Wishing you a Happy and Arty 2025

One Word to Guide My Year

As the new year begins, I love to choose one word that serves as my anchor and compass. It’s a practice I’ve followed for several years, and it helps me stay focused and intentional as I move through the months ahead. I’d love to share the process I use to find my word and why it’s such a meaningful tradition for me.

Why One Word?

Those of you who have been around for awhile know that I love selecting a word for the year. I started this about 8 years ago, and it made me switch my focus from “resolutions” to “intentions.” Traditional resolutions never resounded with me. Once I started thinking about what my intentions were for the year ahead, everything seemed to line up for me. My intentions help me define my goals, which lead me to my word. This is the process that works for me, but you need to find the path that works for you.

My Process for Finding My Word

Reflect on the Past Year

I start by looking back at the previous year. What were the highlights? What challenges did I face? Are there recurring themes or lessons that stand out? For me, this step is about recognizing growth and identifying areas where I want to continue evolving.

Dream About the Year Ahead

Next, I envision the kind of year I want to create. What feelings, experiences, or achievements do I hope to cultivate? I write down words or phrases that capture my aspirations and desires.

Look for Patterns

I review my reflections and brainstormed words to see if any patterns emerge. I start making a list of any words that resonate with me. Each time I look at the list, I mark the ones that speak to me and cross of any that don’t seem like a fit. As the list narrows, I look up the definition of each word and look for synonyms.

If you are struggling with words, there are long lists available with a quick Google search.

Choose My Word

Finally, I make my choice. My word needs to feel inspiring and expansive—something that can grow with me throughout the year. Once I’ve chosen it, I like to journal about why it’s meaningful and how I hope it will guide me.

Living My Word

Once I’ve chosen my word, I look for ways to incorporate it into my daily life. I might:

• Write it on a sticky note and place it where I’ll see it often.

• Create a piece of art inspired by the word.

• Use it as a mantra during meditation or journaling sessions.

• I also check out etsy. In past years I have ordered bracelets, rings and wood cut-outs for my desk.

For me, the magic of this practice lies in its simplicity. My word becomes a touchstone that helps me stay aligned with my intentions, no matter what life throws my way.

My Word for 2024

I spent a few weeks this year making my list of possible words and slowly narrowed it down. ACHIEVE just kept standing out to me. I have been working to put several things in place the past few years and 2025 is all about achieving success with them.

If you’re considering choosing a word for the year, I encourage you to give it a try. It’s a beautiful way to focus your energy and set the tone for what’s to come. Whether your word is about growth, balance, courage, or something entirely different, let it be a light that guides you.

Happy Arting,

Mary

Finding comfort and connection through creativity

 In a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming, creativity has a way of bringing us back to ourselves. This is the heart behind my newest video series, *Handmade Magic: Crafted for the Season*. I created this series as a way to offer a positive distraction—a small, meaningful escape from the heaviness around us. Through hands-on projects you can make at home, I hope to bring a little bit of light, joy, and a sense of connection, both to the craft and to those with whom you’ll share your creations.   

Growing up, I remember the magic of handmade gifts—the ones that still stand out in my memory. They were gifts of time, effort, and thoughtfulness. I want to bring that feeling back, to invite you to make something that matters and to offer a gift that truly lasts.  When I think about the holidays of my childhood, the gifts I treasure most were handmade. I can vividly recall the hand-knitted scarves, painted ornaments, and carefully crafted cards that family members and friends gifted me. These items weren’t flashy or expensive, but they meant everything to me because they felt so personal. 

 There’s something magical about receiving a gift that someone made just for you. Every stitch, brushstroke, or folded paper represents time and care. That’s what makes handmade gifts stand out—they’re about connection, intention, and love. 

 As I’ve gotten older, the value of those handmade moments has only grown. In creating this series, I wanted to bring back that sense of warmth and meaning, helping others discover the joy of crafting gifts with their own hands. 

 This series is all about simplicity and accessibility. Over the course of five videos, I’ll guide you through easy-to-make projects that are perfect for gift-giving. Whether you’re crafting for friends, family, or yourself, these projects are designed to be approachable for all skill levels.  One of my favorite things about these creations is how reproducible they are. You can make several in a short period, which is perfect if you want to spread some handmade magic to multiple people. Plus, most of the supplies are likely already in your home, making these projects both budget-friendly and sustainable. 

 Each video includes clear, step-by-step instructions, so you can follow along at your own pace. I want this process to feel joyful, not stressful. Crafting should be a way to unwind, connect, and add a personal touch to the season.

Want to join me for a Handmade Holiday? Click here

Are you an art superhero?

Creative bravery isn’t about being fearless. Let’s be honest—fear never really goes away. It’s about feeling the fear, maybe having a good old-fashioned freakout, and doing the thing anyway. Being creatively brave means embracing your inner mad scientist and experimenting with your art in ways that are thrilling, uncertain, and, yes, sometimes a little messy. Here’s what creative bravery means for mixed media artists like us, and why it’s the most important tool in your art kit:

Willing to Try New Things (Even if it’s Weird or Terrible)
If you’ve ever found yourself holding a hairdryer over a puddle of paint, you already know this: trying new things in your art can be, well, bizarre. But the beauty of mixed media is that anything goes—until it doesn’t. Being brave means giving yourself permission to make something truly awful, because without that risk, there’s no room for greatness. Sometimes, bravery looks like gluing feathers to a canvas. Other times, it’s learning how to unglue them after realizing that was a terrible idea.

Be OK with Being Bad at Something (It’s a Skill, I Promise)
Here’s the thing: you will be bad at new things. And that’s a gift. When you can laugh at your wobbly first attempt at something, you’re already ahead of the game. Creative bravery is being okay with stumbling through your first few—dozen—tries. Your first art journal spread might look like an over-enthusiastic toddler’s finger-painting. So what? You’re learning. Give yourself a pat on the back for showing up, even if the end result looks like it belongs on the refrigerator door rather than in a gallery.

Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome (AKA Enjoy the Chaos)
Let’s admit it: we all want that perfect end product, that showstopper piece that’s going to get all the Instagram likes. But creative bravery means taking a deep breath, tossing out the expectation of perfection, and diving into the process. Paint with your hands. Rip things up. If it ends up looking like a flaming dumpster? Congratulations! You’ve embraced the process. In the end, the journey of creating is what fuels growth. The final result is just a bonus.

Let Go of Limiting Beliefs (They're Boring Anyway)
We’ve all got that voice in our heads that says, "You’re not good enough" or "You can’t pull this off." Newsflash: that voice is a liar. Creative bravery means grabbing those limiting beliefs by the scruff of the neck, shaking them loose, and sending them packing. Tell yourself a different story—one where you are capable, are talented, and totally have what it takes to make something incredible (even if it’s just for you).

Accept Where You Are in Your Creative Cycle (Yes, Even the Weird, Unproductive Parts)
Sometimes, your creative cycle looks like a fireworks display of inspiration. Other times, it’s more of a slow-cooker situation—you’re just simmering in ideas with nothing quite coming to a boil. Creative bravery is about respecting where you are, even if that place is the artistic equivalent of Netflix and pajamas. You’re not a creative machine; you’re an artist. Trust the down times—they’re where your next big idea is brewing.

Letting Go of Something (Because Even Superheroes Need a Break)
Sometimes bravery isn’t about picking up a new technique—it’s about dropping the brush entirely. Letting go of an idea, a project, or even a whole medium that’s just not serving you can be a huge act of creative courage. Maybe you need a break, or maybe you need to break up with something in your practice. Either way, stepping back is often the bravest move you can make. After all, real strength lies in knowing when to rest.

So the next time you hesitate before trying something out of your comfort zone, remember: creative bravery is about embracing the unknown, the imperfect, and the process. Go ahead—be bold, be bad, and most of all, be brave.

Next time we’ll talk about how to cultivate your creative bravery.

How much are you packing?

My mom had knee replacement surgery a few weeks ago, so I traveled to Maryland to help her out while she recovers. I knew I would have time for art-ing. I started out by deciding to fly Southwest so I could have two free checked bags. The quest was to travel with the minimal amount of clothing, allowing for as many art supplies as my 50 pound limit could hold. 😂

I’m happy to say that both bags were under 50 pounds and no one questioned why a suitcase had 5 glue sticks, 4 pairs of scissors and a bag of paint.

I’ll share exactly what I brought and am making while I am here, but what would you bring? What are your must-haves, what could you do without and what would you find substitutes for when you arrive at your destination?

Color theory for the gel plate

With all the fun of gelli printing, who wants to follow rules?

Not me, but a basic understanding of color theory can help you create papers that you love.

When first starting to use your gelli plate, don’t bother with most color theory. Just have fun! The only rule I recommend starting with is picking one side of the color wheel. Do you lean towards blue and greens (cool colors) or red and oranges (warm colors)? Start with whichever side calls to you. Mixing any shade of blue or green will give you appealing color mixes. That same with red and orange. The problem happens when you cross colors from opposite sides. In equal quantities, a warm and a cool color will typically make a brown-ish color (otherwise known as “making mud”). When you are first starting, I don’t want you to have to worry about colors. I want you to get to know your gel plate, how the brayer works, which paper you like and how to create different effects on your plate. Once you dive a little deeper, then you can explore some color mixes.

I’ll continue exploring color theory with you over the next few weeks.

Let’s break in that gel plate!

Are you ready to go gelli? Let's dive into the gelli printing shenanigans with my quick 5-step guide to get you started:

Step 1: Gather Your Gel Printing Supplies

Before you start, gather your gel plate, acrylic paints, a brayer, and some paper. If you have a few stencils, grab those too. Don’t worry about anything fancy when you are just starting. I always recommend you use things that you already have. One of my favorite papers to print on is simple copy paper.

Step 2: Paint the Town Gel

Squirt a bit of acrylic paint onto your gel plate and spread it evenly using the brayer. You can always add more if you need it. When first starting, don’t worry about color theory. If you stay on one side of the color wheel (either blues and greens or reds and oranges), you will be fine. With more practice you can start color mixing.

Step 3: Let the Layers Dance

Place stencils onto the painted gel plate. Get creative – use leaves, lace, or even bubble wrap to add texture. Layer on more paint, creating a colorful masterpiece with each pass. This is the play time.

Step 4: The Big Reveal

Hold your breath as you carefully lay a sheet of paper on top of the painted and textured gel plate. Gently smooth the paper down, making sure the paper absorbs all the artsy goodness.

Step 5: Peel and Repeat

Peel back the paper to reveal your one-of-a-kind gel print. Admire the chaos you've created and, if you're feeling brave, repeat the process with new colors and textures for even more artistic mayhem. If you don’t love what you see, keep printing!

Gelli printing is not just an art form; it's a playful journey into the world of monoprinting. So, grab your gel plate and let the creative chaos unfold. Remember, there are no mistakes in gel printing, only opportunities for more artistic mischief. Embrace the unexpected, revel in the mess, and let the gel printing shenanigans begin! Your artistic soul will thank you for it.

100 days of what?

You may be seeing all of the posts on social media about the 100 Day Project. This is the eleventh year of the project and my sixth year attempting to do something for 100 days. I will admit that I have not been successful most years. My art-ADD is strong and I struggle to stay with what I thought was a great idea two weeks ago, let alone 100 days ago.

Over the years I have tried broad projects, like “paint everyday” or just “create everyday”. For me, I have realized that broad projects don’t work. Now to be honest, focused projects don’t always work either. But I can say that even my “unsuccessful” years have taught me something. I have discovered a love for mini collages and watercolor doodles. I have also learned that I need 15 minute challenges that I can do even in my chair while watching TV.

So, what am I going to do this year? I am still waiting for my inspiration to strike. Have you decided what you are doing or are you skipping it this year?

Want to read a bit more about challenges? Check out these blog articles.

Why I love creative challenges:

https://www.marycorreastudios.com/blog/creative-challenge

My 2021 project:

https://www.marycorreastudios.com/blog/my-2021-100-day-project

One of my unsuccessful years:

https://www.marycorreastudios.com/blog/did-you-start-a-creative-challenge-this-year

A paper weaving for Valentine’s

Last year I created a woven paper piece with some leftover watercolor paper. I even added some stitching. This piece ended up in one of my journals, but could be a card or even a journal cover.