Category: Make & Muse

I want to start painting again. I do paint sometimes, but I’m not very good, and that usually makes me stop. I tend to think of painting and drawing as talent-based, even though I know they’re really a mix of talent and skill—and skill takes work.

I was recently thinking about Ed Sheeran on The Graham Norton Show, showing how rough he sounded when he was younger compared to now. What changed wasn’t just ability—it was passion and persistence. He cared enough to keep improving. I think that’s where I struggle. I’m good at starting things, but not so great at sticking with them. That’s not exactly new—I’ve been saying the same thing since I started this blog in 2019.

I don’t want to be a famous painter. I just want a hobby that’s mine, something I can get better at and enjoy. I’m great at baking and pretty good at writing, but even those don’t always feel like hobbies. Baking is more of a stress outlet, and writing can start to feel like work—especially when I think about the countless stories I’ve started and never finished.

As a small step toward that softer kind of life I’ve been wanting, I actually signed up for a painting event in Long Beach soon. It feels a little out of my comfort zone, but in a good way—like I’m letting myself try something without needing to be good at it right away. Maybe that’s the point this time: to show up, take it slow, and just enjoy creating something that’s only for me.

Okay listen… I know, I know—I’m a quitter. Was a quitter. Let’s say I’m  “in recovery,” okay? Breaking that habit is no joke though, especially when quitting has always been my emotional support hobby. Life gets overwhelming and suddenly scrolling, snacking, and napping feels like the holy trinity instead of… actually finishing anything.

And it reminds me of that Gilmore Girls moment where Paris goes:
“She’s got a ‘C’ average, which means she’s either lazy or stupid. I can work with either. Frankly, sometimes stupid is easier. I can scare the stupid out of you, but the lazy runs deep.”

Now listen—I’m not stupid. That’s not up for debate.
But lazy? …yeah, I fear Paris would have a field day with me.

BUT. Plot twist. Character development. Redemption arc incoming.

It’s official: I’m launching my ✨Comeback Tour✨starring every project I ever ghosted. Here’s a not-so-fun confession: The last time I posted anything remotely artsy was way back in 2023. Yikes! The creative guilt is real! In honor of my half-finished crafts, I’m breaking out the classic Blend the Rules feature pic—because following the script just isn’t my style!

Exhibit A: I started crocheting tiny dog and cat dolls for my friend’s baby… when said friend was still pregnant.
That baby is turning THREE this year.
THREE.
Anyway!!!(Don’t judge—I just found the pattern again: Tuna and Bones Free Amigurumi Patterns (Crochet Dog Pattern & Crochet Cat Pattern) | Needlepointers.com)

Exhibit B: the cardigan. The cardigan™. The one I dramatically started four years ago and then ghosted like it texted me “hey.”
Tell me why I also found the exact video I was using back then?? The universe said “you’re not escaping this one.”

Exhibit C: the chicken purse.
When I tell you this obsession came back HARD—like why are there a million variations and why do I suddenly need all of them??
Also… I found my old unfinished project and genuinely thought it was a failed beanie. Nope. It was the chicken bag. I abandoned her mid-cluck 😭

AND because I clearly don’t believe in easing into things, I’m also jumping back on the sourdough train. Yes, like 2020 me.
Do I know where my original starter is? Absolutely not. She’s gone. Lost to history.
But I have a new one now!!! And her name?
✨Doughbi Wan Kenobi✨
Was it necessary? No.
Does it bring me immense joy? Yes.

Today I will blend some rules while teaching myself to use watercolor paint.

I like to think of myself as a creative person, but I’m not very good at the means of traditional art. I have an image in my head, and sometimes I have difficulty putting it on paper when drawing or painting. I’m also a little hard on myself since I’m a perfectionist.

Now I’ve seen a lot of videos about painting, and everyone says the same thing. Watercolor is harder to use, so I should start with acrylic paint. Controversial opinion, but I’m not too fond of acrylic paint. I like the control I have when using watercolors.

Thank god for the internet. I’ve learned different tricks and tips from watching YouTube and TikTok.

And these people are self-taught artists – I mean, every artist is probably self-taught. I mean, these people are definitely not art school graduates.

Now my goal isn’t to become the next Monet. I want to experiment with art without feeling like I’m wasting supplies or my time.

Now I didn’t rush out to buy expensive art supplies. I used the paint from a Target art supply kit, and a friend gifted me the paper.

I just used layers. I started with a thin detail brush and made a rough outline. I don’t like sketching with a pencil in watercolor painting because I don’t know how well I’ll be able to cover the pencil.

It was mostly layering colors, and I don’t know if there’s a word for this, but I would use a dry brush to remove paint when I thought it was too piled up.

I’m pleased with my results.

I need more practice. I want to experiment more and learn to paint bigger pieces of art. I would love to one day own my own house and have random art on the walls and have some of those be my art.