🌿 Trying Something New: How September is the Perfect Time to Start a New Hobby

As a teacher, September has always felt like January to me! The kids go back to school, and suddenly there’s that 'new term' energy in the air. A natural time to reset, set intentions, and maybe even try something new.

Why September is the best time to start a new hobby

When routines shift in September, it creates a natural opening to build new habits. Starting a new hobby isn’t just about filling your spare time, it’s about giving yourself space to unwind, and rediscover what you love.

Creative hobbies in particular, like drawing or painting, are proven to reduce stress, improve focus, and boost confidence. And one of the best hobbies for beginners? Watercolour painting.

Painted my favourite Autumnal coffee!

How to start watercolour painting (beginner tips)

Watercolour is an easy and accessible medium for beginners because it doesn’t require much equipment. You can start with:

• A small palette of paints

• A couple of brushes

• Watercolour paper

That’s it! You don’t need an expensive art studio or years of experience to enjoy the process. You can paint at the kitchen table, in a sketchbook on your lap, or even outside in nature.

👉 To make things even simpler, I’ve put together a Watercolour Starter Kit with all the essentials so you don’t have to overthink what to buy.

Beginner Watercolour Kit

The September New Leaf Challenge 🍂

If you want a little guidance as you begin, I’ve created the New Leaf Challenge. A guided art challenge with 15 creative prompts designed to build your watercolour confidence.

In this challenge, you’ll:

✨ Practice basic watercolour skills like shading and blending

✨ Learn perspective and proportion in a playful way

✨ Explore bold colours, patterns, and abstract styles

✨ Create your own final “New Leaf” artwork

👉 You can find the full challenge over on Pinterest. Save it, pin it, and use it as your creative roadmap for September.

15 Days September New Leaf Challenge

Why try watercolour painting this September?

• It’s calming and mindful

• It helps you grow creatively without pressure or perfectionism

• You’ll see quick progress even as a beginner

• It’s something just for you in a month often filled with new routines for everyone else

  
  

A fresh page for a new season

Whether September means a new school term in your house, a change in routine, or simply the feeling of autumn settling in, it’s the perfect time to embrace trying something new.

So here’s your invitation: give yourself the gift of a creative hobby this month. Pick up a brush, try a few prompts from the challenge, and see what happens. Who knows? By October, you might surprise yourself with how much you’ve grown.

With love ,Chloe x