Growing up as a military kid meant my musical foundation developed in patches across different bases and countries. Not every school had a dedicated choir program, but music found me anyway—through radio waves and the carefully curated cassette tapes we carried from station to station.
I still smile remembering the agony of choosing songs for my dad to record onto those precious tapes. The pressure of selecting a “favorite” felt impossible (honestly, how can anyone pick just one?), and my final playlist probably mirrored everyone else’s. But that’s how we discover ourselves, isn’t it? Through the familiar before we find our unique voice.
Music remains one of my most trusted companions, especially when words fail me. There’s something magical about how lyrics become poetry and melodies amplify the emotional depths of our experiences—the soaring highs and tender lows that make us human.
Songs Speaking to My Heart This Week:
• Burn the Ships – For King & Country • I Believe in Love – Barlow Girl • Counting My Blessings – Seph Schlueter • Against the Tide (The Captain’s Tarantella) – Sail North
Yes, that last one’s a sea shanty—because who doesn’t love a good nautical adventure song? Each of these has stirred something different in my spirit recently.
“Burn the Ships” reminds me not to cling to the past out of fear. Sometimes we need to cut off our escape routes to truly move forward in faith, trusting that God walks with us into the unknown.
“I Believe in Love” speaks to those moments when I can’t see God’s presence but know He’s there—like feeling the wind without seeing it, His love surrounds us even in our blindest moments.
“Counting My Blessings” captures something beautiful: “I’ll keep counting my blessings, knowing I can’t count that high.” When we pause to notice the intricate details of God’s gifts, we realize gratitude could be a full-time job. “I run out of numbers before I can thank you for everything.”
“Against the Tide” connects to my favorite scripture, Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” The world’s current constantly pushes us toward conformity, but we’re called to sail against that tide—to be transformed into Christ’s image. While I’m not sure about Jesus as a pirate captain, the adventurous imagery has sparked some exciting painting ideas outside my usual scope!
Tonight’s Return to Live Streaming
Speaking of creative adventures, we’re back tonight! This evening’s stream will be shorter and different as we settle back into rhythm. With Aspen at camp and some major studio reorganizing happening, I’m excited to share project updates and future plans that I’ll be exploring here on the blog.
I’ve restarted my garden and we’re working on a studio reset—perfect timing to share some tips if you’re also in a season of refresh and renewal.
This will be a shorter “hello and catch-up” session. We’ll dive back into live creating on June 12th!
So, take a moment to quiet your breath and focus your mind.
God, we thank you for the beautiful music you inspire artists to create and share that in turn inspires and connects us closer to you. We thank you for another day to make choices and to share your love with others, choosing to show patience, kindness, and grace even when we get frustrated or feel like we’re in a hurry. Father, we’re thankful for the opportunity to connect in different ways, including digitally, and ask for your guidance and protection that week as we go through our days. Amen.
Friends — what songs are inspiring you? What lyrics keep coming to mind lately? Please share them in the comments below.
Sometimes the most spiritual decision we can make is to stop trying to do it all.
This past week, I found myself caught in that all-too-familiar whirlwind of commitments. Between my church responsibilities, family needs, and creative pursuits, something had to give. I missed posting about our Thursday live session being postponed, then completely forgot to cancel a physical therapy appointment due to schedule conflicts piling up.
In that moment of overwhelm, I heard that still, small voice reminding me: “You don’t have to do everything, Samantha.”
So I made the decision to pause. To breathe. To post a simple update letting our community know that I’m taking time to focus on family, with our next live session resuming on June 5th.
And you know what? The world didn’t end. In fact, something beautiful happened in that space of saying “no.”
The Sacred Art of Leaving Things Undone
We live in a culture that glorifies productivity and full calendars. Even in ministry and creative work, we can fall into the trap of believing our worth comes from what we accomplish.
But what if some of our most faithful moments are when we choose to leave things undone?
When Jesus withdrew to quiet places to pray, He often left crowds waiting. He understood that spiritual renewal wasn’t a luxury—it was essential to His purpose.
Similarly, our spiritual practice can become deeper when we:
– Allow ourselves to move at a sustainable pace, without rushing
– Embrace imperfection rather than striving for flawless performance
– Take intentional breaks to listen and reconnect with our purpose
– Leave some tasks unfinished when our spirits need rest
Finding God in the Blank Spaces
My zentangle practice has taught me to appreciate the white space—the untouched areas that give definition to the patterns. Without these empty spaces, the design would lose its beauty and meaning.
Our lives work the same way. Without margins and pauses, we lose perspective on what matters most.
Today, I invite you to join me in a simple practice: set a timer for 10 minutes. Begin creating—whether it’s doodling, painting, or whatever form calls to you. When the timer sounds, put down your tools and simply observe your work. Notice the completed areas and the spaces still waiting. Breathe deeply and offer a simple prayer: “Thank you, God, for the gift of limits. For reminding me that I am human, not divine. For loving me in my incompleteness.”
Remember, friends, we weren’t created to do everything. We were created to do our part, with love and presence, and then to rest in the knowledge that God’s work continues even when we pause.
What helps you remember to rest and set boundaries? I’d love to hear in the comments below.
With grace and paintbrushes,
Samantha
P.S. Our next live art session will be on Thursday, June 5th at 7:00 PM CST. I can’t wait to create with you all again after this restorative break!
There’s something deeply humbling about standing in front of an unfinished canvas. As I work on my latest mixed media piece, I find myself in that familiar space between vision and completion – that “ugly stage” where nothing quite looks like the picture in my head.
You know that moment? When the layers aren’t quite cohesive, the colors haven’t found their harmony, and your artistic vision seems to be playing hide and seek? I’ve been there countless times, brush in hand, fighting the urge to force the piece into submission.
But here’s what I’m learning: Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is simply… pause.
As I weave scripture through my work – verses about dawn breaking forth, souls finding rest, and everything becoming beautiful in its time – I’m struck by how perfectly this creative process mirrors our spiritual journey. How often do I try to take the reins from God, attempting to force my own timing onto His perfect plan?
It’s a pattern I see in both my art and my walk with Christ. That restless energy to rush through the uncomfortable middle stages, the desire to skip straight to the finished product. But just as forcing a painting rarely leads to the outcome we hope for, trying to hurry God’s timing only leaves us frustrated and exhausted.
The Holy Spirit has been teaching me the sacred art of waiting. Of letting each layer dry before adding the next. Of stepping back when my instinct is to push forward. It’s in these pause points that the most beautiful transformations often occur – both on canvas and in spirit.
Maybe you’re in one of those waiting seasons right now. Perhaps you’re standing in your own “ugly stage,” wondering if anything beautiful can emerge from this unfinished space. I want you to know something: this pause is not a punishment. It’s not a dead end. It’s a holy invitation to trust the Artist who sees the finished masterpiece even when we can’t.
Just as I’m learning to trust the creative process – adding paper scraps here, texture there, letting the glazes marry the layers together in their own time – we’re all learning to trust God’s process in our lives. Sometimes it means sitting with the discomfort of the unfinished. Sometimes it means celebrating the beauty of the “not yet.”
So I’m setting down my brushes earlier than planned. I’m choosing to rest in the wait, to trust the process, and to remember that even this in-between stage is sacred ground.
To those of you in your own season of waiting: take heart. You’re not alone in this space of becoming. The pause is not the end of your story – it’s often where the most important work happens. Rest here awhile. Trust the process. Your next beautiful layer is coming.
There’s a beautiful paradox in servant leadership that I’ve come to know intimately. When we’re called to pour into others’ lives through service and leadership, we sometimes forget that we too are vessels meant to be filled, not just emptied.
Recently, my journey through leadership and creative ministry led to a profound realization, sparked by my daughter’s honest observation about our family time becoming increasingly squeezed between commitments. Her wisdom was both a wake-up call and a gift from God – sometimes truth comes from the most unexpected places.
The Martyr Pattern
It’s easy to fall into what I call the “holy hustle” – that deceptive pattern where we mistake constant availability for spiritual devotion. We fill every space meant for rest with one more task, one more project, one more need to meet. I found myself saying yes to everything, believing that immediate response equated to better service. But here’s the truth I’m learning: depleted leaders cannot fully serve God’s purpose.
Sacred Permission
Jesus himself modeled a different way. Mark 1:35 tells us, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” This wasn’t a one-time occurrence – it was a pattern. The Son of God, who had the most important mission in history, prioritized withdrawal and renewal.
Art as Spiritual Expression
In my journey toward balance, God has been teaching me through an unexpected medium – art. As I create zentangle designs while meditating on scripture, each stroke becomes a prayer, each pattern a reminder that beauty requires both positive and negative space. Just as white space gives meaning to design, periods of rest and reflection give depth to our service.
Finding God in the Struggle
The transformation from seeking external validation to finding our worth in God’s calling is ongoing. I’m learning that effective leadership isn’t about perfect performance but about authentic alignment with Jesus. When I take time for prayer before diving into my day, I find my time management improves, my patience deepens, and my focus naturally shifts to what truly matters.
Practical Steps Toward Sacred Balance
Create boundaries that honor both God and your wellbeing
Schedule regular times for spiritual and creative renewal
Learn to say “not now” without guilt
Find sacred moments in daily transitions
Use art or other creative expressions as a form of prayer
The Cup Refilled
Leadership isn’t about emptying ourselves completely – it’s about allowing God to continuously fill us so we can serve from our overflow. When we prioritize our spiritual wholeness, we don’t just serve better; we reflect God’s character more clearly.
As I continue this journey of balancing various roles – creative ministry, family life, and service – I’m discovering that the most powerful leadership doesn’t come from constant doing but from being – being present, being filled, being aligned with God’s rhythm of work and rest.
What sacred patterns are you creating in your life to ensure your cup stays full while serving others?
SEO Meta-Description: Dive into the colorful and creative realm of mixed media artwork! Discover unique techniques, essential tools, artistic inspiration, and answers to your top questions about this captivating art form.
Introduction
Mixed media artwork is like a playground for creativity, where different materials, textures, and techniques come together to create something truly magical. It’s not bound by rules or confined to a single medium, making it a favorite among artists who love experimenting with layers, colors, and unconventional tools. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a curious beginner, mixed media offers endless possibilities to express your unique vision.
In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating world of mixed media artwork, break down techniques, suggest must-have tools, provide tips for beginners, and answer some common questions. Plus, we’ll share a sprinkle of inspiration to help you start (or elevate) your next masterpiece!
What is Mixed Media Artwork?
At its core, mixed media artwork refers to any art piece created using more than one medium or material. For instance, you might combine acrylic paint with collage elements, or pair watercolors with ink. The beauty is in the blending—artists experiment with textures, layers, and materials to craft visually captivating pieces.
2017 – first mixed media attempt with a faux leaf, bottle caps, ribbon pieces, acrylic paint, alcohol ink, and sharpie marker
Common Materials in Mixed Media
Mixed media artwork can include a wide variety of materials, such as:
Paint: Acrylics, watercolors, gouache, or even spray paint.
Ink and Markers: Alcohol inks, oil-based markers, or fine liners.
Paper Elements: Torn pages, newspaper clippings, origami paper, or tissue paper.
Found Objects: Buttons, fabric scraps, string, or natural elements like dried leaves.
Texture Additives: Modeling paste, sand, or gel mediums.
The possibilities are endless, and the only limit is your imagination!
Techniques to Elevate Your Mixed Media Artwork
Mixed media art thrives on layering and experimentation. Here are a few techniques to try out:
1. Layering with Transparency
Use translucent materials like vellum or tissue paper to create depth. Paint or draw over them to add interest without completely covering the underlying layers.
2. Collage Meets Paint
Tear out magazine pages, book text, or old maps and glue them onto your canvas. Then, paint over them with acrylics or watercolors, letting some of the collage elements peek through.
3. Textured Base Layers
Start with a textured base by applying modeling paste or gesso to your canvas. Use a palette knife for uneven, dramatic textures. Once dried, paint over it for a dynamic effect.
4. Incorporate Stamping
Hand-carved stamps or store-bought ones can add interesting patterns. Use ink or acrylic paint to stamp designs onto your artwork.
5. Alcohol Ink on Acrylic
Combine alcohol ink with acrylic paint for vibrant, flowing effects. These two mediums interact uniquely, creating stunning abstract designs.
6. Doodling on Top
Once your layers are dry, grab a fine-tip marker or oil-based paint pen. Draw zentangle patterns, nature-inspired designs, or words that align with your theme.
2018 – built upon a base layer of multiple acrylic colors, this piece utilizes scrapbooking templates for positive quotes, sharpie for doodle/highlight elements and handwritten words, as well as mini bundlet paper cups for the center of each flower
7. Resist Technique
Use masking tape, wax, or oil pastel as a resist before applying watercolors. Once you peel it away, your design will have crisp, clean lines.
Must-Have Tools and Supplies for Mixed Media Artwork
Building your mixed media toolkit doesn’t have to break the bank. Here’s a list of essentials to get started:
Canvas or Substrate: Stretched canvas, watercolor paper, wood panels, or even old book covers.
Paint: Start with acrylic paint for its versatility and quick-drying nature.
Adhesives: Matte gel medium, Mod Podge, or a strong glue stick.
Brushes: Get a variety of sizes, including flat and round brushes.
Palette Knife: Perfect for spreading paste or creating texture.
Markers or Pens: Oil-based paint pens or permanent markers for fine details.
Texture Tools: Bubble wrap, stencils, or sponges for creating patterns.
Protective Finish: A clear varnish or spray sealant to preserve your work.
Pro Tip: Don’t shy away from using household items like old credit cards, combs, or toothpicks to create unique effects!
Tips for Beginners in Mixed Media
Starting with mixed media can feel overwhelming because of the sheer variety of materials and techniques. Here’s how to keep it simple and fun:
Start Small: Begin with a small canvas or paper to practice layering without feeling intimidated.
Limit Your Palette: Stick to 3-5 colors to maintain harmony in your piece.
Embrace Mistakes: Happy accidents are part of the process! If you mess up, just layer over it.
Experiment Freely: Mixed media is all about play—try combining things you wouldn’t normally pair.
Build Gradually: Layer your materials in stages, letting each layer dry before adding the next.
Use What You Have: Before running to the art store, look around your home for items like magazines, fabric scraps, or even coffee grounds for texture.
Using what you have can include texture paste layered over metal bracket templates, or even the cap from your fabric refresh container. Almost anything can be used with mixed media designs.2017 – a blend of acrylic and alcohol ink has painted gravel for the tree trunk and group, then a unique fluffed ribbon for the limbs of the tree. The pink shade of the ribbon evokes the imagery of cherry blossoms in bloom.
Why Choose Mixed Media Artwork?
Mixed media isn’t just visually appealing—it’s also deeply therapeutic. The process of layering materials and improvising as you go can be incredibly freeing. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to repurpose and upcycle objects, making it an eco-friendly art form.
Garage sales are a wonderland for the mixed media artist – found supplies have included different textures of ribbon, craft paper, and many tins of buttons in unique designs and shapes. This piece also includes costume jewelry and a colorful acrylic background.
For artists, mixed media presents endless opportunities to push boundaries and develop a unique style. It encourages you to think outside the box and create pieces that truly stand out.
FAQs About Mixed Media Artwork
Q: Can I use mixed media on any surface? A: Almost! While canvas and paper are popular choices, you can also use wood, fabric, or even glass. Just make sure to prep the surface with gesso or a primer if needed.
Q: What’s the best way to seal mixed media art? A: Use a clear varnish or spray sealant to protect your artwork from dust and fading. Make sure it’s compatible with the materials you’ve used.
Q: Do I need expensive supplies to start? A: Not at all! Start with basic materials like acrylic paints, markers, and a glue stick. You can always add more tools to your collection as you grow.
Even simple supplies can have an impact. This piece from 2017 uses tissue paper for the tree. Some parts were flat layers that built the trunk texture, while the branches were made from rolled and twisted tissue paper segments.
Q: Can beginners create professional-looking mixed media art? A: Absolutely! With practice and patience, even simple techniques can produce stunning results. Remember, mixed media is about creativity, not perfection.
Q: How do I come up with ideas for mixed media artwork? A: Inspiration is everywhere—nature, photographs, music, or even a verse from a poem. Start by doodling or experimenting with colors, and let the piece evolve naturally.
Conclusion
2019 – my peacock 🧡 this piece started with the main subject with the other elements evolving around it. For the peacock, give the picture a zoom — it’s built out of individual hole punched scrapbook paper!
Mixed media artwork is a captivating art form that invites you to explore, experiment, and express yourself without boundaries. Whether you’re layering paint, collaging paper, or incorporating unexpected objects, every piece tells a story that’s uniquely yours.
So, roll up your sleeves and dive into the world of mixed media. Let your imagination run wild, and don’t be afraid to make a mess along the way. After all, art is as much about the process as the final product. Happy creating!
There’s something sacred about creating art in community. This past weekend, surrounded by sisters in faith, I watched as simple bookmarks became vessels for prayers and connection – a perfect preparation for the holy days ahead.
Morning Coffee Moments
In the quiet moments before dawn, my mother in law Marcia, my friend Cheri, and I would trickle into the kitchen of the beautiful ranch house where the Aldersgate women were staying for our second Ladies Retreat. The hushed murmur of voices, the staccato of laughter quickly caught, and the relaxing flow of easing into the morning with caffeine and good conversation made me look forward to being up after only a brief amount of sleep.
While the busy clatter of kitchen noises and talk went on, I had the opportunity to be creative at the kitchen counter while engaging with my two friends. I brought watercolor cards and blank bookmark templates with me, as well as my archival and gel pens. As talk weaved from stories of childhood and church memories over into discussion about the devotionals shared and connections made with the women that came to this year’s retreat, I realized that the gentle tangles of pattern taking form on the bookmarks were prayers taking shape through art.
Creating in Community
Art has been a integral part of our faith community. Built upon a foundation of former educators and fine arts enthusiasts, Aldersgate has been blessed with many creatives within our church family.
The Ladies Retreat has offered a creative outlet each year, where the women can craft together and bond over design details, unique skill sets, and fun brainstorming. At the end, they have a beautiful memory to take home. This year, the craft project was a tote bag with stencils available in varying tree/family designs (reflecting our underlying theme of family connections).
As each person dipped and dabbed paint colors over their selected design templates, they reflected on the devotionals shared up to that point. Scripture from the book of Psalms, Matthew, John, Isaiah, and more were discussed, as well as the connections of family with faith. More than once, someone made the comment about Aldersgate being their church family.
Not wanting to become absorbed in a lengthy project, I was able to sit back with my lap board and allow the gentle patterns of the zentangles to evolve over the surface of my bookmark. Friends came and went sitting beside me and asking what I was doing. I helped a few people using my pens to add detail designs using tangle patterns to the painted sections of their tote bags, and we visited while I worked. Each person had something on their heart that we visited quietly about, all while interweaving bits about the design I was working on into the conversation when other subjects temporarily tapered off.
These chats were safe – a small bubble apart from the larger group – and offered a space to talk about the things sitting heavily of some of the women’s shoulders or the questions and curiosities steeping in others’ minds. The simple flow of patterns with no specific shaping, yet controlled precision, brought a similar artistic flow state where I was fully present in the conversation but also creating with my hands.
The Creative Process
Each bookmark starts with the same basic supplies: a bookmark card, pencils, pens, a bookmark tassel, and anything extra I’d like for embellishments. The cards I enjoy using most are brown or cream cardstock, giving a little extra structure. While the cream cards allow for a spectrum of color usage, the brown appeals to the antique, minimalist look I sometimes gravitate to – the white gel pens really pop on these brown bookmarks.
Choosing a pattern is mostly based on mood, but can also be based on the scripture or objects placed in the design. “He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams,” from Psalm 23:2 (NLT) evokes the imagery of water ripples, leading one to use the SEA WAVES pattern for cascading lines of water or even the FLUX pattern for water droplets.
As I decide on my design and begin adding the basic blocks for it, I consider what I’d like to visit with God about. Am I praying for a friend? Is there something I’m grateful for? Do I have something I need to let go of? These questions help narrow down what I’d like to make and which patterns I’d like to add.
Some of the bookmarks will begin with a clear border for the design and other times it’s open. Some of the bookmarks will have scripture written in or a specific prayer placed over the card and others are exclusively doodle art. Each one evolves in the moment, with the hand and heart leading more than the mind does.
As patterns are filled in, I’ll loop back over sections to thicken the lines. This adds additional depth to the piece and mimics the motion some of the patterns generate. Alternating pen sizes results in different effects based on how heavy or light the lines become. The fine tip of a 005 Micron pen lends to soft highlighting accents, while the thick tip of the 08 pen forms deeper shadows. Each pen used in different areas lends its own personal signature to the piece until it feels complete.
Taking It Forward
These quiet moments found at the retreat and during my evening creative sessions are opportunities to slow down from the pace of a hectic world. Creating tangle patterns requires patience and methodical pattern placement – you can’t just skip ahead when you’re adding waves designs, spirals, and filled-in bubble patterns. The repetitive line placement is meditative and leaves me open to the Holy Spirit to speak on my heart.
It’s when I suddenly think of a person, especially one that wasn’t on my mind, that I know he’s there. The sudden hit of an idea for a new painting, the reassuring peace that settles over me when anxiety is bubbling, the shapes that form within the intricate lines that align with a memory I’d forgotten – the Holy Spirit’s presence is evident in all this and more. Art is my way of worshiping every day.
Ready to start your own zentangle prayer journey? Here’s how:
Grab your basic supplies: cardstock, pencils, and fine-tip pens
Share your creation with our community using #SCSDesignsZentangle
As we continue in Holy Week, I invite you to join me for a few things: if you do not have a church service to connect with, consider visiting Aldersgate Abilene online. There you’ll find live stream worship services, as well as Bible studies and other resources.
You can also visit with me Friday morning (April 18) at 9 am CT (10 am ET) during a creative live session on Facebook at SCS Designs Co. – I’ll be sharing more about the bookmarks and create one live.
My prayer today is that you will be blessed through the experience of this holy season and know the love that God has for you. I ask for traveling mercies for anyone leaving on trips away from home and that you find peace and comfort no matter where you are this coming weekend.
It’s Tuesday, April 15th – and we are currently in Holy Week. As we reflect on Jesus’ journey to the cross, it’s apt to take time to slow down and be present this week. I think of Jesus with his disciples – he wasn’t rushing around and trying to fit everything into each second like we tend to do this week leading up to Easter. He was truly present in each breath of each moment.
Their meal together and Jesus washing the feet of each of his disciples – taking his time, speaking in low hushed tones… I can imagine the effect of a slower, deliberate interaction such as this. When you capture that hush within you, you don’t want it to leave too quickly. You align yourself with the space and time to fully be present: a deliberate quieting of our motions, voices, and hearts so that the atmosphere of reverence remains unbroken.
Last week, I was blessed to join a group of women for our second Ladies Retreat hosted by Aldersgate Abilene Methodist Church. In the preparation for the event both this year and last, I couldn’t have imagined that I would come away with what I have each time.
While Cheri, our Family Ministry director, and I planned different things, there was no way to know how God would take these inspirations and align them with his plans. Each year, we’ve returned from the experience in Kerrville, TX with new insights, stronger bonds with other women in our church family, and a deeper understanding of our spiritual journey. We’ve returned home each time knowing we are all an integral part of our faith community, connected as sisters in Christ.
These sisters of mine are just like me, though I wouldn’t have known it. They have the same heartaches. They share the same joy and laughter. They have a deep love for God and they in turn love deeply of others. We all have quirks and flaws and strengths – we are all unified in building one another up and being there when a sister is in need.
These women have been the guides for my spiritual walk and supporters in innumerable ways. I’ve made friendships with people I generally would not have had the opportunity to get to know.
There’s been laughter, tears, hope filled lessons, new connections forged, blessings counted, prayers whispered, and deep, deep love shared. The Holy Spirit moves in amazing ways and I’ve seen several glimmers of these sacred echoes resonating amongst our tribe over the last few days. Like family, I feel amazed each time I reflect that I’m part of this collective and have a place like this to call home. Thank you, God, for Aldersgate and my church family.
Have you ever noticed how childhood memories shape our creative journey? For me, it started in garden centers, watching my parents select new additions for our landscape. While young-me dreaded the inevitable weeding sessions, those early experiences planted seeds of creativity that would bloom in unexpected ways years later.
The Sensory Symphony of Gardens
There’s something magical about getting your hands dirty in a garden. It’s a full sensory experience: earth filtering through fingers, the rich aroma of soil mingling with floral notes, the gentle hum of bees and hummingbirds, vibrant colors dancing before your eyes, and the sweet reward of fresh-picked strawberries bursting with flavor.
My creative connection to gardens began with my mom (Heike with Handarbeit by Oma on Etsy) and a simple stepping stone kit. Those first projects – an ocean-themed square and a daisy design made with colorful marble stones – taught me how creativity could transform outdoor spaces. While I haven’t returned to concrete creations (yet!), those early lessons led me down new artistic paths.
Finding My Green Thumb’s Voice
Let’s be honest – while I deeply appreciate gardens, I’ve learned to embrace my reality: I’m a seasonal gardener at best. When time, patience, and focus align, I can grow a thriving garden. But life has seasons, doesn’t it? And right now, my season calls for something different.
Enter the humble pothos – my kind of plant! These forgiving friends thrive with minimal attention, and there’s something deeply satisfying about watching a simple cutting develop roots in water. It’s become my go-to gift for fellow plant lovers, sharing little pieces of green joy that grow into stunning displays.
The Birth of the Terra Cotta Collection
These experiences – from childhood garden memories to adult plant adventures – sparked an idea: Why not combine my love of art with these sturdy garden companions? Terra cotta pots have always represented potential to me – whether holding growing plants or corralling art supplies in my studio.
Each pot in this collection tells its own story through hand-painted designs and intricate drawn details. From 4″ selections with matching saucers to petite 3″ pots perfect for windowsills, every piece is unique – just like the plants they’ll nurture.
A Growing Vision
While my gardening days may be more modest now, these painted pots represent something special: the marriage of art and growth, protection and possibility. Each piece offers a canvas for both creative expression and new life.
🌿 Collection Launch Details:
• Early May: Available on Etsy
• June: In-person debut at WCC Market Days (Abilene, TX)
• Sizes: 3″ and 4″ pots with unique designs
• Perfect for: Plant lovers, home decorators, and anyone seeking a touch of artistic garden charm
Join me in celebrating this new collection where art meets nature, and every pot holds the promise of growth.
Hidden treasures aren’t always buried in the ground. Sometimes they’re stashed in studio corners, waiting patiently on half-finished canvases. This weekend’s spring cleaning revealed not just forgotten art pieces, but precious memories and valuable lessons about growth, patience, and God’s perfect timing.
As I sorted through my studio this weekend, each unfinished canvas told a story. These weren’t just incomplete projects – they were chapters of my artistic journey, waiting to be continued. From that first sunset photo my husband captured in Abilene that sparked this creative path back in 2016, to the mixed media experiments of today, each piece holds moments of inspiration, challenge, and growth.
Like archaeological layers, these pieces span nearly a decade of my creative walk with God. Some canvases whisper of busy seasons when art had to wait, while others show bold experiments with new techniques and materials. Each one teaches me something about patience, progress, and the beauty of allowing God to work in His perfect timing.
Join me as I share three special pieces that are teaching me valuable lessons about faith, creativity, and the art of embracing the unfinished…
WyomingWhispers: A Lesson in Seasons
Landscape piece started 2017
This landscape emerged from a family adventure through Yellowstone National Park – a journey that showed me God’s creativity in the most unexpected ways. Within just ten minutes along one stretch of road, we witnessed His artistic mastery as the landscape transformed from snow-covered grounds to sun-warmed rocky shores. Add to that the thrill of seeing elk and grizzly bears up close, and you can understand why this scene demanded to be captured on canvas.
The metallic guardrail, my proud early experiment with blending techniques, stands ready to guide viewers into the scene. Behind it waits the challenge that paused my brush – the vast expanse of water and rock. But you know what? Sometimes God’s timing includes seasons of waiting, teaching us patience through the process.
🎨 Technical Journey:
Early experiments with acrylic paint blending
Perspective challenges with water and rock formations
Learning to trust the creative process
Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear about your own memorable travel moments that sparked creativity!
Mixed Media Sea Turtle: A Journey in Layers
Underwater Sea Turtle – mixed media started April 2024
Have you ever had an idea that wouldn’t let go? This piece started with a morning revelation and a box of forgotten costume jewelry. Those vintage bangle bracelets sparked something unexpected – a vision of bubbles dancing through underwater scenes that perfectly aligned with God’s reminder that beauty often emerges from the most surprising places.
The Creative Journey:
Foundation: Layers of paper scraps creating natural depth
Texture: Bangle bracelets and gel medium forming organic bubble effects
Spirit: Bible pages transformed into flowing water, reminding us that God’s Word flows through every creation
Shell Details: Hole-punched scrapbook paper building dimensional texture
“He makes everything beautiful in its time.” – Ecclesiastes 3:11
This piece continues to evolve, teaching me about patience and trust in the creative process. When uncertainty creeps in (yes, there were moments when it looked like “a very blue mess”!), I’m reminded that growth often happens in those uncertain spaces between layers.
✨ Want to see this piece transform? Follow me on Instagram! We’ll explore texture techniques while discussing how art can become a form of prayer and meditation, plus you’ll have a peek into the process of creating this sea turtle and other artwork.
Check out the April 2024 post for a peek into the many layers that went into creating this selection up to this point
Belgian Memories: Where Past Meets Present
Pub recreation from picture (Belgium) – started in late 2022
Some pieces carry more than paint – they hold chapters of our story. This Belgian pub scene, requested by my brother, bridges my childhood years in Europe with my present calling as an artist. As a military family kid who spent twelve years overseas, this piece represents more than just a location – it’s a connection to those formative years that shaped who I am today.
The perfectionist in me (you know that voice, don’t you?) often hesitates, fearing to misrepresent these precious memories. But God gently reminds me that growth happens when we step beyond our comfort zone. Just as He guided our family through multiple countries and cultures, He guides each brush stroke now.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
🎨 Current Status:
Working through architectural details
Balancing memory with artistic interpretation
Learning to trust the process over perfectionism
Join me in this journey of memory and creation during our upcoming Thursday evening sessions this May. Together, we’ll explore how art can help us process and celebrate our past while embracing God’s present calling.
#MilitaryBratLife #ArtisticJourney #FaithOverFear
Beauty in the Waiting
You know, sometimes we get so caught up in wanting everything to be “finished” and “perfect” that we miss the beauty of the process. These incomplete pieces of art remind me of what Paul wrote in Philippians 1:6: “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Just like these pieces on my easel, we’re all works in progress. Some days the colors flow easily, and other days we need to step back and let the layers dry. And that’s okay. That’s where the growth happens – in those quiet moments between layers, in the pauses between brush strokes, in the waiting.
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This Friday (April 4) at 6:30 PM CT on Facebook @SCSDesignsCo – join me to see new listings arriving soon in the Etsy shop (scsdesignsco.etsy.com) and revisit the sea turtle painting again for some Q&A over mixed media elements.
Remember, every masterpiece starts as a work in progress. What matters isn’t just the destination, but the beauty we find along the way.
Grace + Peace, Samantha
About the Author: Samantha is a faith-inspired artist and founder of SCS Designs Co., where she combines her love for art, faith, and community through creative expression.
God has quite a sense of humor, but I think he had good intentions when he created me with OCD. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is like its own superpower, especially on the good days when the hyper-focus, attention to detail has me flying through tasks, checking off all the list item boxes (love my lists!), and feeling confident.
But then there are low days where the anxiety and depression find footholds to cling to: beeping the car lock three times to be absolutely sure it’s secure, having a spreadsheet for practically everything to ensure nothing has been forgotten, obsessing over the placement of things until it feels “just right”… These are the days where the compulsions do little to quiet the obsessive focus on needing to be perfect and to never mess anything up, because no one is better at beating me up than my own mind during these lows.
OCD has made me a constant worrier and a professional over-thinker, like multiple radios all playing different channels at the exact same time. As tasks and stressors are cleared, a radio turns off.
Keeping it to only a few radios is manageable, but too many morphs the mellow sound into a loud roar in my head – all the thoughts jangling to be heard and vying to be the main focus. The radios only turn off when a task is fully completed. For me, that means working through things in my mind constantly until they can be accepted as ‘done’.
The Symphony of Thoughts
It was one of those seasons where the radios seemed to multiply daily. Each commitment, each responsibility added another station to the mix: full-time church admin work, home life, being mom to Aspen, and trying to nurture my creative business. The constant background noise of ‘not doing enough’ and ‘falling behind’ kept getting louder, drowning out the quieter stations that usually brought peace.
Every completed task would silence one radio, but three more seemed to switch on in its place. The harmony I usually found between faith, family, and creativity was becoming lost in the static of too many stations playing at once. Even my evening creative sessions, usually a sanctuary of calm, became another frequency competing to be heard.
In one of those moments where the noise felt overwhelming, I realized too many radios were on and blaring. More were turning on day by day, and I needed to dial them back. For me, it was about seeking the quiet moments to be open to the Holy Spirit for guidance on where my true focus and intentions should be. Though I knew what I needed to do, too many radios were on already.
“Cut Through the Noise” – 2018 original paint pour
The demand of a world that shouts out about hustling and pushing yourself further every day was overtaking the things I knew to be a deeper truth. Matthew 11:28 says ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.’
My soul cried out for this rest that Jesus spoke of, but the tangle of a secular world urging for more was smothering the plea.
When I think back to that time now, I see clearly places where I compromised and gave in to outside influences rather than holding to what I knew was best for me. I allowed my boundaries to become misshapen, which gave way for things to creep into my day and steal the peace I wanted and needed so much.
So here comes a Sunday morning – I remember with crisp clarity hearing our organist play through his morning service prelude and the cloud of obsessive thoughts were cycling through my head, the same questions I’d been praying over and over: “What am I doing wrong?” “What do I need to do?” “Why do I feel so stuck?” “Why can’t I do better?” And this simple, firm voice said, “You’re trying too hard.”
The beautiful thing about this moment is that right before I heard the words spoken to me, all the radios went silent.
Watercolor and Ink Bookmark – March 2025
The Divine Whisper
Do you feel like you’ve heard God speak to you? Have you felt the Holy Spirit press something so hard on your heart that you’re sure it’ll leave a bruise? But those words were like a balm and filled me with a warm acceptance — something I didn’t question, because I suddenly knew exactly what to do, like a full upload confirming that I needed to place God at the very center of my life. Everything I’d been taught pressed with reassurance on me and I felt a deep peace.
This was my anchor point, and little did I know I would especially need it over the next few weeks. On August 21, 2024, I took Aspen to get some things checked out with our family doctor because the gut feeling wouldn’t go away. Moms… always listen to your gut.
No sooner had we arrived in Fort Worth, Aspen received a diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes. While we’ve had a lot of time to adapt since then, it felt huge and scary in the moment – especially the 2+ hour drive to the hospital without any direction or answers other than “Go now, as quickly and safely as you can.”
This anchor point – this voice touching my heart and bringing me back to the core of what I knew to be the deepest truth – kept me firmly planted in my faith where I could seek comfort and rest. Looking back, I see how God was preparing me through that moment of stillness, that divine whisper of ‘You’re trying too hard.’ He knew what lay ahead with Aspen’s diagnosis and was already teaching me to quiet those racing thoughts, to find harmony even when the radios played at full volume.
The radios all played a piece of the greater song – so even though stations turned on and off as needed and wove in and out of each other, they all played in beautiful harmony without stealing my sense of overall peace.
Friends, we are not built to carry so many things with us.
We were not intended to stretch ourselves to the max, cramming more and more into every moment until we can’t hear the whisper of God through the noise of the radios. It’s ok to slow down – we do not need to run at the same pace of the world around us. It’s ok to savor our time with God, and truly be open to hearing him through his Word and through our prayers.
In the end, I’m glad I caught on and listened to what he was trying to tell me – I can’t imagine being anywhere else in my relationship with God, my family, my church home, and my work.
Finding Peace in Creation
‘For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.’ – Psalm 139:13-14
I appreciate that God made me exactly the way he planned, OCD included. What others might see as overwhelming attention to detail becomes a gift in my artistic practice.
Those same ‘radios’ that can overwhelm in daily life transform into channels of creativity. When I’m in the right headspace, these multiple streams of thought converge into a single, powerful flow of creative energy.
The world seems to fade away, and every part of my focus narrows down to the new piece I’m creating – each detail, each pattern, each stroke becoming a prayer of its own.
“Aurora Rising” – 2018 original paint pour
An Invitation to Rest
At the end of the day, I think he has led me down a winding path in my art journey but with clear intention. Through the breaking, we discover the beauty in each moment – in the gentle sweep of a watercolor brush, in the meditative flow of pattern designs, in the quiet whispers of creativity that speak of His presence. We are better able to appreciate the intricate details of his creation when we create from a place of rest rather than striving.
This is what Jesus meant when He called the weary to come – not to stop all activity, but to find rest in the midst of it. In my studio, as evening settles and the day’s demands quiet down, I’ve found that art becomes a form of prayer, each stroke a conversation with the Divine. Whether it’s the precise patterns of Zentangle, the flow of paint across canvas, or the gentle dabbing of watercolors, every creative act becomes an opportunity to rest in His presence.
I’d love for you to experience this journey of finding rest through prayerful art with me. Whether you’re new to art or a seasoned creator, there’s a sacred space for you here in our creative community. Join me Thursday evenings at 7 pm CST for our live creative sessions on Facebook at SCS Designs Co., where we’ll explore this beautiful intersection of faith and creativity together. No experience necessary – just bring your open heart and willingness to create in community.
Grace, Peace, + Mercy,
Samantha
About the Author: Samantha is a faith-inspired artist and founder of SCS Designs Co., where she combines her love for art, faith, and community through creative expression.
