Here are our top 5 Things We’re OBSESSED With in 2026

There’s something about the beginning of a new year that feels quietly electric. Not the loud, hustle-filled “new year, new you” kind of energy — but a softer, more intentional pull toward what really matters. For me, 2026 feels like a year of coming home to creativity, community, and the joy of making things just for the fun of it.

Today, I want to share five things we are absolutely OBSESSED with in 2026 here at Bundabubs Art Play. These aren’t trends we’re chasing; they’re ideas, practices, and feelings that shape how we create, connect, and live a little slower this year.

Let’s dive in.

1. Community Creating (because art play is better together)

I feel a strong pull toward creating with friends this year. Honestly, it feels like a collective craving. After years of doing so much alone, online, or in a rush, there’s something deeply nourishing about sitting around a table with other humans. Hands busy, conversations flowing, and creativity unfolding naturally.

Community creating isn’t about producing perfect outcomes. It’s about shared experiences. It’s about laughing when the paint goes somewhere unexpected, swapping materials, hyping each other up, and realizing you’re not alone in wanting a more creative life.

This year, I’m dreaming up new ways for us to come together — more playfully, more inclusively, and more intentionally. Watch this space; there’s a lot brewing behind the scenes.

If you're interested in this idea, please register for our upcoming Tuesday morning sessions HERE.

And truly, any ideas you have for this are always welcome. Community only works when everyone has a voice.

2. Our Brand New Pick ’n’ Mix Pots (Too Cute Not to Obsess Over)

OMG. They are just the cutest! They look SO good all set out on the tables!

These little beauties are already stealing hearts, and I know they’re going to be put to very good use at our crafty pick ’n’ mix parties. There’s something so satisfying about choosing your own materials — colors that speak to you, textures that spark ideas, and little bits and pieces that feel exciting in your hands.

I can already picture our Art Play Club absolutely adoring them. The freedom, the choice, the sense of ownership over your creative process — it all ties back to what Bundabubs is about. No cookie-cutter art. No “everyone’s should look the same.” Just playful exploration and joy.

Sometimes, it really is the small details that make creativity feel magical.

3. Art Journaling & Bringing the Analogue Back

This is the year I’m intentionally bringing the analogue back and putting the phone away. For as long as I can each day. This may take a little getting used to, but I'm ready for the challenge!

For me, this whole idea looks like art journaling — carving out time to sit down with paper, paint, pens, glue, scraps, and ideas without a screen buzzing nearby. It means choosing to do something I love instead of just ticking off jobs around the house or scrolling “for five minutes” (we all know how that goes).

Art journaling isn’t about making something to show anyone else. It’s private, messy, expressive, and grounding. It’s a place to process thoughts, play with color, and reconnect with yourself.

If this is something you’re working toward too, let’s do it together. Art play is better with friends — and honestly, so is coming off this addictive little device we all carry around. It is easier to do it with friends there to support you.

Digital detox doesn’t have to be extreme. Sometimes it’s just choosing paint over phones for an hour.

4. Open-Ended Creativity (The heart of everything I do at Bundabubs)

Open-ended creativity is at the core of everything we do at Bundabubs Art Play.

It’s the freedom to create what you want, in your own style, using the materials that speak to you. No step-by-step instructions. No pressure to make it “right.” No comparison.

This is where imagination thrives. This is where confidence grows. This is where both adults and children surprise themselves with what they’re capable of.

And guess what? It works best with others.

When you’re surrounded by people creating in their own unique ways, it gives you permission to do the same. You realize there’s no single definition of creativity — just expression, curiosity, and play.

Can you spot the common thread yet? Community. Always community.

5. Bringing the Whimsy

I have to say — I think I’ve been doing this for a while, but I never had a name for it before. So thank you, Instagram trend: bringing the whimsy.

Whimsy is about lightness. Playfulness. Letting things be a little bit magical, a little bit silly, and a little bit imperfect. It’s choosing colors that make you smile, leaning into cozy hobbies, romanticizing the small moments, and creating a life that feels soft around the edges.

I’ll be sharing more about how I bring whimsy into my creative life (and business!) in my bi-weekly email journal, Overheard At Art Play. If you love slow living, soft business, mindful creativity, and cozy inspiration, you’ll feel right at home there.

Looking Ahead

There is so much to look forward to this year. I am absolutely pumped to be here, to keep building this beautiful creative community, and to get stuck into another year of art play with you all.

If you’re new here — hi! I’m Gabbie, art play educator and lover of all things analog and creative. Bundabubs is all about bringing people together — adults and children — to create in community with like-minded friends. It’s a place where your creativity shines and is celebrated. No judgment. No cookie-cutter art. Just freedom, connection, and joy.

I’d love to know — what are you loving this year? Maybe we have something in common. Leave a comment, and let’s chat 🤍

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