Watercolor Wonderland: Easy Watercolor Holiday Cards for Beginners

I had originally planned to release a Skillshare class on December 1st, but some pesky health issues in the fall followed by two hospital stays in December put me a bit behind, though I did eventually get to launch the class on December 20th. ​

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The class is beginner-friendly, and it shows students an easy way to make beautiful handmade cards. In addition to coming away with beautiful handmade cards, students in this class will also gain the skills and knowledge they need to create hard and soft edges in all their future paintings.

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The demonstration in the class shows how to make winter holiday cards, but the class can be adapted to make cards for any holiday or occasion. In fact, if you are looking for a fun and easy way to make a Valentine's Day card that will really stand out, you can take my new class for free and get a free month of Skillshare so you can try some of the other great Skillshare classes by clicking this link.

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And there's more to come--I just wrapped up my 2024 planning, and I have six new Skillshare classes slated for 2024. Stay tuned for more info!

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Holiday Cards Incoming in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...

The same hospital adventures that kept me from releasing my Skillshare class on time (and now caring for my 5th grader who just had her tonsils out) have also caused a delay in getting my holiday cards out on time. If you signed up to receive a hand painted winter holiday card from me, I haven’t forgotten you! You’ll be receiving a hand-painted New Year card from me very soon!

Hidden Holiday Art

In the midst of all the above-mentioned chaos I did manage to make and hide a little art for my community in December. After the hospital shenanigans were over, I really needed to play with colors and shapes, so I took some glass dessert jars I had been saving since spring and I spent the week before Christmas painting them with alcohol ink.

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On Christmas Eve I popped some flameless tea light candles in them and left them under my town’s tree for my neighbors to find and keep. I live to spread joy and light, so this was one of the highlights of my December.

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I’m excited to continue my hidden art activities in 2024, so keep your eyes peeled–you never know what I’ll get up to.

My Word for 2024 and a Planner for You

Release: A Radical Liberation

I had to think long and hard about my word for 2024. It was difficult because as my intentions began to take form it seemed like there wasn’t a common thread that wove them together, but I eventually found the word at the heart of all my intentions for 2024: Release. What I am envisioning for 2024 is a radical liberation of me.

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1. I will be releasing thoughts, practices and things that no longer serve me and I will embrace my authentic self.
2. I will favor natural rhythm over routine.
3. I will cast off societal expectations and definitions of what it takes to be worthy and I will embrace my inherent worthiness.
4. I will make space for myself and cultivate surroundings and activities that adapt to my personal needs and prioritize my well-being.
5. I will let go of fear and conditioning that has held me back artistically and empower myself to explore uncharted territories in art and personal growth, walking boldly into my potential.
6. The space I create for myself will allow me to show up even bigger for my family, friends, and community and allow me to make deeper connections with all beings in my life.
7. With my newfound space and freedom, I will deepen my spiritual practices and be able to forge a stronger bond with the universe and its inhabitants
8. Letting go of past incarnations of me will allow me to become the person, mother, partner, friend, community member, teacher, and artist I am meant to be.
9. I will pursue personal goals independent of external influence and I will focus on personal fulfillment and growth.
10. And finally, I will cultivate a profound relationship with myself, prioritizing self-care, kindness, and a deeper sense of self-love and appreciation.

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I am sharing this with you for two reasons. First, as a way of putting my intentions out into the universe as a very real possibility; and second in case they may inspire you or help you home in on your intentions for this calendar year.

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Your 2024 Planner

And speaking of this calendar year, I have a little something for you. After I designed my 2024 planner, I decided to make it available to my email subscribers as a download. I’ve set it up in a way that works for me, a human with ADHD, so it helps me stay organized by breaking larger goals and periods of time into small ones. I hope it helps you stay organized and focused on your goals too. You can access the download here.