To all the perfectionists, worriers and people living with anxiety monsters in their shirt pockets…I understand the struggle! Continuously considering all the possible (negative) outcomes of a given situation, project, relationship etc is exhausting. If you’re like me, you may have learned to live in self-protection mode, which can lead to isolation, holding ourselves back, and keeping our gifts from the world!
Today, I just want to remind us all that, with practise, our future-focused panicking brains can get more comfortable with unknowns. Our brains can even learn to trust the unknown and believe that whatever comes will just be another step forward on our paths to more fulfilling and authentic living!
For me, it has definitely taken a lot of practise (and therapy and self-work) to be able to have some of that trust today. Does it mean I never worry or get anxiety? Nope, I’m still human. Does it mean I can more often than not acknowledge the worry and then decide how to respond to it better? Yes! And “Yes!” is exactly the theme of the next few weeks! In comes the Go-Getter-Otter…
The Go-Getter-Otter by Kristy Fae
Imagine, long ago, this little otter didn’t know she could swim— or that she even liked the water. She wanted to fly. So she tried it. And when her attempt at flying failed, she fell from the sky with a “splish splash” into a refreshing river… and from then on, she was never happier!
If our hearts yearn for something, yet fear and the unknown gets in our way, do we not owe it to ourselves to go out there and try it anyways?! Best case, it works out (hurray!). Worst case, it doesn’t, and it lands you in a new spot where you’ve never been before. A spot where new and miraculous things can happen… even if that thing is just one more “mistake” along the journey that ultimately leads us to our greatest joy!
Now obviously I’m not saying we should go jump into the air with some 2 by 4’s for wings (we must still use our common sense and wisdom to make calculated risks)— but I am encouraging us to take the plunge into something that fear has been holding us back from. That’s it, that’s the homework, dear monster friends.
We’d love to hear about the plunge you take over the next few weeks— share in the comments below or on social media with #artofnonsensetaketheplunge
Remember, we are brave and we can do scary things!
*Splish Splash*
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!
Many of us have heard the saying, “The early bird gets the worm”— but there’s much more to the tale than we were made to believe! But let’s back up for a minute…
Welcome back from the Holidays! The monsters and I from Art of Nonsense hope that everyone had a joyous season and a peaceful transition into 2024.
Yes, it’s January: the time of New Year’s Resolutions, goal setting and the mapping out of upcoming milestones. I love the fresh energy of a New Year and the “out with the old” and “letting go of things that no longer serve us” vibes. What I do NOT like, however, is the pressure and stress of living up to my newly set Resolutions or the feeling “less than” when I realize I haven’t achieved all of last year’s goals. Yes, reflection is great. Goals are great. So is reality. So is self-care, rest, fun and quality time with the people we adore. This we know, though, don’t we?
But it’s hard to remember or to live by these values when our society honours striving, pushing and, ultimately, suffering. For many of us, the more to-dos we check off our list, and the less hours we sleep per night, the more accomplished we have become engrained to feel. We’re taught that there is but one way to thrive, and if even one part is missing from that rulebook, we’ve doomed ourselves to failure. But whoever wrote these rules forgot one very critical detail: humans, like monsters, are all very different from one another. We have differences in what we need. What we like. What works for us and what doesn’t. There cannot, and should not, be one universal script for success. So let’s change the story, shall we?
“The early bird gets the worm…and the night owl catches fireflies!”
“Firefly” by Kristy Fae
This is the new motto I’ve created. And if you haven’t guessed it already— I’m a night owl. Like many owly humans, I’ve spent years feeling guilty about my late night tendencies. After all, people around me and messages everywhere were constantly telling me that early rising was chapter one in the “Book of Success”! It’s taken me a lot of years, research and trial and error, to be able to confidently say, “I beg to differ!”
I say, if it works to go to bed early and wake up early? GREAT! If it works better to go to bed late and wake up late? ALSO GREAT! If some other schedule works best? AMAZING! Do that. Let’s not follow our neighbour’s prescription— it wasn’t written for us! Let’s keep in mind that different people have different internal clocks. For example, neurodivergent individuals tend to have circadian rhythms that signal us to sleep at least 2 hours later than neurotypical people.* We really cannot assume that what works for one, works for all. So let’s all stop it with the judgement (of self and of others) and just allow the wisdom of our own brains, bodies and intricacies to guide our narrative as best we can, shall we?
And that’s just on the subject of sleep! We could call in infinite other topics here to illustrate the point, such as what kind of exercise, food or career choices are the most successful. Or which magic pills solve their indicated issues fastest. The best travel spot? The greatest Spiritual practice? We’d be arguing until the end of time. The point is, there is no rule book to achieving success. There is just what we know and decide is best for ourselves. And even that can change continuously!
So back to the New Year’s Resolutions. First off, I challenge us all to think about our Resolutions in a new light. Perhaps starting with some new and gentler phrasing for our goals, like “this year’s intentions” or “things that would bring me joy in 2024”.
Secondly, I suggest that our goals are based more on what we want to feel or experience, such as creativity or flow or newness or love or vibrancy or peace. This may look very different from previous year’s lists that featured very specific and finite goals. Now I’m not saying that specific goals or SMART goals are not valuable or don’t have their place. But maybe this set of intentions, which is meant to guide us for the entire year, allows for a bit more…intuitiveness. Maybe we don’t know the details of what will produce those desired feelings yet, and that’s ok, because we are us in the NOW, and not us in a week, a month or a year from now. If we make an outline so detailed that it blinds us from any new and interesting subplots that may arise along the journey, how will we know that we are being true to ourselves each and every day? We are constantly evolving based on our experiences, shifting values, new knowledge etc. Let’s allow our dreams to shift with us.
Ok. Thirdly. To be contradictory, I am going to set the one and only “rule” for this year’s intentions: it is to make our lists from our unique, authentic needs and desires. That is, from the truth of our heart, our inner wisdom, our honest knowing. Let’s not allow anyone to dictate what our methods, yearnings or dreams “should be”. Let’s tune in to what truly nourishes US!
To Recap:
1- Find a new title for your “New Year’s Resolutions”
2- Make your goals based on what you want to feel or experience this year, not necessarily listing finite goals.
3- Make sure each item on the list is based on your authentic needs and desires!
4- Bonus step: share your list in the comments below and on social media with #artofnonsenseintentions
If thinking about our goals in this way is hard imagine, as we fight against those pesky “shoulds and societal pressures”, we can start tapping into our inner voice in smaller ways. For example, making one small decision today based on a desire or need. Like saying no to someone asking for a favour when we need rest. Or buying that chocolate chip muffin for breakfast just because we want it. Perhaps it’s putting aside a non-urgent task to spend time in nature. If it still feels too big, we can start smaller: parting our hair on the opposite side to challenge our automatic responses, taking a different route when we head out, or wearing two differently coloured socks just for fun! The task is to feel in to what we are really craving, authentically, instead of following the engrained paths we’ve learned to follow.
After some practise, we can start making bigger changes. Perhaps asking that cool person we bump into every once in a while to hangout next time we see them. Or registering for a course simply for our personal interest and pleasure. Maybe digging into a new art medium or project that’s been calling for attention! Let’s start living more authentically, each day, as our unique SELVES. The more we do it, the more naturally it comes, and then the more of it we want. Mmm nothing like that good yummy self-nourishment!
Like the “early bird” saying that many of us have been reciting for years, it’s time to write our own stories. And I’m not just talking about early birds and night owls, there’s everything in between from swans to ducks to woodpeckers to hummingbirds to flamingos…and on and on!
And to each of you unique and wondrous creatures, please know, in your heart of hearts, that no matter what kind of bird you are— there is magic waiting for you…
Happy intention setting— don’t forget to share your list below and hashtag it on social media #artofnonsenseintentions
* For more information on circadian rhythm differences and delayed sleep phase syndrome in neurodivergent individuals, see ADDitude Magazine’s Article.
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!
Phew, is it just us or is this a busy season?! You’ll have to excuse the monsters and I for being late with our Blog, but here we are!
Last weekend was a big eventful one for us creatures here at Art of Nonsense! We took a trip to the Winter Art Market in Fernwood, Victoria B.C. where many-a-monster found their way to new loving furever gnomes… I mean homes. But also gnomes.
Kristy Fae & Super Max with the Art of Nonsense Booth at the Winter Art Market in Victoria, B.C.
We would like to sincerely thank everyone who helped us with the event and/or dropped by the booth to share in the love of monsterly nonsense and creativity last weekend! It means so much to us to have our monsters and creatures invoking smiles, spreading positive messages, and encouraging self-love. We so appreciate your support!
Back to Gnomes…Gnomes are abound this time of year, and we didn’t want to be left out! So we’ve welcomed handmade Home Gnomes, as well as their mischievous Hobgoblin counterparts, into our Monster Studio for the first time ever! They were a huge hit with their squishy bodies and beany-bottoms, not to mention those dangly legs and tiny shoes. Oh my, the cuteness!
We also introduced another new product into our line: Art of Nonsense Greeting Cards! First up we have the Dancing Dino, who’s sure to bring delight to any welcoming recipient. And in the name of the season, we have our West Coast Christmas Cards featuring a wildly enthusiastic rider on an orca, hauling a sleigh above the roaring ocean waves!
These new products, along with many others such as our Whimsical Art Prints, Beanbag Buds (sensory & fidget toys), fleecy Hand Puppets, and more, can be found in our online Art of Nonsense Shop or on our Facebook Page. Feel free to send us a message at kristy@artofnonsense.com with inquiries about currents products or custom orders!
We also loved the feedback we received at the Art Market about which products our monster-loving fans would like to see, including Gratitude Monster Greeting Cards and a restock of Monster Magnets! Please comment below with which monster products you’d like to see, along with your favourite current ones. The feedback helps us get the monsters you want into your monster-ready hands!
Oh, and if you’re looking for “Creative Homework” this week, try designing your very own whimsical Christmas or Seasonal Greeting Card using your favourite local creature as inspiration. All you need is some folded paper or card stock and either some coloured pencils, crayons, paints, or markers. Feel free to share your creations below or on social media along with the hashtag #artofnonsensecreations
Have a creative and joyful season everyone!
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!
Sometimes there’s rhyme but no reason…here’s a bit of fun for you this Monster Monday in honour of Art of Nonsense’s favourite upcoming celebration— Halloween!
“The Choc-o-lot Sneak” By Kristy Fae
The Choc-o-lot Sneak, Such a sneaker of treats, Is a marvellous master— A sneak who sneaks sweets!
He sniffs out the goods, A most terrible feat, And when candy’s around, Well, he won’t miss a beat!
He snatches the loot With his three massive beaks, Then he stashes the stuff In his gigantic cheeks!
Yes, caramel and fudge Are the eats that he seeks And it’s Halloween Night That his food-snatching peaks!
So hide all your bars, All your lollies and gummies— But the only safe spot, Is inside your tummies!
“The Choc-o-lot Sneak” by Kristy Fae
We hope you’re having fun getting your costumes and candies and jack-o-lanterns ready this October. Just beware that mighty Sneak, as we heard him sniffing around here in the chocolate cupboard already 😉 If you’re celebrating Hallow’s Eve this year, tell us how in the comments below…
Have a joyful, creative and safe Halloween season everyone!
Well, this coming week is officially calling in the start of Autumn!
Hurray, Huzzah, Hoorah!
Yes, I’m a big fan of Fall. I’m not sure if it’s the falling leaves, the oh-so-fresh hoodie-worthy weather, the ingrained feeling of “back to school” season, or the excitement of Halloween creeping in (okay, it’s all of the above)… but Fall always has me feeling crafty, creative, and motivated to get organized and productive!
The closets have been cleaned out, the desks have been rearranged, the year’s goals have been fine-tuned and, of course, the monsters have been awakened!
In honour of our favourite monsterly season, we’ve finally got our latest Beanbag Buds and Monster Hand-Puppets up for adoption at the Art of Nonsense Shop! Our boisterous little Beanbag critters are the perfect pals to clip onto your knapsack, carry in your pockets, or toss around with your friends. They’re fun fidget toys for all of us sensory-oriented creatures, and of course, they’re cute as buttons! Handmade in Victoria British Columbia, we’re currently shipping within Canada. Drop us an email if you have any questions or custom ideas: kristy@artofnonsense.com
So while the monsters are having fun “Fall-ing” into line… what are your season’s goals? Is there a project you’ve been meaning to get started on? A junk drawer that needs excavating? Or perhaps a routine that needs polishing to bring some freshness into your step? Whatever it is, we hope you’re able to start dropping into your creative energy this week. Perhaps now is the time to take that first small step towards a goal that you’d maybe hung up during the hot and sunny months?
Wishing you a wickedly awesome Autumnal Equinox from all of us monsters here at Art of Nonsense!
Play. Create. Discover… don’t forget to subscribe to keep up with our biweekly blogs and follow us @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. And of course, visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable monsters!
Fun Fact: You are Worthy! Just a quick drop-in this Monday to remind you of this fact. Just being you makes this true. And the gifts and passions that you like to share with the world deserve appreciation, recognition, or renumeration! So many entrepreneurs and artists undervalue themselves and thus undercharge for their products and services, believing it’s the only way to lead career in what they do. In fact, quite the opposite is true: the more you know your value, and show your value, the more value others see in your work. Take the Faxolotl as an example! She knows her worth and isn’t afraid to show it…
“The Faxolotl” Poem & Illustration By Kristy Fae
If you’re looking for homework this week, try writing down 3-5 facts about yourself that help you recognize your inherent worth… or ask some of your loved ones to give you a few facts about you that they love!
What makes a monster a monster? Is a monster simply a made-up creature? Is it defined by its unique and weird attributes? Does it need special powers or to partake in particular activities? Oxford Languages states that a monster is “an imaginary creature that is typically large, ugly, and frightening” while Myriam-Webster defines a monster as “an animal or plant of abnormal form or structure.” A simple search on Google will turn up multiple interpretations of this ancient word that is believed to have “derived from the French term ‘monstre’ [which] has roots in the Latin word meaning ‘monstrum’ [or] ‘evil omen’ ” according to Word Monster. Despite the many opinions about what a monster actually is, what seems to be agreed upon is that monsters are creatures of great awe and wonder!
Here at Art of Nonsense, we love monsters of all kinds. No monster is too big or too small; too scaly or too furry; too winged or too finned. We love them all. And we love creating them. A lot of my creature inspiration started in childhood, through finding awe and wonder in the natural world, whether in real life or through wonderful resources like Owl Magazine. From sting rays to blue-footed boobies, to bats, wild cats, and even pet rats— I was fascinated by them all!
Now, even as the majority of my pencil tips end up forming creatures that didn’t exist before the drawing took place, I very much like to revisit, honour, and “play” with the beloved animals that so captured my heart and sense of wonder (and still do!). One of such favourites has always been the Platypus. In fact, my favourite stuffed animal as a child was a green Platypus, who still sits near my bed (lovingly as ever, though with significantly less “fluff” than before). Platypuses really are one of those “real-life monsters”. Firstly, because… look at them. So strange, unique, and adorable right!? I get giddy just picturing them! Also, the more I know about platypuses, the more fascinating they are to me. Here’s a few reasons why:
A Platypus somehow has what appears to be a duck’s bill, a beaver’s tail, and the feet of an otter— oh my!
Platypuses are the only group of mammals to lay eggs.
Male platypuses are one of the few mammals today that produce venom, and they do so through a hollow spur in their hind legs, which is sometimes referred to as a poisonous claw (or in my case, “a poison toe”!)… as show by my illustration below:
“Platy-Pirate” Illustration & Poem by Kristy Fae
We very much enjoyed our playtime with this special Platy-Guy today. If you’re so inspired, we challenge you to look up 3 interesting facts about your favourite animal and see if you can create an artwork based on what you find!
*A special credit and thanks goes out to TrentT for sparking the idea of a Platypus Pirate!
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.
Hey creature cuddlers, monster makers and fantasy followers! With new life popping up everywhere, like the brilliantly blooming blossoms and the itty bitty hobbling goslings in the park, it feels like a great week for creating new life— especially of the fantastical kind!
And fittingly so, for if you’ve never heard of MerMay, now you have! Each May, illustrators around the globe follow prompts to get creative and draw daily or weekly— and it’s all mermaid inspired! How glorious?! If you’d like to find the prompts, and learn more, go to the official MerMay website here: www.mermay.com
I really enjoyed the first prompt, as shown below, which was “Self-Portrait”! If you’re inspired, see if you can carve out 5-10 minutes (or more) this week, find a prompt that calls to you, and see what comes out on the page! Yes, let there be life!!!
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... 