Setting Intentions for Our Journey

Laying the Foundation for Creativity and Growth

Before we begin painting, let’s pause to set our intentions. I am passionate about using our creativity as a healing modality, not simply to create pretty paintings. This course is designed not only to help you explore your artistic side but also to guide you toward deeper self-discovery.

Setting an intention gives purpose and direction to that journey, much like a compass guiding you through each brushstroke.

Why Set an Intention?

When we set an intention, we’re creating a gentle anchor for ourselves. It’s a promise or commitment—not to perfection, but to the energy we want to bring into this creative space. Whether it’s playfulness, curiosity, self-compassion, or healing, your intention will serve as a guide throughout the course.

“An intention is like planting a seed—giving yourself permission to grow in whatever direction feels right for you.”

How to Set Your Intention:

Take a moment to reflect before you start. Ask yourself:

• What do I want to experience during this course?
• What part of myself am I hoping to reconnect with?
• What do I want to let go of as I create?

Don’t rush this process. You may want to close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and tune into how you feel. Let your intention rise naturally—it doesn’t have to be complicated.

It might be a single word like “freedom,” “healing,” or “joy.” Or it could be a simple sentence like, “I intend to let go of fear as I create” or “I will approach my art with curiosity, not judgment.”

Bullet Points to Guide Your Intention-Setting:

• Breathe: Start by taking a few deep breaths, settling into the present moment.
• Reflect: What do you need most right now—creativity, peace, or perhaps courage?
• Choose a Word or Phrase: Your intention can be as simple or specific as you want it to be.
• Trust Yourself: Whatever intention comes to you, trust that it’s the right one.

“Your intention doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to resonate with you. It’s your guiding light.”

Writing Your Intention

You may find it helpful to write your intention down. Grab a journal, or jot it on a piece of paper to place nearby as you work. Seeing your intention will help you stay connected to it throughout the course.

Possible Intention Examples:

• “I intend to let go of self-doubt as I create.”
• “I will approach each brushstroke with curiosity and openness.”
• “I want to reconnect with my creative side without judgment.”
• “I will be kind to myself as I explore new techniques.”

Feel free to modify your intention as you move through the course. Sometimes, your needs will shift, and that’s okay. Your intention is a living part of your creative practice—it can grow and evolve just like you.

Remember: Setting an intention isn’t about putting pressure on yourself to achieve a specific outcome. It’s about aligning your energy and focus with what matters most to you right now. Let your intention be flexible, gentle, and authentic to where you are.

Journal Prompts to Deepen Your Intention:

1. What do I hope to learn about myself through this creative process?
2. How can I use this course to heal or transform an aspect of my life?
3. What fears or limiting beliefs do I want to release as I create?
4. How will I know if I’ve stayed true to my intention by the end of the course?

Looking Ahead

Now that your intention is set, you’re ready to dive into the creative process with an open heart. Remember, this journey is yours—each brushstroke and color choice is a reflection of your personal growth and creativity. In the next lesson, we’ll explore how to approach painting with freedom and playfulness, letting go of the need for perfection.

Your intention will guide you through each lesson.

Keep it close, and allow it to evolve as you do.

Now that we have our hearts and minds ready, let's get our supplies together...

Weaving Hope: Supply List

For the Whole Course:

• Canvas
  Any size you prefer (suggested: 11"x14" or 16"x20"). You can use an old thrift store canvas, or a new one.
• Acrylic Paints
  Essential Colors:
  • White
  • Black
  • Red
  • Yellow
  • Blue
  • Magenta
    Optional Colors:
  • Teal
  • Jewel tones (or any additional colors you feel inspired to use)
• Gesso
  Used to cover any old artwork on a canvas, if needed, or to prepare your surface for painting.
• Paint Brushes
  A variety of sizes (small detail brushes, flat brushes, and medium-sized round brushes are recommended).
• Chalk
  White chalk or a light pastel for sketching outlines on your canvas.
• Palette
  Options include a paper plate, old tray, takeout container, or an actual artist’s palette for mixing your paints.
• Palette Knife (Optional)
  For mixing paints or adding texture to your work.
• Jar of Water
  For cleaning brushes between colors.
• Mister Bottle (Optional)
  Helps keep your paints from drying too quickly.
• Paper Towels or Old Rag
  For cleaning brushes, wiping away excess water, or cleaning up messes.
• Apron or Old Clothing
  To protect your clothes while you paint.
• Easel (Optional)
  You can use an easel or work on a flat surface depending on your preference.
• Inspiration Image
  Have access to the internet to find images of spider webs and spiders for inspiration.

Additional Materials for Journaling:

• Journal or Notebook
  For reflection and responding to the journal prompts throughout the course.
• Pen or Pencil
  For writing in your journal and sketching out ideas if desired.

I have also included a downloadable and printable PDF of the supplies list below...