You don’t have to be good at art to enjoy being creative.

You could take a photo, sing along to a favourite song, make something from things you already have at home or try a new class. You can be creative on your own or with other people.

Being creative can help you relax, focus on something you enjoy or take your mind off worries for a while.

If you’re feeling low, stressed or short of energy, start small. You don’t need special equipment, and there’s no right or wrong way to be creative.

Creative activities you can try at home

Here are some ideas you can try at home, using things you may already have:

  • Make something from torn paper. Arrange pieces of scrap paper into a picture, pattern or small sculpture.
  • Go on a photo hunt. Use your phone to photograph interesting colours, shapes or textures around you.
  • Make a mini zine. Fold some scrap paper into a little booklet about something you love, dislike or want to change. Fill it with words and drawings.
  • Write a poem from found words. Pick a few words from packaging, book spines or old magazines and put them together in a new way.
  • Try texture rubbings. Put paper over a leaf, coin or textured surface and rub gently with a pencil or crayon to bring out the pattern.
  • Make up a song. Change the words of a familiar tune to describe your day, or hum a tune of your own.
  • Move to music. Make up a few dance moves to a favourite song, standing or sitting down.
  • Fold an origami owl. Try making a paper owl, inspired by MindWell’s Give a Hoot! project in Leeds.

Some of these ideas are inspired by activities shared by Arts & Minds members in Leeds and other local community arts projects.

Ideas to get creative

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More ideas to try

If you’d like a bit more inspiration, these free resources have activities and ideas you can follow at home:

  • Arts & Minds Natural Textures – try making artwork inspired by nature using wax and ink. Follow the video demonstration and downloadable instructions. 
  • University of Leeds Galleries – find drawing exercises and creative writing prompts from the galleries’ Sketch Club and Pen to Paper sessions.
  • Opera North wellbeing singing videos – follow free videos exploring singing, breathing and gentle movement.
  • Creative Ageing Treasury of Leeds – 15 creative activities from local artists, including poetry, crafts and movement. Designed with older people in mind, with ideas for different abilities and people living with dementia.
  • Pyramid – activities at home – try bubble-wrap printing, nature collages, vegetable printing and other creative activities, with downloadable instructions and video demonstrations.
  • Age of Creativity challenges – choose from 31 free creative challenges developed with older people, including activities designed to be dementia-friendly.

Explore art and museums online

You can explore art collections and museums around the world without leaving home.

  • Leeds Museums and Galleries – discover artworks, objects and online exhibitions from museums and galleries across Leeds.
  • University of Leeds Galleries – put together digital jigsaws featuring artwork and objects from the university’s collections.
  • The National Gallery, London – take a virtual walk through the galleries and explore paintings from different periods.
  • Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam – explore the museum’s galleries and see paintings and drawings by Vincent van Gogh.
  • The Louvre, Paris – take a virtual tour of exhibitions exploring art, history and culture.
  • Opera North – watch opera, music and dance performances from home. Some are free, while others may require payment.

You might find something that inspires you to draw, write or make something of your own.

Find creative groups and activities in Leeds

If you’d like to be creative with other people, there are groups and classes across Leeds, including art, crafts, music and writing. Some are free or low cost.

Find creative groups and activities in Leeds

Find creative events and workshops in Leeds

For one-off workshops, exhibitions and other arts events, see what is coming up on Leeds Inspired.

See creative events and workshops on Leeds Inspired

Last updated: September 2026