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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


Frost, Kindle & Shimmer – Twelve Days of Winter Collection
The Twelve Days of Winter is a handmade collection unfolding in twelve parts—books, ornaments, and pagekeepers, each inspired by a single winter word. The art will remain hidden until all twelve are revealed. For now, the words are our compass. This week, the story begins with the first three: Frost, Kindle, and Shimmer.

Melanie Grant
Sep 293 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


Guillotine Paper Cutter for Bookbinding - My Favorite Tool
If I had to name the one tool I couldn’t live without in my studio, it’s my HFS guillotine paper cutter. Here's why it's essential for any bookbinder.

Melanie Grant
Jul 103 min read
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