Well, I'm not sure how much money you have, so my first suggestion is going to be assuming that you have a few bucks to spend... Since you're looking for something arty and creative, why not try sewing? I know that sounds really stupid and old-fashioned, but it's a lost art! If your parents (or grandparents, even) have an old sewing machine they don't use, then ask to borrow it. Start with something easy (like a pair of shorts, or a simple tank top, maybe some lounge pants like pajama bottoms) -- the patterns can be bought cheaply at Wal-Mart or (depending on where you're located) a sale at the local fabric store. Now comes the artsy-creative part!! Choose the fabric for whatever you're making. Check the back of the pattern for how much you need, for your size. There should be someone in the department where you buy the pattern who can help you with that, and getting all the stuff you need. Then go for it, following the pattern directions! The neat thing about sewing is that you can be super-creative and different, making clothing out of non-traditional fabrics, decorating them with trims and beads, all sorts of things. And it becomes wearable art. In the same vein but cheaper and less work -- crocheting. I'm betting that there's SOMEONE in your family (parent, grandparent, aunt, etc.) that knows the basic stitches, and can show them to you. A crochet hook is around $3 for a good one, or cheaper. With all the new frilly, soft, velour, fuzzy yarn out there, you can get very creative quite quickly making scarves for friends, making knit-type caps, making warm socks. It's a very portable craft, because all you take is your ball of yarn, the crochet hook, and your project. So you can literally work on it just about anywhere, at any time. Final recommendation -- from the phrasing of your question, you are obviously an intelligent and well-spoken person. Why not try writing? If you go here: http://www.seventhsanctum.com/index-writ.php they have a wide selection of random story generators to get you started on a good story. Hope these help! Good luck!

Scrapbooking, designing greeting cards, sewing.