What are Creative Touchstones?

Do you ever find yourself drawn to the same colors, words, or images over and over again? It’s not just a habit—it’s a creative touchstone.

A touchstone is something that feels like home in your creativity. It’s a personal or artistic anchor—something you return to because it ✔ Grounds you ✔ Inspires you ✔ Reminds you of what truly matters.

A creative touchstone could be:

• A favorite color palette that always feels like “you.”
• A specific word or phrase that sparks joy or calm.
• A symbol or motif (butterflies, hearts, clocks) that keeps appearing in your work.
• A memory or object that instantly brings you back to an important moment.
• A technique or style that makes your art feel authentic.

When you’re feeling uninspired, turning to your touchstones can help reignite your creativity. They remind you why you create in the first place.

Exploring Touchstones in Your Art

Here are a few ways to creatively engage with your personal touchstones:

1. A Touchstone as a Creative Anchor

We all have elements in our work that feel like a signature—favorite colors, textures, or styles we naturally gravitate toward. 

• Journal Prompt: What are the creative touchstones I return to again and again?
• Scrapbook Page Idea: Create a layout that highlights elements that feel like a “creative signature.”

2. A Touchstone as a Personal Guiding Principle

A touchstone can also be a personal value—something that shapes your artistic and life choices.

• Art Journal Prompt: What values guide my creative journey?
• Scrapbook Layout Idea: Make a page titled “My Touchstones,” including words, images, or symbols that represent what’s most important to you.

I created this digital page using my ‘Pause-ability‘ collection and my focus word ‘BEND.‘ Blue always calms me, and butterflies are my signature element—they are my creative touchstones that ground and inspire me. When life feels overwhelming, I return to these elements because they remind me to pause, adapt, and breathe.

3. A Touchstone as a Memory Keeper

Some objects, places, or people instantly bring us back to a meaningful moment. Scrapbooking and art journaling help preserve these touchstones of our lives.

• Memory Page Idea: Create a layout focused on a physical object that holds deep meaning (e.g., an old book, a childhood toy, a handwritten note).
• Ephemera Inspiration: Use real-life touchstones like ticket stubs, postcards, or fabric swatches in a journal spread.

4. A Touchstone as a Reminder to Stay True to Yourself

In a world full of trends, your creative touchstones help you stay connected to your authentic artistic voice.

• Creative Challenge: Make a scrapbook or journal page that reflects “This is me.” Use colors, textures, and elements that feel 100% YOU.
• Quote Inspiration: Add a quote that resonates as a touchstone for your life. (e.g., “Creativity takes courage.” – Henri Matisse)

Now that I think about it, you could even create a “Touchstone” mini-album or journal series where each page represents a different personal or creative touchstone.

Your Next Step: Explore Focus Words as Touchstones

If you love the idea of creative touchstones, and easy way to get started is to use “focus words.” Focus Words are powerful words that can anchor your creativity and personal growth. I’ve got 20 examples of Focus Words and how they might be used in my blog post, 20 Inspiring Focus Words to Elevate Your Creative Journey which includes a free sampler for you play with!

Remember, Touchstones aren’t just about creativity—they’re about finding calm and reassurance when the world feels a little shaky. 

I’d love to hear from you — what are your creative touchstones?