inspiration – Play. Create. Discover…

Blog, empowerment, inspiration, Monster Monday, Self-Awareness, Self-Help, Self-Improvement, Self-Love

The Success Eater: Redefining Achievements

January 30, 2024 Kristy Fae

Do you have impossibly high expectations of yourself? Do you struggle with perfectionism or thinking you’ll never be as good as “everyone else” in your area of expertise? Do you jump from one achievement to the next without taking time to really honour and celebrate your successes? If so, you are most definitely not alone!

Many of us battle with these thoughts on a regular basis as we compare our work or achievements to the plethora of examples on the internet, in the news or around us day to day. We forget that “different” doesn’t mean “better” and that what we offer is also valuable, important and needed! We don’t always see that even the people who appear to be succeeding beyond what’s humanly possible still experience challenges, bad days, hard times and self-doubt.

Furthermore, those of us who take our personal growth seriously can sometimes be the first to think we are not doing enough “bettering” and we place heavier and larger burdens on ourselves continuously. We can neglect pausing to reflect on everything we HAVE accomplished and we focus instead on the unfinished to-do lists looming in the dark corners of our mind. Let’s stop biting ourselves and start to play nice!

This week, I suggest that you make time to pause, breath and get grounded. From there, I invite you to look at how you define “accomplishments”, “success” or “achievements”. Go ahead and write out the definition you abide by, along with examples (from your own life, those around you or even celebrities etc).

Now that your definition and examples are on paper, examine what words you wrote. Does your idea of success involve external or public recognition such as awards, certificates, diplomas or even words of affirmation from a specific person or group? Is it tied to material belongings or specific items checked off a list? Is it attached to status, a certain position at work or a certain amount of money that you earn? Or is it attached to your internal experience; how you feel physically or emotionally, how those around you benefit from your actions or even some personal insight you’ve gained?

It can be interesting to investigate where our ideas of success come from too— perhaps from an old story we picked up along the way or a value learned from a trusted mentor etc. With whatever insight you’ve gathered from this investigation, you then get to decide if you’re happy with your original definition of success or if you would like to revise it! If a revision feels warranted, write it out anew…

Finally, after one more nice breath in, exhale all of the pressure and expectations and self-perceived “failures” you’re hanging onto. Then take some time to really reflect on what you have accomplished during the last few months or year (depending what time frame feels significant to you). If you’re having a hard time listing successes, reach out to trusted friends or loved ones and get their feedback. Have them write something nice about you, your character, your influence on those around you or the personal journey you’ve been on to get where you are today. I had my friends do this at my Birthday Celebration this month and it was so heartwarming and encouraging! I suggest you keep these messages someone accessible and within sight to reference any time you catch yourself being hard on you! Those around us who adore us often have the positive feedback and difference in perspective we need to view ourselves in a new light and to boost our confidence!

Now, I’m still rewriting my definition of success, but I know it no longer holds onto the social norms I picked up along the way in a desperation to find acceptance and love. My new definition will read something like this: “Success for me can be measured in the amount of joy and peace I feel and spread day to day, and how authentically I show up for myself and others.”

My list of successes over the past year or so, which were spelled out in the invitation for my Birthday Celebration, did not involve “publishing a book, getting in shape, or making more money” which are all on the to-do list somewhere. Instead, my list was about what had brought me closer to understanding and being ME; self-awareness, clarity about my identity and my ability to live and express myself authentically. These are huge accomplishments and DANG did I ever work hard to get here!

The outside world didn’t see the behind-the-scenes work (only my close friends and family that saw me through it), but that doesn’t mean the successes, the accomplishments, the achievements are not there. Because they are, and they are measured in the increase of happiness, groundedness and peace that I feel. These kinds of accomplishments are not fleeting ones where you receive an accolade that gives you a momentary sense of accomplishment. I’m talking about the kinds of accomplishments that change your life forever. The ones that change how you relate to yourself and others, how you show up and express yourself, speak your truth, live your passions, do what is meaningful and fulfilling to you, how you care for yourself, know and honour your own boundaries, heal your wounds, and inspire others to do the same.

Life is never going to be perfect or without pain or challenges or barriers. But it can be more authentic and joyful, I believe. And isn’t that a definition of “success” that you can get behind?

Celebrate YOU, all of you wild creative creatures out there, because you’re doing great! Share YOUR definition of success below or on socials with #artofnonsensesuccess

Play. Create. Discover… Be sure to subscribe to the blog to receive Biweekly reminders when we post! Also find us @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube or visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable monsters 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! © 2024 Kristy Anne Fae All Rights Reserved.

art, Blog, illustration, inspiration, Monster Monday, play, Self-Improvement

The Discoverer: Stepping Out of the Box

October 2, 2023 Kristy Fae

Happy October everyone! The tree are shedding, the air is cooling and Halloween is fast approaching. Creative energies are running high (at least they are here in the Monster Studio!) and what better way to honour a creative October than by participating in Inktober 2023! For anyone who doesn’t know, Inktober is a time for artists to create artwork daily based on a list of drawing prompts. This year, a fellow artist and loved-one had an excellent idea: to curate prompt lists for one another.

How fun!

We both have different goals for Inktober this year, and our lists reflect that for one another. She brilliantly chose the word “discovery” for my day 1 prompt, as my intention is to challenge my illustration skills with new subjects and action poses. Gasp— I have to try NOT to draw monsters for a whole month!? Well, truth be told, some monsters will still be sneaking into my artwork this month, whether inspired by the prompts or otherwise 😉 Yet starting off my illustration yesterday, I automatically sketched a monster and had to catch myself, and redo it… as a HOOMAN! But I think turned out pretty well:

In conclusion, if you’re with me, let’s dub the month of October “Discovery Month” and try “drawing outside of the lines”…or the box…or the circle…Perhaps this means trying a new art medium, drawing different subjects, or even ones you’re not comfortable with. Maybe it means reconnecting to your “Little Me” to see what they want to explore! A good place to start is to revisit what you loved doing, or always wanted to do, as a kid…

Expanding the horizons of what we create, as always, can bring new playfulness, creativity and discovery! If you want to join in the fun, hashtag your work with #inktober2023 and #artofnonsense on your preferred social media platforms! You can find the official Inktober 2023 prompt list here. We’ll be sharing @artofnonsense on Facebook and Instagram so be sure to follow us there for more Inktober fun!

Happy creating and discovering, Monster Friends!

Play. Create. Discover… also find me @artofnonsense on YouTube or visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable monsters and other products!

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Blog, inspiration, Monster Monday, Videos

The True Hero: Forging the Path to Love

July 10, 2023 Kristy Fae

As creative beings, we are constantly seeking meaning. Whether through our daily lives, our art, our connections, or some other purpose or cause, we seek to make sense of ourselves, the world around us, and all the joys and griefs that come with the ride.

When we look back, there are some people in our lives that had such an extravagant impact on us that it’s impossible to separate them from us… from our understanding of things. From our own meaning. From who we are at our core.

My Granny is one of those extraordinary people. She taught us to find shapes and meaning in scribbles, to savour every last taste of a treat (to the last scrape of the cake batter!), and to run wild in the forest and hug trees. She taught us to see elves hiding in the flowers, how to send hugs and kisses on the wings of Canadian geese, and how to give a proper hug— boy could she give a hug! The kind of hug I still feel now, even though she left this world five years ago today.

My Granny taught us a lot about love. She was made of pure love…and it showed in her every word and action. From making sure everyone around her was cared for, to tending to her plants and gardens, to homemade dinners, desserts, and handmade gifts to listening with a compassionate ear and a fully present mind, and offering never-ending words of affection…Granny was, and still is, love. I feel her in the sunshine, the blades of windswept grass, and the birds soaring overhead. I hug trees as she would, and dig my hands and feet into the soil, as she so enjoyed. She found beauty and creativity in the smallest things, and loved even the smallest of creatures.

As a sensitive, loving person, I know how tough it can be to show up in a world where the same isn’t always reciprocated. Where greed often overtakes compassion, fitting-in overrides authenticity, and fear overtakes love. There are moments when I wish to dim my sensitive heart— because wouldn’t it be easier? But then I look at where I come from. I come from love. I come from compassion. I come from creativity. I come from a long line of sensitive, loving hearts. And all I have to do is pause and look at how much that love meant to me growing up; how it continues to hold me in the face of struggle and pain; how it has made me; how it is me. And that’s why I keep showing up with the intention of love. To give love, to receive love, to inspire love, to spread love. Yes, I’m sure of it: nothing is stronger, nothing is more important than sensitive, loving hearts.

When I was studying film in University, I had the opportunity to make a documentary featuring my incredible, loving, creative Granny. As a way of honouring her, who I am, and where we all come from when we trace back our meanings, I’d like to share that film today. Granny, my hero, I love you, forever and always.

Watch the Short Documentary, Miracle Hands

Keep the inspiration and creativity going at @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube or visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable monsters and other products!

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Blog, creative living, empowerment, inspiration, Monster Monday, play, Self-Love

The Earth Walker: Connecting to Your Authentic Self

June 27, 2023 Kristy Fae

Hello Fellow Nonsense Lovers!

Those of you who have been following the Monster Musings Blog for some time already know that Art of Nonsense is all about creativity and play! On the surface it looks like monsters, artwork and toys, which it is— and each of these things is inherently valuable and wonderful on its own. And yet underneath, in the cavernous intentions of Kristy and the Monsters, there resides so much more…

Art of Nonsense is about discovering the deeper authentic parts of ourselves, and then expressing and celebrating them to the fullest. It’s about not being afraid to be our wild, silly, quirky selves. It’s about following our dreams, living our joy, and finding greater fulfillment in our lives— regardless of our age! I really believe that when we listen in and free our inner child, we tap into the simple pleasures— the “Nonsense”— that our souls so crave. This is where we find deeper connection, greater authenticity, and heartfelt joy! So let’s make living and learning the most fun we possibly can with the time we are given.

One of my greatest joys and biggest sources of play is Nature. With Summer blessing us here in British Columbia, I’ve been thoroughly enjoying laying in the sun, swimming in the ocean, admiring the wildlife and photographing the colourful blooms. I’ve been hugging trees, talking to squirrels and letting my hands run along the textures of shrubs and trees as I pass them. I’ve also been walking barefoot in the grass, through the rocky hills and across the pebbled beaches.

Kristy Fae Hugging her Friend, the Giant

One evening, I started running through a dewy lawn and was instantly transported back to childhood. What freedom and joy lay there— in a lawn— so easy to access, yet so often dismissed. We too often rush by the things we love as we race from one thing to the next, striving to “succeed” and acquire what we think will finally deliver us our happiness. Our modern society has been taking us away from our connection with Earth, and thus harming our connection to ourselves and to others. Reconnecting with Earth, whether through appreciating and nurturing Nature or by connecting bare feet or hands to Her to ground ourselves, reminds us who we are. We are Nature. And Nature is beautiful because She is unique, imperfect and wildly Herself! There is no playing small, holding back parts of Herself, or pretending to be something She is not. She is unapologetically Herself.

And that’s what I wish for all of us, dear ones.

This week, I invite you to try the gift of Earthing. This practice involves connecting your body, especially bare feet or hands, to the Earth, to ground yourself. Sit with your feet in the grass, or walk across the beach or lawn. If you’re committed, try doing it daily. You can google or YouTube “Earthing” to find out about the science and beliefs that back this practice— but I’m curious to see what you notice for yourself. Really be present with the sensations you feel physically, emotionally and maybe even spiritually. Do you feel a tug to look more closely at the insects playing all around you? Is there a yearning to skip, or sing or jump in the water? Can you suddenly spot faces in the clouds or wrinkled tree bark? Whatever the pull is for you, see what magic comes when you let your inner child out to play!

Play. Create. Discover… also find me @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube or visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable monsters!

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art, Blog, empowerment, inspiration, Monster Monday, Self-Love

The Fae Queen: Embracing Your Mystical Self

June 12, 2023 Kristy Fae

Monster, Fae, Animal, Merfolk, Human, or otherwise, we are all magical, mystical creators of this wild, immense universe we’ve found ourselves in.

Just dropping in on this Monster Monday to remind us all to shine our light and show up as we are, in all our magnificent, unique glory— however strange that might appear to anyone else. We all deserve to be seen, accepted, celebrated, and honoured for who we truly are.

Kristy Fae

This week’s homework is to express something residing deep within yourself. Perhaps a side of you often kept hidden? Use whatever creative process or medium compels you. I stepped into my Fairy Queen power (using my iPad, Procreate, and a found winged-fairy image) and it was quite a beautiful process to embody the energy of a Fae Being and to really see myself in a new light.

Allow yourself to see yourself in a new, mystical way and magic becomes possible…

Play. Create. Discover… also find me @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube or visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable monsters and other products!

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Blog, Crafts, inspiration, Monster Monday, Monsters, play

The Fantastic Felter: Infinite Creativity

May 30, 2023 Kristy Fae

Have you ever taken the time to count the ways in which we can be creative? It’s a trick question, because there are infinite ways! If we think about all the possible art forms, ways of expressing, original ideas, inventions, stories, processes, etc, it really is a marvel.

As creatives, we may have a preference for certain mediums or processes that we use to create. This is of course is helpful and efficient, especially if we are creating in school or in a career where work needs to be accomplished on timelines. But sometimes our creative processes can get stagnant or stuck in a rut. Perhaps we find ourselves lacking inspiration or passion if we’ve been doing too much of the “same thing”. In these instances, it’s especially important to remember those INFINITE possibilities for creativity— and maybe break outside of our comfort zones, shake things up, and try something new!

As a writer, illustrator and monster maker, I get hyper-focused on making my professional products. And yet, I’m also someone who loves diving into a new craft or art form just to experience it, make some cool stuff, and see what happens. I may come back to these mediums over time or just try them once and move on. Either way, I’ve learned that that’s perfectly ok!

In some ways I have felt “less than” for a long time for being a “Jane of all trades, a master of none.” I do understand the intention behind this message— that spreading ourselves too thin across many skills can be at the detriment of our expertise. I developed a story in my head that told me this was the case for me. Yet I’m realizing it isn’t. What I’ve become is my own kind of master; one that can basically create anything from anything! That’s a mega super expert master skill in itself, isn’t it?!

I also believe in, and have experienced for myself, the benefit that comes from fresh energy, looking at things from different perspectives, and acquiring transferable skills. We take all that back to our master craft and may show up to it stronger than ever. And lastly, if it’s FUN, it’s WORTHWHILE! Fun goes a long way for our creativity, as it births joy, passion, inspiration, motivation, and overall wellbeing… And if it’s good for you, it’s good for your craft, I say.

Now I’m not necessarily saying to drop all your work and priorities and go hog-wild with a billion different “try ‘ems” (unless you are inspired to and in a position to do so!). What I am saying is that taking a bit of time here and there to play, experiment, mess around, try something new or do something in a different way, might just bring about surprising results.

I’ve been very much enjoying my “try ‘em” these past few weeks— and furthermore I enjoyed connecting with family and friends over these crafts, making them even more special and beneficial! Felting is what I’ve been playing with, which proves to be extremely meditative, calming and enjoyable for me. It’s a neat medium, which uses felting wool and barbed needles to “mash” and “tangle” (these are not the official terms!) the fibres into one another in order to form shapes…objects…and of course, for me, creatures.

I love that you can just start a project without much thought, and keep adding to it as you “mould” it similarly to clay. It’s also super quick to take out on the fly, without any preparation other than having the required materials and tools! Felting reminds me that creating doesn’t always have to be pre-planned or created for any specific purpose. It can be for the enjoyment of it, or to spread joy when you gift it (or sit it on your shelf!). It’s also inspired me to work more quickly and freely and to experiment with more texture and colour in my illustration work. This is a great case in point to what I’m trying to get across here today!

So dear monster lovers, I’m sure you want to see my latest felt creation, which was modelled after the Bowtruckle named Pickett from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, so here he is:

Reproduction of Pickett from Fantastic Beasts, by Kristy Fae

Now if I were to say, “Go do a creative thing that’s new or that you haven’t done in a while” — do you know what it would be? Perhaps it’s using oil pastels or finger-paints. Maybe it’s ballet dancing, sewing some unique clothes, inventing a new product, or writing a story? Maybe it’s an activity you loved as a child but have left in the dust for many years. This week, try briefly stepping away from whatever way you normally get creative. Give space for some PLAY! If you need some direction, pick one of your favourite movie creatures to make and consider the different ways you could bring it to life! Then of course, feel free to share your creation or experience with us in the comments below.

Thanks for reading, creating, and being you!

Play. Create. Discover… also find me @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube or visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable monsters and other products!

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Blog, inspiration, Monster Monday, Self-Awareness, Self-Help, Self-Improvement, Self-Love, Writing

The Timely Owls: The Gift of Patience…

April 24, 2023 Kristy Fae

I’ve been spending a lot of time with Nature recently, and while I always find the great outdoors to be extremely soothing and refreshing, she has been sending me a distinct message lately. From the budding flowers that had been waiting underneath the cool grounds of winter; to the young Great Horned Owls slowly learning to fly as they grow stronger and the herons building their nests one twig at a time; to the sneaky fungi developing imperceptibly… patience is being whispered amidst all of Nature’s children.

In a fast-paced world, especially, it can be hard to slow down, sow our seeds, and wait for the fruits of our labour to ripen. But the flowers cannot bloom before the temperatures are right or they will freeze; the owls cannot fly before their wings are strong enough just as the herons cannot carry more than they’re able or they’ll fall; and the fungi cannot expedite their growth or they’ll exhaust their resources. Just as we cannot rush Nature, we cannot always rush our creative process, our healing, our growth, our learning, or our journey of whatever kind. So in these growing stages, why not savour the process? Enjoy feeling the strength that builds with each passing day. Celebrate each little step forward— and even each step back— for they too are valuable. Indulge in the periods of rest and the periods of action, or the “seasons”, that inevitably come and go. For these, too, are part of the journey.

The more tuned in we are, the more we may be surprised by what we find along the way— and by how much more we end up with in the end as a result of our patience and mindfulness. Then, when we get to the end and look back, we’ll be able to appreciate all we did and how much we’ve grown, and we’ll be able to say proudly, “That journey was mine, and I truly lived every part of it.”

What “season” are you currently in that you feel impatient about completing? How can you make the journey more enjoyable, more self-loving, more mindful? Feel free to comment below, for saying it aloud (or onscreen) can provide a great sense of empowerment and accountability. I also encourage you to spend at least five minutes with Nature this week (it could even be looking out your window, watching a Nature show, or imagining the wilderness, if you don’t have access to a calming, outdoor space). Commit to doing nothing but watching in stillness for those five or so minutes, and see if there’s a message being whispered to you…

With curiosity and patience.

Play. Create. Discover… also find me @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube or visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable monsters and other products!

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Blog, Crafts, creative living, Fidget toys, inspiration, Monster Monday, play, puppets, Sensory, Toys

The Courageous Creative: Putting Yourself Out There!

April 10, 2023 Kristy Fae

Happy Monster Monday everyone, I hope you all had a safe and joyful weekend whether you were celebrating a holiday, loving the onset of Spring, or otherwise living life!

First off, I want to say thanks to all the monster-supporters who came out to the Art Market last weekend. Super Max the Monster Puppet and I had a great time and we happily re-homed some fun-hungry monsters. If you had your eye on a Beanbag Bud (see last week’s blog if you missed it), we’ve still got some of these sensory friendly toys available for adoption— just send Kristy a message. They aren’t yet listed on the online Shop, but will be soon, along with new puppets, art prints and more!

*Beanbag Buds made by*
*Kristy Fae at Art of Nonsense*

I also wanted to say how special it always is to get out into a creative community, talk to other artists and art-lovers, event organizers, old and new friends, and share the joy of creativity and play! When you’re an artist who works primarily by yourself (or with your team of imaginary monster friends), it’s even more important to get out there and engage with other creatives, receive feedback about what people like about your work— and what they would like to see from you! The experience always sparks new connections, ideas, and inspiration.

*Kristy Fae & Super Max*
*at their Art of Nonsense Booth*

I say this to encourage you, if you’re an artist or creative-being of ANY type, to consider a way you can connect with other creatives or share your gift this week. Perhaps that means cooking a new meal for a few friends, playing music around a campfire, hosting craft-night or finding a local art market, event, or workshop to attend. You can even find ways to connect online, if in-person isn’t feasible, as there are plenty of online groups and communities across a multitude of platforms that allow for sharing your work and ideas. You’re always welcome to share pictures of your creations on our Art of Nonsense Facebook page (by the way, be sure to follow us to keep up with the inspiration and fun!). Whatever speaks to you, see if you’re called to take one small step towards putting yourself out there this week.

I don’t know if it’s the Spring air or the energy of last weekend’s event, but I’m definitely feeling the theme of BEING BRAVE this month… what would you like your theme to be? Comment below!

Play. Create. Discover… also find me @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube or visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable monsters and other products!

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art, Blog, illustration, inspiration, Monster Monday, oracle deck, Self-Love

The Perspective-O-Possum: Accepting, Letting Go & Allowing

March 13, 2023 Kristy Fae

Hello Monster Fans!

Well, it wasn’t planned, and I didn’t see it coming, but I ended up needing to take a stint of time off. It was a leading up of events really— a lot too much pushing from my end, thinking I oughta be doing all-the-things. This ultimately wore me out. But you know what? The break did me so much good, more than the so-called “accomplishments” did when I was pushing so desperately hard. Now I’ve started drawing again, which feels wonderful and, to better illustrate my message, let’s bring in the Perspective-O-Possum!

This brightly coloured cutie—well— he is what he is, un-O-pologetically. The critter goes where he wants to go, eats what he wants to eat (which is often oranges and grape juice, by the look of his palette), and does what he wants to do. This isn’t to say that things always end up the way he originally wanted them. This seems contradictory I know, but let me explain how it is so. The Perspective-O-Possum, or the P-O-P for short, sets about with a desire in mind. However, when he runs into barriers that he simply cannot overcome, he doesn’t huff or puff, grimace or groan— but accepts, lets go, allows and forms a completely new desire from his present options, ie. he changes his perspective.

Yes, P-O-P’s are the very best at doing just this, for when they’re really stuck, you’ll see them looking at the world from a completely new perspective— upside down and hanging from a tree of course (though a lamp post, a bicycle rack, or even the antlers of a nearby animal, for example, are suitable substitutions depending on the given circumstances). From this viewpoint, everything that was once left, is now right; what’s closed is now open; what’s down is now up! So can you see how he, the clever P-O-P, always gets what he wants, when what he wants is what he gets? This can be a skillful way to navigate the world at times, such as when we find ourself in a particular situation that is outside of our control or not going the way we intended.

Though I didn’t know it at the time, I was operating under this critter’s principles as the unexpected circumstances arose before me over the past few months. And while I fought it at first, eventually, I let the world turn me upside down— I accepted, let go, allowed, and formed a completely new desire. This new desire, which was to rest deeply and to simply be, served me much better than the original desire, which was to “accomplish” and do. During this simply being came new and beautiful insights, ideas, knowledge, and healing— all of which I’d need much more time to elaborate upon (time that I just don’t have, as I’m running after that remarkable P-O-P to see what he’ll get up to— or up onto — next!).

But hopefully we, being the Perspective-O-Possum and me, have painted a picture of the message at hand, which may be something like this: “When you walk into a tree, try going up, instead of through”?

Play. Create. Discover… also find me @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube or visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable monsters and other products!

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art, Blog, Crafts, creative living, Fidget toys, illustration, inspiration, Monster Monday, Monsters, play, puppets, Toys

Monster Max: Channeling the Inner Child

August 22, 2022 Kristy Fae

In case anyone didn’t know this about me…I ADORE PUPPETS! There’s something extra fun and unique about getting to animate your own character with your very own inner child in the driver’s seat. Puppets have been used in play and in therapy, in entertainment and in storytelling for ages. There are all kinds of purposes hiding behind those beady eyes and hinged mouths, but what I love most about them is that they are a great opportunity/excuse/reason for PLAY! You get to channel something within you that doesn’t always get to come out in everyday life, and often, for me anyways, that’s my inner child (and boy does she LOVE to PLAY!).

So I encourage you to grab an inanimate friend (whether it’s a puppet, plushie, toy, marionette, cardboard cutout, etc) and see what happens when you let your inner creative creature out. Start by telling a simple story about your day, or telling your version of a classic fairy tale or favourite children’s book or movie. Try out different voices and personas. What if the puppet was an emotion; how would they act and what would they say? There are no rules… that’s the secret! Let yourself simply play!

Puppets and homemade toys can be made easily with nearly anything— an egg carton makes a great mouth or set of eyes, for example, and of course a sock with a few googly eyes glued on does just the trick! I’ve got hand-made monster puppets for sale if you’re looking for something fancier, but anything will do! Give it a whirl and let me know how it goes… it may take some practise to get comfortable with this, so don’t be alarmed if it’s awkward or uneventful to start! Also, it’s perfectly fine (and encouraged) to be absolutely RIDICULOUS. So if you needed it, there’s your permission. You can even use the excuse “I’m just doing my homework” 😉 Just don’t try to blame your puppet for eating your homework, fantasy only extends so far here… lol.

My favourite puppet Monster Max (aka Super Max) and I had a great time meeting everyone at the Community Art Event last night! There’s nothing like a big furry monster to break the ice, right!? Talk about a conversation starter and a convergence of the inner children in us all! We are sending out LOADS of gratitude for all the love we received at the event and for the support we were shown leading up to it. A monster-sized special thanks to the organizers at Image After Hours and the wonderful venue and staff at the Victoria Event Centre for making this Art Night possible!

Kristy Fae and Super Max the Monster at Art Night

In the next months we will be adding new products to the Art of Nonsense Shop online: all new puppets in bright and brilliant colours, new art prints, magnets, stickers, beanbag buds fidget toys/keychains and plushies…! We can’t wait to share more monsterly fun with you all! And if you have any questions or are interested in a monster or custom work, don’t hesitate to reach out to kristy@artofnonsense.com !

Play. Create. Discover…

Thanks for stopping by… also find me and the monsters @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube!

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