Happy Monster Monday! I hope everyone’s had a great week. Here in Victoria, we were blessed with many sunny days and I’ve had a tough time staying inside to work (it’s been so much fun playing outside with the bobs of seals and the romps of otters— which, I’ve learned, are real terms for the families of these marine mammals! How cute is that? Oh, by the way, you can find me at “Kristy Durst Photography” on Facebook if you want to see glimpses of those adventures and more to come).
Nonetheless, I did manage to make some progress on the Curious Critter from last week, and as promised, I’m here to share the progress— so behold the first pass of colour. In case you missed last week’s blog, this is following the “Beginner’s Guide to Digital Drawing in Procreate” on 21-draw.com
And I hereby challenge you this week: go get creative or get out and play! Both are equally as important and nourishing…
Blocking out Colour on my Character Design in Procreate
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.
Monster Clues
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!
Get to Know the Monsters
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!
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 onFacebook 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!
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!
Play. Create. Discover... 