Creative Rituals for Cooler Days

As the days turn crisp and the evenings grow longer, autumn offers us a natural invitation to slow down. Cooler weather encourages us to linger indoors, wrap ourselves in cozy routines, and rediscover the joy of small creative rituals. These practices may seem simple, but they carry the power to calm our minds, spark joy, and help us stay attentive to God’s presence in ordinary moments.

Here are a few of my favorite ways to nurture creativity and stillness during this season:

Journaling

Autumn is a perfect time to return to the page. Whether it’s reflecting on scripture, jotting down daily gratitude, or simply capturing the details of the day, journaling gives shape to our thoughts and makes space for prayerful reflection. A blank page and a pen can become companions for noticing God in the everyday.

We often share journaling prompts on our Substack. Subscribe here!

Sketching

Even five minutes of sketching can become a contemplative practice. A leaf on the sidewalk, the mug on your table, or the view from your window—all of these can invite you to pause and look more closely. The act of sketching is less about perfection and more about presence.

A white flour sack tea towel decorated with red pomegranates and green leaves in a charming all over design by Jenny Gallo of Carrot Top Studio. Shop kitchen towels!

Tea Towels in Daily Use

It may sound ordinary, but pulling out a tea towel designed with beauty in mind can turn a simple act into a ritual of delight. Whether it’s drying dishes or covering warm bread, textiles remind us that artistry is a part of the daily rhythms of life. Our seasonal designs—from pomegranates to gingerbread to doxology sunflowers—can add just a touch of joy to the kitchen on cool days.

Thanks a Bunch is the phrase above a whimsical bunch of carrots on this notecard by Jenny Gallo of Carrot Top Studio stationery shop.

Note Card Writing

One of the simplest but most impactful rituals is sending a handwritten note. A short message of gratitude or encouragement can brighten someone’s entire day. And in the writing, you may find yourself grounded in the gift of connection, even across miles.

Creative rituals don’t need to be complicated. They’re about paying attention, letting beauty shape our days, and creating moments of stillness amid the busyness of fall. This season, may you find small ways to nurture your spirit—whether by picking up a pen, sketching a leaf, or sending a blessing through the mail.


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Jenny Gallo

Jenny Gallo is the artist and founder of Carrot Top Studio, where she has been creating story-rich clergy stoles and meaningful art since 2004. What began as a love for making and serving faith communities has grown into a studio practice rooted in season, symbol, and care. Trained as an art educator, Jenny taught art in Chicago, Houston, and Pittsburgh before devoting herself fully to studio work. She holds a B.S. in Art Education from The Pennsylvania State University and now lives and works in the Madison, Wisconsin area.

http://www.CarrotTopStudio.com
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Autumn Pages: How the Season Can Inspire Your Sketchbook

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Visual Connections for World Communion Sunday