Art and the Everyday

Holiday Workshops

Are you looking for some creative fun this holiday season? I’ve got the perfect solution for you. I’m hosting a workshop each month in October, November, and December. Participants will join online with a link. I’m limiting it to 15 participants in October. If you purchase all three by September 30th, I’m throwing in a special discounted gift of a pre-recorded ornament tutorial.

I’ve had a blast teaching workshops at the Amazon headquarters and for the Handmade Bookclub. Now I’m branching out on my own and offering a chance to meet in a small group with others to create new holiday memories.

Get in on the fun!

OCTOBER – Family Recipe Zine

October 16th, 6:00-7:00 PM EST

A handmade keepsake zine with your favorite recipe and memories, assembled into a community digital cookbook. .. $15

NOVEMBER – Cookie Swap Pocket Book

(not available for single purchase at this time)

November 13, 6:00-7:00 PM EST

An accordion-fold book that can hold cookie recipe cards. A fun party favor or a cozy craft to do with friends. … $15

DECEMBER – Winter Memories Journal

(not available for single purchase at this time)

December 11th, 6:00-7:00 PM EST

A tree-shaped book that’s also a memory keeper, guestbook, or holiday decoration.

Includes printable ephemera pack. … $15

Pretty Package

$50 for these three + a bonus pre-recorded ornament class if purchased by September 30th.

Bonus Class: Metallic Ornaments

(not available for single purchase at this time)

Ornament class pre-recorded: Watch anytime! (Released in November)

Create shimmering watercolor ornaments for your tree or as gifts…. $15 separately

OR ONLY $5 if you purchase all three classes for $50 by September 30th

Get in on the fun

Reflecting on the Year

Feather Regalia 2025 Downloadable Calendar

As the year draws to a close, I’m taking a moment to pause and reflect on all I’ve accomplished. This blog has been a part of my journey for many years now. I first started writing here when my children were small—around the time I welcomed my third baby in just four years. It was then that I made the big decision to step away from teaching in the classroom to focus on raising my children at home. I’m incredibly grateful I had the opportunity to do so, even though those years were anything but easy.

During that time, I began blogging, freelance writing, and tutoring, but my heart and energy were fully invested in being a primary caretaker. When my youngest started school, I took a leap back into the academic world and earned my MAT. From there, I returned to the classroom, where my days were so full that my creative pursuits took a back seat—until now.

This year, I made a commitment to carve out intentional time for my artwork. It hasn’t always been easy to find those moments amid the constant demands of teaching, but it’s been so rewarding. This blog, which once chronicled my life as an artist and stay-at-home mom, now tells the story of pursuing creativity as a full-time teacher.

I’m also excited to share that my art has found a new home online! In my shop, you’ll find journals, candles, mugs, wall art, and even a downloadable 2025 calendar. Each item is designed to inspire you to create space for yourself, no matter how busy life feels. I’ve discovered that dedicating even 15 minutes a day to writing or reflection can profoundly impact creativity and well-being, and I hope my work encourages you to do the same.

I’d love for you to explore my new website and share your thoughts. Over the years, so many of you have been kind enough to tell me how my art has inspired you. For that, I am deeply grateful. It brings me so much joy to share my work with you again, now in this new chapter.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to finding moments of creativity and inspiration in the year ahead!

Exploring the Art of Coloring: Mandalas, Botanicals, and an Insect?

Welcome to a space to slow down and reflect. What is more delightful than a beautiful day spent exploring a garden? When I’m coloring, I love tinkering, just as I do in the garden. Whatever blossoms, I love the time for itself. Whether you are an experienced artist or a beginner, I’m certain you also enjoy the playful pause of coloring.

Mandala Coloring: Winding Your Way to Peace

Mandalas, intricate circular designs, can create the time and space you need to pause and reflect. They make a bold impression from a distance and delight with each small detail. Coloring mandalas allows you to bring all your senses to the present moment. Filling the repetitive patterns carves out time for mental calm.

Botanical Coloring Pages: The Nurture of Nature

Nature is a deep source of calm, and coloring botanical illustrations allows you to slow down and to see. Every artist uniquely interprets the details. From fairylike flowers to fragile ferns, botanical coloring pages arrest your attention with organic shapes. As your “naming” mind relaxes, you see the plants in new ways, as shapes of color and light. Whether you’re drawing local fauna or delighting in the novelty of plants from somewhere else, botanical coloring can simultaneously be a refreshing escape and connect you to the natural world.

Praying Mantis: A Unique Subject for Coloring

Adding a praying mantis to your coloring repertoire brings an element of surprise and intrigue. They are the oddest-looking insects and a striking focal point. The subject is an opportunity to experiment with shades of green and brown. Combining these two colors can add depth to your drawings, and you can read the article on contrasting colors and shadows to learn more about how to bring the praying mantis image to life.

Three black and white line drawings. One is mandala created by rotating slender leaf forms, the next is a drawing of a flower with layered petals done in hash marks, the final image is a line drawing of a comical looking praying mantis perched atop a leaf. The images are intended as coloring sheets.

Share Your Inspiration

Whether you prefer to color a complex mandala, a delicate botanical illustration, or a detailed praying mantis, I hope these drawings offer you a chance to relax. Coloring may seem childlike, but it is in play that we rediscover our child-like wonder of the world.

If you are inspired to pick up your favorite medium and play, please share a link to your work in the comments or on social media.

About the Author: Rebecca Wood is passionate about creating intricate designs to celebrate nature’s grandeur. She enjoys sharing her inspiration as coloring pages to inspire others. Explore more of her work on the website and enjoy art and the everyday!