This little monster went to the market, That little monster stayed home, This little monster had so much fun, That little monster had none! This little monster went “Wee, wee, wee” All the way Gnome…
“Home Gnome” Decoration by Art of Nonsense
The monsters and I are gearing up for our next exciting event, a Winter Art Market, and we are shouting, “Wee wee wee!” in anticipation!
The Community Art Market is taking place on SUNDAY NOVEMBER 26, from 1:00-5:00pm, at the Fernwood Community Centre, 1240 Gladstone Ave. Entry is free, so if you’re in the Victoria BC area, drop by and say, “Hi!” to us at the Art of Nonsense booth.
We’ll have for sale our beloved stickers, magnets, Beanbag Buds, art prints and puppets! And we’ll be introducing some Home Gnomes (one variation depicted above) just in time for the Holiday Season! They’re sure to bring a little pop of colour and joy into your home…or the home of whomever they are gifted to…
Visit the Greater Victoria Social Gathering Place website or their Facebook Event for more details. Thanks to Island Community Mental Health and Greater Victoria Social Gathering Place Society for making this event possible. We’re so grateful to have organizations like this supporting mental health, wellness & recovery in our community.
Come on down and support local artists as they come together to celebrate creativity and the joys of this season!
Beanbag Buds by Art of NonsenseStickers & Magnets by Art of NonsenseArtwork & Puppets by Art of Nonsense
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 YouTubeor visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable monsters and other products!
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.
Hiya Monster Allies! Just dropping in to wish you a Happy Monster Monday and throw you some behind-the-scenes footage as I prepare products for the Art of Nonsense booth at the Community Art Night coming up on Sunday August 21st at the Victoria Event Centre, Victoria BC, from 6-9PM! Check out my Facebook event or the PCR Collaborative’s website for more info about the event!
So here’s a peek into the creative process…Yep, it starts out looking pretty rough (and I didn’t even include photos of the messy studio with 6 projects happening at once!). That’s part of the creative process! It’s a good reminder not to worry too much as the creative process starts rolling. Get messy. Be imperfect. Dive in. See what happens…something great just might be born!
These poly-bead filled, fleecy creations are great sensory or fidget toys: squish, squeeze, pet, admire, snuggle, or toss ’em. It’s SO satisfying if you’re anything like me and love a good squishable— and believe me, they ADORE the affection! Complete with a loop to attach them to your bag so they’re always there when you need them…
I’ve got more styles coming and I’ll be adding them to the online shop for adoption soon, so stay tuned! Do you think you or someone you know might like one of these? Why? Or would you love to be able to get your hands on a craft-kit to create your own? I’d love the feedback as I move forward, so let me know in the comments!
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
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!
Winter Yeti Handmade Ornament Craft
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
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.
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 2: Cut Out & Trace Your Pattern
Step 3: Cut out all the shapes now drawn on the felt and/or craft foam.
Step 3: Cut Out Your Pieces
Step4: 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.
Steps 5 & 6: Glueing On the Pieces
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 7: Attach the Front & Back
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!
Step 8: A Gotcha is Born- Have Fun!
Happy crafting everyone…I’d love to see a picture of your Gotcha in the comments!
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 😉
I often find myself missing my childhood play time— the magic of disappearing into fictitious stories and make-believe worlds; the joy of embodying a character with uninhibited freedom of expression; the escape from the world’s problems into mystery, laughter, romance… the imagination is the limit. That is to say it is unlimited of course.
Play is an incredibly powerful activity and, not just unfortunately— but tragically — is often left in the wake of adulthood. Play allows us to discover more about the world and about ourselves while expressing in ways otherwise inhibited. It is crucial, at any age, in my opinion (and in the opinion of many experts who study play).
Play can take many forms, from art and creative projects, to songwriting, to improv, to sports, to frolicking at the beach or amongst the trees, to laughing and goofing around with friends to — (insert your favourite fun activities here!). If it is coming from a pure, authentic, free place, and eliciting joy, I think it is safe to call it “play” though others may have a different definition.
As many of you know, one of my favourite sources of play is creating monsters— both on paper and off, the “off” part including HAND PUPPETS! Puppets are such fun and create an often immediate bridge of connection with children in different activities and environments as well as reacquainting us “older kids” with our childhood selves. What better than having a ridiculous character attached to your arm to elicit sporadic voices, movements, storytelling, and whatever else may come. I love puppets, and I’ve recently been called to create more of them.
You can make your own simple puppets by using an (old?) sock and some googly-eyes and get creative with other crafting supplies like felt, pipe-cleaners, fabric scraps, buttons, sequins, paper, popsicle sticks… oh how the memories of my childhood are dancing fresh on my mind right now! Perhaps I’ll post some tutorials on puppet-making here in the coming days… anyone interested?
Below are 3 different Monster Puppet designs I’ve created, please help me out by voting for the one you’d most like to see come to life! Option 1, 2 or 3!?
Play. Create. Discover... 
