art, Blog, Funny, Monster Monday, Monsters, play

The Sun-Monster: Soak Up the Fun!

If you’re like me, and you live somewhere where the sun has been graciously showing its face more often these days, then you’ll understand this week’s illustration…Yes, I am more than ecstatic to be soaking up the warmth and light and am taking every opportunity to do so! I hope you’re all finding ways to play in, relax beneath, and otherwise enjoy, thoroughly, the sunshine. Haven’t we earned it!? Just remember to be a little safer than the overzealous critter below and use sun screen or cover up, hydrate, and don’t overdo it (as hard as that might be after waiting for what feels like SO long!).

The Sun-Monster by Kristy Biscuit

Have fun and play safe everyone!

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to subscribe for more monsterly fun! Also find me @artofnonsense on Facebook and Instagram or visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable critters…

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 aka Kristy Biscuit All Rights Reserved.

art, Blog, Funny, Monster Monday, Monsters

The Eggster Bunny: Happy Whatever!

The monsters around here have been a little confused by this whole Easter thing…but once you see their take on this Holiday below, I think you’ll understand why!

“The Eggster Bunny” by Kristy Biscuit

Whatever you’re doing this long weekend, we’re wishing you a whole lot of Nonsense! So Happy Whatever, as long as you’re finding creative ways of having fun this Spring. Now let’s see YOUR spin on a favourite Holiday character. Share the fun using #artofnonsense 

Thanks for reading and be sure to subcribe to this now biweekly blog for more monsterly inspiration! Also find me @artofnonsense on Facebook and Instagram or visit the Art of Nonsense Shop

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 aka Kristy Biscuit All Rights Reserved.

art, Blog, Funny, inspiration, Monster Monday, Monsters, play, Poetry

The Zuzzy Zzama: Creatures that Roll-Off-The-Tongue!

Can you get this tongue twister to roll off your tongue— rhymes and embellished spellings and all? I’m having fun over here inventing new critters and their tails and tales. Have you got any silly willy furry friends to share with me? The key to success here is, you got it, have FUN and get SILLY!

“The Zuzzy Zzama” by Kristy Biscuit

This whimsical children’s illustration is the result of the second lesson of Lisa Bardot’s “How to Draw Fur in Procreate” tutorial that I’m following on Skillshare. Find more of Lisa’s tutorials and Procreate brushes at www.bardotbrush.com

Experimenting with different ways of how to make FURRY, FUZZY, HAIRY creatures come off the page as though you could reach out and pet them is especially exciting for me. Not only do I love furry creatures (and indubitably petting them) but I’m also thrilled about incorporating my learnings into my upcoming children’s book, “My Very Hairy Monster Friends”, featuring nonsense poems similar to the one above! Make sure to follow the blog for updates on this and other uberly creative projects…and last but not least, have a ssuper dduper dday!

Happy creating! For more creative fun and inspiration, find me @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and the Art of Nonsense Shop

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 aka Kristy Biscuit All Rights Reserved.

art, Blog, inspiration, Monster Monday, Monsters

The Real-Life Monster: Furry Sloth

Hey all, I hope you had a relaxing and joyful weekend. Today, I wanted to share one of my very favourite REAL-LIFE monsters: the sloth! This very hairy creature, who has giant claws for fingers, and moves so slowly he grows moss on his back, is something right out of a nonsensical storybook in my opinion. Cute as anything and strange as can be, I can’t help but obsessively love sloths! What is your favourite “strange” and furry creature?

Kristy Biscuit’s Furry Sloth

I had a lot of fun trying out a new style by following a tutorial on Skill Share by Lisa Bardot called “How to Draw Fur in Procreate.” She also shows you how to make fluff and feathers! I can’t wait to apply these techniques to some of my make-believe monsters! I highly recommend this and other tutorials, free brushes and more by Lisa at http://www.bardotbrush.com

Thanks for reading! Also find me @artofnonsense on Facebook and Instagram or visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for more creative inspiration!

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.

art, Blog, Colour-ME, Colouring Page, inspiration, Monster Monday, Monsters, Self-Love

The Heart Monster: Colour-Me with Love!

Whether you’re currently out there dodging, seeking, or tending to cupid’s arrow, you’ve probably noticed that it’s February— and February is a month abundant in reminders of love, hearts, chocolate and otherwise festive symbols and gestures. Despite any prevalent customs, Valentine’s Day is still a very different experience for each and every one of us. For some, yes, romantic and exciting; for others sorrowful; and for certain people, dull or meaningless…and the list goes on. Like any other day on planet Earth, we don’t know what our fellow humans are going through, how they’re feeling, or what they’ve endured. May this time of year remind us to be gentle, compassionate, and loving: to ourselves; to our loved ones; to the strangers we pass throughout our day; and to all people and living things outside of our bubbles, our cities, and even our countries. 

Love knows no bounds. And in order to celebrate LOVE from whatever position you’re viewing it from this February, I’d like to offer you this sweet and loving Heart Monster! Feel free to print him out, colour him brightly, and fill in the hearts with people or beings you’d like to send love out to this month! Let this Heart Monster be a reminder that love is in our own hearts first and foremost, and that we can extend it outwards into the world just by setting the intention to do so. I hope you enjoy this fun monster colouring page and I would love to hear about who you filled your hearts with (and I recommend including YOU!) in the comments below…

Happy Love Day Everyone!

Printable Heart Monster Colour-Me Page!

Thanks for reading! Also find me @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterestor 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!  © 2021 Kristina Durst All Rights Reserved.

art, Blog, inspiration, Monster Monday, Monsters, play, Poetry

The Simple Scribbler: Meaningful Meaninglessness

Sometimes it’s fun to simply draw,

Without the need to hum and haw,

So to the page the pencil goes,

And watch it as it simply flows…

Whether you’re a student of art, a professional artist, or a creative dabbler, it’s important to step away from the confines of projects and end results once in a while (or even more often than that preferably). Giving yourself time to experiment, scribble, scratch, doodle— and otherwise mess around— can not only be fun and therapeutic, but it can also give way to creations and ideas that could inspire a future project. You never know just what you might find: an outlet, a new technique, or a wacky character that jumps off the page and steals your heart! Here’s the little one born of my scribbles this week… what do you think? Should this Scribbler have his own story?

What Will Your Scribbles Give Life To?

Take some time out this week to do something creative just for the sake of doing it! No means to an end. No agenda. No perfectionism. No erasing or un-doing even! Hide away from distractions and technology while you do it. Give it your full attention. Run wild with it! Take special notice of how you feel during the process— I’d love to hear about your experience and see what you end up with!

Happy creating!

If you want more nonsensical fun, find us @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!  © 2021 Kristina Durst All Rights Reserved.

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.

art, Blog, inspiration, Monster Monday, Monsters

Monster Masters: Those Whom Inspire…

Happy Monster Monday everyone! Today I’d like to share a few of my favourite masters of monsters and creatures. These talented artists and storytellers brought such wonder and magic to my life growing up (and continue to do so! In fact, I just received Dr. Seuss’ “The Sleep Book” this past Christmas at my request!).

Their characters and tales transport me to imaginative lands; bring smiles and gasps and sometimes tears to my face; feed my creative soul with curiosity and a sense of endless possibilities; and make my heart sing with sheer delight as I fall under their utterly whimsical spells. As a kid, there was nothing like that feeling of opening a book or pressing play on a movie inspired by my idols.

I believe they, and many others who created the content I devoured as a young one, had a huge impact on how I think, create, and dream the way I do… and they inspire me to create content that has this effect on others as well. Gratitude fills my colourful heart for the dedication and brilliance of Dr. Suess, Tim Burton, Beatrix Potter, Jim Henson, Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake, Robert Munsch, Brian Froud, and so many others. For what is life without a bit of magic and imagination? Here are a few samples of their works:

Dr. Seuss‘s “The Sleep Book”
Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas”
Beatrix Potter’s “The Tale of Peter Rabbit
Jim Henson’s “The Muppets”
Roald Dahl’s “The BFG”, illustrated by Quentin Blake
Robert Munsch’s “Mud Puddle”
Brian Froud’s Artwork

So tell me, who inspires you to do what you do?

Thanks for reading! 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.