Joy in Public. Kindness in Action. Art for Everyone.
Operation Merriment
Operation Merriment
Let’s fill the sidewalks (and hearts) with art, laughter, and connection.
What is Operation Merriment?
What is Operation Merriment?
Operation Merriment is an in-person experience where we gather, create, and bring unexpected moments of joy into the world through guerrilla art. It’s not just about making art—it’s about reclaiming our sense of play, making an impact, and remembering that small acts of creativity can change lives (including our own).
If you’ve been feeling stuck, invisible, or like the world could use a little more magic—this is for you.
Operation Merriment is a monthly in-person gathering where you will:
✅ Create: Learn how to make fun, meaningful guerrilla art projects (no experience needed!)
✅ Connect: Meet like-minded people who want to spread joy and do something different
✅ Give Back: Secretly place your creations in public spaces to spark happiness in others
✅ Build Confidence: Step outside your comfort zone and see how your creativity can inspire change
🎨 Whether it’s uplifting sidewalk chalk messages, hidden love notes, or interactive art installations, every session is about turning creativity into kindness.
This isn’t an art class. It’s a movement.
Why Guerrilla Art?
Why Guerrilla Art?
We live in a world where people feel disconnected, weighed down, and uninspired. Guerrilla art is a way to break through that—to interrupt the ordinary with moments of wonder.
🔹 It’s unexpected. Finding a hidden message or a burst of color on a dull day can change someone’s mood instantly.
🔹 It’s accessible. You don’t need to be an “artist” to participate. If you can hold a marker, tape something up, or write a note—you can do this.
🔹 It’s empowering. There’s something exhilarating about leaving your mark in the world without needing permission.
Most importantly? It reminds us that we’re capable of making a difference—right now, exactly as we are.
How It Works
How It Works
🖌 Step 1: Gather & Create – We meet up, go over the theme for the month, and make our art together.
🚀 Step 2: Deploy the Joy – We head out to place our creations in public spaces for others to find.
💬 Step 3: Reflect & Connect – Share our experiences, celebrate what we’ve done, and leave feeling lighter, happier, and more inspired.
Why Join?
Why Join?
👥 You want real, in-person connection – Not forced networking, just genuine community.
🎨 You’re craving creativity but don’t know where to start – No pressure, no perfection, just play.
💛 You want to make an impact – And see firsthand how small acts of joy ripple outward.
🌟 You need a confidence boost – Stepping outside your comfort zone in a safe, supportive space changes how you see yourself.
This is for the dreamers, the quiet rebels, the ones who believe kindness still matters.
This Month's Theme
This Month's Theme
Capsules of Merriment
💌 There’s something quietly magical about finding a tiny message when you least expect it.
This month, Operation Merriment is taking over IKEA—not with furniture or flat-pack adventures, but with hidden capsules of joy.
Each capsule is a tiny vessel: a note of encouragement, a playful prompt, a weird confession, a doodle, a love letter to a stranger.
Together, we’ll create dozens of these mini-missions, then scatter them throughout IKEA’s showrooms for future customers (and employees!) to discover—like that whimsical scene in 500 Days of Summer.
What We'll Do
What We'll Do
We’ll meet in the IKEA food court to get cozy, craft, and fill our capsules with uplifting messages, art, and surprises. Then we’ll set off to quietly “plant” them throughout the staged furniture displays for someone else to find later—an unexpected moment of delight on an ordinary shopping trip.
Expect:
✍️ Creating your own capsules (all supplies provided!)
💬 Prompts and inspiration to make your messages unique and heartfelt
🏡 A slow stroll through IKEA’s showrooms, leaving joy behind for strangers
📸 A group photo moment at the end of our mission
“That was really cute, and exactly what my soul needed. Thank you.” – Chasz
What to Bring (Optional)
What to Bring (Optional)
You don’t need to bring anything—all supplies will be provided, including:
eggs & capsules, paper slips, writing utensils, washi tape, string, scissors, labels, and decoration materials.
But if you’d like, you’re welcome to:
+ Bring containers that we can use for capsules
+ Bring pre-made capsules
+ Bring small notes, stickers, or surprises to insert inside your capsules
+ Wear something comfy for walking the showrooms
Things That Could Be Capsules
Things That Could Be Capsules
+ Eggs
+ Glasses cases
+ Floppy disks
+ Bags/satchels
+ Pill bottles/calendars
+ Pencil pouches
+ Tiny containers
+ Jars/bottles
+ Novelty shapes
+ Origami boxes
+ Cookie tins
+ Toilet roll tubes
+ Film canisters
+ Anything that opens or has a lid
Details
Details
📅 When: Saturday, November 22nd
⏰ Time: 4:00–6:00 PM
📍 Where: IKEA — 8352 Honeygo Blvd, Nottingham, MD 21236
📍 Meet at: Food Court (2nd Floor)
💵 Cost: $7 (includes all materials & resources)
Become a VIP!
Become a VIP!
Introducing the Operation Merriment VIP Card – your official punch card for spreading joy on repeat.
Every time you attend an Operation Merriment mission, you’ll get a punch on your card. Come to 5 events and you’ll unlock a surprise reward as a thank-you for being a dedicated joy spreader!
Introducing the Operation Merriment VIP Card – your official punch card for spreading joy on repeat.
Every time you attend an Operation Merriment mission, you’ll get a punch on your card. Come to 5 events and you’ll unlock a surprise reward as a thank-you for being a dedicated joy spreader!
done
30 years of proven expertise
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Professional trainers and convenient scheduling
Meet Your Facilitator!
Meet Your Facilitator!
Mary is a Merriment Maker, Entrepreneur, and Thought Leader of an online education company, Uncustomary, which teaches overwhelmed humans how to make happiness a habit and turn every day into a celebration.
FAQ
FAQ
I’m not artistic. Can I still join?
I’m not artistic. Can I still join?
Absolutely! Operation Merriment is about spreading joy, not perfection. Whether you scribble, collage, write, or tape something up—you belong here. Plus, the DIY's are SUPER easy and only take a few minutes.
What if I feel shy or nervous?
What if I feel shy or nervous?
Totally normal! This is a no-pressure environment. You can participate at your own pace, and we’ll make sure you feel comfortable every step of the way.
Will we get in trouble for leaving art in public?
Will we get in trouble for leaving art in public?
Nope! We focus on ethical guerrilla art—nothing damaging or illegal. Everything we do is about adding joy to the world, not disrupting it. And worst case, I assume responsibility!
How many tickets are available?
How many tickets are available?
14 per event (unless otherwise noted). All ages are welcome. All ages need a ticket.
Are tickets refundable?
Are tickets refundable?
Tickets are non-refundable. But they are transferable. If you would like to give your ticket to a friend, just let me know.
What do I need to bring?
What do I need to bring?
Nothing but yourself! All materials are provided.
Where are we going to distribute?
Where are we going to distribute?
Right outside (or inside) the venue we meet up at to make the art! We'll walk outside, walk around, and spread the art in that neighborhood.
This Month's Venue
This Month's Venue
Venue: IKEA Nottingham (Food Court + Showrooms)
🪑 Accessibility: ADA accessible
🅿️ Parking: Free lot on-site
🚻 Bathrooms: Available near the food court
🥐 Food/Drinks: Food and drinks available for purchase at the café
🌍 A Mission of Merriment
Operation merriment is part of the 11K Acts of Merriment Project! A mission to spark 11,111 acts of kindness before my birthday. 🫶
Want to participate? Submit your own acts (big or small!) here: 👉 uncustomary.org/11K