Navigating the Creative Plateau: When Growth Feels Invisible

A visual representation of my thoughts at this time.

Spoiler alert: I’m in it right now.

You know that weird, foggy place where everything feels kind of stuck and uncertain—but you’re still showing up? That’s where I’ve been. The creative plateau. The messy middle. That space where your art doesn’t look bad, but it also doesn’t feel like the breakthrough you’ve been working toward. For me, it’s been amplified by perimenopause brain fog (yep, that’s a thing) and energy dips that sometimes make showing up to create feel like hiking through mud.

And the worst part? When growth feels invisible, I start to feel invisible too.

The thoughts creep in—“Maybe I’m not good at this.” “What if I picked the wrong path?” And that inner critic? It suddenly has a megaphone. But here’s what I’ve realized: those thoughts don’t come from my higher self. They’re not the truth. They’re fear wearing the costume of logic.

What’s Really Happening on the Plateau

In these moments, I’m learning to lean into something softer: somatic work, meditation, EFT tapping—anything that brings me back to my body and quiets the mental spiral. And slowly, I begin to notice things I hadn’t before:

• My style is becoming more defined.

• I’m consistent.

• My desire to create hasn’t left me.

These are wins. Quiet ones, maybe—but they count.

The Messy Middle Is Sacred

I remind myself often: you wouldn’t panic if your cake still looked like batter—you’d trust the process. So why don’t we trust that in ourselves? What if we’re simply in the messy middle of our own becoming? Not broken. Not behind. Just not done baking yet.

A Soft Anchor for You

If you’re in this space too, I hope you’ll borrow a mantra that’s been helping me:

“I already have it. The answers are within. Just be still and listen.”

Say it when you feel overwhelmed. Say it when you want to chase every shiny idea. Say it when you want to quit.

You’re Not Alone (Really, You’re Not)

If you’re navigating a plateau or wondering if you’ll ever “get there,” I hope you know this: your creative journey is still moving, even when it feels like it’s standing still.

🌿 Tag me on Instagram (@starthistle.and.quartz) and share your story. Use the hashtag #StarthistleInBloom so we can hold space for each other through this season.

You are not alone in this slow stretch. You’re just in the middle of the magic.

Clearing Clutter, Clearing Mind: My Art Supply Declutter Guide

What I want my “studio” space to feel like.

From Creative Chaos to Clarity

My relationship with art supplies has always been enthusiastic—perhaps too enthusiastic. There was a time not long ago when my studio shelves overflowed with paints, brushes, sketchbooks, and materials from endless phases of exploration. Back then, trying out every medium or new technique was part of the joy of discovery. But recently, I’ve entered a new season of clarity. I know what I love to work with, and I’m ready for simplicity.

Decluttering my art space was a gentle but powerful shift. I discovered that clearing physical clutter was not only practical but also deeply emotional—it gave me a sense of certainty, like finally committing to choices that truly felt right.

How Clutter Clouds Creativity

One sneaky form of procrastination for me is cleaning when I’m intimidated by a creative task. I find myself drawn to tidying rather than facing a blank page. You might know the feeling: "Messy bed, messy head." A cluttered art space works the same way—when I see stacks of supplies spilling over, it clutters my mind too, blocking clear thinking and stalling inspiration.

Recognizing this pattern was key to understanding my creative blocks. The more overwhelmed I felt by physical clutter, the harder it became to access my creative flow.

Make it stand out

A real-life look at the tower of books and canvases that still need organizing.

My Decluttering Process: Tackling the Shelves

When decluttering feels overwhelming, I always start small—often just one chaotic shelf. My shelves tend to become organized piles of disorganization. Sketchbooks blend into watercolor sets, paintbrushes hide under tubes of gouache, and inspiration becomes lost among clutter.

My approach is simple but effective:

• I pick one pile (watercolors, sketchbooks, brushes) at a time.

• I ask myself honestly: Do I use this? Does it spark joy?

• I organize according to how often I reach for each item: favorite brushes in a special cup, beloved paints easily accessible in labeled boxes.

Each decluttering session feels a little like Christmas morning—rediscovering forgotten treasures and sparking fresh ideas.

The Emotional Side of Decluttering

But let's be real—decluttering isn’t just logistical; it’s deeply emotional. I've had to navigate feelings of attachment to past projects, guilt about barely-used materials, and worry over letting go of supplies I might need someday. These are natural, human reactions, especially when our art supplies represent our dreams and aspirations.

When these emotions surface, I remind myself that creativity thrives in simplicity and openness—not in scarcity or clutter. And once I make peace with letting go, I always feel lighter and more energized, proud of myself for choosing clarity over excess.

Organizing with Joy: My Favorite Tools

I have a secret (not-so-secret) love for organizing bins and containers. When I lived in New York, the flagship Container Store was my happy place—wandering aisles, dreaming of tidy spaces. Now I use small organizational carts and caddies to keep my favorite tools ready to go, so I can start creating without distractions. This small ritual gives me a sense of calm control amidst life’s daily overwhelm.

Maintaining the Clarity: A Daily Ritual

To maintain my newly decluttered space, I keep a rolling cart with my essential supplies close at hand, and a portable caddy filled with daily favorites. This setup means I can ignore the excess, reach for my favorites quickly, and avoid clutter build-up. It’s my small daily promise to myself, reinforcing clarity and certainty.

The Struggle is Real—and That’s Okay

Honestly, tidying my art space often feels like a luxury. With a busy life, family responsibilities, and multiple projects always in motion, even a small decluttering session can feel overwhelming. It’s a constant balance. But I’ve learned to honor my limits—if the clutter feels manageable, I sometimes choose rest, meditation, or family movie time instead. I’ve learned it’s okay to choose self-care over perfection.

Your Clutter, Your Journey

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your cluttered art space, please know you’re not alone. Decluttering is a gentle journey—one that comes with emotional layers, personal insights, and small victories. Be patient with yourself. Celebrate tiny steps. Remember that simplicity brings clarity, and clarity brings peace.

I’d love to hear about your decluttering journey. Share your tidy space or favorite organizational tip and tag me on Instagram @starthistle.and.quartz using #ArtAndSoulSQ. Let’s support each other in finding simplicity, creativity, and joy in the beautiful mess.

A Day in My Life: Art, Family & Business in Harmony

A peek at my sketchbook from 2019 that I found my daughter browsing through.

Slow Mornings and Snuggled Beginnings

I wake up slowly—reflective, quiet, still processing dreams and feelings from the night. Mornings, for me, aren’t about rushing into productivity. They're a soft space where my body and mind slowly align for the day.

My favorite part is the small, gentle ritual my husband and I share. Each morning we prepare our “coffee” (it's actually Dandy Blend, a delicious dandelion root drink), mixed Bulletproof style, and snuggle together in bed. In those cozy moments, we talk about everything or nothing at all. It grounds us, connecting us before the day pulls our attention in a hundred different directions.

The Art of Flexible Balance

As a creative entrepreneur and mom, I’ve learned that the key to productivity is batching my tasks. Sundays are social media prep days; Fridays I plan out my following week. This method lets me breathe—it provides structure, but with flexible windows throughout the day for family and creativity.

Evenings are sacred. After dinner, I clear the table and make space for my favorite time: art. I light candles, put on music or an inspiring podcast, and sip my magnesium hot chocolate. Some nights, I dive into my ongoing 100 Faces Challenge (I’m at face 56!), other nights I study new techniques—right now, it's atmospheric lighting. My sketchbook, always nearby, captures all these moments of learning, growth, joy, and even frustration. It’s the one tool that never fails to bring me joy and remind me how far I’ve come.

Motherhood and the Art of Managing Guilt

If I'm honest, balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship sometimes feels impossible. When I'm working, I worry about being absent from my kids' day. When I'm fully engaged with my children, I wonder if I'm neglecting my dream of building a successful, sustainable art business.

To bridge these two important worlds, I began a family ritual years ago: art time together. Ever since my kids could hold a crayon, we’ve gathered around the dining room table to draw, create, listen to music, and laugh. Now, at 10 and 14, my children have their own beautiful artistic voices. They make cards and stickers for friends, enter school art competitions, and share their unique perspectives through creativity.

In those tender, silly, messy moments, I feel whole—reminded that art and family aren’t separate worlds, but beautifully interwoven threads of my life.

Vulnerability & Truth: Waiting for Bloom

I won't pretend that this path is easy. I often find myself impatient, frustrated by the slow bloom of progress. Working from home as an entrepreneur, without the stability of a traditional job, brings a unique kind of pressure. It can feel as though everything must work immediately—for myself, and especially for my children.

Yet, in these stressful moments, I ground myself. I breathe, regulate my nervous system, and remind myself of the simple truth: success is about consistency. If I keep showing up to water the seeds, eventually they bloom.

The Little Moments That Matter Most

Every Saturday morning, my family cleans the house together. A few weeks ago, I caught my daughter dusting slowly, gently turning through pages of my completed sketchbooks—over fifteen of them since 2019. She was quietly taking it all in, and my heart filled with warmth. In that moment, the hustle and impatience melted away. This small act of connection gave me hope, reminding me why I do this work. Art isn’t just about the final product; it’s about sharing our stories and inspiring those we love.

Closing the Day: Calm, Safe, and Ready for Tomorrow

At night, I wrap up my art practice gently. I tidy my table, finish my cocoa, and transition into a relaxing evening ritual—dry brushing, a salt bath, skincare, and soft music. I make sure my body feels safe, regulated, and ready for restful sleep. I know tomorrow will bring its own challenges, but also new opportunities for growth, creativity, and connection.

Your Story Matters, Too

I share this day-in-the-life not because my life is perfect, but precisely because it’s beautifully imperfect, just like yours. If you’re balancing family, art, business, or simply your own dreams, know this: your story is valid, your efforts matter, and slow growth is still growth.

I’d love to hear about your daily rituals and the little moments that make your day meaningful. Tag me on Instagram @starthistle.and.quartz and use the hashtag #ArtAndSoulSQ so we can share these authentic moments together.

Let's inspire each other one gentle, genuine day at a time. ✨

Embracing the “In-Between”

Reimagining my “Luminous Moth” piece as a potent potion.

Right now, I’m standing at a creative crossroads. As I sketch out ideas for my upcoming mythical creatures project, I find myself caught between two distinct and beautiful paths: Should I lean into a whimsical, children's book style filled with intricate details and hidden stories—or embrace a more chic, minimal, and editorial aesthetic?

Each style speaks to a different part of my soul:

• The whimsical style lets me build a world overflowing with imagination, details, and playful surprises, the kind of art I cherished as a child.

• The chic style feels elegant and timeless, seamlessly becoming part of daily life as beautiful décor or thoughtfully designed items that I’d love to gift and display proudly in my own home.

Neither direction feels wrong, yet choosing feels deeply necessary.

Artistic FOMO is Real (and That's Okay)

I experience creative FOMO (fear of missing out) constantly. I often see myself as a hummingbird artist, flitting from idea to idea, rather than the whale artist I long to become—one who dives deep into a single creative ocean, exploring its hidden depths.

But the truth I’m discovering is this: indecision isn’t something to fear. It's a signal, an invitation to pay closer attention.

Recently, my indecision has taught me a powerful lesson: what often appears as confusion is really just a gentle reminder that I haven’t fully committed yet. The idea of commitment used to scare me because it felt like closing doors. But now I realize it’s not about limitation—it’s about permission to explore one beautiful path fully, until it no longer feels aligned.

The Gift of “What If” Sketches and Technique Exploration

During moments of deep indecision, I shift my focus to technique. Instead of forcing a choice, I allow myself the joy of simply learning. Currently, I’m practicing atmospheric lighting, experimenting with depth, shadows, and colors. This approach calms my mind, keeps my skills growing, and helps me clarify what truly excites me.

I also do playful "what if" sketches—small, pressure-free explorations that remind me creativity is about joy, not judgment.

The Power of Daily Commitment (and a Gentle Mantra)

I’ve made a simple promise to myself: to create art daily. Not every piece must fit a collection or feel significant. Some days, art-making means working through my personal “100 Faces Challenge” (I’m currently on face 53!). Other days, it’s a sketchbook page of loose, whimsical doodles, or a chic, minimal abstract exploration.

The secret to navigating indecision is gentle consistency paired with self-compassion. My personal mantra has become:

“I already know, because I have already chosen—and now I commit to my choice.”

This affirmation shifts my mind from confusion to clarity, and my heart from anxiety to bravery.

Your Turn: Clarifying Questions to Move Forward

If you’re feeling stuck between ideas or styles, I encourage you to journal or sketch using these gentle questions as a guide:

• What does my perfectionism want?

• What does my head want?

• What does my heart want?

• What would bring me the most joy in making art right now?

Give yourself permission to explore openly and without judgment. Trust your intuition—it knows more than you realize.

Let’s Share Our Journeys

I'd love to hear how you’re navigating your own artistic indecision. Share your "what if" sketches or creative reflections by tagging me on Instagram @starthistle.and.quartz and use our special hashtag #ArtAndSoulSQ.

Together, let’s turn indecision into a beautiful space of exploration, empowerment, and joyful clarity.

When One Chapter Ends, a New Adventure Begins

My assistant. Mia,. hard at work doing some critical research for me.

Ten years ago, I launched my very first online shop on Society6, selling whimsical designs like my beloved Baby Zodiac prints. It was an exciting and formative chapter. Then recently, Society6 changed course, closing my shop and leaving me wondering, “Now what?”

At first, it felt like a rejection—like somehow, I hadn’t made the cut. But after some reflection (and journaling—a LOT of journaling), a new thought emerged: maybe this was actually a redirection. I decided that my success wouldn’t be determined by a platform; it would be determined by me. And with that, the seed of my next adventure—my own shop, under the name Starthistle & Quartz—began to bloom.

Why Nordic Folklore?

I’ve always felt a deep pull toward my Scandinavian heritage. The rich stories, magical landscapes, and mythical creatures from those northern lands enchant me. I grew up loving Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales, and recently, I fell completely in love with the graphic novel and TV series “Hilda,” filled with whimsical deer foxes, trolls, and gentle giants.

Inspired by these tales, my sketchbook is filling up with early explorations: enchanting forests, rune carvings on ancient stones, and mysterious underground pools lit by glowing crystals. The creatures I’m sketching are still evolving—sometimes they're cute and cuddly; other times they're long, graceful, and elegant.

I keep asking myself: Do they all share the same magical world, or does each creature have its own hidden realm? This question keeps me happily awake at night.

Choosing a Palette: Cozy Warmth or Frosty Elegance?

I'm currently caught between two equally beautiful paths. Do I lean into cozy warmth—filled with rich forest greens, warm earth tones, and splashes of sunlit yellows—or do I create something with more frosty elegance, invoking misty greys, shimmering blues, and touches of icy silver?

One thing’s clear: I'm obsessed with Holbein’s Shire Green, and it will definitely play a starring role, no matter which path I choose. I'm exploring pops of bright colors too, wondering if a touch of whimsy might make my art stand out among traditionally moody, mythical artwork.

From Sketchbook to Sticker or Mug?

Thinking ahead, I can already imagine my mythical creatures on stickers (because stickers are irresistible), but what excites me even more is the idea of someone sipping morning coffee from a mug adorned with these creatures. Imagine starting your day with a little sprinkle of magic, whimsy, and beauty.

The Interactive Journey Ahead

Here’s where things get exciting—my plan is to launch my first collection this fall, hopefully by October. But before I get there, I want your help! I'll be sharing sneak peeks on Patreon and asking my community to help name characters, choose color palettes, and vote on designs.

This collection won’t just be mine—it’ll be ours. It’s an invitation to collaborate, play, and dream together.

Come Along on the Adventure!

If you'd love to be part of this journey, you can follow along on my Patreon, where you'll get behind-the-scenes glimpses and special early access. I’ll be sharing every step of the process—from early sketches to final designs. Let's create something magical together.

👉 Join me on Patreon here.

Here's to new beginnings, authentic creations, and the magic of building dreams together. ✨

How I Create Art Even on the Hardest Days

The realness of my workspace- potato dog included.

Finding the Courage to Show Up

Some nights, I sit at my dining-room-table studio feeling completely off my game. Last evening was one of those nights. After a day juggling work calls, family logistics, and an achy injury from yesterday’s workout, I opened my tutorial on character drawing… only to have my dog sketch emerge looking like a sad, unrecognizable potato (and not the cute kind). My color choices were off too—something I usually nail.

So close, and yet so far away…

I mean, he’s got POTATencial- get it? 🤦🏼‍♀️

In that moment, the perfectionism, comparison, and overwhelm all ganged up on me. My inner critic whispered, “Why even try? You’re not good enough.” Yet I didn’t want to let a bad drawing derail my “always forward momentum” mindset. So I reminded myself of an important truth:

Progress isn’t linear—and showing up is its own victory.

Identifying the Resistance

We all face this trio of creative roadblocks:

• Perfectionism: The urge to make every line flawless.

• Comparison: Scrolling feeds, seeing others’ highlight reels.

• Overwhelm: Too many demands—from the world and from ourselves.

That night, my perfectionism flared: I wanted each sketch to prove I was leveling up. Comparison popped up as I remembered other artists’ polished dog portraits. And overwhelm settled in when my hand throbbed from yesterday’s workout. Recognizing these feelings as they arose was the first step toward moving through them.

Three Micro-Steps to Break Through

Whenever the resistance strikes, I lean on tiny actions that build momentum:

1. Set a 5-Minute Timer with One Tool
I grab my “ugly” sketchbook—a no-judgment zone where I can scribble freely—and set a simple timer on my phone for five minutes. This unglamorous sketchbook is my secret weapon: I can’t worry about perfection when I’m just warming up. Listening to a short YouTube video or podcast helps me doodle without overthinking.

2. Use a “Permission Sticker”
I plan to design a sticker that reads:

“You have permission to be right where you are. This moment is already a good one.”
For now, I write that phrase on a sticky note and place it on my sketchbook cover. That visual cue is like a gentle pat on the back—permission to play, fail, and experiment.

3. Celebrate Any Mark
That first swirl or scribble counts. After I make my initial big loop or quick doodle, I smile, take a breath, and say, “I’m here. I showed up.” Sometimes I even snap a quick photo to remind myself later that progress is the goal, not perfection.

A Night of Tiny Triumphs

Last night, applying these steps changed everything. With my timer ticking, I scribbled loose swirls across the page—no pressure to “draw a dog.” I let my hand find its rhythm. The permission note reminded me to embrace the process. By the time the timer buzzed, my wrist felt warmed up and my spirit lifted.

I followed up by pulling prompt #103 from my 365 Art & Soul Journal:

“If the word inspiration were a color, what color would it be? Draw something inspired by that color.”

That prompt whisked me out of my critical headspace. I chose a bright aqua—my lifelong favorite—and painted a quick abstract watercolor splash. It wasn’t a dog, but it was mine. And it reminded me that creativity thrives when we loosen our grip.

Your Daily Permission to Play

If you ever feel stuck on the hamster wheel of self-doubt, give yourself these micro-steps. And if you’d like a year’s worth of gentle prompts to spark your practice, grab your free 365 Art & Soul Journal with Prompts. It’s my daily permission slip to play—one prompt, one page, one tiny triumph at a time.

Keep showing up. Your next best idea is waiting on the other side of that first mark. ✨

Behind the Art: June’s Sardine Summer Flat-Lay Design

Imagining this as a piece of wall art is chef’s kiss!

When a trend feels everywhere, how do you make it truly your own? This June on Patreon, I tackled the vintage sardine-tin craze—and reimagined it as a chic, pastel-toned summer picnic scene. Here’s how it unfolded.

Inspiration: From Sardine Tins to Summer Picnics

I’ve always adored the whimsical charm of retro sardine packaging, but I wanted something that felt unmistakably Starthistle & Quartz:

• A pastel flat-lay evoking seaside picnics

• My signature palette of blush coral, aqua, vermillion, shell pink, and pops of fluorescent yellow

• Imagery of lemons, bread, and a glass of rosé laid out as if on a sunlit terrace

I rewatched Pixar’s Luca, dreamed of the Amalfi Coast, and let those joyful, sun-washed hues guide me.

Sketches & Moodboard: Finding My Voice

After sharing my initial sketches and moodboard last week, I dove into Procreate using watercolor and gouache brushes. Early attempts felt too “safe”—they mimicked what I saw online rather than reflecting my own style. My challenge was clear: avoid imitation, honor inspiration.

Overcoming Comparison & Limitation

Comparison reared its head big time. I worried my design wouldn’t stand out among the countless bright sardine tins. But then I remembered:

“Limitation is magic.”

By focusing on the feeling—“chic,” “soothing,” “summery”—I unlocked new ideas. Instead of painting fish in a tin, I arranged them on plate-like shapes, surrounded them with picnic elements, and let my favorite palette shine.

The Moment It Clicked

The breakthrough came when I sketched a simple flat-lay: three sardines on a pastel plate, lemon wedges at the rim, a linen napkin draped nearby. Paired with my fluorescent-yellow accents and a swirl of aqua, it finally felt original and elegant—a scene you could hang on a gallery wall or use as a chic postcard.

What’s Next: Exclusive Access on Patreon

This design is now on its way to becoming your June Patreon postcard + sticker—a monthly keepsake delivered straight to your mailbox. As a Patron, you can be part of magic in a few ways::

• As a Stardust Supporter to keep up-to-date with everything new happening at Starthistle & Quartz

• Or join the monthly sticker tier as a Moonlit Dreamer

• Receive a monthly postcard tier featuring exclusive original art as a Celestial Wanderer

• And to get the full set of sticker + postcard you can become an Ethereal Muse

👉 Join us today for exclusive art, early-bird perks, and a front-row seat to every new collection:
https://patreon.com/starthistle

A Little Invitation

I won’t pretend this was easy—creative blocks and perfectionism almost stopped me. But showing up, experimenting, and trusting my palette turned frustration into possibility. I’d love for you to witness the full journey (and get your hands on the postcard!) over on Patreon.

See you there—and may your summer be as bright and refreshing as a picnic on the Riviera. ☀️

Seasonal Moodboard: Spring into Creativity

Summer color palette and sardine can sketches in a spiral-bound sketchbook, surrounded by Caran d’Ache pencils, gouache swatches, and Dr. Ph. Martin’s watercolor.

There’s something sacred about watching spring turn into summer—the light feels different, the air shifts, and suddenly color takes center stage.

This season, I’ve been feeling inspired by vibrant warmth and refreshing coolness—those first sips of lemonade, a splash in the pool, the feeling of being barefoot in the grass after a long day.

My Summer-Inspired Color Palette

My swatch and mixing card that I keep for reference.

The colors calling to me right now are full of joy and boldness:

• French Ultramarine, Vermillion, and Coral Red

• Shell Pink, Leaf & Olive Greens, Ochre, and of course, my forever favorite: Aqua

• Pops of fluorescents—just enough to wake things up and bring the whole palette to life

I’ve found myself rewatching Luca and dreaming of the Amalfi Coast—where citrus tones meet turquoise water and stone walls glow in the sun. It’s that contrast of hot and cool that’s fueling my creative flow.

Creative Rituals in Bloom

My current ritual? Just being outside. Watering my plants barefoot in the grass has become a way to release the weight of the world. Clearing out closets, shelves, and even thoughts has helped me reconnect with myself.

In many ways, this moodboard reflects that desire to feel refreshed—creatively and emotionally.

A Peek into What I’m Creating

I’m still working out this month’s Patreon postcard and sticker, and I’ve been playing with the vintage sardine packaging trend—trying to find my unique take on it. This post marks my first attempt at documenting that process. I usually just share the finished result, but I want to get better about bringing you into the journey.

I’ll be sharing the final piece with my patrons later this month—and if you want to receive art like this in your mailbox each month, I’d love for you to join us. 💌

👉 Become a Patron

A Final Thought for June

“Let it be light.”
Not empty. Not weightless. But free. Unburdened.
Let your art—and your life—feel just a little lighter this season.

How to Start an Art & Soul Journal

Join the Starthistle & Quartz community and receive my 365 Art & Soul Journal with Prompts

Somewhere between your to-do lists and big dreams, your creative soul is whispering: “Can we play now?”
That’s where the Art & Soul Journal comes in.

This isn’t your typical journal. It’s a gentle, creative, meditative practice—a space to stay present with yourself while expressing what's in your heart, through simple, soulful drawing prompts. Whether you're an experienced artist or just starting out, this journal will meet you right where you are.

What Makes This Journal So Special?

The Art & Soul Journal includes 365 creative prompts designed to help you:

• Relax and de-stress

• Reignite your imagination

• Nurture your inner artist

• Explore your emotions gently and playfully

It's beautifully designed, filled with inspiring quotes, and encourages you to show up as you are. Use your favorite supplies or just a simple pencil—this is your space to create, connect, and reflect.

How I Use My Journal

I journal in the evenings, usually with a cup of magnesium cocoa and a cozy playlist or podcast in the background. I lay out my art supplies (I love making it feel like “playtime”) and flip open to a prompt that sparks something in me.

One of my favorites? “Draw your soul.”
It changes every time I revisit it—and I love that.

How to Begin Your Practice

There are no rules—only invitations. You can:

• Start at the beginning and move through day by day

• Flip through and find a prompt that speaks to you

• Match your journal entry to today’s date (for example, June 3rd is Day 155—try responding to prompt #155!)

The journal is here to guide you, not pressure you. Begin anywhere, and let the journey unfold.

Share Your Journey with Us

We’d love to see how your journal evolves! Tag me on Instagram at @starthistle.and.quartz and use the hashtag #ArtAndSoulSQ to share your pages, rituals, and reflections.

Let’s build a creative community—one page at a time.

Making Magic at the Dining Room Table

Limited space doesn’t mean limited creativity.

I used to dream of the perfect art studio.

In my mind, I pictured big windows spilling natural light over an open floor plan, where I could move effortlessly from painting to jewelry-making to admin tasks. I saw tall walls holding in-progress pieces, a cozy corner with vintage chairs and a hand-painted coffee table. A spot for my husband to care for his bonsai. A nook for my kids to work on their art beside me.

And while that space still lives in my heart, the truth is—I create from my dining room table. And honestly? It’s kind of magical.

A Real Life Creative Setup

My dining room has quietly become the beating heart of Starthistle & Quartz. During the day, it’s where we eat and share time as a family. In the evenings, I roll over my art carts, rearrange a few bins, and light my favorite brass lamp.

Suddenly, the ordinary becomes sacred.

I place my crystals—rose quartz, citrine, labradorite—next to my sketchbook. I pull out my Neocolors and Holbein gouache. I put on a podcast or soft music, sip on my magnesium hot chocolate, and just... begin.

It’s not glamorous. I shuffle things around constantly. I lose brushes. My kids sometimes wander in to ask for snacks. But when I sit down and start to draw, I remember that creative practice doesn’t need perfection—it just needs presence.

The Reality Behind the Dream

Sometimes I do feel sad or frustrated. I thought I’d have a studio by now. I see the dreamy Pinterest setups and feel a pang of envy.

But I also remind myself of something I believe deeply:

Limitation is magic.
When we’re constrained by space, time, or resources, we often become more creative. We adapt. We experiment. We lean into intuition and learn to work with what’s in front of us.

And that’s where the magic lives.

How I Stay Inspired in an Imperfect Space

To keep the spark alive, I turn my sketchbook into a space of encouragement. I use stickers I’ve made for past collections to decorate the covers and pages—little reminders that what starts small can grow into something beautiful.

Some of my best ideas have come from these late-night sessions. Many of the pieces I work on at this table become mini collections for my Patreon, where I share them with my community. Some never see the light of day. But all of them matter—because they represent a moment where I chose to show up.

For the Creative Woman Without a Studio

If you’re waiting for the “perfect setup” to begin, I want to gently offer this:

Let your dream space be your North Star, not your starting line. Let it inspire you to create, not stop you from starting.

Creativity isn’t about waiting until everything is organized, clean, or Instagram-ready. It’s about showing up in the midst of life’s mess. It’s about making art with your elbows on the dining table, crystals beside your coffee, and your heart open to whatever wants to emerge.

The most powerful thing you can do is begin—right here, right now, just as you are.

Because I promise:
Magic can happen at the dining room table.

I’m living proof.

Rituals for Creative Women: A Nightly Practice I Cherish

What makes an ordinary task a ritual? When it feels like it feeds your soul on every level.

There’s something deeply grounding about ending the day with a ritual that feeds your soul. For me, that ritual is art. Every night, no matter how the day has gone, I return to my sketchbook, my soft cardigan, and a quiet, cozy corner of my home—and I let the magic begin.

I call it my creative anchor. It begins with my art supplies—my favorite sketchbooks, Neocolor pastels, and Holbein gouache. With a warm cup of magnesium hot chocolate in hand and music or a beloved podcast playing, I let myself just play. There’s no pressure here—only joy.

Fresh flowers sit nearby. My crystals—labradorite, citrine, rose quartz—are placed with intention. And my favorite candle, Night Garden by Blythe Starlight, fills the space with gentle scent, setting the tone for a slow descent into creativity and calm.

Some of the pieces I create during these sessions turn into exclusive mini collections for my Patreon community. Others are just for me—to explore, to express, to stay connected to the joy of making.

After art, I dry brush, enjoy a salt bath, and unwind with a soothing skincare ritual. This is how I end my day—with intention, presence, and artful self-care.

Tips for Building Your Own Creative Ritual

If you’re looking to create a ritual of your own, here are a few gentle prompts to get you started:

1. Start Small

Begin with 10–15 minutes in your day that’s just for you. Light a candle, open a sketchbook, or simply write a few lines in a journal.

2. Make It Sensory

Incorporate scents, textures, and sounds that calm or inspire you—music, incense, your favorite tea, or a cozy sweater can all become part of your ritual.

3. Keep It Sacred

Even if it’s short, treat this time as sacred. Turn off notifications. Let it be a quiet, soul-nourishing space.

4. Use Visual Cues

Surround yourself with beauty—fresh flowers, inspiring art prints, or a sticker that reminds you of your creative intention.

5. Let Go of Outcomes

Your ritual doesn’t need to produce anything. The goal is connection, not perfection. Let yourself play and explore.

This post is a love letter to all creative women who crave more meaning in their day. Your ritual doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to feel like you.

Welcome to the Magic

Hello and welcome! I’m Therese Tucker—artist, dreamer, and the hands behind Starthistle & Quartz. I’m so glad you’ve landed here.

color studies from my sketchbook

This little corner of the internet is where art, story, and soul meet. Starthistle & Quartz is my love letter to women who crave both beauty and meaning in the everyday. It's for those who wake early to journal under soft light, who light candles while planning their week, and who know that self-expression is a sacred act.

The name was born during a magical family trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where the words “Starthistle” and “Quartz” leapt from a shelf of imaginary potions and instantly felt like home—whimsical, natural, and utterly enchanting. That’s what I want this brand to feel like: a place of wonder grounded in intention.

Right now, you’ll find exclusive postcard-style prints and stickers in my Patreon shop, but behind the scenes, I’m building something much bigger—prints, accessories, stationery (my love!), and even home goods are on the way.

My biggest dream? To see Starthistle & Quartz in the windows of Anthropologie, sitting right next to that dreamy sardine can styling I’m completely obsessed with.

I hope this blog becomes a gentle pause in your day—a place for stories, creativity, and soulful inspiration. You’re always welcome here.