The Illuminated Alphabet: 12 days of creativity
24th December 2025 - 4th January 2026
Reaching out during the festive period
Across the world, this time of year can be unsettling and bring into sharp focus the elements of life that we all struggle with. For the last five years, Ali has shared a demonstration during December to bring together those people who might feel alone, overwhelmed or a little bit lost and she will be repeating it again this year… but bigger and better than before.
If you are on your own or feel isolated, there is no shame in feeling that way - you might be surrounded by people and still be experiencing that same sense. Therefore, Ali would like to invite you to be part of her creative community in a project suitable for all abilities, particularly if you are a beginner or are struggling with confidence. For more information on how you can take part, or encourage others, please read the details below:
The 12 Days of Creativity is a free, gentle art project designed to bring people together over the Christmas period. Each day from December 24th to January 4th, you’ll receive a short video with printable resources guiding you to create your own illustrated initial — a personal piece inspired by the beauty of illuminated letters.
This project is for anyone who enjoys making things, whether you’re an experienced artist or just want a calm, creative focus during the holidays. You can follow along at your own pace, use whatever materials you have, and share your progress with others taking part.
It’s a space to slow down, enjoy small moments of creativity, and find light through art and community at a time of year that can feel busy or difficult.
Ali’s completed project:
Over the 12 day period, Ali walks you through each element of the project, describing in detail with full demonstration how she achieves this completed piece.
Tune in each day or wait until the end of the project and binge-watch over two hours of encouragement and creativity.
Scroll down the page for the materials, resources and links to the videos that will go live each day.
What materials do you need to take part?
Ali will try and make it as basic as she possibly can, with the opportunity to use art materials you may already have or would like to buy. Here is a list but tune in at the beginning of the project to see how you can interpret it.
Pencil (HB and 4B)
Eraser (putty and plastic)
Sharpener
Tracing paper
A surface to paint on such as heavy card or watercolour paper
Ruler (optional)
Scissors (optional)
Masking Tape
Thin sheet of paper, no more than 80gsm
Waterproof sketching pen
Spray bottle (optional)
Hairdryer (optional)
Paints/Pens/Felt tips/Colouring pencils depending on how you would like to fill in your letter shape
Brushes
Old plate/palette
Kitchen Roll
Metallic paint or pens (optional)
Picture Frame (optional)
Ali has prepared a range of resources for you to help with the design and construction of your project. They can all be downloaded and printed out from the link below:
Download all 9 pages of fonts, borders and embellishments as a PDF file HERE.
24th December 2025, 10:00 GMT
Day One: Together
Ali introduces the project LIVE on YouTube, join her to find out how to take part and where to find the resources you need to take part.
Go straight to the broadcast or set a reminder HERE.
25th December 2025, 10:00 GMT
Day Two: Spark
Designing your Illuminated Letter and transferring it to your surface.
Watch the tutorial by clicking or tapping on the Day Two image.
26th December 2025, 10:00 GMT
Day Three: Pattern
Designing your Illuminated Letter and transferring it to your surface.
Watch the tutorial by clicking or tapping on the Day Three image.
27th December 2025, 10:00 GMT
Day Four: Line
Inking in your drawing and testing your pens to find the right one for your project.
Watch the tutorial by clicking or tapping on the Day Four image.
28th December 2025, 10:00 GMT
Day Five: Colour
Choosing a colour scheme, testing combinations and making colour swatches.
Watch the tutorial by clicking or tapping on the Day Five image.
29th December 2025, 10:00 GMT
Day Six: Unity
Which materials to choose for your project and how to apply them.
Watch the tutorial by clicking or tapping on the Day Six image.
30th December 2025, 10:00 GMT
Day Seven: Focus
Adding colour to your letter Part 1.
Watch the tutorial by clicking or tapping on the Day Seven image.
31st December 2025, 10:00 GMT
Day Eight: Harmony
Adding colour to your letter Part 2.
Watch the tutorial by clicking or tapping on the Day Eight image.
1st January 2026, 10:00 GMT
Day Nine: Glow
Embellishing your letter with a metallic element.
Watch the tutorial by clicking or tapping on the Day Nine image.
2nd January 2026, 10:00 GMT
Day Ten: Detail
Re-inking your letter and generally tidying up your project.
Watch the tutorial by clicking or tapping on the Day Ten image.
3rd January 2026, 10:00 GMT
Day Eleven: Wonder
Ideas for how you might like to present your project.
Watch the tutorial by clicking or tapping on the Day Eleven image.
4th January 2026, 18:00 GMT
Day Twelve: Reflect
Ali concludes the project LIVE on YouTube, join her to find out how everyone got on and where you can share your fabulous project so she can see it.
Go straight to the broadcast or set a reminder HERE.
Buy me a coffee…
This project is free for everyone to enjoy.
If it brings you joy or calm this winter, you can support my work by making a small, completely optional donation.
Your contribution helps me keep creating free creative resources for our community.
