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The Art of Self-Care

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  • SHOP
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Recent Posts

  • 3 Ways to Make Your Mixed Media Pages POP!3 Techniques to Make Your Mixed Media Pages POP!
    In Art Journal, Techniques
  • How to Make Collage Papers for FreeMake Gorgeous Collage Papers for Free
    In Techniques
  • How to Choose an Art Journal You’ll Love
    In Art Journal
  • 5 Napkin Hacks to Make Your Napkin Art Pop!
    Art Journal,  Techniques

    5 Easy Hacks to Make Your Napkin Images POP!

    August 23, 2024 /

    Are you looking for ways to elevate your napkin images? Maybe you have beautiful napkin image on white. It looks pretty but could use more contrast or colors. Let’s talk about ways you can make these napkin images look even more amazing!  When I started creating this project, things were going so well, but then they unexpectedly went sideways! I’ve been working with napkins for years, but there’s always something new to learn. So we’re not only going to talk about techniques, but what to do when you make a mistake or feel like your mixed media project is careening out of control! Hop-A-Long Studio is reader-supported. When you buy…

    Read More
    Nadine Milton

    You May Also Like

    3 Ways to Make Your Mixed Media Pages POP!

    3 Techniques to Make Your Mixed Media Pages POP!

    May 1, 2026
    Art Journal Flip Through Lessons from an Online Art Retreat

    Looking for Inspiration? A New Art Journal Flip Through!

    August 11, 2023
    How to Gelli Print on Tissue Paper

    How to Gelli Print on Tissue Paper

    July 1, 2022
  • 7 Techniques using Zebra Mildliner Mix Pens
    Techniques

    7 Unique Ways to Use Zebra Mildliner Mix Pens

    August 3, 2024 /

    Have you ever purchased a pen that looks amazing but you’re not too sure how to use it? Zebra Pens came out with a new product, the Mildliner Mix pen, and it’s blown my mind! At first, I wasn’t sure how I was going to use these dual color pens. But once I started creating, the ideas kept coming! Join me as I unbox these pens and show you not one, but 7 different project using these pens! Hop-A-Long Studio is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. What Makes These Pens Special? Why should you…

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    Nadine Milton

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    Napkin Decoupage on Any Surface: Decorating a plastic pumpkin with napkins and pouring medium

    The Art of Napkin Decoupage: How to Easily Transform Any Surface

    October 20, 2023
    Adding diamonds to diamond painting

    Everything You Need to Know About Diamond Painting

    August 31, 2024
    Holiday Collage Reflecting on the Season

    Texture Tips for Your Holiday Collage| Reflecting on the Season

    December 18, 2023
  • How to fussy cut napkin images for any project
    Techniques

    How to Cut the PERFECT Napkin Image

    July 20, 2024 /

    Are you trying to add beautiful napkins images to your surface but you’re having trouble cutting or tearing them out of the napkin? This can be so frustrating when the napkin doesn’t rip the way that you want it to, and it can create a lot of frustration when you’re trying to add them to a piece. Today we’ll cover 3 different ways that you can take apart your napkins in a way that doesn’t ruin those beautiful images! Hop-A-Long Studio is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. Tearing Your Napkin The first thing you…

    Read More
    Nadine Milton

    You May Also Like

    How to create unique color combinations in the art journal using a color wheel

    How to use a Color Wheel to Create Unique Art Journal Color Combinations

    May 5, 2023
    (SM)ART Goals for Artists

    (SM)ART Goals: Starting and Developing Your Creative Goals

    December 31, 2021
    Choosing the best collage glue for your art practice

    Looking for the Best Collage Glue? START HERE!

    July 25, 2025
  • How to get the best results with napkin decoupage
    Techniques

    New to Napkin Decoupage? Start HERE!

    June 28, 2024 /

    Do you know that you can create beautiful works of art with napkins? These aren’t just beautiful napkins to be used at parties or around the house but are the start of a beautiful art or craft project! If you’ve never tried napkin decoupage, join me as I share everything you need to know to get your first napkin project completed! Hop-A-Long Studio is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. The Napkins The one question I constantly get asked is “what napkins can you use?” Any paper napkin with an image printed on it will…

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    Nadine Milton

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    Is Craft Paint Really Cheaper? Choosing the Best Paint for your Art Journal

    Is Craft Paint Really Cheaper? What’s the Best Paint?

    October 7, 2022
    Deco Foil Christmas Cards Merry and Bright

    Deco Foil Christmas Card “Merry and Bright”

    December 3, 2021
    What is Art Journaling and Why Should I Try It?

    What is Art Journaling and Why Should I Try It?

    June 3, 2022
  • Techniques

    How to Paint a Tree in 3 Easy Steps!

    June 12, 2024 /

    Do you struggle with painting trees? It looks easy, but then why do our trees end up looking like blobs?  There’s nothing more frustrating than creating a beautiful project and then have your focal image, the beautiful trees, not work out.  If this happens to you, you’re not alone. Painting trees can be easy if you understand a few fundamental things to help you get the best results. Hop-A-Long Studio is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. Taking Inspiration from Nature Before we start painting, let’s talk about what we’re trying to draw. When we…

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    Nadine Milton

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    Coping with Anxiety during the Holidays

    Coping with Anxiety during the Holidays

    December 17, 2019
    Mixed Media Tag Nature Does Not Hurry

    Mixed Media Tag “Nature Does Not Hurry”

    June 4, 2021
    Gelli Printing with Die Cuts

    Gelli Printing with Die Cuts

    February 26, 2021
  • Reviewing and testing the Best Zebra Pens
    Techniques

    Why You Need Zebra Pens in Your Art Collection

    May 17, 2024 /

    Are you looking for amazing and versatile pens to use in your next mixed media project? Check out these Zebra Pens products with me! If you’ve been following me, you know that I already have more than 684 pens, pencils, and markers. What makes these ones special? Join me as I test a selection of Zebra Pen’s product line and we’ll look at what makes these pens a must have for your art practice. Hop-A-Long Studio is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. Why Zebra Pens? I’ve seen Zebra pens around at art stores, but…

    Read More
    Nadine Milton

    You May Also Like

    Goal Setting During the Summer

    Goal Setting During the Summer

    July 10, 2020
    Gelli Printing with Die Cuts

    Gelli Printing with Die Cuts

    February 26, 2021
    Basic art journal techniques using acrylic paint and napkins

    New to Art Journaling? Basic Techniques using Paints and Napkins

    January 27, 2023
  • Techniques

    How to Organize 684 Pens, Pencils, and Markers

    April 12, 2024 /

    You’re sitting down in your studio about to create, and you can’t find your favorite pens and markers. Then you start the hunt, spending half of your creative time trying to find your markers or organizing them so that you can start on your project.  If this happens to you, you’re not alone! I’ve been so frustrated with my creative space over the last few months that today I’m pulling out all 684 of my pens, pencils, and markers to reorganize them. Join me as we talk about ways to go from crazy clutter to a beautiful, organized space! Hop-A-Long Studio is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our…

    Read More
    Nadine Milton

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    3 Unique Ways to Use Stencils and Stencil Masks

    3 Unique Ways to Use Stencils and Masks

    September 1, 2023
    How to create layers using ink blending

    How to Create Layers Using Ink Blending

    April 16, 2021
    Mixed Media Collage Using Paper, Acetate and Fabric Tape

    Mixed Media Collage Techniques You Need to Try!

    March 21, 2025
  • Holiday Collage Reflecting on the Season
    Art Journal,  Techniques

    Texture Tips for Your Holiday Collage| Reflecting on the Season

    December 18, 2023 /

    Are you looking for ways to add texture to your holiday collage projects? There are so many ways to alter and add texture that will give your project that “wow” factor. Today I’m sharing some alteration and texture techniques for you to try on your holiday collage projects. This is a great project to try during the holiday season. Perhaps you are busy preparing for Christmas or are busy with family, friends, and other commitments. This is a great opportunity to slow down, find intention during the Christmas season and have a time of creative self-expression. Join me as we create a seasonal collage project and talk about capturing our…

    Read More
    Nadine Milton

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    Rabbit acrylic painting on top of gelli printing collage

    4 Ideas for Using Gelli Printing in Your Projects

    May 22, 2020
    Amazing Ink Techniques for Your Art Journal Using Archival and Dye Inks

    Amazing Ink Techniques for Your Art Journal

    January 13, 2023
    Watercolor Landscape Paint Along with Gouache

    Watercolor Landscape Paint Along

    June 11, 2021
  • Struggling with Contrast when Gelli Printing? Here’s How to Fix It
    Techniques

    Struggling with Contrast when Gelli Printing? Here’s How to Fix It

    December 8, 2023 /

    Are you struggling with contrast when gelli printing? This is a common challenge when monoprinting with a gel plate. There is always experimentation when playing with monoprinting. You won’t always be able to control the result. But here are a few tips and ideas to help you get great results when creating contrasting gelli prints. Hop-A-Long Studio is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. Leaving Objects on the Gelli Plate when Printing You may be struggling with contrast with your gelli prints because you don’t have enough contrast between the elements. Start by adding a…

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    Nadine Milton

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    Art Journal Project Using Watercolor Paint and Distress Stains

    Art Journal Project Using Watercolor Paint and Distress Stains

    June 19, 2020
    4 lessons from start with why

    4 Lessons from Start With Why

    March 6, 2020
    Misconceptions Surrounding Mental Illness

    Misconceptions Surrounding Mental Illness

    October 7, 2020
  • Paint Your Season's Greetings: Simple Watercolor Christmas Card Designs
    Projects,  Techniques

    Paint Your Season’s Greetings with Simple Watercolor Christmas Cards

    December 1, 2023 /

    Looking for ideas for simple watercolor Christmas cards? With the Christmas season approaching, we may want to make homemade Christmas cards. But it can feel really overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. How do you come up with a simple design that’s effective and easy to make? And most importantly, a design that you can easily replicate so that you can give all your favorite people a hand-made card. Today I’m sharing with you beginner-friendly and simple watercolor Christmas cards. This is a great way to practice your basic watercolor skills and make a bunch of beautiful cards quickly and easily. Hop-A-Long Studio is reader-supported. When you buy…

    Read More
    Nadine Milton

    You May Also Like

    How to Start a Self-Care Habit

    How to Start a Self-Care Habit

    January 28, 2020
    Unique Pan Pastel Techniques with Watermark Ink Peony Project on Black Art Journal

    Unique Techniques using Pan Pastels with Watermark Ink

    April 2, 2023
    Art Journaling Project with Tissue Paper Collage

    Art Journaling with Tissue Paper Collage

    January 21, 2022
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Nadine Milton

Visual Storyteller & Mixed Media Artist

Welcome to Hop-A-Long Studio! I would love for you to join me in the journey of self-care through artistic expression.

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Recent Posts

  • 3 Ways to Make Your Mixed Media Pages POP!3 Techniques to Make Your Mixed Media Pages POP!
    In Art Journal, Techniques
  • How to Make Collage Papers for FreeMake Gorgeous Collage Papers for Free
    In Techniques
  • How to Choose an Art Journal You’ll Love
    In Art Journal
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