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The Art of Self-Care

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

Recent Posts

  • How to get past a creative block- try this amazing mixed media art journal page!Struggling with Creative Block? Try this Easy Art Journal Page!
    In Art Journal, Artist's Journey
  • gel plate printing with leaves and grassesUnique & Easy Gel Printing with Leaves and Grasses
    In Techniques
  • How to get the most textured collage in your art journalCreate the Ultimate Textured Collage with this Technique
    In Projects, Techniques
  • How to get past a creative block- try this amazing mixed media art journal page!
    Art Journal,  Artist's Journey

    Struggling with Creative Block? Try this Easy Art Journal Page!

    October 18, 2025 /

    Do you ever have moments where you’re struggling with a creative block? If it’s been a while since you’ve had time or energy for creativity, you are not alone. It’s easy to fall into these blocks and can be incredibly difficult to get past them. 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. Recently, I’ve had several family members diagnosed with critical illness, and it’s been a challenging time emotionally. It’s hard to feel excited and passionate about art when loved ones are dealing with illness and really challenging times. What do we do…

    Read More
    Nadine Milton

    You May Also Like

    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

    How to Paint a Tree in 3 Easy Steps!

    June 12, 2024
    When Things Don't Go According to Plan

    When Things Don’t Go According to Plan

    September 25, 2020
  • Mixed Media Collage Using Paper, Acetate and Fabric Tape
    Projects,  Techniques

    Mixed Media Collage Techniques You Need to Try!

    March 21, 2025 /

    Mixed media collage is hard….or is it? Sometimes when we’re using more than one material, we tend to complicate things. Let’s dive into a beautiful and easy project using fabric, acetate and paper! 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. Choosing your Favorite Paper Every time I work on a mixed media collage project, I either start with an idea, a favorite paper, or a medium that I want to use. This project is no exception. I have this beautiful Golden Botanicals paper from Simply Stated Design that is perfect for a collage…

    Read More
    Nadine Milton

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    Doodling with Stencils with Tim Holtz Distress Inks and Posca Paint Pens

    Doodling with Stencils: Using Stencils to Improve your Drawing Skills

    October 22, 2021
    Layered gel plates created by Nadine Milton

    How to Master Gel Print Layers in Monoprinting

    June 13, 2025
    Choosing the best collage glue for your art practice

    Looking for the Best Collage Glue? START HERE!

    July 25, 2025
  • Intuitive Collage Mixed Media Project featuring image from Simply Stated Design
    Art Journal,  Techniques

    New to Intuitive Collage? Start Here!

    December 2, 2024 /

    Are you looking for new ways to mix up your art journal practice? Intuitive collage is one of my favorite ways to create with paper in my projects. Let’s explore some easy and fun techniques to use paper in unique ways.   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 Can We Use for Intuitive Collage? We sometimes get stuck by creating too many rules of what we can and cannot use in our collage projects. Here’s a few of my favorite things that I reach for when I start working on my…

    Read More
    Nadine Milton

    You May Also Like

    Mental Illness Awareness Week

    Mental Illness Awareness Week

    October 2, 2020
    Choosing the Best Inexpensive Acrylic Paint Markers

    The Best Inexpensive Acrylic Paint Markers

    September 9, 2022
    Preparing for a Pandemic Christmas

    Preparing for a Pandemic Christmas

    December 11, 2020
  • Acrylic Paint Pouring Ornaments
    Projects

    Easy and Beautiful Acrylic Paint Pouring Holiday Ornaments

    December 22, 2023 /

    Have you ever tried making holiday ornaments using acrylic paint pouring techniques? This medium may seem messy, but today I’ll show you how to get beautiful results with a controlled pour. This makes these stunning ornaments easy to make and requires a lot less clean up. Why Pouring Medium? I love pouring medium because of the glossy effect of the paint and the beautiful depth of color that you can get in your designs. It isn’t an easily controllable medium, so it lends itself better to abstract pieces and designs. This makes it perfect for holiday ornaments. I’ve recently been teaching a lot of paint pouring and had a lot…

    Read More
    Nadine Milton

    You May Also Like

    How to Paint Watercolor Backgrounds

    How to Paint Watercolor Backgrounds

    February 14, 2020
    3 Ways to Trace Images onto Paper

    3 Easy Ways to Trace Images onto Paper

    January 8, 2021
    Preparing for a Pandemic Christmas

    Preparing for a Pandemic Christmas

    December 11, 2020
  • 15 Gift Ideas for Artists
    Artist's Journey,  Techniques

    15 Amazing Gift Ideas for Artists and Creatives

    November 3, 2023 /

    Are you looking for gift ideas for artists this holiday season? It can be challenging to shop for the artist in your life. There are so many products and options it can feel overwhelming.   Today I’m going to simplify this process for you. I’ve included 15 of my favorite supplies that I use constantly in my creative process. Whether working in an art journal or on a canvas, these quality products will make fantastic gifts for both professional and novice artists alike! 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. 1. Helix Circle…

    Read More
    Nadine Milton

    You May Also Like

    How to Create a Colorful Mandala Using the Color Wheel

    How to Create a Colorful Mandala Using the Color Wheel

    May 12, 2023
    5 Creative Techniques with Watercolor Markers

    5 Creative Techniques with Watercolor Markers

    February 25, 2022
    Living in Transition: How to thrive in change

    Living in Transition: How to Thrive in Change

    August 7, 2020
  • Mixed Media Magic: Transforming Pumpkins with Decoupage
    Projects,  Techniques

    Mixed Media Magic: Transforming Pumpkins with Decoupage

    September 16, 2023 /

    Looking for a way to practice your mixed media skills outside the art journal? Try making a fun and original home décor pumpkins with decoupage techniques! I found a plastic pumpkin at my local craft store and thought it would be perfect for adding a variety of mixed media elements to make it unique. Generally, I’m not much of a home décor creative, but occasionally it’s fun to change up the creative process. It can be a way of picking up new skills or learning how to use skills that you have in a different way.  I find there’s always fun surprises along the path of creative self-discovery. Hop-A-Long Studio…

    Read More
    Nadine Milton

    You May Also Like

    wet-on-wet watercolor techniques mixing colors

    Easy Wet-on-Wet Watercolor Techniques for Beginners

    October 28, 2022
    Coping with Anxiety during the Holidays

    Coping with Anxiety during the Holidays

    December 17, 2019
    How to fix disappearing napkin art with these simple steps

    My Napkin Art is Disappearing! 3 Easy Ways to Recover Images

    April 28, 2023
  • Art Journaling Project with Tissue Paper Collage
    Techniques

    Art Journaling with Tissue Paper Collage

    January 21, 2022 /

    Tissue paper collage is a fun way to add layers and textures to your art journal pages. You can get a variety of printed tissue papers or purchase plain tissue paper to alter with inks, stamps and paints. The possibilities for tissue paper collage are endless and it’s a great way of personalizing your journal. For today’s project and tutorial I am using Dina Wakley collage tissue paper. The papers are printed in both black and white which provides versatility on how you can apply them in your projects. Why Use Tissue Paper? I love tissue paper collage because of the translucent quality of the medium. It can be layered…

    Read More
    Nadine Milton

    You May Also Like

    Art Journal Textured Background Techniques with Acrylic Mediums

    Textured Background Techniques for the Art Journal

    March 11, 2022

    Realistic Goal Setting and New Year’s Resolutions

    December 30, 2019
    Glass Painting Techniques with Pebeo Vitrea 160 Glass Paint

    Easy Glass Painting Techniques with Pebeo Vitrea 160

    March 24, 2023
  • Deco Foil Christmas Cards Merry and Bright
    Projects

    Deco Foil Christmas Card “Merry and Bright”

    December 3, 2021 /

    One of my favorite parts of the Christmas season is making beautiful Christmas cards. The technique that I am sharing today is how to make a Deco Foil Christmas card that uses patterned paper, Deco Foil transfer sheets and the Deco Foil adhesive pen. Mastering Deco Foil I love Deco Foil. This is a fun medium that you can get beautiful results with. But I find so many of the videos and projects I see only show the perfect results. Deco Foil is fairly easy to use, but there are times when I don’t always get a perfect foil transfer. Mastering Deco Foil takes practice and a bit of patience.…

    Read More
    Nadine Milton

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    Unique Pan Pastel Techniques with Watermark Ink Peony Project on Black Art Journal

    Unique Techniques using Pan Pastels with Watermark Ink

    April 2, 2023
    3 Ways to Use Brusho Crystal Colours

    3 Ways to Use Brusho Crystal Colours

    December 18, 2020
    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
  • Mixed Media Shaker Card Using Distress Glazes, Brusho Crystal Colours and Wild Whisper Designs Paper and sequins
    Projects,  Techniques

    How to Create a Mixed Media Shaker Card

    November 19, 2021 /

    With Christmas just around the corner I wanted to show you how to create an easy mixed media shaker card. I love making cards around Christmastime. It is one of my favorite Christmas traditions! The process of coming up with unique designs, writing messages to my friends and family and sending them through the mail brings me great joy. I remember as a child my parents getting dozens and dozens of Christmas cards with family updates and kind messages inside. The practice of giving and receiving cards is not as popular as it used to be. But I believe it makes giving or receiving a handmade card so much more…

    Read More
    Nadine Milton

    You May Also Like

    How to Create a Wine Bottle Vase Overall Project

    How to Create a Wine Bottle Flower Vase

    May 7, 2021
    Creating an Art Journal Page Using Paper Glossy Accents and Distress Crayons

    Easy Art Journal Page Using Paper

    September 16, 2022
    In Time It's Going to be Okay

    In Time It’s Going to be Okay

    May 9, 2020
  • Must have mixed media supplies for the art journal including art journal, acrylic paint, gesso, matte and gel mediums, watercolor paint, acrylic and watercolor brushes, paint pens, pigment pens, stamps and stencils
    Art Journal,  Techniques

    Must Have Mixed Media Supplies for the Art Journal

    November 12, 2021 /

    With Christmas just around the corner, I wanted to share with you the must have mixed media supplies for the art journal. Depending on what and how you like to create, your essential mixed media art supplies may be different. Here are my recommendations for mixed media supplies for the art journal. 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. Mixed Media Art Journal There are a variety of different journals that I use in my creative practice. When choosing a journal, I look for a journal with smooth paper that can take wet…

    Read More
    Nadine Milton

    You May Also Like

    Art Journaling Project with Tissue Paper Collage

    Art Journaling with Tissue Paper Collage

    January 21, 2022
    How to Use Pan Pastels

    How to use Pan Pastels

    January 1, 2021
    Mixed media art journal page "Grow"

    Mixed Media Art Journal Project “Grow”

    January 22, 2021
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.

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  • Artist's Journey
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Acceptance (10) acrylic paint (16) Acrylic Painting (17) Applying Art Mediums (14) Applying Brusho Powders (10) Art Ideas (22) art journal (18) Art Journaling (61) Art Tutorials (156) Art Videos (163) Awareness (19) Blending Color (22) Card Making (16) Card Tutorials (11) Christmas (9) collage (17) Creative Foundations (24) Creativity (28) Drawing (12) Embossing (11) Gelli Plate (10) Gelli Printing (20) 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) Self-Care (47) Self-Care Activities (16) Self-Care Videos (33) Self-Discovery (14) Stamping (62) Stencilling (48) stencils (9) Tim Holtz Distress (23) Values (9) Watercolor (14) Watercolor Basics (13) Watercolor Painting (19) Wild Whisper Designs (21)

Recent Posts

  • How to get past a creative block- try this amazing mixed media art journal page!Struggling with Creative Block? Try this Easy Art Journal Page!
    In Art Journal, Artist's Journey
  • gel plate printing with leaves and grassesUnique & Easy Gel Printing with Leaves and Grasses
    In Techniques
  • How to get the most textured collage in your art journalCreate the Ultimate Textured Collage with this Technique
    In Projects, Techniques
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