks, productivity culture, capitalism, and the conditioned belief that everything has to have a purpose).

I mean, I read books – because I want to learn something.

I try things – because I want to achieve a goal.

I make art – because…?

In January I started taking a new art class at my local studio: intuitive card decks. It felt like a stars-aligning moment when I read about it in the catalog, given that I’ve been dreaming of making a deck ever since I published my “100 Days of Designing My Life” journals. 

I remember sitting there on the first day of class, though, wrestling with a question: 

Do I make a deck that “fits” with Life Design School, or do I make a deck for me?

I chose myself.

I laid my art supplies out on my dinner table, took a deep breath, and let myself play.

For seven weeks, I showed up to class with new ideas, new progress, and new questions. And then I’d spend the next 6 days playing:

Playing with different mediums and shapes.

Playing with fresh ideas and inspiration.

Playing with my confidence as an artist and a creative.

Simply playing.

Wednesday was our last class – and I’m in awe of what the spirit of Play created with me, and through me.

A set of 35 cards, each handpainted with watercolor and gouache (and accented with that gold foil!).

Thirty five words, each meaningful in a different way to me and my journey as a creative person.

And yes, even a handmade box (which may actually be my favorite part).

I look at this deck and I see something completely, uniquely Ashley.

I’m so glad I chose myself.

Try This Out 

What does Play look like in your life? 

It may be art, but it could be something completely different: baking, jewelry-making, hiking, thrifting.

When was the last time you engaged in play – with no other purpose than to enjoy it, and yourself?

Today, reflect on your relationship with and connection to Play. And then – take 5 minutes (or 5 hours!) and go do it.

What To Do Next

For what it’s worth – one of my most favorite ways of ‘playing’ with my art is to actually print it.

This week I scanned all of the card artwork and uploaded it to Canva. I let myself explore different options: from greeting cards and posters, to journals and notebooks.

And, of course, printing the deck.

Not because I want it to be a new product in my Shop, but because it gives me joy to share it with people.

I’m going to do a limited print run of these cards – and I’m offering them to you.

If you’re interested in having your own copy of my deck, email me! All I ask is that you cover the cost of printing and shipping them (~$15 each). 

Funny enough: I’ve started using my deck for a card pull each day. And the very first card I pulled? Play.

Onward,