I’ve been looking back at November Squares with a heart full of gratitude and, if I’m honest, a bit of surprise. What began as a simple idea to share daily prompts using my trusty Sketch Squares turned into a 30-day whirlwind of creativity, connection, and pure artistic joy, I also should mention it was a lot of work too filming and editing a video everyday! I really wasn’t sure if anyone would join me, but you did and together we made something rather wonderful.
If you would re-visit November Squares, search the hashtag #novembersquares in Instagram and you will see 1000’s of ideas. I have included a link to each days prompt at the bottom of this article :)
Permission to Play
One of my favourite things about November Squares was the sheer freedom it gave us to experiment. Whether it was holding a pencil in an utterly ridiculous way or making marks with sticks in the woods (a big hit with my son), it reminded me to let go of perfection. Using Sketch Squares, those little squares of possibility, made it even easier to dive in. There’s something magical about working within a tiny space. It’s like giving yourself permission to play, knowing that no idea is too small to explore.
Fresh Ideas
Each prompt was a little creative nudge that often led to something unexpected. Some days, inspiration flowed effortlessly; other days, it felt like I was coaxing out ideas one reluctant mark at a time. But even those tougher days were rewarding because they stretched my imagination. The beauty of Sketch Squares is how they encourage bite-sized creativity.
A Shared Experience
What made this journey truly special was you. Seeing your interpretations of the prompts was nothing short of magical. From your Instagram posts to private messages, it was incredible to see how Sketch Squares became part of your daily routine. Some of you brought your children into the mix (a brilliant way to get the whole family creating), while others used the challenge to try new mediums or rekindle a love for drawing or using a sketch book.
I loved hearing how the structure of Sketch Squares (small, simple, and approachable), helped you overcome creative blocks. It was a wonderful reminder that art connects us, even if we’re scattered across the world.
A Shift in Perspective
Perhaps the biggest gift of November Squares was how it changed the way I see “finished” work. These little Sketch Squares, full of scribbles, layers, and sometimes a fair bit of chaos, taught me that not everything needs to be polished or perfect. In fact, some of my favourite pieces came from moments of spontaneity and imperfection like the prompts “Rust Bucket” and “Ice Ice Baby”. I’m already imagining how to carry this sense of play and curiosity into my larger paintings.
A Gentle Start to 2025
And here’s the best part: November Squares doesn’t have to end with November. I’ve already heard from many of you who are revisiting the prompts in January or at a time that suits you, using Sketch Squares as a gentle, creative way to ease into artistic journey. There’s something so soothing about picking up a pencil or brush and letting those tiny frames guide you into a rhythm of making without pressure.
January can often feel pressured with resolutions and to-do lists, but approaching it with the playful spirit of November Squares feels so much lighter. It’s a chance to explore, experiment, and rediscover the joy of creating for its own sake.
Thank You for Joining Me
To everyone who joined in, thank you. Whether you completed all 30 prompts or dipped in and out, your enthusiasm and creativity made this challenge what it was. Here’s to carrying the playful, experimental spirit of November Squares into the year ahead. I like to give a special mention to Jayne Emerson for her invaluable help and encouragement also to the members of her group, The No Rules Textile Society, who embraced the challenges. A big shout out to that Midmill Primary School in Aberdeenshire, to the students and teachers, who not only took part but also welcomed me to join them for zoom call so I could see all their marvellous work. They also asked me some fantastic questions too.
Prompts
Here is each prompt and a link to each day’s video to do at your own pace. Madly one of the video went viral currently at 750,000 views - I have no idea how the algorithm works!
DAY 1 - KEEP IT SIMPLE #novembersquares
Here we go—day one! I’m absolutely thrilled to get started. Today is all about keeping it pared back: limiting my colours, stripping things down to a few lines. Can I tell a story or capture a place with just a handful marks? I might even challenge myself to just five per square. Funny how simplicity can sometimes be the hardest thing of all.
Good luck, have fun, and remember sometimes less really is more. xx
All day, I’ll be sharing your creations inspired by today’s prompt in my stories!
- Use the hashtags #novembersquares and #sketchsquares
-Tag @faye_bridgwater ebridgwater so I don’t miss your amazing work!
I can’t wait to see and share what you create! x
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DB1MNvdorJ6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
DAY 2 - WEATHER OR NOT #novembersquares - Today, I’m embracing a bit of creative experiment! I’m letting the weather itself be the artist, with a little help from me setting the stage. Here’s my plan: using my Sketch Squares, I’ll draw the grid, then leave the paper outside for an entire week. Each square will have a little something in it—stones to hold it down, maybe some leaves from our tree and I’ll add some ink and watercolor here and there. Think I’m going to keep to black but I might add some colour too.
As the days go by, I’ll let the elements do their work, maybe adding a more ink or objects as I go. Let’s see how loose and free we can get, and let Mother Nature take the lead on this one!
Throughout the day, I’ll be sharing your interpretations of today’s prompt in my stories!
Use #novembersquares and #sketchsquares to join in.
Don’t forget to tag me @faye_bridgwater so I can see your wonderful creations!
I can’t wait to see what you all make! x
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DB36b2PImuY/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
DAY 3 - EXPAND YOUR HORIZON #novembersquares
Today’s prompt has me thinking about horizons and all the different ways to play with them. I’m setting myself a challenge: five colours, one horizon line, but I’ll be shifting it up and down, flipping what’s above and below, just to see how those simple tweaks can totally change the feel of each square. Sometimes the smallest adjustments open up the biggest ideas, don’t they?
And speaking of opening things up, have you seen what @pennylindopartist has done with her Sketch Squares? She’s created a tiny concertina book and taken it on a walk—it’s delightful! There’s something so inspiring about her way of capturing those little moments, it’s like you’re right there on her dog walk with her, breathing in the fresh air.
If you have a chance, get out for a walk today. Maybe try taking 15 photos of what catches your eye. Then, when you’re back, sketch each one and see where it takes you. Let’s let the world expand our horizons, bit by bit.
I’ll be sharing your creative takes on this prompt in my stories throughout the day, so tag me @faye_bridgwater with #novembersquares and #sketchsquares. I can’t wait to see your interpretations and where you take this one! x
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DB5_gLRO_O-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
DAY 4 - ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES #novembersquares - There’s something thrilling about a blank page, isn’t there? Just a simple sheet of paper and a few marks can send us wandering down paths we’d never expect. When I’m painting or drawing, I’m all in completely absorbed, often following wherever the lines seem to lead. No plan, just instinct.
But today’s a little different! I’ve got my wonderful friend and very talented artist @artistonthehill joining me for some Sketch Squares fun. Tony is a master oil painter with a flair for capturing water in all its moods (and he’s a brilliant caricaturist too!). Who knows what direction he’ll take me in—honestly, I can’t wait to find out! It’s the beauty of the unknown, isn’t it? Endless possibilities, ready to unfold.
Maybe if you have a friend who enjoys art. Give them a call or meet up and see where the day takes you too. Have fun!
Throughout the day, I’ll be sharing some of your takes on today’s prompt in my stories. So, let’s see where “Endless Possibilities” leads each of us!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DB80PlMIEs6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
DAY 5 - HOLD IT DIFFERENTLY #novembersquares - Grab your Sketch Squares and let’s get playful with how we make marks today! Start by drawing the grid, then it’s time to shake things up. Can you make each square unique just by holding your tool differently? Try gripping your brush or pencil 15 different ways. Or maybe you’ll switch hands and let your non-dominant side take the lead? Stand on one leg, close one eye—whatever loosens you up and gets those unexpected marks flowing!
I absolutely love the contrast of the neat grid and messy marks. Go on, embrace the wonky and wonderful, I know this will be difficult for some of you but it really isn’t about making a finished painting, you can chuck it in the bin afterwards xx
Throughout the day, I’ll be sharing your amazing interpretations in my stories!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DB_PqaYoni2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
DAY 6 - STICK IT DOWN #novembersquares - Morning, all! Yep, you guessed it right, today’s prompt is all about collage! Think scissors, glue, torn edges, and layers, let’s stick it down!
I’m going to play on perspective—mixing close-ups and distance shots next to each other in each little square. I’ll be sticking to one theme across the full grid . I can’t wait to see how you make it your own!
Tag me @faye_bridgwater and use #novembersquares and #sketchsquares, so I can share your brilliant work in my stories. Let’s make some joyful little squares! x
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCCRthVoNgK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
DAY 7 - HANDWRITING - #novembersquares - I’ve always loved calligraphy although I’m not that good at it! But there’s something irresistibly nostalgic about handwriting, isn’t there? The way letters loop, the ink trailing, each one a little different. Today’s #novembersquares prompt is all about embracing that old magic, writing, scribbling, swirling words around like they’re secrets from some ancient book.
I’ll use my Sketch Squares to draw the grid, I’m letting my hand wander: maybe a single word, repeated over and over, or a quote. I might overlap or go round and around. I might use pencils or try ink, maybe a splash of paint—whatever comes to hand, really! It’s less about perfection and more about the beautiful chaos of it all.
Join me, and let’s see where our pens take us. Don’t forget to use #novembersquares and #sketchsquares and tag me @faye_bridgwater so I can share your creations in my stories!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCErd76omS8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
DAY 8 - I HATE IT #novembersquares - I must have been feeling rather dramatic when I thought up today’s prompt! 😜 Today’s all about challenging ourselves with colours we usually avoid. For me, it’s Burnt Sienna and Raw Umber… I can’t say I hate them, but they certainly don’t find their way onto my palette very often! In fact, I can’t even remember the last time I squeezed them out. Sometimes, though, it’s good to work with colours that might surprise us – they can take our art in a whole new direction. Pink did this for me a few years back, and I’ve never looked back!
Today, my lovely friend and fellow artist @suzibythesee is joining me as we experiment with these neglected hues. I’d love to see which colours you tend to steer clear of, and how you’re using them to create something fresh and exciting.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCHZCV8IHPj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
DAY 9 - PICK UP STICKS! - #novembersquares - The woods are calling us for an adventure. Today, it’s all about letting go, letting the forest work its quiet magic. Head out with a sheet of paper (pre-drawn squares with Sketch Squares) maybe your watercolours or ink. Wander among the trees, gathering sticks as you go – aim for fifteen, some short and gnarled, others long and elegant. Each one has its own character, like little forest wizards wands waiting to make their mark.
Take each stick as a brush, dipping it into colour and letting it dance across each square. You won’t be able to control it fully – that’s the beauty of it. Each stroke will surprise you, each line a little gift from the woods themselves.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCJvfowIDPu/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
DAY 10 – DIB DAB – #novembersquares - Nope, not the sherbet treat from the 80s! Today we’re diving into classic Pointillism, or as I like to call it, Dib Dab!
Here’s the idea: start by drawing your grid with your Sketch Squares. Then, dip your brush into the paint and dab it onto the page to create a dot. Repeat, switching up colours as you go, or keep it to a select few. You can use paint, posca pens, or whatever you’ve got handy! For a polished look, let each layer dry a bit before adding the next colour. Try filling each little square with its own set of dots, or create 15 mini experiments and see where it takes you!
Share your creations using #novembersquares and #sketchsquares, and tag me @faye_bridgwater – I’ll be sharing your fantastic Dib Dabs in my stories. Let’s get dotty together! x
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCMhOXtIjlS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
DAY 11 - PLAYFUL PATHWAYS #novembersquares - Good morning! Today, we’re mapping out Playful Pathways! This is all about those inviting lines and shapes that lead the eye, guiding us on a journey from one part of the image to another. Whether it’s sweeping from left to right or zigzagging across the page, we want our viewers to feel like they’re wandering through the artwork on an adventure.
I’m planning to sketch out 15 little vignettes with my Sketch Squares to explore different compositions – some might have undulating hills, others might be just a simple line. I think I’ll go in with paint today (or maybe pencil if the mood strikes), and who knows, maybe something unexpected will emerge!
Take your time, experiment, and most importantly, have FUN with it! I can’t wait to see the playful paths you create,
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCO7gGOIMNo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
DAY 12 - RUST BUCKET - #novembersquares - Morning! Today’s prompt has a bit of a treasure-hunting feel to it. We’re off to find rusty bits and bobs—the sort you’d usually walk past. But today, they’re our art supplies!
Here’s the plan: draw up those squares with your trusty Sketch Squares, then find anything that is rusty or will rust (think bolts, old chains, nails, tins from the recycling, mysterious metal bits) and place them in each square or spread them across the page. Get your paper nice and damp, arrange your rusty finds on top, and let them work their magic over the next week or so. I might add a touch of burnt sienna or ink to the mix and tilt the paper ever-so-slightly so the colours run in those wonderfully unpredictable ways.
Just a word of caution—rusty objects can be sharp or tricky to handle, so let’s keep this one to the grown-ups! I’m as curious as you are to see what surprises await when we lift them up in a few days. As ever this is just my take on the prompt I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCR80iYuPny/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
DAY 13 - SPLISH SPLASH - #novembersquares - Today’s prompt invites a playful experiment with water and colour. I considered a few wild ideas involving the sea or jumping in puddles, but I’ve settled on a technique that’s simple yet dramatic. For this piece, I’ll be adding water to each square that I drew with #sketchsquares , then dropping paint or ink from a height to create splashes, mimicking raindrops falling. The squares will keep things contained, but the splashes will bring a touch of unpredictability. It should be quick, controlled, and still full of that spontaneous splish splash energy!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCTyl9HIiya/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
DAY 14 - LAYER UP - #novembersquares - No, it’s not about painting with a scarve on, although it’s tempting! There’s a definite chill in the air, isn’t there? But today’s “layer up” is all about the layers of paint. I’ll be building up colours layer by layer, a hairdryer would be useful to speed things along—otherwise, everything risks blending into a muddy mess.
First, I’ll lay down colours quickly, without overthinking. Big, bold strokes, letting the colours find their place. Once they’ve dried, I’ll add another layer, cutting shapes from these initial layers—a bowl, a leaf, a hint of something familiar. Quickly, the shapes will emerge from the initial layers of paint. I’m realising now it’s quite hard to write this process down, but I’ll do a little video and post it later and hope that explains it better.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCWe8BNo5xU/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
DAY 15 – KEEP LOOKING UP
#novembersquares - When I dreamt up this prompt back in October, the skies were full of drama—big, billowing clouds, dazzling sunrises, and those perfect swooping birds that make you think, yes this is definitely like a Turner painting.
Fast forward to today, and what am I greeted with? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. The sky is the colour of nothing! No clouds, no sunshine, no golden sunrise no anything. Just a flat, washout lifeless grey. Truly inspiring stuff. Ha!
I thought about using my #SketchSquares as a viewfinder to capture the magic, but honestly, this would result in the most uninspiring artwork of all time. So instead, I’m turning to the trusty photo album on my phone. Surely somewhere in the thousands of pictures of food, friends and accidental screenshots, I’ll find a sky worth painting.
If you’re lucky enough to have sky giving you anything even remotely interesting, make the most of it! And remember, if you’re short on time, save this post and come back to it later.
Don’t forget to tag me @faye_bridgwater and use #NovemberSquares and #SketchSquares so I can see what you’ve created. Now, let’s all keep looking up... unless it’s grey, in which case, just look at your phone like the rest of us.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCZS0r8Ol9z/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
DAY 16: LINES & LINES & JOYFUL FINDS #novembersquares - Today we’re exploring the magic of printing! It’s a technique I turn to time and time again in my paintings—it’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly surprising.
Here’s what we’ll do: grab your Sketch Squares and draw 15 little squares. Now, have a rummage around your studio or home for objects that could make interesting lines. Maybe the edge of a ruler for a crisp, thin mark? Or a chunky piece of wood for a bold, broad stripe? Anything goes—forks, cardboard, the side of a sponge…whatever catches your eye.
Print lines into your squares, and voilà! You’re creating a handy little catalogue of textures and shapes. Pin it on your studio wall for future inspiration—you’ll thank yourself when you’re hunting for that perfect line.
This is a lovely quick one for the weekend—great for warming up those creative muscles! Don’t forget to tag me @faye_bridgwater and use #novembersquares #sketchsquares. And if life’s a bit busy today, no worries—save this post and come back to it when you’ve got a spare moment.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCboT0Jo4Z6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
DAY 17: ROYGBIV
#novembersquares - #roygbiv It’s a simple mnemonic, but it’s stuck with me for years, scrawled on my studio wall as a trusty reminder of the rainbow’s order: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet. It also stands for Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain, a phrase with a touch of historical flair (I’ll leave you to investigate that while I dig out my #pencil ).
Today’s #artprompt is a celebration of colour – an ode to rainbows and the joyful chaos they inspire.
No plans here. I’m grabbing my #sketchsquares template, sketching out some boxes (possibly a different colour for every outline), and letting the colours do their thing – giving myself, dare I say it……#doodle . Will it be a masterpiece? Probably not. Will it be fun? Definitely. That’s the spirit of this challenge, after all: playfulness over perfection.
So, whether you’re painting, scribbling, or just daydreaming about #rainbows , take a moment to let loose with ROYGBIV. Save this post to circle back if you’re busy and tag me when you’re done – I can’t wait to see your #🌈 creations!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCezOcMuOOZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
DAY 18 - LET’S GO VERTICAL - #novembersquares - Well, today’s #artprompt has me teetering between ideas, and I can’t quite decide which to settle on. I’ll be starting, as ever, with my trusty #SketchSquares to map out my grid of boxes. From there, it’s either:
Option 1: Tape the paper to the wall, apply some paint, spritz with water, and let gravity take charge. Watching those colours vertically run down the page, feels like an art experiment. Once it’s dry, I’ll slice the squares up and rearrange them into something eye-catching.
Option 2: Get stuck into collage—stripes of colour, different widths, patterns galore. It’s all about playing with bold combinations and seeing what surprises emerge.
I know you’ll all come up with something far more ingenious. Whether it’s delicate, daring, or a little bit chaotic, I can’t wait to see your takes on today’s challenge.
Remember to tag me and save this post if your day’s a busy one. I’ll be here waiting to see your vertical visions!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCg6tBAo5hy/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
DAY 19 - CAUGHT YOUR EYE - #novembersquares - Channel your inner magpie and bring something shiny to your #sketchsquares ! Like these clever birds, seek out the shiny and incorporate it into your work—gold leaf, tin foil, metallic pens, or even some iridescent paint. Whether it’s a glimmering sunset in a landscape or an abstract design, let your shiny accents take centre stage. Play with contrast—pairing shimmering highlights with matte or muted tones—to make your work truly pop. Remember to tag me @faye_bridgwater so I can share your work and if you’re busy today save this post and come back to it xx
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCjxAVWIqPG/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
DAY 20 - ABUNDANT BLOOMS
#novembersquares - What could today’s prompt possibly be about? Abundant #blooms in November? A little optimistic, perhaps, but let’s work with it. 🌸
While the garden might be more mulch than marvellous this time of year, inspiration isn’t far away. Scroll back through your phone—remember those wonderful close-ups of roses from summer? Or if all else fails, a quick internet search could unearth a world of petals just waiting to bloom on your page.
Now, let’s talk approaches 2 ideas for today #sketchsquares grid:
1️⃣ Pick a favourite bloom and repeat it. Think of it as an ode to that one flower—a rose, a daisy, a hydrangea— drawn or paint it 15 times. Keep it loose and free (maybe time yourself just 1 minute in each square) Repetition lets you explore every curve and crinkle of its petals, and before you know it, your Sketch Squares might start to feel like a little trellis.
2️⃣ Go full bouquet! Different flowers in each square, petals bursting out of the squares. This is your chance to play—mix collage of flower heads, paint foliage, and maybe use a pencil for stalks, to capture that riot of colour and shape.
Don’t overthink it —save this post, so you can come back when life’s a little less busy.
And when you’re done, do tag me @fayebridgwater so I can see (and share!) your floral creations in my stories. Let’s fill today with a little bloom-filled brightness, shall we?
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCmE0j-IKnM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
DAY 21 - TRACE AND BREAK FREE - #novembersquares - Today #artprompt we’re exploring the joy of #tracing and letting loose! If you don’t have carbon paper, no worries—you can make your own by covering the back of a sheet of paper with a heavy layer of pencil. Once ready, choose a subject (it could be anything: a favorite flower, a landmark, or even your hand!) and trace its simple lines in to each square of your #sketchsquares .
As you trace, allow your drawn lines to wander across the boundaries of the boxes and break free. These crossings create a sense of movement and narrative—like glimpses of a journey or a memory slipping through time. Let your imagination take the lead, and remember, there’s beauty in imperfection!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCorVrZocNZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Day 22 – PATCHWORK - #novembersquares - Oh, today’s prompt feels like a treasure chest brimming with possibilities, doesn’t it? Patchwork. Just saying the word sets my mind spinning with ideas. For all of you marvellous textile artists in the mix (and I know there are a good few of you), the bar has been set rather high, hasn’t it?
The beauty of this prompt is how wide open it is—there’s room to experiment, explore, and, most importantly, play. Will you sew into it? Use fabric? Layer scraps of cloth like a puzzle? Or perhaps patch it together with paint, print, or collage ?
As for me, I’ve decided to think beyond the boxes themselves and instead focus on the spaces in between the squares of the Sketch Squares. The little gaps and edges that bring the whole together—where the magic really happens. That’s the plan for now, at least… but who knows where the day might take me?
The best part? There’s absolutely no right or wrong here. Let yourself go free and loose—patchwork isn’t about perfect stitches or pristine pieces; it’s about the joy of creating something whole from all those small, scattered parts.
I cannot wait to see what you dream up today—do tag me so I can celebrate your creations and share them in my stories! And if today feels too busy, not to worry. Save this post, come back to it when the time feels right, and patch together your masterpiece then.
Happy sketching, stitching, printing, and painting!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCriuxsop1y/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Day 23 – Two-Faced -Right, I’ve been doodling this little “two-faced” character forever. It all started back in secondary school, scrawled in the margins of my exercise books during lessons (sorry, teachers). The trick? Draw the number 2 which will be an eyebrow and a nose, add some eyes and lips, and bam—instant face! It’s so simple, yet somehow endlessly entertaining (been doing it for at least 30 years!).
Today, I’m pulling out my #sketchsquares , drawing a full grid, and giving each square its very own little face. It’s amazing how just a tiny tweak—a curve of the lip or a tilt of the eyes—can completely change the expression. I’m thinking of adding a splash of watercolour too, just to jazz it up a bit.
By the end, I should have a fun, quirky piece—maybe even something I’ll turn into a mini book! How great would that be?
Oh, and don’t forget: tag me in your creations with #NovemberSquares. And if life’s a bit mad today, just save this post and come back to it later. The “two-faced” fun will still be here waiting for you!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCuRnkgOxXO/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
DAY 24 - ICE ICE BABY - #novembersquares - First things first—a MASSIVE thank you for all the #sketchsquares orders overnight! You’ve kept me wonderfully busy this morning, and I’ll be making a trip to the post office shortly to send them on their way all over the globe 🌍. Your support genuinely means so much and makes this whole journey such a joy to share.
Now, onto today’s #artprompt: ICE ICE BABY! This one’s going to be an unpredictable #artexperiment and all the better for it. I’m off to raid the kitchen for an ice cube tray and some cling film. The plan? Line the tray, fill 15 cubes with a mix of pigments (watercolour, ink, acrylic… anything goes), and maybe toss in a few surprises like torn paper or dried leaves. Once frozen, I’ll let each cube melt over a page of squares I’ve drawn out with my Sketch Squares template placing one cube in each square and see what wild, beautiful, uncontrolled marks emerge.
This is your gentle nudge to have a little play today! Whether you’re freezing pigments, splashing water about, or just sketching whatever today’s prompt brings to mind, there’s no right or wrong—just enjoy the process.
And if life’s a bit hectic at the moment, don’t worry. Save this one for another day. When you do give it a go, remember to tag me so I can share your work. I honestly can’t wait to see what you create!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCw-iz_u47V/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
DAY 25 - TAKE AWAY - #NovemberSquares - Today’s #artprompt is all about texture. The magic happens when we take away the top layer of paint to reveal an intriguing patten that is left.
Here’s how to do it: grab your #sketchsquares template (don’t have one? Pop over to my website—it’s not too late!). Draw out your grid of squares, then fill each one with paint. I’m using acrylics for speed, but pick your favourite medium. I’ll be sticking to one colour for a cohesive look, but if you want a riot of colour, go for it!
Now, the fun bit: while the paint is still wet, press different textures onto it and take them away. It’s like peeling off a sticker revealing the texture left underneath. Scraps of fabric, leaves, lace, or even the corner of your jumper—whatever inspires you! Quick note: I must confess, bubble wrap is my arch-nemesis. I cannot stand that texture—something about it just unsettles me. But if you love it, go ahead and use it! I won’t judge (much). It’s just too obvious!
This exercise isn’t just a bit of creative fun—it’s a chance to build a brilliant little texture library. Hang it on your studio wall and you’ve got a reference tool that will keep inspiring you long after November Squares has ended.
Don’t forget to share your brilliant grids with me. I can’t wait to see what textures you unearth!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCy_I4hI6GI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
DAY 26 - BIG TO SMALL DISCOVERY - Right, today’s #novembersquares prompt is all about letting go. I’m taking a big sheet of paper, making big unconscious series of marks. No overthinking. No “is this right?” Just do. Scribble, splatter, write, whatever feels good. The only rule is—be loose, be free, and don’t stop to judge it.
Once you’ve made your glorious, chaotic marks (it might look a mess),but here’s the fun bit: take your #sketchsquares template (available on my website- I’m posting everyday!) and start hunting. Look closely at your big painting. Peer into those colours and lines and layers. Somewhere in there are hidden gems. Tiny compositions that are exciting.
Cut them out. Maybe Frame them. Maybe rearrange them. Maybe they’ll become a series. Maybe you’ll piece them into something bigger. Maybe they’ll end up a book, a sculpture, or a whole new project you hadn’t even thought of. The point is—you’re starting big and discovering small wonders within.
Remember to save this post if you’re too busy today, you can do it any time. Tag me so I can share your discoveries in my stories and use the hashtags. Xx
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DC1jNARoTMn/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
DAY 27: MIX, LOAD, PAINT, REPEAT- #novembersquares
At the start of 2024, I signed up for a Chinese calligraphy course with @plumblossominkart . Now, I’m not about to claim any great expertise (far from it!), but what stayed with me was to truly learn how to use a brush, you have to repeat the same mark over and over again until your muscles remember the movement. It’s all about rhythm and flow.
So, for today’s prompt, I’m going back to that idea. I’m taking a full grid of Sketch Squares and dedicating each square to a repeating pattern—one brush, one pattern, one square at a time. The plan? To mix up some colours, load the brush, and explore what it can do.
Here’s where the fun starts: with Chinese calligraphy, you often begin by using the very tip of your brush, pressing down as you move, and then lifting back up. This motion creates beautiful, expressive marks, and I’ll be trying it out across the grid. Different brushes, different pressures, different results—it’s all about discovery.
This exercise is as much about curiosity as it is about discipline. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably collected far too many brushes without fully exploring their possibilities. By the end of today, I’m hoping to have a handy little reference guide for my studio—a quick way to remind myself which brush does what, whether I’m painting bold strokes or delicate details.
Join in, tag me so I can share your brush studies, and don’t forget to use the hashtags! If you can’t get to it today, save this post and come back when you’re ready. There’s also a handy PDF of all the prompts waiting for you on my website—just follow the link in my bio
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DC36SxRoiB_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
DAY 28 – NO TOUCHING
#novembersquares - Today feels like the perfect day for a little pattern. Here’s the plan: start with your #sketchsquares S template (on any old piece of paper will do) and lightly pencil in the grid of squares. Go softly now – we’ll be erasing this later, so no heavy-handed lines!
Now, choose five or six colours and shapes. Start filling each square, repeating your shapes and colours – but here’s the twist – no two can touch. Not even a brush of the corner! The magic is in the spacing, letting each colour and shape stand proudly on its own.
When you’re happy and everything’s dry, gently erase those pencil lines to reveal your perfectly spaced, glorious pattern. It will look fabulous! This would be brilliant for creating your own fabric design (imagine it on a dress!) or even transforming paper into something else entirely – like a vase, if you’re feeling adventurous, just as we did with the patchwork prompt the other day.
A lovely, quick one today – proof that even the simplest ideas can bring such joy.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DC7aUPVONB6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Day 29 – Viewfinders - #novembersquares . Today, we’re focusing on the art of looking. Not glancing or peeking, but really looking. And to help us, we’re going to use photography and the trusty #sketchsquares as a viewfinder. A brilliant little tool that’s not only practical but also inspiring—honestly, every artist should have one in their studio (and yes, they’re available on my website).
Here’s the plan: I’ll be heading out for a walk, and every five minutes, I’ll pause, hold up my Sketch Square, and take a photo of whatever lies beyond it. You could do the same—or adapt it to suit you. Perhaps it’s a stroll to the post office, a quiet moment in the kitchen or studio, or a dedicated wander through the garden. Wherever you are, the Sketch Square will help you tune your eye, concentrate on the details, and truly see what’s around you.
It’s not just about today. This little exercise can become a habit—a way to document your walks, your days, your life—and a tool you can return to whenever you need a fresh perspective.
If you’re too busy to do it now, no problem—save this idea for later. Just don’t forget to tag me when you post and use the hashtags #novembersquares and #sketchsquares . I can’t wait to see what you discover.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DC9WM1SoXLj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
DAY 30 – ALL TOGETHER NOW – #novembersquares - Oh my word, we’ve made it to Day 30 of this ch creative journey—how incredible is that? When I first dreamed up November Squares (massive thank you to @jayneemersontextiles for the snappy and perfect title), I had no idea how it would unfold, and I’ve been utterly blown away by the creativity, enthusiasm, and playful spirit you’ve all brought to it. To everyone who grabbed their #sketchsquares , gave it a go, and embraced some of the bonkers ideas (Rust Bucket), thank you so much.
Today’s prompt, All Together Now, is the grand finale. It’s your chance to revisit the last 30 days. Have a good look through what you’ve created and pick two, three, or even five of your favourite prompts, and bring them together on one page. I’m planning to use my Sketch Squares on a long sheet of paper and make a concertina book (I loved making one earlier in the month with @suzibythesee ) but feel free to go wild with this. You could even cut out the squares and hang them on the Christmas tree 🎄 —this is about celebrating everything we’ve explored!
I’ll be diving into “Stick It Down” because collage has been a surprising joy for me, mixing in some “Dib Dab” textures and adding a bit of “handwriting” to tie it all together. You could try combining bold rainbows, playful circles, or even some of those unconventional tools like sticks we experimented with earlier in the month.
Take a moment to look back, reflect on what brought you joy, and weave it all together into one final masterpiece. I hope this last prompt reminds you of everything you’ve achieved and inspires you to keep creating long after today.
Massive thanks once again for your tags, messages, and brilliant energy throughout this journey. It’s been so brilliant to see your interpretations, and I hope some of these little practices stick with you and spark new ideas in the future.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDAHm6NIpa9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
By the way, if you have a spare 2 minutes and you have enjoyed November Squares, please can you write a nice review on Google for me. I would really appreciate it :)