Monday Moodboard

Hello everyone!

Today is Rose Monday, in other words, the highlight of the carnival in major Germany cities. Back when I used to live in Duesseldorf many years ago, I partook in the festivities and enjoyed watching the procession of the famous floats. As it so happens, this week is also Chinese New Year! 2026 welcomes the Fire Horse, symbolizing vibrant energy, adventure and momentum. I thought it would be fun to curate a mash-up of these two significant events. I hope you enjoy my picks! Click on the link for more info.

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Abstract Collage in my Junk Journal

Hello lovelies,

it's almost two weeks into February, and I naively thought I'd see some signs of spring to brighten my day. Alas, it's more of the same with icy winds, grey skies and rain. The birds have been busy at the feeder outside my studio and I'll need to replenish it, and our resident squirrel seems grateful for the nuts and seeds I put out. He/she is quite shy, and I can never get close enough to get a good picture. 

Personally, I have a lot going on at the moment, so I'm grateful I have my art to turn to when I feel overwhelmed. Time and again simply playing in my journal with collage, a bit of paint, a few colorful crayons and my favorite stamps has a calming effect on my mind. I thought I'd share my recent art journal pages here. 

I was short on time so I grabbed my handmade junk journal, with pages that already have some background patterns on them. I don't mind making a "mess" in this journal. I find it rather freeing to slap on paint with my fingers and there is just something relaxing about tearing pieces of collage paper...you can see some of the process below:

I have a bunch of "collage fodder" at the ready, such as leaves, flowers, mushrooms and various stamped images that I make in batches when I have time to spare. They make great focal points in my journals or on cards. If you haven't seen them already, check out these short videos:

In the below close-up you can see how I chose a mix of papers and patterns and played with lines and other marks. Variety is key and instantly makes the page come alive. I like adding uplifting quotes.

The full quote reads: practice reckless optimism and kindness.

I felt more energized after creating this art journal spread. I like the juxtaposition of lights and darks, round and angular shapes. Splatters always make for interesting marks. If you'd like to watch the full video (around 4 min.) click here.

As always, thank you for reading along. Perhaps I have inspired you to try some "messy art" for stress-relief yourself! Have a beautiful day wherever you may be.

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Monday Moodboard

Hello everyone!

The enchanting amethyst is February's birthstone and my theme for this monday's mood board. Amethyst is a violet variety of quartz and is known as the stone of inner peace. Its soothing purple color has a relaxing effect on the mind and soul. Wearing amethyst jewelry can help to bring a sense of peace and balance into everyday life. No wonder it's so popular. I hope you enjoy my amethyst-colored picks! Click on the links below for more info.

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Vintage Style Art Journal Page

Hello everyone!

for as long as I can remember I've always had a diary to express my thoughts and feelings - sometimes with words, other times with loose sketches - a place to take refuge at the end of the day. I suppose my art journal is an extension of that, and it's become more than a creative outlet. For these past six years my journal has been a faithful companion on my art as well as life journey. 

As mentioned in a previous post I didn't quite complete this journal within the last year, on account of being a slow journaler. I like to contemplate each step in the process, often guided by my current emotions and let the story unfold intuitively. Some of the steps can be seen below:

I often start by journaling with a watersoluble pencil and then give the pages a good spray with water to let the color flow. Most of the journaling will be covered with collage, but it felt good to express my thoughts. I did leave a few words and some of the pale mint colored paint that had already been on the pages peek through here and there. Once I was satisfied with the collaged layer I pushed it back with white paint. At this point I took a break and came back to the page the next day. 

One of the things I enjoy is adding sentiments from word snippets that I collect in a small box. I have them in different sizes and fonts, which adds a whimsical touch to the page.

At this stage I know I am nearing the completed spread and usually add some marks, lines, and splatters as finishing touches.

I chose this image from The Graphics Fairy as my focal point. Before printing it out, I processed the image to match the colors in my spread. Then I used gel medium to adhere it to the page along with a stamped leaf image. It was very satisfying to complete this spread. 

Thank you for visiting and I hope you have a wonderful day ahead!

Artist Trading Cards with Watercolor Background

Hello lovely readers and followers,

Perhaps my subconscious was longing for spring, because I found myself creating these artist trading cards in decidedly spring-like colors!

This project gave me the opportunity to pull out my watercolors, a supply I have been endeavoring to use more frequently. 

Watercolors are great for covering large areas quickly, such as this master board. A master board is usually a large sheet of heavy weight paper with a simple background design. It serves as a base for artist trading cards (ATC), bookmarks, tags, greeting cards etc. and saves time, since you don't need to start from scratch.

I divided my sheet in half, so as to have one side in warm and the other in cool colors.

I kept the background simple, as I would be adding more layers to my ATCs later on. I stencilled one side, and stamped the other (not shown).

You can watch me create this watercolor masterboard in the video below:

I cut two ATCs from the masterboard - one from the cool and one from the warm side.

Below you can see how I built up the layers.

For my focal point I stamped a flower image onto leftover gelli prints, fussy cut them out and adhered them to the cards along with a sentiment.

Thanks for stopping by and have a beautiful day!

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Monday Moodboard

Hi everyone,

Garnet is January's birthstone and the theme of today's mood board. Garnet symbolism is rich and varied. It is often associated with love, friendship, commitment and protection. Enjoy my picks and happy Monday!

Click on the links below for more info on the items.

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Create an envelope with pockets with one sheet of paper & Make a Mixed Media Tag

Hi everyone!

The title of my blog post is a bit long today - it's because I'm actually sharing two art tutorials. In part one I'm sharing how to make a tag envelope from one sheet of paper using a stencil, and in part two I demonstrate how to create a colorful tag, which can then be stored in the envelope.

* this is not a sponsored post. Studio Light stencil bought and paid for by me.

The stencil I used to make the envelope fits perfectly on an A4 size sheet of paper. You can use craft paper, scrapbooking paper or in my case, a gelli print, with prints on both sides. The reason I printed on both sides is simply so I do not have to add matting to the inside. I like to keep things simple!

After tracing the stencil lines I simply cut out the shape and scored along the folding lines.

I proceed the same way with the pockets using some leftover gelli prints. On this stencil there is a choice of three pockets in various sizes. I went with medium and large. Sorry about the glare on the plastic stencil - it's the reflection of my overhead light.

To assemble the envelope I simply fold along the previously scored lines and glue the pockets in place using a sticky tape roller.

You can watch the full video here:

I love making tags! They have all sorts of fun uses, like gift tags, a colorful addition to journals or if they are larger, used as bookmarks! You can watch me make a tag from scratch in the video above.

I used a pre-cut plain white tag and used distress inks and a floral stencil to create a background design. 

After the ink has dried I adhered bits of collage with gel medium and let this dry again.

Next I added some fun postage stamp images with a stamp set that is coincidentally also from Studio Light. I guess I'm a fan 😀 I also made some marks with crayons.

I added a focal image - a butterfly - and a little sentiment. The envelope easily fits six tags in different sizes. A fun project for a winter afternoon. A detailed supplies list can be found in the description below the video. Check it out.

Thank you for reading along and I hope you have a wonderful day!

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Monday Moodboard

Hi everyone!

Usually, I curate a Pantone Color of the Year mood board, but this year they chose white. There's nothing wrong with white per se, but frankly it's a bit boring in my opinion and reminds me of office walls. Instead I've chosen "patina blue", which is Etsy's color of the year, basically a teal color, which I love and frequently use in my art. Enjoy my picks!

For more info on each item, click on the links below.

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Imagine - Mixed Media Art Journal Page

Hello lovelies!

I just love how chunky my art journal becomes with each completed page! I had intended to complete my vintage-style art journal by the end of last year, alas, other things took priority. There are maybe ten pages left to go - I don't always start a journal front to back, sometimes I first create pages in the centre, especially if I intend to add tags or flaps etc.  

I kind of got stuck on this spread that I had started a while ago. It features several layers of stencilling, collage and washi tapes in pinkish tones. I didn't exactly know where to go from here. Then I came across printable images from The Graphics Fairy and I thought these would complement my pages. 

I printed out the images and decided to color them in with watersoluble crayons. Once dry, I cut them out and used a glue stick to adhere them on the pages. I also added a sentiment to each page. Finally, I made a few dark pink splatters with ink to liven up the page. It's a simple art journal spread, but I think it turned out quite nicely. 

Thank you for stopping by and have a wonderful day!

Monday Moodboard

Hello lovely readers!

It's 2026 and I wish you a year of new adventures, unforgettable moments and above all good health!

On the night of winter solstice last year, I performed a little ritual to let go of all things that did not serve me well in that year. I kept it very simple. I lit my favorite rose scented candle, wrote down the things on a piece of paper. Then mindfully let them go one by one and lastly, ripped up the paper. Then I proceeded to set my intentions for the new year. Maintaining good health is a priority, ever since I ended up in the ICU three years ago. I've been working on a new in-house mixed media art course for local art enthusiasts and hope to launch this in spring. Speaking of springtime, I intend to visit one or two gardens in the area, but I also want to spend more time with my niece, who is currently studying here, which will entail a trip to Berlin. Finally, I intend to create little joyful moments for me and others throughout the year. Below is my first mood board of 2026. Enjoy and Happy New Year!

Click the links to view independent shops.

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