30 Days of Gratitude: November Art Guide
Welcome to this year's November gratitude challenge! After last year's successful 30-day collage journey, we're taking a new creative direction that's both meditative and visually stunning.
This Year's Twist
Instead of creating 30 individual collages, you'll build ONE abstract artwork over 30 days. Each day, you'll punch or cut one geometric shape from paper that represents that day's gratitude prompt, then add it to your growing composition. By November 30th, you'll have a beautiful abstract piece made of 30 meaningful shapes - a visual gratitude journal!
What You'll Need
Essential Supplies:
One paper punch (any shape: circle, heart, star, square) OR scissors to cut geometric shapes
Mixed media paper or cardstock (9x12" or 12x12" recommended as your base)
Glue stick
Various papers: magazines, scrapbook paper, wrapping paper, book pages, tissue paper, newspaper, junk mail, napkins, old maps, sheet music
Optional:
Pencil for light placement planning
Washi tape
Small container to collect your punched shapes before gluing
30 Daily Gratitude Prompts
Week 1: Simple Comforts
Day 1: A Favorite Color - What hue brings you joy?
Day 2: Morning Ritual - Coffee, tea, or your sunrise routine.
Day 3: Warmth - A cozy blanket, fireplace, or warm hug
Day 4: Music - A song, artist, or sound that moves you
Day 5: A Cherished Book - A story that shaped you
Day 6: Laughter - A moment or person who makes you smile
Day 7: Sunshine - Light that brightens your day
Week 2: Connections
Day 8: Fresh Air - A breath of nature
Day 9: Favorite Meal - Food that nourishes or comforts
Day 10: A Kind Gesture - Someone's thoughtfulness
Day 11: Your Home - Your safe haven
Day 12: A Friendship - Connection that sustains you
Day 13: A Family Member - Someone who knows your heart
Day 14: Your Favorite Season - The time of year you love most
Week 3: Essentials & Growth
Day 15: Clean Water - A basic gift we often forget
Day 16: Nature - Trees, flowers, or the wild outdoors
Day 17: A Pet or Animal - Creatures that bring wonder
Day 18: A Place You Love - Where your soul feels at home
Day 19: A Precious Memory - A moment you treasure
Day 20: Your Health - Your body's abilities, big or small
Day 21: A Conversation - Words shared that mattered to you.
Week 4: Wisdom & Beauty
Day 22: Wisdom Received - A lesson, advice, or insight that shaped you
Day 23: A Hobby - What you create or do for joy
Day 24: Rest - Sleep, quiet, or restoration
Day 25: Growth - Something you've learned or overcome
Day 26: Beauty - Art, nature, or wonder around you
Day 27: Second Chances - A fresh start you received.
Final Days: Reflection
Day 28: Your Abilities - What you can do, make, or share
Day 29: Peace - Quiet moments that ground you
Day 30: The Journey - Looking back at this month of gratitude.
Daily Practice Guide
Each Day (10-15 minutes):
Reflect:
Read the prompt
Think about what it means to you
Consider colors, patterns, or textures that represent it
Select Paper:
Choose paper that reminds you of the prompt
Consider: color, pattern, texture, words, images
Trust your first instinct!
Punch or Cut:
Create your shape for the day
One shape = one day
Keep it simple
Place & Glue:
Hold your shape over different areas of your base
Consider the overall composition as it grows
When it feels right, glue it down
Overlapping is beautiful!
Reflect & Document:
Take a photo of today's progress
Optional: Write the date and prompt on the back of your substrate
Composition Tips
Starting Out (Days 1-10):
You can start anywhere on your paper - center, corner, edge
Don't overthink placement
Leave some space between shapes initially
Remember: this is YOUR journey
Building (Days 11-20):
Start creating visual flow
Some shapes can overlap
Vary the spacing - tight clusters and open areas both work
Step back occasionally to see the whole
Finishing (Days 21-30):
Fill in gaps if you want
Create balance across the composition
Your final pieces might overlap multiple shapes
Embrace happy accidents!
Success Strategies
Prepare for Success:
Weekly Prep: Sort papers by color family on Sundays
Set Routine: Choose same time daily (morning coffee? before bed?)
Create Space: Dedicate a small workspace that stays set up
Keep Together: Store everything in one box or basket
When Life Happens:
Missed a day? Just continue tomorrow - no need to catch up
Feeling stuck? Choose paper based purely on color
Short on time? Even 5 minutes to punch and place counts
Don't like placement? Glue another shape on top - it adds dimension!
Enhance the Experience:
Play calming music while creating
Light a candle during your session
Write brief gratitude notes in a journal
Share your progress on social media with #30DaysOfGratitudeArt
Material Suggestions
Paper Hunting Ideas:
Old magazines (color and texture variety)
Junk mail and catalogs (free!)
Wrapping paper scraps
Book pages from damaged books
Paper bags (brown adds warmth)
Security envelopes (great patterns!)
Tissue paper (adds translucency when layered)
Scrapbook paper scraps
Maps or travel brochures
Sheet music
Napkins with patterns
Paper Punch Shapes That Work Well:
Circles (any size)
Hearts
Stars
Flowers
Squares or rectangles (if cutting by hand)
Triangles
Hexagons
Check out my Amazon StoreFront for curated supplies, but remember - this challenge is designed to work with what you already have!
Memory Keeping Ideas
Write the date and prompt number lightly on the back of each shape before gluing
Keep a small journal noting what each day's choice meant to you
Photograph your artwork at weekly intervals to see the evolution
Frame your finished piece as a reminder of your grateful November
Create a video time-lapse from your daily photos
The Heart of This Challenge
This isn't about creating perfect art - it's about creating meaningful art. Each shape represents a moment of gratitude, a pause in your busy life to acknowledge what matters. Some days you'll love your choice; other days might feel "meh" - and that's perfect. The power is in showing up, reflecting, and adding to your piece day after day.
By November 30th, you'll have more than abstract art - you'll have a visual representation of 30 days of intentional thankfulness.
Ready to begin? Let's create with grateful hearts! I can't wait to see what you create!
Remember: There are no mistakes in abstract art - only opportunities for creative solutions. Trust the process, embrace imperfection, and let gratitude guide your hands.
