art, Blog, inspiration, Monster Monday, Monsters, Poetry, Self-Love

YOU-nique Monsters: Celebrate Individuality!

Happy New Year everyone! It’s 2021, woo! The monsters and I are sending you our best wishes for a magical year ahead…

Many of us are taking this time to look back on the past year and think about what lies ahead. Remember, in this “goal-setting time”, to set reasonable and healthy goals and be gentle and kind to yourself and others! It’s not so much about what you so to speak “accomplish” in any given year (which perfectionists like me need to be reminded of) as much as it is about who you are and what you put out into the world…

So while you’re reflecting back on 2020, be sure to admire how incredible, unique and individualistic you are. Look at how you shone just by being you. What did you share with the world? Whether you consider these things big or small, they all count! A kind gesture, a positive message, care, compassion, creativity, giving to others or to yourself?

Yes, even self-care is extremely beneficial as it sets us up to be our best selves. Every single one of us contributes to those around us with our own wonderful individuality! So in the name of celebrating ourselves and each other, I challenge you to share this post with someone you love, complimenting them on one unique thing you appreciate about them!

Celebrate Individuality!

Thanks for reading! Also find me @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest or visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for fun, monsterly products!

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!  © 2021 Kristina Durst All Rights Reserved.

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

“Monsters for Hope: New Year, New Creations”

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! 

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.

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.

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

“The Snoozing Snox: A Case of the Snoozies”

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

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.

art, Blog, Monster Monday, Poetry

Dandylions: The Magic of Nature

When you sit still with Nature, She starts to talk to you,

She comes alive in ways you never knew,

She asks you to see things like you never have before,

It’s magical what happens when you step outside your door…

“Dandylions”

For those of us lucky enough to have wild access to Mother Nature, remember to visit and cherish Her. Sit with Her. For anyone who doesn’t, don’t fret. You can find Her in your mind, in the sky outside your window, in the plant in the corner, in that beautifully shot documentary, in a pet or song bird, in the depths of your soul… She’s all around, holding us with grace and inspiration. We are Her.

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

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.

art, Blog, Monster Monday, Monsters, Poetry

Yawning Yarnie: Got a case of the Mondays?

Happy Monster Monday everyone! If you find it hard to get into the swing of things on Mondays, this one’s for you. Meet Yawning Yarnie: a slumbersome, foot-dragging creature from my upcoming children’s book entitled “My Very Hairy Monster Friends!” This illustration version was a practice run using leftover paint, which came out so vibrant that I suspect it was gouache instead of the anticipated watercolour. When I moved on to try to finish the final version, I ran into issues. I recently invested in new, more expensive watercolours and stocked up on a different kind of paper (finding my usual selection unavailable). Word to the wise— experiment with your new supplies before deciding you’re a master of the medium and don’t expect them to behave exactly like your old ones (temporary grumpy faces and arm-crossing allowed however). I guess this is life’s lesson right now anyways: “Don’t expect life to be the same when the whole world around you has completely dislodged itself from any normalcy.” Hrm?

Well so, the old cheap watercolours seem to be working better (more smooth and vibrant) than my new expensive investment, and I’m not feeling particularly thrilled about that. In any case, practise practise practise is my motto these days. Getting used to using different mediums in new ways can be challenging and tricky— and apparently fun lol— so I’m trying to embrace that and see what happens while stifling my perfectionism en-route (especially tricky). Anyway, I’ll show you Yarnie’s book page when it’s complete, but for now here’s a teaser… I hope you enjoy yawning with Yarnie today!

“Poor Yawning Yarnie”


Poor Yawning Yarnie
Yawns with such might.
Poor Yawning Yarnie, 
Gives herself a good fright!
Poor Yawning Yarnie,
Yawns all the day long.
Poor Yawning Yarnie,
Sometimes yawns out a song!
Poor Yawning Yarnie,
Always yawns out of tune.
Poor Yawning Yarnie,
Yawns as big as the moon.
Poor Yawning Yarnie,
Yawns when she eats.
Poor Yawning Yarnie,
Even yawns when she sleeps!
Poor Yawning Yarnie,
Once yawned in a bird —
Now when she yawns,
A chirping is heard!
Poor Yawning Yarnie,
All she wants is to play. 
But poor Yawning Yarnie,
Yawned her friends all away.
Poor Yawning Yarnie…
But there’s one thing to do —
If you want to see Yarnie,
You must start yawning too!
Then make it a game,
And go yawning about,
This could help Yarnie
Yawn ALL her yawns out!

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

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.

art, Blog, Monster Monday, Poetry

The Biscuit Monster: A Sneak Peek…

Happy Monster Monday everyone! Today I have a special treat for you. You may have seen this kooky critter creeping around my pages before- but what you may not know is that she made it into the children’s picture book that I’m currently working on! “My Very Hairy Monster Friends” is a collection of short poems accompanied by wild and whimsical creature illustrations. Adventures, life lessons, and celebrating diversity are some themes that come out of this book. I’m ecstatic about releasing these unique creations into the world, and today I’d like to share a sneak peek of one of the featured poems along with the original watercolour painting I did of the Biscuit Monster (I’ll share the actual page illustration when I complete it)! Enjoy…

The Biscuit Monster

The Biscuit Monster is lots of fun,

She eats her cookies one by one,

And if she’s hungry when she’s done…

Hide your treats and run, run, run!

The Biscuit Monster

Thanks for reading and be sure to subscribe to the Blog to follow the progress of “My Very Hairy Monster Friends” and other creative adventures…

Also find @artofnonsense on FacebookInstagram, and Pinterest

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.