The long coronavirus lockdowns may be coming to an end, but that does not mean it has to be the end for your growing creativity.

In their down time the last year or so, many homeowners found they had real DIY decorating flair. Let your home be the canvas for more artistic endeavors, whether enduring or ephemeral.

Show of hands: Who stocked up on rubbing alcohol during the pandemic? Be honest!

No worries. Any extra (91% works best) can be used to create one of the coolest year-round DIY art projects: Marbled art tiles. Caution – there is a little fire involved. Parents need to oversee!

First, buy cheap, glossy white tiles. Next, mark on the tiles with colored permanent markers. Drip on the alcohol and the ink will begin to blend. Use a match or lighter to ignite the alcohol and watch the gorgeous designs be revealed! Let dry and apply an optional polyurethane seal. Arrange finished tiles as funky wall décor or use them as coasters. They are great DIY gifts for friends and family!

Got kids who love to draw on the walls? Consider a full-size chalkboard wall, and the whole family can join in the fun! Chalkboard wall paint is available in a variety of colors, but if you plan to apply it to your existing wall, you need to make sure to fill nail holes and sand the surface mirror smooth. Apply at least two coats.

For an outdoor color upgrade that is always first class, try painting the mailbox. A standard-shape box makes a great school bus, rocket ship or even a shark (if you squint just right!). Let your creativity run wild!

Speaking of outdoor painting, why not put a colorful spin on your boring backyard fence? Adults or kids can try their hand at some more stylish looks. Slap up a patriotic scene for the 4th of July. Or ghosts for Halloween. Or Santa for the holidays. The best part? Only your family and friends see it! And if you do not like it, you can always paint it over!

The long pauses from the coronavirus lockdowns allowed many of us to engage in simple activities and invest in our imaginations again. It can be valuable to hold on to some of these new pathways to creativity, even as the world gets back to normal speed.