Stampin with Paula

Colour Her World - Whimsical Mixed Media Art Tutorial

2026-10-15T11:21:03.727+11:00

Colour Her World – A Whimsical Mixed Media Art Tutorial

Do you love whimsical art, beautiful colours and creating something uniquely your own?

My latest mixed media tutorial, Colour Her World, is all about bringing a whimsical girl portrait to life, one layer at a time!

In this 24-page step-by-step tutorial, I'll guide you through the creative process, with progress photographs, techniques to explore, helpful reference pages and traceable line art to help you get started.

Whether you're new to mixed media or simply looking for a fun project to inspire your creativity, this tutorial is an opportunity to experiment with colour, play with mark-making and enjoy the magic of creating.

Remember, you don't have to use the same colours I do. Make it your own, try something different and see where your imagination takes you!

✨ Ready to Colour Her World?

You can find the Colour Her World mixed media tutorial in my Payhip shop.

Discover the tutorial here

Happy creating!

Paula ❤️
Paula Maree Arts

Make it Happen

2026-10-14T11:20:16.342+11:00

Meet my latest whimsical mixed media girl! With her textured afro, oversized glasses, turquoise earrings and vibrant pink background, this portrait is all about personality, creativity and a little reminder to make things happen. Come and explore the colours, textures and inspiration behind this artwork.

Make It Happen – A Reminder for All of Us

I added the words make it happen to this portrait because I think it's a message worth keeping close.

It's easy to spend time thinking about the things we'd love to do. Perhaps there's a new art technique you'd like to learn, a creative project you've been putting off, or an idea you've been carrying around in your head for months.

Sometimes, we wait until we feel confident enough to begin. We wait until we have more time, more experience or the perfect supplies.

But what if we simply started?

We don't have to know exactly where we're going. We don't have to get everything right the first time. We just need to take that first little step.

For me, that might mean picking up my paintbrush, experimenting with a new colour combination or starting a fresh page in my art journal.

Your first step might look completely different.

Whatever it is, you don't need to have the whole journey figured out before you begin.

Halloween Party Planner

2026-09-29T08:07:39.160+10:00

Planner Available HERE

🎃 Halloween Party Planner

Plan the Perfect Spooky Celebration Without the Stress!

Get ready to create a Halloween party everyone will remember with this fun and beautifully designed Halloween Party Planner.

Whether you’re planning a kids’ Halloween party, a spooky family gathering, a classroom celebration, or a neighbourhood event, this planner helps you organise every little detail — so you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the magic.

No more last-minute panic, forgotten supplies, or scrambling to remember what still needs to be done!

✨ Inside this Halloween Party Planner you’ll find pages to help you plan:

🎃 Halloween Party Vision & Ideas
🕷️ Guest List & Invitations
👻 Costume Planning Checklist
🍬 Treats & Candy Planning
🍕 Food & Drink Planner
🧁 Party Menu Ideas
🎂 Cake & Dessert Planning
🕯️ Decorations Checklist
🎈 Party Supplies Checklist
🎲 Games & Activities Planning
📸 Photo Ideas & Memories
🛒 Shopping Lists
✅ To-Do Checklists
📝 Notes & Extra Planning Space

…and more spooky organising pages to help bring your Halloween celebration to life!

Why you’ll love this planner:

✔ Designed for busy parents who want an organised party without the overwhelm
✔ Keeps all your Halloween ideas, lists and plans together in one place
✔ Printable and easy to use year after year
✔ Makes party planning simple, fun and stress-free

Create a magical Halloween celebration your family and friends will love — with everything planned before the spooky fun begins! 🧡🖤

Stand in the Truth

2026-09-12T09:24:52.575+10:00

Standing in the Truth of Who You Are Becoming

There are some art journal pages that seem to come together almost by accident. This was one of them.

I started with my whimsical girl and then began building layers around her — paint, collage, stamping, handwritten marks, scribbles and lots of little details. I wanted the background to feel loose and messy, while keeping the girl herself more polished and refined.

Pink, coral, peach and touches of blue gradually came together, creating a bright and slightly cheeky atmosphere. I added circles and dots, typewritten text and those rough black scribbles that I love so much. They aren't meant to be perfect — they're there to add movement and personality.

For the opposite page, I wanted something a little more meaningful. The words “Stand in the truth of who you are becoming” seemed to fit perfectly.

Sometimes our artwork reflects where we are in life. We don't always know exactly where we're going, but we can still keep moving forward and becoming the person we're meant to be.

And perhaps that's one of the things I love most about mixed media.

There are no rules saying everything has to be neat or perfect.

A little paint goes somewhere unexpected.
A scribble becomes part of the composition.
A piece of collage gets covered and then revealed again.
And somehow, all those imperfect layers become part of the story.

That's what this page feels like to me — colourful, imperfect, a little messy and completely unapologetic.

And maybe that's exactly how we're supposed to be. ❤️

https://www.instagram.com/szantaiszilvi/ - Collage paper girl

https://nataliemay.com.au - Stencil word Art

The Quiet within Journal

2026-09-09T19:21:03.584+10:00

The Quiet Within Mindfulness Journal

A beautiful guided journal created to help you slow down, reflect, reconnect with yourself and find a little more calm in everyday life.

Inside you'll find 64 thoughtfully designed pages featuring:

✨ Self-awareness prompts
✨ Slowing down & mindfulness exercises
✨ Inner dialogue & self-compassion prompts
✨ Gratitude & reflection pages
✨ Healing & letting-go prompts
✨ Personal growth & relationship reflections
✨ Anxiety & overwhelm prompts
✨ Mindful colouring pages

With gentle prompts and beautiful illustrations throughout, The Quiet Within gives you a peaceful space to pause, put your thoughts on paper and reconnect with yourself.

You will receive:

📖 1 × 64-page printable PDF journal
🖨️ Print at home as many times as you like for your own personal use
📥 Instant digital download

Copyright & Personal Use

This journal is for personal use only. You may print the pages for yourself, but you may not copy, share, resell, redistribute, reproduce, modify, or use any part of this journal for commercial purposes.

No physical product will be shipped.

A quiet space for your thoughts. A little time for yourself. 🌿

Monster Madness Colouring Book

2026-09-05T14:08:03.487+10:00

Click on cover for link.

Adorable Monster Colouring Book | Printable Digital Download

Get ready for a little MONSTER MADNESS! 💕👾🌈

Meet a lovable bunch of cute, goofy monsters and join them on a colouring adventure filled with fun, friendship, imagination and plenty of adorable details to colour.

From magical monster lands and cosy bedrooms to outer space, the beach, a monster bakery and a fun park, every page brings a new little adventure.

🎨 18 adorable colouring pages
👾 Cute and friendly monster characters
🌈 Fun, imaginative scenes
💕 Positive messages about kindness, courage, friendship and being yourself
⭐ Lots of fun details to colour
🖨️ Designed as a printable colouring book

✨ WHAT'S INSIDE?

Your Monster Madness adventure includes:

A colourful cover
A welcome page
Meet-the-monsters character page
Monster Land
Monster Happy Place
Monster Club
Outer Space adventures
Beach fun
Monster Bakery
Monster Fun Park
Cosy Monster Dreams
Happy Monster Day
Monster picnic adventures
Monster Club treehouse fun
And more!

Every illustration features bold, clear line art designed to make colouring enjoyable and relaxing.

Whimsical Spa Day Tutorial

2026-06-05T14:23:54.647+10:00

Grab your copy here

Whimsical Spa Day Girl – Mixed Media Portrait Tutorial

Create a charming whimsical portrait full of personality, colour, and mixed media texture!

In this step-by-step tutorial, you'll learn how to create a beautiful Spa Day Girl featuring expressive eyes, a soft towel wrap, colourful layered shadows, collage elements, and decorative mixed media details.

Perfect for beginners and intermediate artists, this downloadable workbook guides you through the entire creative process—from building a vibrant background to adding the final highlights that bring your character to life.

What's Included

✓ 12-page printable PDF tutorial

✓ Step-by-step instructions with progress photos

✓ Materials and colour palette guide

✓ Background building techniques

✓ Face and character construction

✓ Mixed media layering techniques

✓ Decorative mark-making ideas

✓ Reference page

✓ Full-size printable traceable

✓ Colour palette reference sheet

Techniques You'll Learn

• Creating layered collage backgrounds

• Building whimsical character faces

• Painting expressive eyes

• Adding colourful shadows to white objects

• Combining acrylic paint and oil pastels

• Creating depth with mixed media marks

• Adding finishing details and highlights

Suitable For

• Beginners

• Intermediate artists

• Art journal enthusiasts

• Mixed media artists

• Anyone who loves whimsical portrait art

Create a beautiful artwork while developing your own whimsical mixed media style.

Instant digital download. No physical product will be shipped.

For personal use only.

Whimsical Floral Kimono Girl

2026-06-04T08:38:41.498+10:00

Introducing My New Whimsical Floral Kimono Girl Mixed Media Tutorial

I'm so excited to finally share my newest mixed media tutorial with you!

The Whimsical Floral Kimono Girl is a colourful, expressive portrait that combines collage, acrylic paint, layered shadows, floral details, and whimsical mark-making techniques. This piece has quickly become one of my favourites, and I'm thrilled to be able to teach the process step-by-step.

The Inspiration Behind This Piece

I have always loved creating whimsical girls with oversized eyes and expressive faces. For this portrait, I wanted to combine soft floral elements, vintage book pages, delicate pinks, and dreamy violet shadows to create a character full of personality and charm.

The floral kimono, textured collage background, and decorative details all work together to create a piece that feels both playful and artistic.

What You'll Learn

In this tutorial, I'll guide you through the complete creative process, including:

Creating a collage background using vintage book pages
Building soft layers of colour and texture
Painting expressive eyes that become the focal point
Adding whimsical shadows and highlights
Creating floral details and patterns
Using mixed media marks to bring the artwork to life

Whether you're new to mixed media or already enjoy creating whimsical portraits, this tutorial is designed to be fun, approachable, and inspiring.

What's Included

The downloadable tutorial includes:

✔ 25-page printable PDF

✔ Step-by-step instructions

✔ Progress photos

✔ Colour palette guide

✔ Materials list

✔ Printable traceable line drawing

✔ Artist tips and guidance

✔ Project progression page

✔ Copyright and usage information

Make It Your Own

One of my favourite parts of creating whimsical portraits is seeing how each artist adds their own personality to the piece.

Try experimenting with:

Different flower colours
Alternative kimono patterns
New background colour combinations
Different hairstyles
Unique eye colours

No two portraits will ever be exactly the same, and that's part of the magic.

Thank You

Thank you for supporting my art and creative journey. Every tutorial I create is designed to encourage confidence, creativity, and joyful art-making.

I hope this project inspires you to pick up your paints, embrace imperfections, and create something uniquely your own.

Happy creating!

Paula Maree Arts
Creating art with passion & heart

DOWNLOAD YOUR COPY HERE

The Ultimate Alcohol Marker Workbook

2026-03-28T15:43:00.001+11:00

🎨 My Alcohol Marker Journal – Your Ultimate Colouring Companion

Struggling to find the perfect colour combinations? Wasting time testing blends that don’t quite work?

This journal is designed to change that.

✨ My Alcohol Marker Journal gives you a beautiful, organised space to test, track, and perfect your colouring — all in one place.

🌈 Create with Confidence

No more guessing.
No more messy scrap paper.

✔ Track your colours
✔ Build reliable blends
✔ Develop your own go-to palettes

✏️ Practice While You Learn

This isn’t just a tracker — it’s a creative practice journal.

Inside you’ll find:
• Beautiful line art images to colour
• Pages designed for real colouring practice
• Space to test and refine your blends as you go

So you’re not just organising… you’re improving every time you use it.

🖊️ Works With ANY Alcohol Markers

Whether you use:
• Budget markers
• Ohuhu
• Copic
• Winsor & Newton
• Or mixed brands

This journal works perfectly with any alcohol marker set — making it flexible, practical, and beginner-friendly.

💡 Why You’ll Love It

✔ Keep all your colour combinations in one place
✔ Improve blending faster
✔ Build confidence in your colouring
✔ Designed for both beginners and experienced artists

📄 Product Details

• Instant digital download
• Print at home or use digitally
• A4 format
• Designed for repeated use

✨ If you love colouring, this journal will become your go-to creative tool.

Start creating smoother blends, better colour choices, and artwork you’re proud of — today.

PURCHASE Your COPY HERE

The Trouble with Terriers

2026-03-25T17:28:00.003+11:00

Coloring with Copic Markers: Bringing a Whimsical Pup to Life

Today, I had so much fun coloring this adorable little pup tangled up in yarn! With those big shiny eyes, fluffy fur, and all that colorful wool, this piece was the perfect opportunity to play with vibrant shades and soft blending using my Copic markers.

Starting with the Fur

For the fur, I began by layering warm browns—starting light and gradually deepening the tones to create softness and texture. The trick with Copic markers is to keep your layers wet so the colors blend seamlessly. Small, quick strokes mimic the direction of fur and give a more natural look.

Adding Those Big Eyes

The eyes are where the personality shines! I layered cool grays and deep blues to create depth, leaving tiny white highlights for that sweet, glossy effect. A white gel pen adds that final sparkle.

Playing with Yarn Colors

This part was pure joy! I used bright, playful hues to create a whimsical palette that pops against the neutral fur. Each ball of yarn has its own tone and texture, so I varied the shading to keep them distinct.

The Finishing Touches

A soft gray shadow under the pup helps ground the image and gives it that three-dimensional feel. I love how the tangled threads and knitting needles add to the charm—it’s like this little one got caught in a creative mess!

Why I Love Copic Coloring

Copic markers make it easy to achieve smooth blends and rich layers. They’re alcohol-based, so colors can be built up gradually without streaking. The range of shades means you can always find the perfect tone for fur, fabric, or fantasy details.

This image is a class from kit and clowder. Please click on this link, you can use my name as a referral and check out the amazing colouring classes Alyce has for sale.

Red Hat, Blue Eyes

2026-03-13T16:07:00.004+11:00

Red Hat, Blue Eyes: A Story in Colour

There’s something magical about the way a painting can hold a whole world inside it. In this piece, a girl with luminous blue eyes gazes forward as if she’s caught mid-thought—half curious, half whimsical. Her bold red hat tilts playfully to one side, adorned with a bright blue flower that adds a touch of softness to her confident silhouette.

The vibrant teal background, textured with layers of expressive brushstrokes and scattered white numbers, creates a sense of mystery—almost like she’s standing in a coded dreamscape. Her patterned dress, sweet red lips, and serene expression come together in a way that feels both modern and gently nostalgic.

I love how this artwork captures a moment that feels suspended in time. She’s a little quirky, a little bold, and unmistakably full of quiet personality—much like the spirit behind Paula Maree Arts.

Art doesn’t need to shout to be memorable. Sometimes, all it takes is a girl in a red hat to make us pause, smile, and wonder about the stories she’s keeping to herself.

Becoming my fav

2026-02-14T14:15:00.007+11:00

This handmade card features a soft, romantic floral design layered with delicate stamped images and warm coral tones. I wanted the flowers to feel fresh and uplifting, with gentle greens and pinks working together to create a light, cheerful palette.

The layered die cuts add dimension and movement, while the subtle background texture keeps the focus on the blooms. A simple sentiment band across the centre ties everything together and makes the card perfect for sharing a heartfelt message with someone special.

I created this card for the challenge over at Freshly Made Sketches here is the sketch.

And another card for the challenge at the The Color Hues

You Make My Heart Smile

2026-02-11T14:04:00.001+11:00

You Make My Heart Smile 💕

Sometimes the simplest designs speak the loudest — and this card is the perfect example. I created this soft, romantic look using a peach and white color palette with layered florals that pop against a striped background.

The sentiment “you make my heart smile” sits front and center, surrounded by delicate blooms and gentle greenery. A few tiny gems add the perfect touch of sparkle without overpowering the design.

I love how the horizontal stripes give a modern twist to the classic floral arrangement — clean, elegant, and full of heart. This card would be perfect for a friend, loved one, or anyone who makes your heart happy. 🌸

This card was inspired by the challenge over at the paper players and of course my newest Stampin Up products :

Layers of Beauty Bundle

which can be purchased from my own store including inks and matching card

Love with all your Heart

2026-02-09T12:26:00.000+11:00

Sometimes the simplest cards say the most 💛

This little bear holding a big red heart is one of my favorite reminders that handmade doesn’t have to mean complicated. A clean white background gives the design room to breathe, while the playful XOXO pattern and diagonal strip add just enough movement to keep things interesting. The focal point, of course, is that sweet bear—soft, warm, and full of heart—paired with a sentiment that says it all: love with all your heart.

Cards like this are perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or even just a “thinking of you” moment. They’re cozy, cheerful, and heartfelt without being over the top. Proof that sometimes a bear, a heart, and a few well-chosen details are all you need to make someone smile. 🐻❤️

To say that I am totally addicted to chatGPT is an understatement. I think it likes my cards more than I do.

I made this card for the challenge over at https://freshlymadesketches.blogspot.com/. Here is the sketch.

Can’t wait

2026-02-08T15:11:00.000+11:00

There’s something extra special about sending a handmade card to someone you’ve been missing. This “Can’t Wait to See You Again Soon” card blends soft textures and fresh floral elements for a warm, heartfelt touch.

The soft pink gradient background sets a gentle tone, while the arched window frame adds elegant dimension. Behind the window, a subtle stone pattern creates depth and contrast. The star of the card is the vibrant cluster of hand-colored pink blooms and lush green leaves, perfectly arranged to draw the eye.

A clean, simple sentiment strip across the center balances the design beautifully, and a few pink sequins add the finishing sparkle.

Here is my inspiration for this card. You can join the challenge here @ https://suochallenges.com/

Love You Always

2026-02-04T12:12:00.001+11:00

There’s something extra special about a handmade card—it carries time, care, and a little piece of the maker’s heart. 💖 This sweet Valentine card is a perfect example of how simple design choices can create a big emotional impact.

The soft pink ombré background sets a warm, dreamy tone, while the scattered hearts add playful movement without overwhelming the design. Front and center, the adorable illustrated girl holding the word LOVE instantly draws the eye. Her pigtails, bow details, and heart-filled skirt give the card a whimsical, childlike charm that feels nostalgic and cozy all at once.

I especially love the dimension here. The popped-up focal image and tiny gem embellishments add just enough sparkle and texture to make the card feel interactive and gift-worthy. The clean white frame balances the busy background beautifully, keeping everything polished and intentional.

Finished with the bold sentiment “Love You Always,” this card feels timeless—perfect for a child, partner, or anyone who deserves a reminder that they’re deeply loved. Handmade projects like this remind us that sometimes the smallest creations speak the loudest. 💌

The inspiration for this card came from http://thepaperplayers.blogspot.com/ theme challenge. Love is in the air. Did anyone else start singing when they read the Challenge title? The colours I chose match beautifully with the colour challenge over at https://colorhuesthecolorchallenge.blogspot.com/.

Be The Light

2026-02-02T08:41:00.004+11:00

Be the Light

These two portraits capture strength, grace, and the quiet confidence that comes from within. Each woman stands in her own light — one looking forward, one glancing back — both reflecting resilience and calm.
The warm tones of gold and amber blend with soft shadows, layered over fragments of words, music notes, and textures that whisper stories of life, love, and creativity. The collage-style background adds depth and movement, reminding us that every woman’s journey is layered and unique.
Live. Create. Breathe.
Three simple words woven into the art — and a beautiful reminder to keep shining, no matter what chapter you’re in.
All of the products used in this piece come from Natalie May Scrapbooking. You can check out her store HERE. Natalie is an expert when it comes to Collage papers, paints, stamps, stencils, everything you need for mixed media.

Kit and Clowder - January 2026 pencil class

2026-02-01T19:49:00.004+11:00

Springtime Bloom Cupcake Art: A Celebration of Color and Whimsy

There’s something magical about blending the sweetness of dessert with the charm of a spring garden. This latest piece, Springtime Bloom Cupcake, captures that joyful harmony — a delicious cupcake topped with a lush bouquet of pastel flowers.

The soft lavender cupcake wrapper sets the tone, creating a soothing base that draws the eye to the swirl of creamy frosting above. But instead of sprinkles or cherries, this cupcake is adorned with an explosion of blossoms — tulips, peonies, daisies, and tiny wildflowers — each delicately layered in bright, cheerful hues.

The mix of warm yellows, gentle pinks, and vibrant purples gives the piece a feeling of freshness and new beginnings, much like spring itself. The balance of color and composition creates a sense of whimsical delight — a reminder that art can be as sweet and uplifting as a freshly baked treat.

This artwork was created using colored pencils, with a focus on blending and detail to bring each petal and swirl to life. The gentle shading around the cupcake base adds depth, grounding the bouquet in realism while keeping the overall tone light and dreamy.

Inspiration:
This piece celebrates the joy of everyday beauty — the kind that can be found in both nature and creativity. Flowers and cupcakes both symbolize celebration and sweetness, making them a perfect pairing for a piece meant to spark happiness and imagination.

Art Tip:
When combining elements like food and florals, try using color repetition to keep the composition cohesive. Notice how the purples in the cupcake wrapper echo through the lilac flowers, tying the piece together beautifully.

I have been taking kit and clowder classes for quite a few years now, but I’m always still learning something new every time I pick up my pencils.

These are my pencils of choice. Especially for blending and their smooth creamy texture. You can pick them up HERE (which is my affiliate page).

Shine on

2026-02-01T10:44:00.000+11:00

Shine On: A Little Beacon of Hope

There’s something quietly powerful about a lighthouse.

It stands where land ends and uncertainty begins—steady, bright, unbothered by the chaos around it. That’s the feeling this card brings to life: a small but mighty reminder to shine on, even when the waters feel rough.

The bold yellow circle behind the lighthouse works like a glowing sun or halo, instantly drawing your eye and warming the whole scene. It’s not subtle—and that’s the point. Light isn’t meant to whisper. The red-and-white stripes of the lighthouse add a playful, storybook charm, while still symbolizing guidance, safety, and resilience.

On the left, the blended vertical panel shifts from deep blue to green to golden yellow, echoing sky, sea, and land—or maybe night turning into morning. It feels like transition. Like movement. Like things changing for the better.

The stamped details—the little house at the base, the tree leaning toward the light, the boat resting near the shore—add heart. They remind us that even strong beacons have quiet, ordinary lives around them. Not everything has to be dramatic to matter.

And then there’s the sentiment: SHINE ON.
Simple. Encouraging. No fluff. Just a nudge forward.

This is the kind of card you send when words feel too heavy—but support still needs to be felt. For someone starting over. Someone hanging in there. Or someone who simply needs a reminder that their light matters.

Because sometimes, shining on doesn’t mean being fearless.
It just means staying lit. 💛

The design for this card came from the challenge over at freshly made sketches

Happy Hooses

2026-01-31T23:00:00.024+11:00

Get ready to draw and paint 13 delightfully quirky hooses (that’s “houses” in Scottish!) in true Karen Campbell style - whimsical, wonky, and bursting with personality! From leaning lighthouses to spooky haunted homes, cozy cottages to lofty towers, each one is filled with charm and guaranteed to make you smile.

Whether you’re brand new to art or a seasoned creative looking for some whimsical house-hopping fun, this book makes it easy to follow along with Karen’s simple, step-by-step drawing and watercolor instructions. You’ll even discover playful designs like plant-filled houseboats, toadstool cottages, and more!

Need a little extra help? No worries! Inside, you’ll find links to free, step-by-step YouTube tutorials so you can watch Karen in action and paint along at your own pace.

This is Book 5 in the Whimsical Watercolors and How to Draw series by Karen Campbell - artist, author of over 25 art books, and queen of making creativity FUN, fast, and totally stress-free!

Grab your copy here

(note that this is an affiliate link to the store. I may receive a small commission which does not alter the price, but helps me buy art stuff)

Must have 2026

2026-01-31T19:05:00.001+11:00

Want to know what Stampin’ Up! colours look good together? The Color Coach is here to help!

The Color Coach is our version of the colour wheel and is based on colour theory—the combination of art and science that determines what colours look good together.

One side of the Color Coach has all current Stampin’ Up! colours (except Neutrals) laid out with a spinning wheel in the centre. This centre wheel gives you monochromatic, complementary, analogous, and triadic information about our colours. The back explains each of these concepts, plus our range of neutral colours.

DETAILS
- 1 colour wheel
- Size: 8" (20.3 cm

Purchase colour coach here

You Did It

2026-01-31T18:00:00.000+11:00

Sometimes, the simplest message says it all — “You did it!”
This cheerful card featuring a cozy bear in a striped sweater is all about celebrating success, big or small. Whether it’s for a graduation, a new job, or just making it through a tough week, this friendly bear is ready to share in the joy.

I used bold red and blue stripes to create a fun, energetic vibe that radiates positivity. The clean white background keeps the focus on the bear’s happy face and waving paw — because who doesn’t love a bear in a sweater cheering you on?

Cards like this remind me how small handmade gestures can make a big difference. A few bright colors, a sweet illustration, and a heartfelt sentiment come together to create something that spreads a little happiness.

So next time someone you love achieves something wonderful — send a bear hug in card form and let them know: You did it!

I made this card for the challenge over at CAS colour and sketches… here is the link. I did however change the layout. and instead of paper, I simply used Stampin Up Alcohol Markers to draw lines. They are so versatile and I will be using them this way in the future.

http://cascoloursandsketches.blogspot.com/search/label/Challenges

Miss You Friend

2026-01-30T15:56:00.004+11:00

Miss You, Friend – A Bold and Elegant Card Design

Today I’m sharing a card that blends bold contrast with a touch of elegance — perfect for letting a friend know they’re missed.

This design started with that striking navy and white striped background. I love how the uneven texture gives it a hand-painted feel — it adds such warmth and character! To balance all that pattern, I added a bold pop of crushed curry, which cuts across the card at an angle for a fresh, modern layout.

The sentiment is the star of the show: “Miss You Friend.” I used a mix of bold script and clean type to create visual interest and make the message really stand out.

Then, of course, I couldn’t resist adding some beautiful floral elements. The detailed navy line art flowers bring a timeless elegance and soften the graphic lines in the background. A few subtle embellishments add a gentle shimmer without overpowering the design.

Card Details:

Color Palette: Night of Navy, Crushed Curry, Basic White
Background: Striped patterned paper or stamped stripes for a handmade touch
Focal Point: Layered sentiment with bold script font
Embellishments: Subtle gems for a hint of sparkle
Accents: Pierced detailing on the yellow panel for added texture

This card has just the right mix of strength and sweetness — ideal for reaching out to a dear friend you haven’t seen in a while.

Here is the link for you to play along

https://suochallenges.com/

Hang in there

2026-01-30T10:57:00.003+11:00

Hang in There – A Bright and Uplifting Card!

Sometimes a little encouragement can make all the difference, and today’s card is all about lifting someone’s spirits—literally and figuratively!

For this design, I chose a rainbow-striped background to bring an instant pop of Colour and positivity. The playful diagonal lines add a sense of motion, perfectly complementing the two hot air balloons floating among fluffy white clouds. I love how the pink and purple tones of the balloons balance the rainbow background without overpowering it.

The sentiment “Hang in There” feels especially fitting—it’s simple, heartfelt, and pairs so nicely with the uplifting imagery.

A few sparkling embellishments add just the right touch of shine, giving the card a breezy, happy finish.

Card Details:

Background: Rainbow-striped patterned paper
Balloons: Stamped and die-cut in shades of pink, purple, and white
Clouds: Layered die cuts for dimension
Sentiment: Black ink on white cardstock with a bold border for emphasis
Finishing Touches: Clear sequins for a bit of sparkle

This card would be perfect to send to a friend who’s going through a tough time or just needs a little reminder that brighter days are ahead.

I made this card for the challenge over at The Paper Players using up some of my old stash.

My moto this year is “use what you have” to try and clean out my craft room. Here is the sketch.

Art has no rules

2026-01-24T21:52:00.001+11:00

I made this little art page for my journal. I just love this collage image and she just sat beautifully in the snowy scene. There is certainly a lot going on here, especially the background. Texture paste, oxide inks, stencils, collage paper, stamping…..it’s definitely a mixed media piece. Love mixed media.

Art Has No Rules: A Whimsical Winter Angel Art Journal Page

There’s something so magical about winter—the calm blues, the sparkle of snowflakes, and the cozy feeling of being wrapped up in a soft jumper. Today, I’m sharing a mixed media art journal page that captures all of that winter wonder, paired with one of my favorite creative reminders: Art Has No Rules.

This page combines paint, texture, collage, and a sweet winter angel to create a layered, whimsical design that celebrates both the season and the freedom of artistic play.

✨ What You’ll Need

Art journal or mixed media paper
Acrylic paint or watercolour (teal, turquoise, white)
White gesso (optional)
Texture or modeling paste
Snowflake stencil
Palette knife or old credit card
Angel image (printed, drawn, or collage cut-out)
Adhesive or matte gel medium
White gel pen
Letter stickers or printed words: “ART HAS NO RULES”
Sentiment sticker: “I ♥ winter”
Self-adhesive pearls or gems

❄️ Step 1: Paint the Background

Start with a coat of gesso if your page needs a little prep. Then, paint a gradient from deep teal at the top to pale turquoise at the bottom, like a winter sky fading into snow. Don’t worry about perfection—soft, uneven blending adds to the charm.

Let it dry completely before moving on.

❄️ Step 2: Add Snowflake Texture

Place your stencil and spread texture paste through it using a palette knife. Randomly scatter snowflakes across the page, some large and some small. Let them overlap edges for a natural look.

Once the paste is dry, lightly brush white paint across the raised snowflakes so they catch the light—instant winter magic!

❄️ Step 3: Create Subtle Layers

For extra depth, stamp or handwrite a few faint lines of script in the background. A little scribble of blue ink or graphite adds that dreamy mixed-media texture we all love.

❄️ Step 4: Add Your Angel

Your angel can be printed, drawn, or collaged—whatever fits your style. This one wears a cozy blue jumper and fluffy slippers, with soft white wings to match the snowy theme.

Cut her out neatly and adhere her slightly off-center using matte gel medium. She should look like she’s standing in your snowy scene, blending naturally into the page.

❄️ Step 5: Build the Snowy Ground

Tear a strip of white paper and glue it along the bottom edge to create snowbanks.
Use texture paste or thick white paint along the torn edge for that fluffy, snowdrift feel.

❄️ Step 6: Add Your Words

Arrange your quote “ART HAS NO RULES” vertically along the left side.
At the bottom, tuck in your smaller sentiment—“I ♥ winter”—as a sweet finishing touch.

❄️ Step 7: Embellish the Magic

Stick on pearls or gems to mimic falling snow or twinkling ice crystals. Add highlights and tiny snow dots with your white gel pen.

You can even brush a little shimmer paint or glitter paste over a few snowflakes for sparkle!

❄️ Step 8: Final Details

Ground your angel by adding a soft shadow beneath her feet using diluted blue paint or a watercolor pencil.
If you’d like, seal the whole page with matte medium to protect your layers.

💙 Final Thoughts

This project is a gentle reminder that art truly has no rules. Let your imagination lead the way. If your snowflakes smear or your blues mix differently than you planned—embrace it. That’s where the beauty happens.

So grab your brushes, play with texture, and create your own winter angel story on the page. Because when you let go of rules, your creativity shines brightest.