I'm not a big fan of the 'life is a journey' metaphor, but sometimes it's a useful image. With the New Year approaching, it occurred to me that I wouldn't dream of heading to Melbourne for a day without the latest inch-thick volume of roadmaps; but I habitually head into a whole year of my life without even an A5 page of directions. So this year I'm going to make a plan. It won't be a precise SatNav route, but a rough map that allows me to see where I want to go. I might make changes along the way, head off in a different direction; but at least I will know which way North is.

First, I'm taking a look at the year gone by. In his blog post What's Your Trajectory blogger Jonathan Fields asks whether our daily actions in 2009 took us in the right direction. I found Jonathan's post helpful, as reflection is something that we don't do well in our busy modern lives.

Where could we improve our art practice in 2010? Here's a few ideas -

• making art that means something
• taking on clients that respect your expertise
• developing your weaknesses
• selling your strengths
• finishing projects,
• archiving your work
• good daily habits
• listening to worthwhile criticism
• trying something new
• quality input - literature, philosophy, art
• taking time to reflect, not filling every moment with noise.

Where are the dead-ends and traffic jams on your creative roadmap?

Useful links:
Making Lasting Changes
Effective Goal Setting
Quotes on Reflection
Prepare a Business Plan

Stuck indoors? Whether you're having a snow day or sweltering in mid-summer, you can still sketch!

If you are into drawing figures, try drawing hands. They are difficult and poorly drawn hands can ruin a drawing, so lots of practice is worthwhile. Check out this tutorial on How to Draw Hands, and try some gestural drawing.

Still life drawing can be really interesting - we often use it as a way to develop skills, but objects can also convey meaning and facilitate expression. Try one of these still life drawing ideas.

Victorian Snow Day
Put together a mixed media portrait using crafting scraps and this tutorial from Margot Potter.

Cookies in a Jar
Fun article with recipes and gift tags for making cookies in a jar.

Christmas Crackers
Make your own Christmas crackers this year (don't forget to add your favorite terrible joke for an authentic touch)!

Striped Stocking
A stocking knit in tow colors on large needles is a quick and easy way to hold gifts for the holiday. Use traditional Christmas colors or make one with stripes of the colors of your favorite sports team.

Crocheted Wire Necklace
If you can string stone nuggets onto wire, and if you can crochet a simple chain stitch, then you can make this pretty necklace.  Visit Beading Arts for the instructions!

Stained Glass Votives
Here's a great easy project that's perfect for kids and fun for adults! We spend lots of time making great votive candles, why not dress them up even more with hand made votive holders?

Skating Penguin Cartoon
Add a cute penguin to your holiday cards with this step-by-step drawing tutorial from Helen South.

Lampwork Snowman Earrings
Use a few wire techniques to turn two lampwork snowmen beads into some holiday jewelry. These literally take minutes to make.

Greeting Card Album
Recycle a greeting card and create a holiday album using materials you already have around the house.

Cut Paper Trees
These three dimensional stand up cut paper trees can be used for table decorations or winter scenes. They're cut just like snowflakes from regular paper.

Christmas Tree Seed Bead Earrings
If you're in a pinch for some holiday cheer upon your ears, then these simple seed bead earrings are just the holiday miracle you've been looking for. With just a little wire and a handful of beads, these can be made in just minutes.

Gingerbread Ornaments
When you don't have the fragrance of a real Christmas tree, fake scents just don't do it. Make a batch of these ornaments every few years and hang them from your tree, the scent will last for two or three years!

Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? We will showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more.