Rocky Mountain Beauty – Kananaskis Country

Some people might scroll past a photo of “just a mountain,” but I never do.  This one stopped me in my tracks when I took it in Kananaskis Country. The jagged peaks of the Canadian Rockies cut sharply against a moody sky, while the forest below glows with early fall colour — those bright yellow larches popping against the deep green evergreens. There’s something quietly powerful about it. No fancy summit, no dramatic sunrise, just raw Rocky Mountain beauty doing what it does best.

 

I love moments like this. Standing there with my camera, breathing in the crisp air, feeling tiny next to these ancient giants. Kananaskis always delivers that perfect mix of rugged wilderness and unexpected colour. One minute you’re surrounded by thick forest, the next you round a bend and the mountains open up like this.

 

Photography for me is about freezing those little reminders that the world is still wildly beautiful — even on an ordinary day in the foothills. No filters, no drama, just the Rockies being magnificent.

If you’re someone who also stops for mountains, sunsets, or a perfect stand of golden larches… this one’s for you.   Kananaskis Country, Alberta - Shot on location by me

What’s your favourite “just a mountain” moment? Drop it in the comments — I’d love to hear!  📸

How to Be a Good Soul (It’s Simpler Than You Think)

How to Be a Good Soul  In a world that can feel loud and complicated, being a good soul doesn’t require grand gestures. It’s built in the quiet, everyday choices we make.

Here’s a simple guide:

• Be Kind Without Expecting Anything Back 
• A genuine smile, holding a door, or sending a thoughtful message costs nothing but can brighten someone’s entire day. 
• Listen More Than You Speak 
• Sometimes people don’t need advice — they just need to be heard. Offer your full attention. 
• Appreciate the Small Things 
• Stop and really look at a flower blooming by the roadside. 
• Notice the sunset. 
• Say thank you for the little joys. Gratitude keeps your soul soft. 
• Be Honest, But Gentle 
• Truth matters, but it doesn’t have to be harsh. 
• Speak with care. 
• Forgive Quickly — Including Yourself 
• We all mess up. Let it go and keep growing. 
• Leave Things (and People) Better Than You Found Them 
• Whether it’s picking up litter, encouraging a friend, or simply being polite — small acts add up. 

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to care.A good soul isn’t loud or flashy. It’s someone who brings a little more light into the world, even on ordinary days.

Important Note: 
Being a good soul doesn’t mean letting people take advantage of you. Kindness is not the same as weakness. Stand up for yourself when needed. You don’t have to conform to anyone else’s expectations or way of thinking. Protecting your peace and staying true to your own values is also part of being a good soul — and it’s essential for your own happiness.

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to care — while still protecting the beautiful soul that you are.

What’s one small thing you do that makes you feel like a good soul? Share in the comments  
 

Dragon Resin Collection | What I have been working on

Works in Progress Resin Dragons

Step into my creative world and you’ll find a colourful menagerie of dragons emerging from resin, each one hand-crafted with love, patience, and a touch of magic. This latest photo captures several pieces from my ongoing collection, all made using silicone molds, layered pigments, mica powders, and alcohol inks.

The star of the image is the large multi-colored dragon hatching egg. Its dramatic gradient shifts from deep ocean blues and teals at the base to fiery magentas, golds, and shimmering metallics at the top. Creating this piece required a careful, multi-stage pour that took considerable time and precision to avoid bubbles and achieve the flowing colour transitions. A detailed baby dragon is already visible, wings spread, eagerly breaking free from its glittering shell.

Beside it sits a charming purple-and-blue baby dragon figurine with bright yellow eyes and silver horns, looking curious and ready for adventure. Smaller dragon eggs in golden tones with silver dragons embossed on the surface, a pink floral geode-style piece, and various blue resin molds and cabochons complete the scene.

None of these pieces are finished yet. They still need final detailing—additional painting to bring out scales and textures, a protective resin top coat, varnish, or high-gloss finish to make the colours truly pop and the surfaces glass-like. The process is as rewarding as the final result, turning raw resin into miniature fantasy worlds.

These dragons represent hours of experimentation with colour blending, layering techniques, and problem-solving when pours don’t go exactly as planned. They’re destined for my website, Thoughtstoyou.com, where I share my handmade resin art, jewellery, and fantasy-inspired creations.

If you love dragons, fantasy, or the satisfying journey of watching art come to life, keep an eye on the site. More finished pieces will be appearing soon, each one unique and full of character.

What do you think—should I name the big hatching dragon? Suggestions welcome!  

 

Dragon Egg Creation in Progress | Made with ResinCrete

ResinCrete Fantasy Art Piece  Here’s my latest creation — a dramatic dragon egg that’s hatching right before your eyes! I’m absolutely loving how this piece is turning out and wanted to share the work-in-progress with you.

This dragon egg was cast using ResinCrete, a super versatile material that gives a nice solid, stone-like feel once cured. To get that vibrant green base for the “shell” and rocky texture, I mixed in Unicorn Spit acrylic paint right into the ResinCrete before pouring. It gave the perfect mossy, earthy green tone straight through the material.The egg itself is a deep, rich purple, that I painted on, with a glossy finish that really makes it pop. I hand-painted the cracks and rocky sections in various shades of green to create depth and realism. The little dragon emerging from the shell has beautiful golden wings and a detailed sculpted body. I plan to keep him mostly green but will be adding some highlights and shading soon to bring out even more dimension.

I’m really happy with the contrast between the shimmering purple egg, the textured green shell, and the metallic gold accents on the wings. It has such a magical, fantasy vibe — perfect for anyone who loves dragons, D&D, or just whimsical home décor.

Materials I used so far:

• ResinCrete (main casting material) 
• Unicorn Spit acrylic paint (mixed into the ResinCrete for the green) 
• Additional acrylic paints for the purple egg and detailing 
• Gold paint for the wings 

This is still a work in progress, but I’m excited to finish the dragon’s highlights and maybe add a few more details to the base. Once it’s complete I’ll do a full reveal with better photos and maybe even a short video.

Would you like to see a step-by-step tutorial on how I cast and painted this dragon egg? Let me know in the comments! I’m thinking of turning this into a full how-to series for fantasy creatures and eggs.

If you’re into creative crafts, resin work, or fantasy art, give this a like and follow along — more magical makes are coming soon! 

 

New Resin Art Piece Venetian Mask

New Resin Art Piece: Venetian Mask on a Swirling Epoxy Background

I just finished creating this colourful Venetian-style mask plaque, and I’m really excited to share it with you!

The centerpiece is a detailed ResinCrete mask in shimmering shades of blue, gold, and silver. I love working with ResinCrete — it’s much less odorous than traditional epoxy, making the whole process more enjoyable. The mask has beautiful ornate details with metallic finishes that catch the light beautifully.

Behind it sits a vibrant epoxy resin plaque with a flowing, marbled design in rich purples, magentas, deep blues, and bright turquoises. The scalloped edges give it an elegant, organic feel, and the glossy finish really makes the colours pop.

Right now the mask and background are separate pieces, but I’m planning to mount the ResinCrete mask onto the epoxy plaque to create one cohesive wall art piece. I think the combination will look stunning once they’re joined! I always enjoy the creative process with these materials. While some epoxies can have a stronger smell, there are lower-odor options available, and ResinCrete continues to be my favourite go-to for pieces like this.

What do you think of this Venetian mask design? Would you display something like this in your home? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! 

Mini Masquerade Masks in Epoxy Resin

Tiny Treasures with Big PersonalityI’ve been having way too much fun with my silicone molds lately, and these miniature masquerade masks are the latest result of my epoxy resin addiction.Each little mask was cast in clear epoxy and then brought to life with shimmering mica powders and metallic paints. From elegant Venetian-style faces to a dapper top-hat gentleman, a dramatic feathered beauty, and even a cheeky cat, every piece has its own character. The colors pop with iridescent blues, rich golds, fiery reds, and deep purples — all brushed on for that perfect metallic glow.Some masks are still getting final touch-ups, while others are destined for a new life. My latest idea is to embed the finished faces into thicker coaster molds so they appear to be looking up through the resin — imagine mysterious masquerade characters watching you enjoy your morning coffee. A little whimsical, a little spooky, and a whole lot of fun!Working with resin never gets old. The thrill of demolding, the surprise of how the colors settle, and the endless creative possibilities keep me coming back to the craft table. These tiny masks prove that even small pieces can pack a big artistic punch.If you love masquerade themes, fantasy art, or just playing with resin, give mini molds a try. You might end up with a whole cast of characters staring back at you!

The White Wolf ResinCrete Candle Holder

A Mystical Guardian for Your Sacred Space

Meet my latest creation — a striking white wolf ResinCrete candle holder that brings wild, ethereal beauty straight from the forest into your home. This detailed wolf head sculpture isn’t just decorative; it’s fully functional, designed to cradle a standard pillar candle (approximately 1–1.5 inches / 25–38 mm in diameter). Light it up, and the soft glow will illuminate those piercing eyes and flowing mane, creating an enchanting, almost spiritual ambiance.

Crafted with my go-to ResinCrete mix (10:3 ratio — 100 g ResinCrete to 30 g water, never exceeding 200 g to 60 g for a single pour), this piece captures incredible fine detail: every strand of fur, the elegant swirl on the forehead, the alert ears, and that proud, knowing expression. ResinCrete sets fast, so I had everything prepped — mold, tools, and the included styrofoam filler — before mixing even began. The filler is crucial here because this mold pours upside down. It keeps the candle cavity perfectly shaped and clean during the pour and cure.

Once cured and demolded, I gave him a black nose and added a subtle silvery shimmer to the eyes for that mystical “glow” effect. I’m planning to keep the rest mostly white, with just light washes of grey in the deeper fur textures to enhance dimension while preserving that clean, icy white wolf aesthetic. The raw white ResinCrete has such a beautiful, stone-like quality on its own — it feels ancient and timeless.

Why This Wolf Feels Special

Wolves have long symbolized intuition, loyalty, and connection to the wild spirit. This candle holder version turns that symbolism into something practical and beautiful. Place it on your altar, bedside table, mantle, or meditation space. When the candle is lit, the light dances across the sculpted fur and reflects softly in those metallic eyes, making the whole piece come alive.

It pairs wonderfully with the other ResinCrete fantasy pieces I’ve been creating lately — the mystical cat masks, ornate face masks, and playful dragon sculptures. Together they build a cohesive collection of mythical decor that appeals to fantasy lovers, pagan/witchy aesthetics, and anyone who appreciates handmade, one-of-a-kind art.

Tips from My ResinCrete Journey

Fast set time means preparation is everything. Have your mold level, filler inserted properly, and all tools within reach. 
The included styrofoam spacer in the mold kit made this pour much easier than it could have been — highly recommended to use it exactly as instructed. 
ResinCrete takes acrylic paint beautifully. A little goes a long way for subtle highlights like the nose and eyes. I’m keeping this one mostly natural white to let the sculptural details shine. 
 
This white wolf candle holder is still in progress — I may add a few more delicate grey tones or even a touch of metallic dry-brushing later — but I already love how he’s turning out. He feels like a guardian spirit watching over the creative chaos of my workspace.

Would you display a white wolf like this with a lit candle, or do you prefer your candle holders purely sculptural? Are you team “keep it mostly white” or would you go bolder with full fantasy colouring? Let me know in the comments!

More ResinCrete pieces (including painted versions and new molds) are coming soon. If you’re into handmade candle holders, wolf decor, ResinCrete crafts, fantasy home accents, stay tuned to thoughtstoyou.com — I’ll be sharing the full process, painting steps, and shop updates.

Thanks for following along on this creative journey. Your encouragement keeps the molds pouring and the ideas flowing! 

Magdelene 
thoughtstoyou.com 
Handcrafted with heart, one fast-setting batch at a time.

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.

 

How to Make a Beautiful Epoxy Resin Dragon

How to Make a Beautiful Epoxy Resin Dragon – Embedding Stones & Mica Powder with Let’s Resin

I recently created this stunning translucent blue dragon using Let’s Resin epoxy, and I’m thrilled with the results! I experimented by embedding smooth glass stones inside—some clear, some with blue tones, and one with a warm amber glow. The outcome has real depth and sparkle, and I can’t wait to make more!

What You’ll Need: A Resin epoxy kit 
Silicone dragon mold 
Mica powder (blue & purple) 
Smooth glass stones/cabochons 
Optional: resin dyes or alcohol inks 
Mixing cups, stir sticks, gloves 
 
Step-by-Step Guide: Clean your silicone mold thoroughly. 
Brush dry mica powder directly onto the inner mold surfaces where you want concentrated colour (body and spikes). I used a different shade for the eyes so they pop. 
Place your glass stones inside the mold for beautiful embedded effects. 
Mix the resin according to instructions (you can lightly tint the batch if desired). 
Pour slowly, tap out bubbles, and let cure 24–48 hours. 
 
Resin Creativity Tips:
You can embed almost anything dry and non-porous—glass stones, crystals, dried flowers, glitter, or small charms. For colouring, brush mica powder into the mold (like I did), mix in resin dyes for solid hues, add alcohol ink drops for swirls, or paint details after curing. Endless possibilities!

This fun experiment turned out better than expected. Give it a try—it’s easier than it looks and the results are magical!

I am going to be doing some follow up painting on this dragon piece, as in I will paint his toenails and likely his spikes as well, the tips. I just demolded him this morning, so I'm going to let him sit for a couple days or so before I do anything more to this cute little dragon piece.
 

How-To: Easy ResinCrete Skull Casting

How-To: Easy ResinCrete Skull Casting – Add Colour, Sparkles & More!

Yesterday I mixed up a batch of ResinCrete and cast this cool two-tone skull – and I’m hooked! It’s way less smelly than traditional epoxy resin, sets fast, and you can customize it with colours, glitter, marbles, or anything else you want to embed. Perfect for beginners!

What You’ll Need: ResinCrete powder & water (follow package ratios) 
Silicone skull mold (or any shape you like) 
Liquid or powder pigments for colour 
Glitter/sparkles 
Small marbles or trinkets (for future projects) 
Mixing cup, stir stick, and gloves 
 
How to Pour ResinCrete – Step by Step

Prep your mold: Lightly spray with mold release if needed and set it level. 
Mix the ResinCrete: Combine powder and water exactly as directed until smooth (about 1-2 minutes). 
Add colour & sparkle: Stir in pigment until you love the shade, then swirl in glitter. For layered looks like mine, mix two batches (light blue top, white bottom). 
Pour slowly: Fill the mold, tapping gently on the table to release air bubbles. 
Add embeds (optional): Drop in marbles or small objects now – they’ll stay suspended as it hardens. 
Cure: Let it sit undisturbed for 1-2 hours (full strength in 24 hours). Demold and admire! 
 
ResinCrete is forgiving, low-odour, and beginner-friendly. Next I’m trying an epoxy resin skull with deep red tint, hidden marbles inside, and tons of extra sparkles for that wow factor.

This technique works for coasters, garden statues, or jewellery too – endless possibilities! Have you tried ResinCrete yet? Drop your creations in the comments – I’d love to see them!

The Ephemeral Art of Ice Sculpting

Ice sculpting, a captivating blend of skill and transience, transforms frozen water into stunning masterpieces that melt away with time. Captured in photos from events like Light Up Okotoks 2024, where live carvings drew crowds amid twinkling lights and snowy streets, this art form dazzles with its glowing, intricate designs—such as the blue-lit fish and abstract forms seen in your image, with the sculptor kneeling amid tools and tents.

Rooted in ancient history, ice harvesting dates back to 600 B.C. in China, where blocks were cut for preservation. By the 1600s, Chinese fishermen crafted ice lanterns, evolving into elaborate festivals like Harbin's International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. In 1740, Russia's Empress Anna Ivanovna commissioned a whimsical ice palace for a wedding prank, showcasing early ornate works. The 19th century saw mechanical refrigeration boost the craft, with culinary pioneers like Auguste Escoffier using ice swans for presentations in 1892. History of Ice Carving

Modern techniques begin with crystal-clear ice blocks, often manufactured using ammonia or brine for clarity. Sculptors sketch designs, then wield chainsaws for rough shaping, followed by chisels, die grinders, and even CNC machines for precision. Power tools, popularized in the 1980s by innovators like Mark Daukas, speed the process. A simple piece might take 10 minutes, but detailed sculptures often require a day or more, demanding patience amid melting risks—broken parts can be "welded" back with water.

Like a fascination with mainstream art, ice sculpting rewards persistence, turning fleeting ice into timeless inspiration. Events like Okotoks' live demos highlight its communal joy, proving art's beauty lies in the process as much as the product.

icesculptingtools.com 

 

Bison are Truly Majestic Creatures

Bison are truly majestic creatures, especially when you catch one like this mamma calmly munching on grass in Yellowstone National Park. Their massive size, shaggy coats, and powerful presence make them one of the most awe-inspiring sights in the wild—icons of the American West that have roamed these landscapes for millennia.

That said, even when they seem relaxed and accustomed to human visitors (thanks to millions of tourists each year), bison remain wild and unpredictable animals. They can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and run three times faster than a human—up to 35-40 mph in short bursts. Despite their calm demeanor, they have bad days, just like us.

During mating season (the rut, typically June to September), bulls become especially aggressive as they compete for mates, bellowing, pawing the ground, and charging threats. Cows with nearby calves are fiercely protective and quick to defend their young. Approaching too closely can trigger a charge, and bison have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal, often through goring or tossing when visitors get within a few yards for that "perfect" photo.The National Park Service's clear rule: Stay at least 25 yards (about 75 feet or 23 meters) away from bison at all times. Never approach to pet, feed, or pose with them—no picture is worth the risk of serious injury.

Enjoy the beauty from a safe distance, snap your shots (or watch that quick 3-second clip of her grazing in the linked video), and respect their space. Wildlife viewing is best when everyone—human and animal—stays safe and undisturbed. See more of this Mamma here.

Duck Roundup Magic Spruce Meadows PetFest

Duck Roundup Magic at Spruce Meadows PetFest!  

 

Caught this fun herding demo at Spruce Meadows' PetFest—a black-and-white herding dog (think Border Collie or Aussie Shepherd style) expertly rounding up a group of ducks in the arena. The ducks waddle, the dog stalks and directs with that famous intense stare and quick moves—same skills used for sheep on farms!It's mesmerizing to watch the teamwork: dog and handler in sync, ducks moving as one flock without a fuss. 

PetFest brings these cool animal demos, and this one stole the show. 

See the short clip on X here: Watch it Here

 https://x.com/MagdeleneFeher/status/2031102610522972176?s=20

I seem to end up going to nearly every PetFest, due to the simple fact that I love the animals, always something to see, and, sometimes they have little shows with some extremely talented animals that are so well trained it is quite amazing. 

What do you think—ever seen duck herding before? Drop a comment!