Armchair Artist
January 9, 2026
A direct line from my art table to your inbox—where creativity, connection, and a little chaos collide.
Earlier this week, I wrote in my journal, "Balance is not something you find; it's something you choose." And that has really stuck with me.
Often, we use the phrase, "I'm trying to find more balance."
As I was writing something similar to that in my morning pages, I stopped with my pen mid-sentence.
Because, "duh!" I thought, "Balance isn't going to come find us and whack us on the head, forcing us to sit down and rest. It has to be something we choose."
It's the difference between being a passive participant in our lives and actively creating the life we want.
Over the past month, a big part of choosing balance for me has been to bring more creativity into my daily life — giving recognition to the creativity that is already so abundant and creating space for more to flourish.
And to be honest, when I am in busier seasons of life (like right now, prepping for the BB Bash - registration begins Monday, by the way) - I make myself feel guilty for not doing more for my personal art practice.
But this year, this busy season has felt different. I have been actively choosing balance and finding ways to nourish my creativity. A significant part of that has been embracing (rather than resisting) the fact that I don't always have the energy to head down to the studio for a full art sesh. I've been choosing to have my creativity meet me where I am.
Where I am right now, in the evenings, is sitting in my comfy armchair by the fireplace. And that is where my creativity has been thriving.
We need creativity to fuel the other parts of our lives. Creativity is not some reward that we only deserve when all other tasks are complete. Creativity is a fundamental part of our well-being.
This journal was made, start to finish, in my cozy spot. I organized a little rolling cart to sit next to me with all the basics. Nothing fancy, not a whole lot of space, just a lapboard to work on. Click here to view some of my "armchair artist" essentials.
And although it may be difficult for me to turn off my computer and stop working for the day — because let's face it, I'm a workaholic and I love what I do — I know what's waiting gently for me in the other room. I know that my choosing balance even during this busy time, I am reframing my mindset. Steadiness over urgency. Long-term sustainability over burnout. The emails can wait. Your creativity cannot.
Registration opens on Monday, and right now is the perfect time to put the dates on your calendar. February 1-14, 2026.
The BB Bash is a free 14-day interactive experience designed to inspire, motivate, and connect mixed media artists and creatives of all levels. It’s more than just an art challenge — it’s a guided experience blending live calls, actionable exercises, pre-recorded tutorials, and a supportive community. Join the waitlist for the 3rd annual BB Bash, happening February 1-14, 2026.
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Thanks for letting me take up space in your inbox ๐ฉท xxBB
- Create with me in person in April
- New stencil designs will be released in 12 days through Joggles
- The doors open for the BB Bash in 3 days!
P.S. There is still time to join the final week of Collage Breakthrough, a free collage event hosted by the incredible artist - Cat Raines! Join here for free.
**This post may contain affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase from a link**