You don't have to have it all figured out to begin
May 23, 2026
A direct line from my art table to your inbox—where creativity, connection, and a little chaos collide.
I have quite a few things that I want to share with you today! Well.. yesterday.
You see, usually The BB Connection gets sent on Fridays. At least that's the made up "deadline" that I give to myself each week.
But every time I sat down to start writing, I couldn't figure out how I wanted to start. I knew what I wanted to include - but the beginning felt like a lot of pressure for some reason.
So this morning as I sat down to try writing again, I decided to start with what I DID know. Versus getting stuck trying to figure out the pieces that I DIDN'T know.
And I'm reminded yet again, that the lessons we learn through our art practice double as life lessons.
For so many of us, we want to have the entire thing "figured out" before starting. hello sneaky perfectionism!
When I'm helping students, or guiding myself through a process, I always say to start with what you're sure of - no matter how small. Taking action starts the momentum train. Suddenly each decision becomes a little bit easier when we only focus on the next one. And soon, all the pieces are falling into place.
So in this email, you'll find all the things I wanted to include.. whether they all flow together or not 😉
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Flip through my two most recent journals for the 100 day project with me! ↓
Flip thru of journals 8 + 9 | days 71-90 | 100 day project 2026
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* UPCOMING playdate * Exciting news! I just added a new playdate to the calendar for Saturday, June 6, 2026.
I would love for you to join me for a couple of hours in the studio to play, create, and connect. These sessions are quickly becoming one of my favorite things!
Typically, I will choose a topic during the week leading up to our play session. Once the topic has been decided, I'll announce it and you can choose to create along with me using that topic as inspiration. Or bring a current work in progress!
Register now for the June 6th playdate
When: Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 12p - 2p CDT
Where: Zoom (plus lifetime access to replay)
Cost: $15
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* final chance * enrollment ends tomorrow, May 24th for the Digital Artists Summit. If you've been wanting to take your mixed media practice digital, these are the lessons for you! Get lifetime access with a money back guarantee for only $77 here.
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Two of my previous everything journals
* reminder * my friend Andrea Chebeleu is teaching the "Everything Journal" live this upcoming weekend! I use this journal for, well... everything! My morning pages, brainstorming new classes and events, as a paint palette, a place to collect fodder from everyday life, a calendar, notes... I could go on and on. The lay-flat binding style makes this journal an absolute dream to write and create art in.
This class will take place live on Zoom on Sunday May 31, with access to the recordings to follow. So no worries if you can't attend live.
Early Bird Pricing is only $47 (price will increase to $97 after the 31st)
The Everything Journal Class - Learn more!
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Color mixing & palette inspiration
12 pieces of 11"x14" paper pinned on the wall for color studies. I worked across the whole area.
(sometimes I'll tape them into a grid, especially if I'm working flat instead of vertical. This vertical setup is a new addition to my studio this week!)
I've been doing a lot of color mixing lately with paint. It's been a goal of mine to continue developing this skill. Just like anything, confidence comes from a lot of practice.
It's been fun to pick paint colors, sometimes at random, and see what happens. This sort of low-stakes play is so vital!
Paint Colors used: Quinacridone Magenta, Fluorescent Pink, Payne’s Gray, Nickel Azo Yellow, Gray Gesso, Black, White
A quick look at the color studies at their current stage
I will continue to work on this set of color studies. Next, I might pin them back up to the wall, but in a different order and keep adding layers!
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I hope this email finds you taking care of yourself 🫶🏼 Talk soon!
xxBB
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TL;DR; this post contained the following:
> Video flip thru of two 100 day project journals
> June 6 playdate with BB open for enrollment
> Digital Artists Summit closes tomorrow!
> Upcoming class, May 31 - the perfect, lay-flat everything journal
> Color mixing studies (with video!)