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The Art of Self-Care

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  • COMMUNITY
  • SHOP
  • ABOUT
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  • CLASSES
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  • SHOP
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT

Recent Posts

  • How to Choose an Art Journal You’ll Love
    In Art Journal
  • Why art journal?Demystifying Art Journaling: How to Start & Why It Matters
    In Projects
  • How to use Pan Pastels in an Art Journal Page to display your yearly intentionShow Your New Years Intention with Pan Pastels
    In Art Journal, Projects, Techniques
  • How to Stamp on Acetate Sheets with Paint and Inks
    Techniques

    How to Stamp on Acetate Sheets with Inks and Paints

    July 1, 2023 /

    Are you looking to add pattern and interest to clear acetate or plastic sheets for use in your creative projects? Today I’ll be sharing with you how to stamp on acetate sheets and get great results every time. There’s a variety of mediums that will work for stamping on acetate, but today I’ll be focusing on three mediums that I’ve found work the best: acrylic paint, StazOn ink, and archival ink. 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 Stamp on Acetate Sheets? If you have been following me for a while, a…

    Read More
    Nadine Milton

    You May Also Like

    Beginner Friendly Acrylic Painting Techniques

    5 Beginner Friendly Acrylic Painting Techniques

    May 13, 2022
    Mixed media art journal page "Grow"

    Mixed Media Art Journal Project “Grow”

    January 22, 2021
    Art Journal Project Using Watercolor Paint and Distress Stains

    Art Journal Project Using Watercolor Paint and Distress Stains

    June 19, 2020
  • Art Journal Backgrounds with Spray Paints and Inks
    Art Journal,  Techniques

    Easy Art Journal Backgrounds with Spray Paints and Inks

    April 21, 2023 /

    Looking for a fast and easy art journal background? Try using acrylic spray paints and inks to create beautiful art journal backgrounds with ease. A blank page can feel so intimidating. By breaking up the art journal background this can be a great way to get your creative juices flowing. Today I’m sharing my favorite acrylic spray paints and inks and how I use them to create layered art journal backgrounds. 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. Adding Color with Spray Inks An easy way to add variety to your art journal…

    Read More
    Nadine Milton

    You May Also Like

    How to Cut and Color Intricate Die Cuts

    How to Cut and Color Intricate Die Cuts

    March 5, 2021
    Building Meaningful Connection During COVID-19

    Building Meaningful Connection During COVID-19

    April 3, 2020
    Snowflake Christmas Card

    Snowflake Christmas Card

    November 20, 2020
  • Amazing Ink Techniques for Your Art Journal Using Archival and Dye Inks
    Art Journal,  Techniques

    Amazing Ink Techniques for Your Art Journal

    January 13, 2023 /

    Looking for creative ways to use ink techniques in your art journal? So often when we’re working in our art journal, we like to use acrylic mediums. But inks can also create amazing results in an art journal. The benefits of dye and archival inks is they are easily available, aren’t super messy, and have so much versatility as an art journal medium.   Earlier this week I was asked the question by a reader, “Can you use ink in a journal?” Yes, you absolutely can. Today we’ll look at several creative ink techniques for your art journal. Hop-A-Long Studio is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site,…

    Read More
    Nadine Milton

    You May Also Like

    Mixed media art journal page "Grow"

    Mixed Media Art Journal Project “Grow”

    January 22, 2021
    Watercolor Pigment Powders Brusho Crystal Colours, Lindy's Gang Magicals and Nuvo Shimmer Powders how to use on watercolor paper

    Watercolor Powders Demystified! You need to Try these!

    April 18, 2025
    Snowflake Christmas Card

    Snowflake Christmas Card

    November 20, 2020
  • v
    Techniques

    How to Create Gelli Prints with 5 Types of Ink

    August 19, 2022 /

    When learning how to create gelli prints with inks, it can be hard to know which ink to choose. There are so many to choose from. What ink is the most vibrant? What inks will stain your gel plate? Today we will cover 5 popular inks and how they work with the gelli plate on both gloss paper and cardstock. 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. How to Gelli Print with Inks The basic technique to create gelli prints with inks is the same as paint. To create a beautiful print, apply…

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    Nadine Milton

    You May Also Like

    Art Journal Page Using Distress Embossing Glazes and Pastes

    Art Journal Page Using Distress Embossing Glazes

    June 12, 2020
    Stamping Tips and Techniques Stamping with Ink and Paint

    Stamping Tips and Techniques

    April 30, 2021
    Finding A New Normal

    Finding a New Normal

    May 29, 2020
  • 5 Art Journal Background Ideas Using Ink
    Art Journal,  Techniques

    5 Art Journal Background Ideas Using Ink

    June 25, 2021 /

    The art journal is a wonderful place to create, but it can be challenging to know where to start. Today I am sharing 5 art journal background ideas using ink to help inspire your creativity. These are some of the ways that I start my journal pages, especially when I’m not sure where to go next. The blank page can be intimidating. There are so many directions a page can go. These easy techniques can be a springboard for your creative ideas, to help you move past the blank page.   5 Art Journal Background Ideas Using Ink Ink Blending Ink blending is one of the simplest ways to quickly…

    Read More
    Nadine Milton

    You May Also Like

    Why art journal?

    Demystifying Art Journaling: How to Start & Why It Matters

    February 13, 2026
    How Grid Drawing Can Improve Composition

    How Grid Drawing Can Improve Composition

    October 30, 2020
    15 Gift Ideas for Artists

    15 Amazing Gift Ideas for Artists and Creatives

    November 3, 2023
  • Mixed Media Found Object Art Panel
    Projects

    Mixed Media Found Object Art Panel

    May 28, 2021 /

    Have you ever had objects that you wish you could incorporate in your art? Today we will be creating a mixed media found object art panel which includes these found objects into your art. By adding dimension to your projects, it can be very inspiring and is a great way of mixing up your creative practice. Found Object Art and Assemblage If you are new to found object art, it often goes by another name, assemblage. The dictionary definition of assemblage is “a work of art made by grouping found or unrelated objects.” This is exactly what found object art is. Where to Find Found Objects Found objects can be…

    Read More
    Nadine Milton

    You May Also Like

    How to Create Stunning Image Transfers with Isolation Layers

    How to Create Stunning Image Transfers with Isolation Layers

    September 30, 2023
    How to Paint Flowers with a Toilet Paper Roll

    How to Paint Flowers with a Toilet Paper Roll

    August 4, 2023
    3 Ways to Use Brusho Crystal Colours

    3 Ways to Use Brusho Crystal Colours

    December 18, 2020
  • How to create layers using ink blending
    Art Journal,  Techniques

    How to Create Layers Using Ink Blending

    April 16, 2021 /

    Creating in a journal is a great self-care practice but it can be challenging to add layers and dimension to a page. Today we will discuss how to create layers using ink blending in your creative projects. Layering Inks Layering inks is a great way of creating dimension in your projects. There are several things to consider when you are creating layers with your inks: Color Values In my last article I shared about how to use color values when creating a monochromatic project. By using a variety of color values this creates different shades and intensity of color, which adds dimension to your project. Type of Ink Certain types…

    Read More
    Nadine Milton

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    How to use Resist Techniques with Alcohol Inks

    How to use Resist Techniques with Alcohol Inks

    May 20, 2022
    Goal Setting During the Summer

    Goal Setting During the Summer

    July 10, 2020
    Deco Foil Christmas Cards Merry and Bright

    Deco Foil Christmas Card “Merry and Bright”

    December 3, 2021
  • Monochromatic Art Journal Project Be Brave Using Blue Color Palette and Wild Whisper Designs Products
    Art Journal

    Monochromatic Art Journal Project

    April 9, 2021 /

    Have you ever tried using a color wheel when designing an art journal layout? This week we will be learning how to create a monochromatic art journal project and talk about the color theory behind this concept.   What Does Monochromatic Mean? Monochromatic means “containing or using only one color.” When applying this to an artistic application, it is choosing one color as the basis of our project. It can be challenging only using one color in a project, but by understanding how color values work, we can create a very dynamic layout using only one color.   What are Color Values? Color values refers to the lightness or darkness…

    Read More
    Nadine Milton

    You May Also Like

    Create Unique Art Journal Backgrounds with Plastic Wrap

    How to Create Unique Art Journal Backgrounds with Plastic Wrap

    August 19, 2023
    How to Paint a Night Sky

    How to Paint a Night Sky

    February 19, 2021
    Traveler's Notebook Examples

    How to Use a Traveler’s Notebook

    March 19, 2021
  • How to Make a Simple Christmas Card
    Projects

    How to Make a Simple Christmas Card

    November 27, 2020 /

    As Christmas is drawing near, I wanted to share with you how to make a simple Christmas Card using stamps. It is easy to get wrapped up in completing elaborate projects around Christmastime, but sometimes our intentions and our available time do not align. Today I want to share a simple Christmas Card that can be completed under 10 minutes. Card Making for Self Care Card making is an essential part of my seasonal self care. It presents an opportunity to sit down for a few minutes and make something simple and creative. We often get so busy that we do not take time to pause, to rest and regroup.…

    Read More
    Nadine Milton

    You May Also Like

    Simply Stated Design Advent Calendar 2024

    The Unique Advent Calendar You’ll Love Unboxing!

    October 22, 2024
    gel plate printing with leaves and grasses

    Unique & Easy Gel Printing with Leaves and Grasses

    September 19, 2025
    Mixed Media Fall Greeting Card Using Distress Crayons, Archival Ink and Wild Whisper Designs Paper and Stamps

    Mixed Media Fall Greeting Card

    October 8, 2021
  • How to Use a Dip Pen
    Techniques

    How to Use a Dip Pen

    October 23, 2020 /

    As this month is Inktober, I wanted to share with you about how to use a dip pen. Using a dip pen is one of the skills that I have learned this year and it has had a huge impact on how I draw and how I approach drawing. Using a Dip Pen With all the different pens out on the market, many of us think of dip pens as a tool only used in calligraphy. Since I started working with a dip pen, I have started to use it in many art mediums, especially in my art journal. In the video below, I demonstrate how I get good strokes,…

    Read More
    Nadine Milton

    You May Also Like

    An Easy Watercolor Tutorial on Watercolor Mixing

    Intimidated by Watercolor Mixing? An Easy Watercolor Tutorial

    February 18, 2022
    tissue paper collage with chipboard and gems

    The Secret to Stunning Collages…use Tissue Paper!

    March 7, 2025

    How to Organize 684 Pens, Pencils, and Markers

    April 12, 2024
12

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.

Categories

  • Art Classes
  • Art Journal
  • Artist's Journey
  • Projects
  • Techniques

Tags

Acceptance (10) acrylic paint (16) Acrylic Painting (17) Applying Art Mediums (14) Applying Brusho Powders (10) Art Ideas (22) art journal (20) Art Journaling (62) Art Tutorials (156) Art Videos (163) Awareness (19) Blending Color (22) Card Making (16) Card Tutorials (11) Christmas (9) collage (19) Creative Foundations (24) Creativity (28) Drawing (12) Embossing (11) Gelli Plate (10) Gelli Printing (21) Goal Setting (9) Ink Blending (13) Inking (42) Inks (11) Making Good Choices (12) Mental Health (32) Mindfulness (24) Mixed Media (13) Mixed Media Art (16) napkins (9) Pan Pastels (9) Self-Care (47) Self-Care Activities (16) Self-Care Videos (33) Self-Discovery (14) Stamping (62) Stencilling (48) Tim Holtz Distress (23) Values (9) Watercolor (14) Watercolor Basics (13) Watercolor Painting (19) Wild Whisper Designs (21)

Recent Posts

  • How to Choose an Art Journal You’ll Love
    In Art Journal
  • Why art journal?Demystifying Art Journaling: How to Start & Why It Matters
    In Projects
  • How to use Pan Pastels in an Art Journal Page to display your yearly intentionShow Your New Years Intention with Pan Pastels
    In Art Journal, Projects, Techniques
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