When Winter Whispers: A New Year of Creative Possibilities for the Artistic Soul
Lynda O'HaraWhen Winter Whispers: A New Year of Creative Possibilities for the Artistic Soul
By Lynda, Creative Director of Lavender Blue Floral Artistry
Here on the prairie, winter has a way of pressing its cold forehead right up against the windows, reminding us that the world is resting beneath blankets of snow and muted light. The trees stand still, the wind has a sharp opinion about everything, and the garden beds look like they’ve surrendered entirely.
And yet—somewhere deep within that quiet, something begins to stir.
Something hopeful.
Something creative.
January, with all its chilled tones and reflective days, gently nudges us toward dreaming again. Whether you are a gardener, an artist, a collector of vintage treasures, or simply someone who loves meaningful beauty in your home, this is the season when the imagination begins poking its head out like those tiny bulbs that will soon push through thawing ground.
A New Year, A New Creative Adventure
This time of year always invites me to take a breath, whisper a prayer of gratitude, and look ahead with a renewed sense of purpose. Every new year feels like a blank canvas—just waiting for a splash of color, a bit of texture, and perhaps a few unexpected embellishments (the mixed-media artist in me refuses to apologize for loving a well-placed flourish).
The days may feel dreary and dim, but our creative spirits don’t hibernate.
They plan.
They gather.
They dream.
Preparing for Spring in the Middle of Winter
While the world outside is buttoned up in frost, this is the perfect time to begin planting seeds—not just in the garden, but in our imaginations.
Here are a few ways I start awakening my creativity in January:
🌱 1. Planning the First Spring Bulbs
I start browsing through catalogs and online shops, imagining where new bulbs might burst into life once the earth softens again. Hyacinths, tulips, daffodils—each one feels like a tiny promise from Heaven that color will return.
📚 2. Collecting Inspiration Boards
This is when I refresh my Pinterest boards for:
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Cottage-style home décor
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Vintage-inspired upcycling ideas
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Spring floral arrangements
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Mixed-media art concepts
Inspiration piles up fast when you let your curiosity lead the way.
🗂️ 3. Clearing Out Old Magazines (Or… Let’s Be Honest, Curating Them)
Every artist has that towering stack of beloved home décor magazines—dog-eared, coffee-stained, and treasured. I sort through mine, tearing out pages that spark joy, gathering them into binders labeled:
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Garden Dreams
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Vintage Styling
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Floral Design Ideas
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Mixed Media & Artful Home Decor
These clippings become a kind of creative seed bank.
Art, Florals, and the Heart of Winter
Creativity has always been a companion to me—especially during seasons of stillness or sorrow. God often nudges my heart gently during the quiet winter months, reminding me that even cold soil holds life, and even a weary spirit can bloom again with the right light.
As artists, we look at ordinary things—a dried hydrangea, an old wooden frame, a scrap of linen—and we somehow see a story waiting to be told. Winter gives us the space to listen to those stories more closely.
What’s Ahead at Lavender Blue Floral Artistry
As the new season approaches, I’ll be sharing more inspiration, including:
✨ Fresh floral styling for spring
✨ Garden-inspired mixed-media wall art
✨ Ideas for upcycling vintage décor
✨ Seasonal home styling tips
✨ Stories from my creative journey
My hope is that what inspires me may encourage your own artistic spirit as well.
A New Year Blessing for Your Creative Soul
If the winter winds feel a bit too sharp right now, take heart.
Spring is already on its way—quietly, faithfully, beautifully.
May this new year bring you:
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Fresh ideas
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Restored energy
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Gentle encouragement
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And an abundance of moments where you feel inspired, revived, and deeply blessed
Because even in the stillness of winter, creativity is stirring. And I can’t wait to see where it leads us next.