Blog – Page 6 – Play. Create. Discover…

Blog, inspiration, Monster Monday, play, Poetry, Self-Awareness, Self-Help

“Monsters for Hope: New Year, New Creations”

December 28, 2020 Kristy Fae

Can you believe 2021 is just about here? No one expected 2020 to be what it was, but I think many of us can agree that it challenged us in new (and hopefully creative) ways. However you’re feeling about this past year, it’s valid! Completely. Give yourself all the permission to feel it.

For me, it’s been a year of major downs and also ups. Yes, there has been grief, loneliness, frustration, and a plethora of other jumbled emotions. I’ve felt these sentiments deeply and will continue to come against them, I’m sure. But what I’m trying to move ahead with most of all from this past year is a profound gratitude for the time and resources I have been given to dive back into my wonderful world of monsters! When I create stories and creatures, my soul ignites. Creativity is my fuel. And each time I create a character, a poem, an illustration, a puppet, or — anything, I feel a deep belly joy bubbling up and spilling out of me. And this is what gives me hope, even in the darkest days.

With the fresh year comes fresh projects and ideas— including the new colour line of monster hand puppets I have been promising you. They are coming along well and are eager to meet you! In the meantime, I wanted you to meet them, and get to know their personalities a little bit more in hopes that they will stir up some joy in you, too. So without further ado, here are the little cuties!

Introducing the New Colour Line of Monster Puppets!

Let me know which monster puppet is your favourite in the comments below— and tell me, what has this year been like for you? What challenges and what gifts did the year bring? What hopes and dreams are you stepping into the New Year with? Let’s honour and celebrate ALL of that!

Happy New Year everyone, may it bring good health and an abundance of joy and creativity!

Thanks for reading! Also find me @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest or visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable creatures and other products.

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Pssst- what I write in this blog is a reflection of my own ideas and experiences and/or interpretations of any referenced material. The content of this blog is for entertainment and/or informational purposes only. I am not an expert or therapist and cannot be held liable for any content provided or how it is used. Please enjoy at your own discretion. I reserve the right to change the content or management of this blog at any time. That said, I hope you enjoy it! © 2020 Kristina Durst All Rights Reserved.

Blog, Crafts, Monster Monday, Monsters

“The Winter Yeti: A Crafty Creation”

December 15, 2020December 15, 2020 Kristy Fae

Hello my fellow monster-lovers, I’m excited to share something special with you today. Last week, we were talking about how to get creative with celebrating this holiday season by coming up with new ideas and traditions. To back up a bit, when I was young, my Granny (with Grandad’s help, I’ve been told) began a tradition of making all of us Grandkids a tree ornament every year. They were always unique, beautiful and whimsical and it became something we really looked forward to. My loving, wonderful Grandparents have since passed, so opening my tin of decorations every December brings an especially warm glow of memories to my heart. That’s why I decided to continue the tradition, to honour them and to celebrate the season— this year, by making my own Christmas ornament! I would love it if you joined me in making your very own Winter Yeti decoration as well!

Now, you can be as creative as you like and use whatever you have around to make your unique handmade ornament. By all means— make anything you want! It doesn’t even have to be a Yeti, it could be an animal, a snowman, or just a beautiful thingamabob…but to give you some inspiration, here is a list of my supplies (with alternatives in brackets) and the steps I followed to make mine:

-A dry pinecone (piece of driftwood, stone) for the body

-Assorted felt (craft foam, googly eyes, fabric scraps, cardstock)

-Fake fur (cotton balls, pom-poms, feathers)

-Faux leather string (pipe-cleaners, ribbon)

-Ribbon (string, twine)

-Glitter glue (sparkles and white glue)

-Any other crafting materials you want to use!

-Hot glue gun and extra glue sticks (white glue)

-Scissors

Step 1: Gather Supplies. Get creative and cover your craft table! NOTE: A hot glue gun should only be used by adults. White glue can be used by children, just be patient while it dries!

Step 2: Cut Out Details. Use the felt for the eyes, mouth, teeth, and hat. I cut a half-circle for the hat, a long strip for the base, and found a pom-pom for on top. Cut half-oval shapes from the fake fur for the feet and moustache. Cut faux-leather string into two legs, as long as you wish!

Step 3: Glue Details Together. Glue the pupils onto the eye whites and the teeth onto the mouth. Glue the hat into a cone shape, then add the base and pom-pom.

Step 4: Make the Legs. Glue each leather string to the centre, backside of a fur foot, then fold over each foot onto itself, fastened with glue, to make furry feet! Tie a knot or two into the legs for character.

Step 5: Glue Details Onto Body. Glue on the eyes, moustache, mouth, and legs. Hint: Position the eyes above one of the pinecone’s scales (the bumpy parts!) as a nose, using the larger end of the pinecone as the top of the head.

Step 6: Glue on the Hat. Apply glue around the lower edge of the hat and fasten it to the top of the pinecone.

Step 7: Glue on a Ribbon. Cut a 10″ piece of ribbon and knot the two ends together to make a loop. Glue this to the back of the hat. Make sure all the glue has dried completely before moving to Step 8.

Step 8: Glitter Away! Apply glitter to your Yeti as desired for extra glam and hang to dry! Isn’t it CUTE?! Now your Winter Yeti is ready to make its journey to your tree or other special spot. Make as many Yetis as you would like for yourself, your family and your friends to share the magic of the season!

We really hope you enjoy this abominable craft as much as we do and we would love to see your Yetis, ornaments, or other creative projects you came up with this season. So please, share in the comments below!

Happy & Creative Holidays to All!

Thanks for joining! Find us for more monsterly fun @artofnonsense on Facebook and Instagram

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Blog, Crafts, inspiration, Monster Monday, Monsters, play, Self-Love

The Hungry Monster: Let’s Celebrate!

December 7, 2020December 7, 2020 Kristy Fae

For anyone who’s noticed a gap in blogs here, don’t worry, the computer has not been eaten by a monster (though there may have been a few innocuous attempts!). No, we are all safe and sound here, and I promise, we have been anything but idle in the area of Nonsense— we’ve just been busy with it behind-the-scenes. We have been scheming, gathering, pondering and learning all kinds of wonderful things in order to bring you the ultimate goal: oodles of top-notch NONSENSE! We have been very creative-hungry monsters and I’ll be dropping a few hints today as to what is coming, but first—

Let’s turn to another important subject, one that we think greatly deserves the Art of Nonsense theme of the month for December 2020: Celebration!

I know COVID-19 has brought a tough year for many, and I’m not minimizing that— AT ALL. But let me explain myself before you will a monster to actually eat my computer. Despite any and all hardships, I think it’s important to take some time to celebrate in new ways that are safe and yet still meaningful to us. To celebrate making it through this hard year; how resilient we have been; how adaptive. Yes, many of us have slogged through seething swamps, tamed herds of wild, bouncing beasts, and put on more creative caps than we can count just to get here today. And of course let’s not forget to celebrate those incredible beings that have journeyed alongside us, keeping us hopeful, cared-for, and afloat. Let us take time to celebrate the lives of those we have sadly lost, keeping them close in our hearts and minds. Let us celebrate the holiday season, even though it will look different than usual this year. Let us celebrate all the small achievements and joys we’ve found amidst the chaos (really, no matter how small!).

For me, one such thing has been having the time to give my creativity and my monsters the attention they so deserve and crave (and believe me, their appetite is relentless!). I’ve been celebrating by investing in myself, starting off on exciting new endeavours, and following my dreams. I started writing a book about the importance of play, am at last finishing some of my children’s books, and am getting Super Max into the limelight he so loves. For me, the symbol of all these accomplishments is my new and improved Art of Nonsense “Monster Studio”— which I’ve now got set up properly, stocked up sufficiently, and ready for creation, unequivocally! How great is that?

Super Max and Friends Hangin’ Out in The Monster Studio!

As for different ways of celebrating the holidays, I’ve brought back some childhood traditions like advent calendars and Christmas candles, I’m finding dates for group video calls with friends and family, and am planning a special evening with my significant other. Also in the name of spreading joy this season, I’ve got a few more fun surprises coming your way— including a free and whacky tree ornament craft tutorial (if you’re eager to prepare, go gather and dry out a few medium-to-large sized pinecones: driftwood pieces or smooth stones would work nicely too). I’ll also be introducing a fresh batch of monster hand puppets into the Shop in new and exciting colours very soon! Make sure you’re subscribed here to the Blog and are following us on Facebook or Instagram to get all the updates!

Collect a few pinecones to prepare for our *upcoming* craft tutorial on how to make your own fun ornament!

In conclusion, let’s all try to take more moments for gratitude this month and celebrate what we do have and what small or big joys we are blessed with. Oh, and spread that sentiment like jelly on toast— remind those around you, young and old, friends and strangers, that we all have something to be grateful for. We have the power to make a moment or an occasion special if we are creative, mindful, and compassionate enough. Perhaps we can all help lift one another up with kind will, a promise of hope, gentle words, and loving actions.

Now it’s your turn. What can you celebrate this month? Or this week? Or even just today? How can you get creative this year to celebrate the holidays safely? What new traditions might you start? What can you and your loved ones plan so that you have something to look forward to, despite external factors? Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks for reading and have a safe and happy holiday season everyone!

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Blog, Creative Learning, inspiration, Monster Monday, play, Self-Help, Self-Improvement, Self-Love, Writing

The Fun Monster: Take a Play Day!

July 21, 2020June 8, 2023 Kristy Fae

Hello to all my friends out there!

So yeah, you may have caught me being late on my blog again… But I can’t help it that it’s so beautifully sunny outside lately! Can you blame me for playing hooky for a PLAY DAY? I promise you, it’s in the name of practising what I preach…

If you don’t know much about my business, Art of Nonsense, know that it’s all about inspiring creativity and play – in life and in learning! You can read more about me and my purpose here: www.artofnonsense.com/about

While I focus a lot on creating content for little monsters, like picture books, hand puppets, monster sleep masks, and whimsical illustrations, I’m also passionate about bringing out the inner child in us big monsters too. (You can browse the goodies at the online shop here!) That’s why I am so happy to let you all know about an exciting endeavour I’m undertaking! Dun dun (if you haven’t already read it on social media)…dun…

I am the author of an upcoming book about how to PLAY MORE for greater joy, connection, and fulfillment in our lives! Make sure to follow this blog or find me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for updates on the upcoming book and other monsterly fun!

Now, to celebrate this theme, I’d like to share a few simple ways I’ve been adding PLAY into my days lately. Please add to the amusement momentum and share your favourite playful activities below with a comment or a picture using #monstermusement !

1. PICNICS IN THE PARK: Enjoying the sun, special eats (especially gluten free treats from Bubby Rose’s), talking to the bees, and just generally “bee-ing”.

2. BEACH VISITS WITH LOVED ONES: Whether with self, partner, friends, or little friends, gettin‘ silly and refreshing swims!

3. STOP TO SMELL THE FLOWERS: Literally, as well as just taking in any interesting sights you may find, from random art to starry skies!

4. LET YOUR INNER CHILD OUT: From funky socks, to candy teeth, to awww-ing over baby animals, let yourself express your heart’s silly delights- no matter your age!

5. SPREAD THE JOY: Sharing laughs and get-togethers, sending funny memes/pictures, creating surprises and giving special gifts.

These are just a few ideas, I hope they’ve inspired you! Have a safe and playful week everyone- and don’t forget the sunscreen!

Thanks for reading!

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Blog, Crafts, Creative Learning, Funny, Monster Monday, Monsters

“Fuzzies and Owls and Monsters, Oh My!”: Handmade Monsters

July 6, 2020 Kristy Fae

Hello to all my monster-loving friends out there! Between commissions and gifts, it’s been a busy few weeks in the Monster Workshop here. I thought you might like to see what’s been coming to life… enter fuzzy blue hand puppets and fun fleecy sleep masks! All handmade by yours truly, these puppets and masks have your play-time and rest-time covered. The fleece and felt monster hand puppets come in different styles and colours and have plastic enforced mouths for easy operation. They’re great for make-believe, role playing, story-time, sing-alongs, teaching, and fun. I’m also happy to bring back these much beloved monster sleep masks, with a new and improved design to keep light OUT and comfort IN. There will even be matching hand puppet and sleep mask sets- yes, “Oh My!”

Stay tuned for new hand puppets and sleep masks for sale in the Art of Nonsense Shop coming soon: https://artofnonsense-shop.square.site/

Monster Sleep Mask with a light-blocking nosepiece and 100% cotton backing for comfort.

Thanks for reading! Also find me @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest

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art, Blog, inspiration, Monster Monday, Monsters

Monster Masters: Those Whom Inspire…

June 22, 2020 Kristy Fae

Happy Monster Monday everyone! Today I’d like to share a few of my favourite masters of monsters and creatures. These talented artists and storytellers brought such wonder and magic to my life growing up (and continue to do so! In fact, I just received Dr. Seuss’ “The Sleep Book” this past Christmas at my request!).

Their characters and tales transport me to imaginative lands; bring smiles and gasps and sometimes tears to my face; feed my creative soul with curiosity and a sense of endless possibilities; and make my heart sing with sheer delight as I fall under their utterly whimsical spells. As a kid, there was nothing like that feeling of opening a book or pressing play on a movie inspired by my idols.

I believe they, and many others who created the content I devoured as a young one, had a huge impact on how I think, create, and dream the way I do… and they inspire me to create content that has this effect on others as well. Gratitude fills my colourful heart for the dedication and brilliance of Dr. Suess, Tim Burton, Beatrix Potter, Jim Henson, Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake, Robert Munsch, Brian Froud, and so many others. For what is life without a bit of magic and imagination? Here are a few samples of their works:

Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas”

Beatrix Potter’s *“The Tale of Peter Rabbit*“

Roald Dahl’s *“The BFG”,* illustrated by Quentin Blake

So tell me, who inspires you to do what you do?

Thanks for reading! Also find me @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest

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Blog, Crafts, Monster Monday, Monsters

Gotcha Monster: Free Pattern & Instructions!

June 8, 2020 Kristy Fae

As promised, here is the pattern and instructions for last week’s fun craft, the Gotcha Monster!

Supplies:

Felt sheets

Pipe-Cleaners

Craft Stuffing/Cotton/Fabric Scraps

Scissors

Marker

Glue (hot glue gun & glue or white craft glue)*

Optional Supplies for Personalizing Your Monster:

Craft Foam Sheets

Googly Eyes (instead of cutting out your own felt eyes)

Craft Fur

Beads

Ribbons

Feathers

Whatever you want to decorate your Gotcha!

*Note: I used hot glue, which dries quickly as you press your pieces together but hot glue guns should only be used by an adult using caution as they can cause burns! If using white glue, be patient as it dries.

Supplies (Some are optional ideas only!)

Click here for the pattern!Download

Step 1: Print provided pattern or design your own monster shapes on paper. You can get as creative as you like with shapes and details! What will your Gotcha look like!?

Step 2: Cut out paper pattern pieces and trace them in specified amounts onto felt sheets using a marker. Choose your own colours! You can use craft foam for the horns if you have it, but felt is fine!

Step 3: Cut out all the shapes now drawn on the felt and/or craft foam.

Step 4: Use a pipe cleaner to form each of the monster’s arms and legs: fold in half, fold ends over to create a long “M” shape, twist pipe cleaner at fingers/toes and down the arm/leg to create a sturdy limb.

Step 4: Bend Pipe-Cleaners Into Arms & Legs

Step 5: Glue the Belly, Eyes, Pupils, Mouth, then Tongue (glue along the flat, cut edge of the felt to make the tongue stick out!) to the outside of the Front Body.

Step 6: Glue the Horns, Fur or other optional accessories if any (get creative!), Arms and Legs to the inside of the Back Body— all just a few centimetres in from the edge so that they stick out!

Step 7: Attach the Back and Front Body together by applying glue to the edge of the inside of either Body, a section at a time, leaving a small hole to push the stuffing into. (*If using white glue, let the glue dry at this stage before attempting to stuff the monster.) After filling the body with stuffing/cotton balls/fabric scraps, glue the remaining hole shut and ta-daa! You’ve got yourself a Gotcha!

Step 8: Give your Gotcha a name and have fun! See what your Gotcha can hang onto or what games it might come up with!

Happy crafting everyone…I’d love to see a picture of your Gotcha in the comments!

Thanks for stopping by! Also find me @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest

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Blog, Crafts, Monster Monday, Monsters

The Gotcha Monster: Crafting for the Heart

June 1, 2020 Kristy Fae

I’ve got a serious case of the crafties lately— for me crafting is an unleashing of creative energy as well as a peaceful and therapeutic activity. So my logic deduces that crafting is overall good for the heart! Since I’ve been wanting to create some monster crafts for all of you young-at-heart monster huggers out there, it proved to be the perfect day for creating this crafty little cutie. He’s fun and easy to make and can hang out with you wherever you go to serve as a reminder that joy, love, and creativity can be found in any moment. Stay tuned for the upcoming free monster craft pattern and instructions to make your very own Gotcha! In the meantime, don’t forget to create in whatever fun, calming, imaginative, stress-relieving ways call to you… Especially if you’ve found yourself stuck in a mindset of needing to be achieving, succeeding, or otherwise accomplishing materially purposeful activities lately 😉 Set your heart free…let the crafties getcha 😉

*The Gotch*a *Monster*, Just Hangin’ Out

*The Gotcha *Monster*,* Helpin’ with Work

Thanks for reading! Follow me @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest

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art, Blog, Funny, Monster Monday, Poetry, Self-Love

“The Snoozing Snox: A Case of the Snoozies”

May 25, 2020 Kristy Fae

You know those days when your energy is so low that you just want to find a burrow to crawl into? Sometimes it’s better to just give in and allow yourself the break you need. ‘Nuf said…

“The Snoozing Snox”

The Snoozing Snox

Is not quite a Fox,

Yet not quite a Snoozer either.

If on her den you do knocks,

Don’t expect her to talks,

She’ll simply slumber much deeper…

The Snoozing Snox

Thanks for stopping in! Also find me @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest

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art, Blog, Colour-ME, Colouring Page, Crafts, Creative Learning, Monster Monday

“Unexpected Friends: Free Colouring Page!”

May 18, 2020May 18, 2020 Kristy Fae

Happy Victoria Day Everyone!

I’ve had some interest in colouring pages this past week, and as such, I decided to create a free printable one for you and/or the little ones in your life! After an unexpected friend landed in my nature photoshoot on Friday— resulting in a photo that received more attention than the rest of the shoot’s photos— I knew I had my inspiration. So in the name of summer coming up and new friends to be found all around, I hope you enjoy this free “Colour-Me” page:

DIRECTIONS: Click on the image > Click the “View Full Size Image” button at the bottom right> Select File > Print > Choose landscape > Print. Let me know if you have any issues as it’s my first time sharing a printable on my blog 🙂

If you want to see more of my available work, including a downloadable 10-page colouring book entitled “What’s in a Seed?”, visit my online SHOP here!

(P.S. Below is the popular photo from my photoshoot for your now-peaked interest!)

Thanks for reading! Also find me @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest

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