Create Art as Your Heart Decides

This little skull was never meant to follow a trend.

I poured it in eco resin, chose every colour myself, painted the bone tones and soft pinks by hand, and gave him a pair of golden cat-like eyes that stare right back at you. Not to make him spooky or macabre. Just to give him life. I want my creatures to be able to see. I want them to have character. I want them to feel like they could sit on a shelf and quietly watch the world go by with a bit of personality of their own.

He isn’t perfect. He isn’t trying to be. He is simply what happened when I stopped asking what “they” are making this week and started listening to what I actually wanted to make.

Sometimes the loudest advice floating around is to copy whatever is currently popular, to match the colour palette the algorithm is rewarding, to produce the same shape the crowd is already sharing. I understand the temptation. But I keep coming back to a quieter truth: create as your heart decides. Not because someone said it was trending. Not because the mob has already decided what “good” looks like this month. Create from you, for the betterment of you.

When the work comes from that place, something shifts. You stop measuring yourself against strangers online and start measuring the piece against your own satisfaction. Does it make you smile when you look at it? Does it feel like it belongs to the person you actually are? If the answer is yes, then it has already succeeded—long before anyone else ever sees it.

This skull is one of those pieces for me. I like him. The soft peach of the bone, the white of the teeth and the brain-like ridges, the unexpected brightness of those feline eyes. He sits there looking slightly amused, slightly curious, completely himself. And that is enough.

So if you are standing in front of your own materials right now, wondering whether your idea is “on trend” or “too different,” I offer the same quiet permission I give myself:

Don’t be one of the crowd.
Allow yourself to be unique unto yourself.

Make the thing that only you would make. Give it eyes if it needs eyes. Choose the colours that feel right in your hands. Let it come to life in whatever way your heart decides.

The rest will take care of itself. Below you will see my other little friend, I nearly typed fiend, but look at him, he looks kind of happy, doesn't look mean, not really a fiend.  The fellow at the top of this page, I would be more worried about him, if we are going supernatural. 😁 🖖

 

Going With the Flow: Resin, Random Projects & Why I Refuse to Stick to One Thing

Some days I sit down with a clear plan.
Most days? Not so much.

This photo is a perfect example of what my studio table looks like when I’m just… going with the flow. There’s a big circular resin piece full of swirling colour and dried petals, a little rectangular one packed with deep red flower bits, a tiny purple square with soft hydrangea blooms, a sparkly pink crescent moon with a face, and a few other half-finished experiments hanging around the edges. None of them were made on the same day. None of them followed the same “recipe.” And that’s exactly how I like it.

I’ve learned that I don’t have to do the same kind of art every single day. In fact, I work better when I don’t. One afternoon I’m pouring a big coaster-style piece and watching the colours swirl. The next day I might be obsessing over a tiny moon charm or carefully placing dried flowers into a small square. Then suddenly I’m eyeing some new silicone mold or a bag of glitter I “needed” and the cycle starts all over again.

If I’m being honest, I’ve developed a bit of an addiction to acquiring other art creation pieces and supplies. A new mold here, a different pigment there, a pack of dried flowers I couldn’t walk past… it adds up fast. But instead of feeling guilty about it, I’ve started treating it as part of the process. Every new little item is just another invitation to try something different.

That’s the real “how-to” I want to share today:

How to create without forcing yourself into a rigid routine

1. Let the mood decide the project.
   Feel like big and bold? Make a larger pour. Feel quiet and detailed? Work on tiny charms. There’s no rule that says you have to finish one series before starting another.
2. Keep a few different things going at once.
   Having unfinished pieces sitting around isn’t failure — it’s fuel. Looking at them often sparks the next idea.
3. Embrace the “ooh shiny” moments.
   Yes, collecting new art supplies and molds can get out of hand. But that curiosity is also what keeps the work feeling fresh. (Just maybe don’t buy three of the same mold in one week like someone I know…)
4. Photograph the mess.
   Even if the photo isn’t perfect (this one definitely isn’t), capture the stage you’re in. It becomes a reminder that creativity doesn’t always look neat and finished.

I used to think I needed to pick one style and master it. Now I realize bouncing between projects is its own skill — and one that keeps me excited to show up at the table.

So if your creative life looks a little scattered right now, with half-finished resin pieces, random molds, and a growing pile of “just in case” supplies… you’re not doing it wrong. You’re just going with the flow.

And honestly? That’s where the best stuff seems to happen.

 

How to Make Speckled Skull Castings with Eco Resin – Two Different Finishes

How to Make a Speckled “Happenstance” Skull with Eco Resin (Plus Two Different Finishes)

Today’s project is extra special because one of these skulls is made almost entirely from leftovers!

Both skulls were cast from the same mold using Eco Resin, but they turned out completely different.

The Speckled Skull Story

For the white/pink speckled skull on the left, I didn’t add any new pigment on purpose. Instead, every time I mix Eco Resin, I save the leftover resin that sticks to the sides of the mixing cup. Once it dries, I break it out and keep all those scraps in a jar.

When I poured this skull, I threw a bunch of those random dried resin pieces into the mix. The colourful flecks you see are literally waste from past projects! I love how it created this fun, confetti-like effect completely by accident. Why throw it away when you can make something cool with it?

The Metallic Skull

The second skull (right) is the same base casting, but fully painted with metallic silver and glossy blue eyes. It shows how one mold can give you two totally different vibes.

Why I Love This Recycling Method:

• Almost zero waste
• Creates unique, one-of-a-kind results
• Saves money
• Feels good to reuse materials instead of tossing them

I also worked on another scrap project today — breaking up old cured Eco and Epoxy pieces and embedding them into bigger molds. The small one should be ready to demold tomorrow, and the big one will need a final clear layer.

Being “cheap” (or as I like to call it — resourceful) has its perks in the art world!

Have you ever tried recycling your leftover resin? Would you try the “happenstance” speckled technique? Let me know in the comments!

Happy crafting,
Magdelene 

A Dollar Store Makeover | From Plain to Whimsical Fairy

From Plain White to Whimsical Fairy – A Dollar Store Makeover 🧚‍♀️

I spotted this little fairy at the dollar store and immediately knew she had potential. When I brought her home, she was completely plain white — no colour, no personality.

But with some acrylic paint, a bit of time, and a whole lot of fun, she turned into this cheerful little mushroom fairy!

I chose bright blue wings, purple hair with tiny white flowers, a vibrant red dress, and of course the classic red-and-white spotted mushroom. She even has painted toenails for extra cuteness!

The best part? She only cost a couple of dollars.

This little project reminded me of something important: Art doesn’t need to be expensive to be meaningful or beautiful. You don’t need fancy supplies or years of training. Sometimes all you need is a cheap blank piece, some paint, and the willingness to try.

Taking the time to sit down and paint her was relaxing and joyful. Every brushstroke felt like adding a little bit of magic. And now she sits on my desk, smiling and reminding me that creativity can be simple, economical, and incredibly rewarding.

If you’ve ever thought “I’m not artistic enough” or “I don’t have the right supplies,” I hope this little fairy encourages you to give it a go anyway. Grab something inexpensive, pick colours that make you happy, and just enjoy the process.

You might surprise yourself with how cute the result can be!

Have you ever painted or customized something cheap into something special? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments!

Eco Resin vs Epoxy Resin: Same Fairy Cottage Mold, Two Completely Different Magic Results!✨🏠

Eco Resin vs Epoxy Resin: Same Fairy Cottage Mold, Two Completely Different Magic Results! ✨🏠

Hey everyone! Welcome back to Helen’s How To. 

Today I’m sharing a super fun experiment I did with the exact same silicone fairy cottage mold. I cast one version in eco resin and the other in traditional epoxy resin — and wow, the difference the colours make is honestly mind-blowing! 

One gives you that dreamy, glowing transparent look. The other delivers vibrant, blended colour magic. They both turned out gorgeous, but in totally different ways.

The Two Finished Pieces

1. The Translucent Pink Beauty (Epoxy Resin)
This one is crystal-clear pink/magenta. The light shines right through it, making the little fairy house, door, roof tiles, trees, and flowers glow beautifully. It has that ethereal, magical feel — perfect for a candle holder or night-light style piece.

2. The Vibrant Gradient Yellow-to-Green (Eco Resin)
This one is full of life! It gradients from sunny yellow at the base through fresh greens into soft turquoise at the top. The colours interact with the raised design in such a unique way — the house, chimney, door, mushrooms, and foliage really pop. It feels whimsical and nature-inspired.

Same mold. Same design. Completely different personalities. 

Quick Comparison: Eco Resin vs Epoxy Resin

Here’s what I noticed using the exact same mold:

Feature	Eco Resin (Yellow-Green Gradient)	Epoxy Resin (Pink Transparent)
Demold Time	~30 minutes (amazingly fast!)	24 hours (patience required)
Transparency	Opaque / beautifully coloured	Crystal clear & glowing
Colour Behaviour	Colours blend and layer in a soft, vibrant way	Pigments stay true; great for solid transparent colours
Finish	Lovely matte-to-satin mineral look	High-gloss, glass-like
Safety & Fumes	Very low odour, indoor-friendly	Stronger fumes – needs good ventilation
Best For	Quick colourful pieces, gradients, home décor	Transparent/glowing effects, clarity lovers
My Verdict	Love the speed + how colours come together	Love the transparency & glow

Both have their good points and not-so-good points — exactly as I always say! 

Eco resin wins for speed and that gorgeous colour-blending effect. Epoxy wins when you want that see-through magical glow.

How I Made Them – Simple Step-by-Step (Works for Both Resins)

What you’ll need:

• Fairy cottage / fairy house silicone mold
• Your chosen resin (eco resin or epoxy resin + hardener)
• Pigments or resin dyes (pink for the transparent version; yellow, green, turquoise for the gradient)
• Mixing cups & stir sticks
• Gloves + good ventilation (especially for epoxy)
• Optional: mold release spray, heat gun/torch for bubbles, sandpaper + polish for finishing

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep your workspace
   Cover your table. For epoxy, open windows or work in a well-ventilated area. For eco resin you can usually work indoors with minimal fuss.
2. Mix your resin
   • Eco resin: Follow your specific brand’s ratio (often powder + liquid). Mix thoroughly but gently. 
   • Epoxy resin: Measure precisely (usually 1:1 or 2:1 by volume/weight) and mix slowly for 3–5 minutes, scraping the sides and bottom.
3. Add colour
   • Transparent pink (Epoxy): Add a few drops of pink resin dye or alcohol ink to clear epoxy until you reach the desired shade. 
   • Gradient yellow-green (Eco): Mix separate small batches — one yellow, one green, one turquoise. This is where eco resin really shines — the colours layer and blend beautifully as you pour.
4. Pour into the mold
   Pour slowly into the lowest point of the mold so the resin flows up the details.
   For the gradient effect, pour your colours one after another or swirl gently with a stick for soft transitions.
   Tap the mold on the table or use a heat gun/torch to release air bubbles (more important with epoxy).
5. Cure & Demold
   • Eco resin: Leave it alone for about 30 minutes. It should be firm enough to demold carefully. 
   • Epoxy resin: Leave it for a full 24 hours before demolding (I usually wait overnight).
6. Finish
   Pop out your piece gently.
   Trim any flash with scissors or a craft knife.
   Sand the base flat if needed.
   For extra shine on either piece you can buff with resin polish or apply a clear sealer (especially nice on eco resin if you want more gloss).
7. Optional final touch
   Pop a battery tealight or fairy lights inside for that magical glowing effect — especially stunning on the transparent pink version!

My Honest Thoughts After Making Both

• The epoxy pink feels delicate and enchanted — that transparency is addictive. 
• The eco resin gradient feels joyful and full of colour personality. The way the yellows and greens settled around the house and trees was so different from how pigments behave in epoxy.

I genuinely love both for different reasons and different projects. 

If I want something fast and colourful → eco resin every time.
If I want something glowing and see-through → epoxy is worth the wait.

Final Tips

• Always test a small batch first if you’re new to a resin. 
• Temperature matters — warmer rooms speed things up for both. 
• Don’t rush the demold on epoxy — it’s worth the wait for clean edges. 
• Eco resin is super beginner-friendly and great if you have kids or pets around (much lower fumes).

Would you like me to do a full video-style tutorial on one of these (or both) next? Or shall I show you how to create even more colour effects with these molds?

Drop a comment below and tell me — which one is your favourite? The glowing pink or the happy gradient? 

Thanks so much for reading, lovely crafters! 

Happy casting! 🌿🏠✨ 

Helen x 

Creating My Skull Epoxy Trinket Tray

Creating My Skull Epoxy Trinket Tray (That Can Double as an Ashtray)

Hey everyone! I’m excited to share one of my recent resin creations with you. Meet this striking blue skull trinket tray (or ashtray, depending on how you use it). I absolutely love how it turned out — the translucent turquoise edges with the metallic silver skull centre and those dramatic, wavy, flame-like borders give it a mystical, almost glowing vibe.

I’ve always been drawn to skulls, dragons, and other whimsical, slightly edgy designs. There’s something powerful and timeless about a skull motif — it can feel bold, artistic, or even a bit rebellious. At the same time, I balance it out with plenty of fun, fantasy-inspired pieces. This one sits right in that sweet spot I enjoy creating.

Why This Piece Works So Well

I used a purchased silicone mold and Magic Resin (a 1:1 mix epoxy). The result is a sturdy, beautiful piece with great depth. It’s functional too — perfect for holding keys, jewellery, small treasures, incense, or yes, as an ashtray for those who need one. The translucent blue resin catches the light beautifully, especially around the irregular, organic edges.

How I Made the Skull Resin Trinket Tray

Materials:

• Silicone skull/tray mold (purchased)
• Magic Resin epoxy (or similar quality 1:1 ratio epoxy resin)
• Resin pigments or colors of your choice (I went for turquoise blue and metallic silver tones)
• 99% isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle
• Mixing cups, stir sticks
• Gloves, ventilation (always work in a well-ventilated area and follow safety precautions for resin)

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Prepare your workspace and resin — Set up in a dust-free area with good ventilation. Measure and mix the Magic Resin at a 1:1 ratio. Stir thoroughly for about 5 minutes. I let it rest for around 30 minutes afterward — this helps with initial bubble release before coloring and pouring.
2. Color the resin — Right before pouring, I add my pigments. For this piece, I created a vibrant blue for the main body and a metallic silver base for the skull design. Mix gently but thoroughly so you don’t introduce too many new bubbles.
3. Pour into the mold — Carefully pour the colored resin into the mold. I like to pour the base layer first (silver for the skull area) and then add the blue, letting the colors blend naturally for depth and interest.
4. Remove bubbles — I skip the torch (it’s never worked great for me and sometimes fuses resin to the mold). Instead, I give a couple of light spritzes of 99% isopropyl alcohol across the surface. This pops most surface bubbles effectively without disturbing the design.
5. Let it cure — Allow the piece to set undisturbed. This resin starts to thicken and become gooey around the 40-minute mark, so work fairly quickly once you start pouring. Any marks or adjustments after that point may stay visible in the final cure. Full cure usually takes 24–72 hours depending on temperature and humidity — follow your specific resin’s instructions.
6. Demold and finish — Once fully cured, gently flex the silicone mold and pop out your creation. Trim any excess if needed and admire your new artwork!

Tips from My Experience

• Timing is everything with this resin — it has a good working window but thickens noticeably after about 40 minutes.
• Experiment with colors and layering for unique effects. The translucent properties really shine in pieces like this.
• Always prioritize safety: wear gloves, protect your surfaces, and work in a ventilated space.
• Don’t be afraid to play — resin is forgiving in many ways, but small details like bubble removal and pour timing make a big difference.

I’m really happy with how this skull tray turned out. It’s one of those pieces that makes me smile every time I see it. If you try something similar, I’d love to hear how it goes!

Want to see more of my resin art, dragons, skulls, whimsical creations, and other pieces? Check out the full collection here: Art for Sale on Thoughtstoyou.com

Thanks for stopping by Helen’s How-To! Drop a comment if you have questions about the process or share your own resin adventures. Happy creating! 💀✨

Elbow Falls, Kananaskis Country

 

Powerful Waters and Stunning Scenery in Alberta’s Backyard

Here’s a fresh shot from Elbow Falls in Kananaskis Country, taken just over a month ago. The water was still running fast and high — that classic spring/early summer rush that makes the falls roar even louder than usual.

If you’re heading out for a day trip from Calgary or the surrounding area, Elbow Falls is one of those accessible gems that never disappoints. The viewpoint is easy to reach with a short walk, and on a good day you get this perfect mix of thundering water, rugged rock formations, and towering evergreen forest with mountain backdrops.

Why Visit on the First Wednesday?

Kananaskis Country is beautiful year-round, but the extra park pass fee can add up if you’re just popping in for a quick hike or viewpoint. Last I checked, the first Wednesday of each month means no vehicle access pass is required for many areas in Kananaskis — a great way to enjoy places like Elbow Falls without the added cost. Always double-check the current rules on the official Alberta Parks site before you go, as things can change.

Other upcoming free-access dates in 2026:

Parks Day: The third Saturday of July
Kananaskis Country's Birthday: September 22
Remembrance Day: November 11
First day of winter: December 21
Christmas Day: December 25 [1]

Be Wildlife Aware — Especially Bears!

Kananaskis is true wilderness right on Calgary’s doorstep, which is part of what makes it special. That also means sharing the space with wildlife. Bears have been particularly active in recent seasons, and encounters can happen.

Quick safety reminders:

• Make noise on trails (talk, clap, or use bear bells).
• Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
• Never approach or feed animals.
• Keep dogs leashed.
• Check trail conditions and recent wildlife reports before heading out.

Respecting the wild space keeps it safe and enjoyable for everyone (including the bears who just want to do their thing).

Elbow Falls in a Nutshell

Even with high water, the falls are dramatic and photogenic. The Elbow River crashes over rocky ledges here, carving through the landscape on its way from the mountains. It’s a fantastic short stop or the start of a longer hike in the area. In early summer the surrounding forest is lush green, wildflowers start popping, and the energy of the rushing water is contagious.

Kananaskis Country as a whole offers everything from easy viewpoints to serious backcountry adventures. I love how accessible it feels while still delivering that big-mountain, wild-river experience. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, soaking in the views, or just getting some fresh air, it’s hard to beat a day out here.

Have you been to Elbow Falls or other Kananaskis spots? What’s your favourite time of year to visit, or any tips for wildlife-smart hiking? Drop them in the comments — I always enjoy hearing from fellow nature lovers.

Stay safe, respect the outdoors, and get out there when you can. Alberta’s backyard never disappoints.