Cooler days invite us to soften and slow down. Build a cozy page one simple mark at a time. Ingredients: - Art journal or sturdy paper - Black pen - 3 colors of markers or crayons - Yellow or gold marker or crayon - Ruler or straight edge, optional - Washi tape, optional Directions: 1. Draw four loose horizontal bands across your page. 2. Fill the first band with wavy lines, the second with dots, the third with zigzags, and the fourth with loops. 3. Repeat the marks until each band feels full. Let them stay uneven. 4. Add color to each band, repeating your favorite color in two places. 5. Trace a few marks with black pen and add short dashes that look like stitches. 6. Write the quote in an open space. Add one strip of washi tape if you like. Optional Reflection: What helps me soften and settle when life feels busy? Example Quote: “I can slow down without falling behind.” Creative Garnish: Add five tiny gold stitches to one patterned band. — Meka

I’ve been sitting here reading the messages and comments coming in from those of you who watched my Art of Handmade workshop during the Hobby School Handmade Summit, and I just need to say…THANK YOU. 💜 Some of you told me the workshop inspired you. Some said you finally have a way to get past that intimidating blank page. One of you said you heard exactly what you needed to hear. And some of you decided to come on over and join us here in Start Creating Again. Looka here… THAT means something to me. 🥹 Because my hope wasn’t simply to teach you how to make an art journal page. I wanted you to walk away believing that you could get out of your own way, make the first mark, and give yourself permission to create again. And now I’m watching new Creative Besties walk through the door, people joining my email community, and conversations beginning that weren’t happening before. That got me thinking… we’ve got a little creative momentum happening around here. 👀🔥 And I don’t want to waste it. So thank you to everyone who watched, commented, emailed me, joined the community, or simply decided to pick up your supplies and try again. I’m already thinking about what we can do together next… and I have a feeling it’s going to be more than just another art journal page. 😉 Stay close, Creative Besties. 💜🎨✨