top of page


The Tinker Tote: A Thoughtful Gift for Makers, Artists & Creative Wanderers
TRANQUIL • LUMINOUS • ROOTED Stories from the studio, reflections on process, and the art of the handmade. There’s a moment many artists know well—the gentle ritual of gathering your favorite tools, the ones that feel like extensions of your hands, and settling into a space to create. Whether that space is a kitchen table, a sunlit studio, a park bench, or the front seat of your car between errands, having your tools organized and ready makes all the difference. That’s exac

Melanie Grant
2 days ago3 min read


❄️Twelve Days of Winter Collection: The Official Unveiling
Celebrate the launch of the Twelve Days of Winter Collection—twelve words, three handmade pieces each, and one luminous winter story brought to life through collage, books, and artful design.

Melanie Grant
Nov 142 min read


The Art of Anticipation
There’s a quiet beauty in waiting—especially in the studio. As my winter collection nears its unveiling, I’ve been reminded that anticipation isn’t just part of the creative process—it is the process.

Melanie Grant
Nov 102 min read


🕯️ The Art of Presentation: A Prelude to Unveiling
Before unveiling Twelve Days: A Winter Collection, I wanted to share the art of gift presentation—how each handmade piece is wrapped with care, layered in paper and ribbon, and finished with meaning. This quiet ritual is as much a part of the story as the art itself.

Melanie Grant
Nov 32 min read


The Shape of Winter – A Reflection on Twelve Days of Winter Collection
Before the unveiling comes reflection. Twelve winter words — once scattered and separate — now gather as one: a story that became books, ornaments, and pagekeepers in the Twelve Days of Winter Collection.

Melanie Grant
Oct 272 min read


Translating Words into Light: Snowfall, Ember, & Glisten – Twelve Days of Winter Collection
The final words of the Twelve Days of Winter Collection—Ember, Glisten, and Snowfall—speak to the transformation of warmth into light, and light into stillness. Each reflects a moment in the season’s rhythm and the art of the handmade, where creativity glows softly and beauty settles into calm.

Melanie Grant
Oct 203 min read


Translating Words into Materials: Echo, Radiant & Gather – Twelve Days of Winter Collection
The next chapter of the Twelve Days of Winter explores three winter words — Echo, Radiant, and Gather. Each takes shape through texture, reflection, and connection, guiding the hand and heart toward the final reveal of the handmade collection.

Melanie Grant
Oct 133 min read


Glow, Drift & Pine – Twelve Days of Winter Handmade Collection
The Twelve Days of Winter story continues with three new words—Glow, Drift, and Pine. Each word is a touchstone, rendered into handmade books, pagekeepers, and ornaments. Glow brings warmth, Drift invites calm, and Pine stands for strength and memory. Together, they deepen the unfolding winter story that will soon become the full collection.

Melanie Grant
Oct 63 min read


The Art of a Sale: From Galleries to Hot Chocolate Stands
From gallery walls to online shops, the art world is changing. A neighborhood hot chocolate stand—where one five-year-old in a flannel shirt and tie pitched cocoa like a pro—reminds us that enthusiasm and story are still at the heart of every sale.

Melanie Grant
Sep 194 min read


A Limited Color Palette Makes Your Art BETTER!
The Power of a Limited Color Palette for Artists

Melanie Grant
Aug 124 min read


8 Essential Tools I Use for Bookbinding and Handmade Art
A look inside my studio at 8 essential tools I use for bookbinding and handmade art. These thoughtfully chosen favorites bring ease, precision, and joy to the creative process.

Melanie Grant
Jul 314 min read


A Note of Thanks: Free Printable Gratitude Cards to Share Your Appreciation
Gratitude is powerful—and often unspoken. I created these printable cards to help you share it. Sign up to receive your free set of 8 Gratitude Cards.

Melanie Grant
Jul 262 min read


Mark Making Tools I Love in 2025: Creating Signature Texture in Mixed Media Art
Mark Making Tools and what I have learned for making my art and expressing my individual art style. This gives my work a signature voice which is unique to my artwork. Mark Making becomes my personal voice and is recognized in the industry. I use a variety of tools in my studio that I have collected over the years that have helped my develop my personal style. The tools I am reviewing are what I am using in 2025 to created texture in my mixed media art. The Princeton to

Melanie Grant
Jul 223 min read


Exploring Dye Sprays in Mixed Media: My Favorite Inks for Art Journals, Fabric & Book Covers (2025)
Dye sprays are one of my favorite tools for creating layered, reactive surfaces in my art. In this post, I share how I use Distress Oxide, Dylusions, and Izink sprays in my journals, on fabric, and for hand-painted book covers—including tips on manipulating color and sealing your final layers.

Melanie Grant
Jul 173 min read


2025 Artist’s Guide: Chalk Paint vs. Acrylic for Paper & Art Projects: What Every Maker Should Know
This guide explores the differences between chalk paint and acrylic paint, specifically for artists working in mixed media, handmade books, and paper-based projects. Learn about each paint's composition, finish, durability, and ideal uses. I also share why I love using Fresco Finish Chalk Acrylic Paints by PaperArtsy—their matte finish, fast-drying quality, and wide range of colors make them perfect for layering, book covers, and creative exploration. I explore the key diffe

Melanie Grant
Jul 154 min read


A Place to Pause: The History of Bookmarks and the Art of Pagekeeping
From ancient bookmarks to Victorian silks, we've always marked our place. Today, Page Keepers offer a clever, artful twist—crafted around paper clips to hold your story beautifully in place.

Melanie Grant
Jul 92 min read


What I Pack to Make Art Anywhere | 10 Essential Art Supplies for Summer 2025
When I travel—whether by plane, bike, or trail—I always bring a curated set of art supplies that fit neatly in my Tinker Tote. In this post, I’m sharing the 11 art supplies I pack every time: trusted watercolor paints, favorite sketching tools, compact paper, and more. These essentials let me create wherever I go, from quiet lake scenes to bustling city squares. If you're wondering what to bring on your next creative trip, this list is for you.

Melanie Grant
Jul 63 min read
bottom of page
