Paint Pour Abstact How-To | My Method

How I Created This Vibrant Acrylic Paint Pour Abstract

This colourful canvas is a classic paint pour — a fun, forgiving way to make bold abstract art with beautiful cells and flowing patterns. I made it a couple of years ago using only acrylic paints and a tiny bit of silicone oil. No fancy tools, no big waste, and definitely no bucket dumps!

What you’ll need:

• Acrylic paints (I used greens, blues, yellows, and white) A little silicone oil (just a few drops for those nice cells) 
• Canvas (any size) 
• Plastic cups or small containers 
• Stir sticks 
• A drop cloth or old sheet 

My simple steps: 

• Mix each colour with a little water and a drop of silicone oil until it’s pourable but not too thin. 
• Layer small amounts of paint into one cup — I keep it frugal so I only mix what I need. 
• Pour the mixture onto the centre of the canvas in a loose pattern. 
• Gently tilt and tip the canvas in different directions to let the paint flow and stretch into organic shapes. (I skip spinning — it’s too messy!) 
• Let it dry completely — usually overnight. 

A couple of weeks ago I pulled it back out and used a fine detail brush to sharpen some of the edges and boost the contrast. The extra pop of vivid colour made it feel fresh and bold — exactly the look I love.

This technique is perfect for beginners because every pour is unique. Want more contrast? Add darker or brighter layers when you tip. Hate waste? Mix small batches like I do.

Would you try a paint pour? Drop a comment and tell me your favourite colours! 

You Stood Tall in Kananaskis Country | I Thought of You

I rounded the bend on the trail and there you were — tall, quiet, impossibly beautiful against the grey stone face of the mountains. Two slender evergreens rising straight and true, their dark green arms reaching toward a soft, overcast sky. Kananaskis Country was holding its breath that day, and so was I.

There you stood. 
To me, oh so beautiful. You are only a tree, the world might say. Just needles and bark and roots gripping the rocky soil. But I saw more. I saw a life. You live. You breathe. You pull the mountain air deep into yourself and give it back softer, cleaner. Season after season you stand here — through wind, through snow, through long summer suns — never shrinking, never apologizing for taking up your rightful space.

And something about your steady presence pulled my thoughts back down the trail to us humans.

Some of us stand apart too. 
Not because no one wants us near, but because so few can truly see us for all that we are. We grow in our own rhythm. We keep our shape even when the world seems to prefer something shorter, softer, more convenient. We don’t give up. We don’t become less than who we actually are just to fit a smaller story someone else wrote about us.

All things have a cycle. Life is life, in a thousand different versions. Some forms look simpler from the outside — a tree, a quiet soul, a steady heart that doesn’t shout for attention. But to that one life, nothing is simple. The quiet work of growing tall, of breathing through every storm, of staying rooted while the mountains themselves seem to shift — that is its own vast, beautiful complexity.

So if you ever feel unseen or set apart, remember this image from Kananaskis. 
See the trees standing there, unashamed and alive. Let them remind you that your life is no less miraculous for being misunderstood. You are not “just” anything. You are a whole world of roots and reaching and quiet resilience.

I stopped on the trail that day and took this picture thinking of you. 
I hope when you see it, you feel how completely you are seen — and how deeply you are loved, exactly as you are.

With a full heart, 
Magdelene

How to Make a Stunning Hexagon Resin Coaster

How to Make a Stunning Hexagon Resin Coaster with Alcohol Ink and Sinker White

Today I tried a fun new resin piece — a vibrant hexagonal coaster (or small art tile) using epoxy resin, alcohol inks, and my homemade sinker white. The colours are swirling beautifully so far, and I can’t wait to see the final result once it’s fully cured tomorrow!

This technique creates that mesmerizing petri-dish or ocean-like effect where the colours bloom and swirl as the white “sinks” through the resin. It’s surprisingly easy once you get the timing right.

What You’ll Need:

Epoxy resin and hardener (any clear, slow-cure resin works well) 
Alcohol inks in your chosen colours (I used blues, purples, and magenta tones) 
Sinker white (homemade version – recipe below) 
Silicone mold (hexagon or any shape you like) 
Mixing cups, stir sticks, and gloves 
Optional: heat gun or torch for bubbles, and a level surface for curing 
 
My Homemade Sinker White Recipe

I used the simple version we talked about:100% pure acetone (nail polish remover that is pure acetone) 
99% isopropyl alcohol 
White pigment paste (any brand works) 
 
Quick mix tip: In a small dropper or needle-tip bottle, combine roughly 30% acetone with 70% isopropyl alcohol, then stir in a small amount of white pigment paste until it’s fully dissolved and smooth. Shake or stir well before each use. This creates a sinking white that pulls the alcohol inks down through the resin for those dramatic swirls.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Prepare your workspace 

• Work in a well-ventilated area on a level surface. Wear gloves and protect your table. 
• Mix the epoxy resin 
• Follow the instructions for your specific resin. Measure equal parts resin and hardener (or whatever ratio your brand requires) and mix thoroughly for 3–5 minutes, scraping the sides and bottom. Let it sit for a minute or two to let some bubbles rise. 
• Pour the base layer Pour a thin, even layer of clear mixed epoxy into your silicone mold. This will be the background that the colors will move through. 
• Add the alcohol inks 
• Drop your alcohol inks directly onto the wet resin. I used several drops of deep blue, turquoise, purple, and magenta. Don’t stir — let them sit on top for a moment. 
• Add the Sinker White 

• Now the magic part! Add several drops of your homemade sinker white on top of (or beside) the alcohol ink drops. The white will start to sink slowly, pulling the colored inks down with it and creating those beautiful swirling, blooming patterns. 

• You can gently tilt the mold or use a toothpick to guide the movement a little if you want more control. 
• Remove bubbles (optional) 
• Pass a heat gun or torch quickly over the surface to pop any surface bubbles. Be careful not to overheat. 
• Let it cure 
• Place the mold on a perfectly level surface and leave it undisturbed. Full cure time depends on your resin — mine usually needs 24 hours before demolding. 

 
Tips for Success:Work quickly once the resin is mixed — epoxy has a limited working time. 
Less is more with the inks and sinker white at first. You can always add more drops if needed. 
The sinker effect continues to develop as it cures, so the piece often looks even better the next day. 
Experiment with colour placement and the amount of sinker white to get different patterns — some look like galaxies, others like underwater scenes. 
 
I love how the deep blues and magenta tones are blending in this one. The hexagon shape makes it perfect for coasters, jewelry trays, or small wall art.

Have you tried the alcohol ink + sinker white technique yet? Let me know in the comments what colours you’d use or any tips you’ve discovered!

Happy crafting, 
Magdelene 
helenshowto.blogspot.com

My First Resin Skull: A Glowing Blue Beauty!

I’m thrilled with how this turned out! This translucent blue skull was cast in epoxy resin using a simple skull mold and my homemade “sinker white” pigment. The result has beautiful swirling marbled effects, deep blue tones with lighter highlights, and a glossy, almost gem-like finish. Not too bad for a home experiment, right? The swirling patterns come from the way the white pigment interacts with the coloured resin during the pour and cure. It creates organic, smoky, veined effects that make each piece unique.Quick Rundown: How to Make a Coloured Epoxy Resin Skull with Sinker White

Materials you’ll need: Epoxy resin (deep pour or casting resin works best for thicker pieces like skulls) 
Silicone skull mold 
Mica powder or alcohol ink in your desired colour (I used blue tones here) 
Homemade or store-bought sinker white (a heavier white pigment designed to sink through the resin) 
Mixing cups, stir sticks, gloves, and a well-ventilated workspace 
Optional: heat gun or torch to pop bubbles 
 
Basic Steps:

Prepare your workspace and mix the epoxy resin according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually 1:1 or 2:1 ratio by volume). 
Divide the mixed resin into separate cups if you want multiple colours or effects. 
Add your colour (mica powder or ink) to one portion and stir thoroughly until evenly distributed. For the blue effect, I tinted the main batch a vibrant translucent blue. 
Make or add your sinker white: This is a heavier white pigment that sinks slowly through the resin instead of staying suspended. You can make a homemade version by mixing a small amount of white pigment powder (or white alcohol ink) with a bit of resin or alcohol until it has a thick, heavy consistency. A little goes a long way! 
Pour the coloured resin into the mold first, filling most of it. Then drizzle or drop small amounts of the sinker white mixture in strategic spots (or swirl it in gently). The white will sink and create beautiful tendrils, blooms, and marbled veins as it moves through the blue resin. 
Tap the mold gently or use a heat gun to remove air bubbles. 

Let it cure fully (usually 24–72 hours depending on your resin and temperature). 
Demold carefully and admire your one-of-a-kind skull! You can sand or polish the surface if needed for extra shine. 
 
Tips for success:Work in thin layers or all at once depending on your mold depth. 
The more sinker white you use and the way you drop it, the more dramatic the swirls become. 
Always follow safety precautions — wear gloves, work in a ventilated area, and protect your surfaces. 
 
This technique is forgiving and endlessly customizable. You can create everything from ghostly whites to vibrant jewel tones. I’m already planning my next colour combo!

What do you think — would you try making one? Drop a comment or tag me if you give it a go! 

How to Make Your Own Sinker White for Resin Art

DIY Additive Using Acetone(Nail Polish Remover), Isopropyl Alcohol & White Pigment Paste

Resin can do amazing things, and sometimes the best additives are the ones you create yourself! Sinker white is a heavier white mixture that helps push alcohol inks or colours down through your resin, creating beautiful sinking blooms and effects (like the vibrant pink-and-white piece shown below).

Here’s the simple formula that worked well for the example in the photo:

What You’ll Need:100% pure acetone (or 100% acetone nail polish remover) 
99%+ Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) 
White pigment paste (resin-compatible) 
Small mixing cups, stir sticks, and droppers 
Gloves, eye protection, and good ventilation 
 
Basic Ratio (start small and test): In a small cup, add a small amount of white pigment paste (start with ½–1 teaspoon). 
Add a few drops of 100% acetone to break down the pigment paste. Stir well until smooth. The acetone helps the paste disperse. 
Top up with isopropyl alcohol (roughly 70% alcohol to 30% acetone ratio overall). Stir thoroughly until fully mixed and pourable. 
 
The exact amounts can vary depending on your pigment thickness and resin viscosity — start small and adjust until you get a milky white liquid that sinks nicely when dropped into resin.

Safety First:Work in a well-ventilated area (acetone and alcohol fumes are strong). 
Wear nitrile gloves and eye protection. 
Never mix large batches at once. Test in small quantities. 
Keep away from open flames — these are flammable. 
Label your container clearly and store in a cool, safe place. 
 
Once mixed, you can drop your homemade sinker white into coloured resin pours to create sinking effects and patterns.  Tomorrow I’ll demold the piece in the photo and we’ll see how this batch turned out — fingers crossed!

Have you tried making your own resin additives? Share your results or tips in the comments.

Stay safe and keep creating! 
Magdelene

How to Not Get Motion Sickness on a Catamaran – Tips from a Real (Unfortunate) Experience

How to Avoid Motion Sickness on a Bouncy Catamaran – Even in Rough Ocean Waters

Look at this happy face! That’s Kass smiling on a catamaran in Alaska’s Kenai Fjords. What you don’t see is how seasick he felt later on that same glacier tour. The bouncy open ocean caught him off guard, but the tour itself was absolutely spectacular — whales, glaciers, and breathtaking scenery.

If you’re planning a similar adventure, don’t let motion sickness steal the joy. 

Here are simple, proven ways to stay comfortable: Take medication early — Use Dramamine, Bonine, or a scopolamine patch the night before or at least an hour before boarding.   
Choose your spot wisely — Stay in the middle of the boat where the motion is gentler. Get fresh air on deck and keep your eyes on the horizon.   
Eat smart — Have a light, non-greasy meal before you go. Ginger candies, ginger ale, or sea bands can help too. Stay hydrated, but skip alcohol and heavy coffee.   
Mind your focus — Avoid reading or staring at your phone. Face forward and breathe deeply. 

Even experienced travellers get surprised by choppy waters, but with a little prep, you can fully enjoy the ride instead of hugging the rail.

 Kass still says the Kenai Fjords tour was worth it — just next time he’ll be better prepared!

Have you ever battled seasickness? Share your best tip below!

Adult Colouring Books My Obsession

Adult Coloring Books: My Obsession, Pro Tips & the Truth About Selling Your Creations

Looking at these two pages — the fierce, fiery dragon with glowing eyes and swirling scales, and the stunning sugar skull woman with flowing rainbow hair, roses, and intricate details — it’s easy to see why adult colouring books have become wildly popular lately. They’re relaxing, creative, and incredibly satisfying.

I’ve always loved colouring, and it remains one of my favourite ways to unwind. The only problem? I also do resin art, crafting, painting, and a dozen other creative things. There simply aren’t enough hours in a day! If I were like Grok and didn’t need sleep, imagine how much more I could create.

What draws me in most is the joy of the process. You start with a blank line drawing and slowly bring it to life with colour choices, blending, and shading. It doesn’t matter if it turns out “perfect” — as long as you’re enjoying it, you’re doing it right. Colouring is gentle exercise for the mind, a stress reliever, and a wonderful creative escape.

My Top Tips & How-Tos:

Use quality supplies: alcohol markers or gel pens for bold, vibrant results; coloured pencils for soft layering and blending. 
Work on thick, single-sided paper to avoid bleed-through. 
Start with light pressure and build colour gradually. 
Experiment with techniques like stippling, hatching, or ombre shading. 
Good lighting and a comfortable spot make all the difference. 
 
A quick note on selling: Thanks to the first-sale doctrine, or in Canada "doctrine of exhaustion", you can usually sell the physical coloured page you created from a book you bought. However, you cannot scan, print, or reproduce copies for sale because the original line art is copyrighted. Always enjoy them first for the fun of it!

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned colourist, grab a book, pick up some markers, and let yourself play. The most important rule? Have fun. That’s what art is all about.