Sometimes you’ll want to make a collage but have NO idea what to collage about. A good way to jump start the creation process is by using a prompt! For this prompt list, I’ve focused on things that can be translated visually, e.g. colors or images or both. Here you’ll find ideas for colors, subject images, and themes to use in your collages in November.

November Collage Example

Here’s a how-to video on creating a digital collage using Canva, inspired by this month’s art journal prompts!

Birthstone Color Palette

The birthstone for November is Topaz. Though topaz can come in many colors, including light blue, yellow, orange, violet, brown and red, the pinkish orange “Imperial topaz” is highly desired and the typical color one associates with the stone.

Tip: Upload this color palette to Canva’s color palette generator to get the exact hex code you want!

Word Association

Use these as starting points for brainstorming collage subjects or making a mind map.

Family memories: creating new memories; reliving cherished old ones; heirlooms and family antiques; family reunions; grandparents; family history and genealogy.

Dark and dreary days: dying leaves being shed from their trees; overcast/cloudy days; colder weather; putting on sweaters and starting up fireplaces.

Preparing for winter: digging out winter clothes; stockpiling soups and hot cocoa; mason jars; knitting warm hats; cozy blankets and thick socks.

Zodiac Signs & Associations

November has two zodiac signs: Scorpio, the scorpion, and Sagittarius, the archer. Here are some associations and keywords for those two zodiac signs:

Scorpio
Element: Water
Ruling Planet: Pluto, Mars
Spirit Color: Black
Lucky Gem: Topaz & opal
Flower: Hibiscus & geraniums

Sagittarius
Element: Fire
Ruling Planet: Jupiter
Spirit Color: Light Blue
Lucky Gem: Topaz
Flower: Carnations & crocuses

Remember, you don’t have to be born in November to use either birthstones or Zodiac signs for ideas! They’re just starting off points, to be used for brainstorming colors and image ideas.

November Full Moon Names

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the full moon in November is called the Full Beaver Moon. Time to finish stocking up on winter supplies and retreat into your cozy den for the winter.

Other November moon names are: Deer Rutting Moon, Digging/Scratching Moon, Freezing Moon, Frost Moon and Whitefish Moon.

Holidays and events

November is the start of some big family-oriented holidays! NationalToday.com has a complete list of holidays and events throughout November. Here’s some of my favorites:

• Nov. 2: Day of the Dead
• Nov. 9: Go to an Art Museum Day
• Nov. 11: Veterans Day
• Nov. 15: Odd Socks Day
• Nov. 18: National Princess Day
• Nov. 30: National Mason Jar Day

November is also National Native American Heritage Month. Plus, Thanksgiving happens in the last part of the month (in the U.S.), and Hanukkah also sometimes begins in November.

Inspirational Quotes

Quotes are my favorite way to brainstorm a collage subject. Here’s some quotes about the month of November which I find particularly nice:

“How sad would be November if we had no knowledge of the spring!” – Edwin Way Teale

“Fear not November’s challenge bold—
We’ve books and friends,
And hearths that never can grow cold:
These make amends!”
– Alexander L. Fraser

“November’s sky is chill and drear,
November’s leaf is red and sear…”
– Walter Scott

“November at its best – with a sort of delightful menace in the air.” ― Anne Bosworth Greene

“November is the month to remind us to be thankful for the many positive things happening in our life.” – Unknown

“Some of the days in November carry the whole memory of summer as a fire opal carries the color of moon rise.” – Gladys Taber

“But there is always a November space after the leaves have fallen when she felt it was almost indecent to intrude on the woods…for their glory terrestrial had departed and their glory celestial of spirit and purity and whiteness had not yet come upon them.” – L.M. Montgomery