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About Shiny Designs (and Me)

handmade outsider art Human Art Matters - Carved handprint

I make art outside the velvet rope—raw, handmade, and full of human touch. No institutions, no pretenses—just a wild joy in creating and sharing directly. If you’re curious and a little unruly, you’re in the right place.


The Art in Hands Project – My Why

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The Art in Hands Project: Real Art for Real People in the Real World

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What I’m Working on Now – Studio Updates Feed

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  • How to Carve Foam Block Stamps: From Design to First Print
    Every year I make handmade Christmas postcards, and this year I’m experimenting with foam block printing. It’s faster and more forgiving than linoleum carving, with results that embrace beautiful imperfection. I’m walking you through my complete process – from sketching a Christmas tree design directly onto foam, to carving it with simple tools, to that exciting moment of pulling the first test print. If you’re curious about printmaking but intimidated by traditional methods, foam blocks might be your entry point into making marks with your hands.
  • For Fall: Checked Pumpkin Pattern Collection
    I’ve been playing with checked pumpkins and crescent moons this fall—hand-drawn elements turned into surface patterns in colors that feel like October itself. Here’s the thing though: I’m making them to actually use, not just admire. Because art that lives on your table and gets softer with washing? That’s art doing its job
  • Creative Sovereignty: Why Your Art Doesn’t Need to Heal Anyone
    What if I told you that your creativity doesn’t need to fix you, heal you, or serve anyone else’s agenda? What if the most revolutionary act you could take today is simply making something because The Creation moves through you – not because a wellness guru told you it would reduce your anxiety?
  • What Are Zines and How to Make Them: A Creative Guide for Independent Publishing
    Ever wondered what those scrappy little booklets called “zines” are all about? They’re rebellion against perfect publishing, containers for truth, and proof you don’t need permission to share your voice with the world.
  • It’s September – Time to Paint Pumpkins!
    I’m not kidding – I always seem to want to paint pumpkins this time of year. Yes, it’s a little… Read more: It’s September – Time to Paint Pumpkins!