plushies – Play. Create. Discover…

Blog, Crafts, creative living, Fidget toys, Monster Monday, Monsters, play, Sensory, Toys

The Mess-Monster: Trusting the Creative Process

August 15, 2022 Kristy Fae

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!

Play. Create. Discover…

Also find me @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube or visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable monsters and other products!

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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! © 2022 Kristina Durst aka Kristy Anne Fae All Rights Reserved.

Blog, inspiration, Monster Monday, play, Self-Love, Writing

The Plushy Monster: Revelling in the JOY!

May 2, 2022 Kristy Fae

This week is all about reconnecting with the joy of your childhood self!

Anyone who knows me well, will tell you that I am more than just a fan of stuffed animals/plushies, and the truth is, I have always been. You know how they say that nothing is permanent? EXCEPT for my love of stuffies, that will outlast us all 😉

A few days ago, I went into my favourite toy store for plushy oogling (Kaboodles in downtown Victoria BC) and perhaps some purchasing too. I was lovingly telling the staff about what a giant kid I am still at age 37, and how my bed is more critter than Kristy. To my surprise, they informed me that most of their clientele who came in for these stuffed bundles of furry joy were adults— and especially so since this whole global pandemic hit. It made sense, despite the surprise, because after all, don’t all humans need affection, physical touch, comfort and… the ability to unconditionally and uncontrollably SNUGGLE, KISS, and PET a soft and loveable cutie at any given WHIM!? Well…you get the point. I’m a sensory person, I’m an animal lover, I’m a critter admirer, and I’m a cuddle fanatic. What else can I say, these squish-able, squeezable sacks of snug-fest spell out J-O-Y for me even on the darkest of days! And turns out I’m not alone.

So plush or other, what’s your J-O-Y bringer? Think back to some of your happiest, earliest childhood memories. Perhaps a favourite place, thing, game, food, activity etc comes to mind? Do you melt at the thought of rolling in a pile of warm, freshly dried laundry? Do that. Did hand painting let loose your inner hysterical Picasso? Hit up the dollar store for some quick art supplies. Were you a flower-crown prince or princess? Head to the park and get pickin’! If nothing comes to mind, try something you’ve always wanted to, or YouTube “fun activities for kids” for inspiration.

Whatever it is that will light up your soul, give it a whirl. And do not let anyone convince you that you are too old, or too mature, or that the thing is meant for another gender identity than yours, or any other excuse. Because it’s not true. Also, the people who refuse to play and delight in the simple and creative joys of life, are the ones who need it the most. So don’t listen to them! Just revel in the thing and let your sweet, childlike joy bubble up and remind you what living in this world can REALLY feel like!

Then share what you did with a friend or a loved one and encourage them to get in on the game…come on, let’s play!

Continue to Follow Your Creativity! Find me @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube or visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable monsters and other products.

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art, Blog, inspiration, Monster Monday, play

Rolly Manatello: Rolling in Your Bliss

June 2, 2021 Kristy Fae

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I adore stuffed animals. I always have and I always will. I remember, when I was a kid, kissing each of the stuffies lined up in my bed before going to sleep. How could l leave even one of my cuddly buds out when I loved them THAT MUCH?! Even now in my thirties, I have to remind myself with a giggle that my stuffed friends that have received less attention than others recently, aren’t actually feeling bad about it.

Or are they? My mind knows they are not living creatures, but my heart? Welll…that’s a different story. So why fight it? Why deny our hearts the pleasure of adoring something THAT MUCH? So that’s what me and my newest addition, a Manatee by Jellycat (one of my fave plushie makers), lovingly named Rolly Manatello, have been up to lately: rolling around in blissful cuddles, savouring the soft and the squishy, visiting dreamland, and even painting pictures together— or at least side by side.

Manatee Plushie by Jellycat, Photo by Kristy Biscuit

Here’s a painting that came about in one of our rolling sessions. I decided to try out my new digital Procreate Watercolour brushes (from http://www.designcuts.com) in a quick ‘n’ dirty splash-digital-paint-around-a-digital-canvas sort of way. As is often the case when I sit down to do a fast, messy illustration, without an end-goal in mind, I love the outcome. And so does Rolly! We admire the movement, the imperfection, the tangibility of the work: the playfulness.

So if you’re needing a spirit animal as inspiration this week, why not bring to mind Rolly Manatello and get out there and roll around in your bliss!? Savour. Admire. Create. Play. Just like the laissez-faire demeanour so often attributed to the gentle giant of a sea-cow, the manatee: don’t think too much, just go along your merry way, stumble upon inspiration, dabble in it, follow your joy…and notice how your heart feels about it. Then come back and comment if you’d like to share your experience…

Happy Rolling!

Thanks for visiting Art of Nonsense! Also find me @artofnonsense on Facebook and Instagram or visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for more creature fun and inspiration.

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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.