Vibrant Watercolor Abstracts Inspired by Summer

Summer is such a wonderful time to slow down a little—soaking up the sunshine, enjoying warm breezes, and maybe even gathering around the grill for barbecues and s’mores (I’m a fan of the dark chocolate kind!).

That easygoing, feel-good energy has definitely made its way into the studio lately. I’ve been playing with new color combinations that feel just as vibrant and full of life as summer itself. These latest watercolor abstracts came together with a mix of sap green, yellow, and turquoise—a palette that reminds me of leafy greens, golden light, and those carefree outdoor moments we all look forward to.

There was no big plan when I started—just a curiosity to see how these colors would play together on the page. I let each layer unfold naturally, blending and overlapping, following the movement of the water and trusting the process.

To add a little extra magic, I brought in some gold metallic watercolor. I love how it shimmers in the light—just enough to give the piece a bit of glow without overpowering the softness of the paint.

Each piece came out a little different, but they all share that same layered energy—spontaneous, organic, and full of little surprises. It’s always fun to step back and notice the textures, tiny details, and unexpected shapes that show up along the way.

Lately, I’ve been reminded how energizing it is to try something new, especially with color. Just letting go and seeing where it takes you.

Do you have a favorite? I’m always curious what colors or details people connect with most.

Thanks for dropping in! Wishing you a weekend filled with color, joy, and a little time to play.

Share the Happy💖

Exploring the Magic of Accordion Art Journals

There’s something uniquely delightful about working in a handmade journal and letting creativity spill across the pages. Lately, I’ve been diving into my very own and first, accordion-concertina art journal, that is part of the Art Sparks online course by the ever-inspiring Joanne Sharpe (@joannesharpe). If you’ve ever taken one of her classes, you already know how her imaginative approach fuels fresh ideas and brings your creative energy to life. If not, I can’t recommend her courses enough—every lesson feels like a personal invitation to play.

My first few journal pages are coming to life with vibrant layers of color, cut-out flowers, and collaged whimsical shapes—all brought together with two delightful little pockets tucked into the left and right sides. While I might go back and add a few more details here and there, I’m giving myself the gift of time—letting the ideas simmer, evolve, and grow organically. This slow, joyful approach is a beautiful reminder that art doesn’t always need to be rushed. It’s not about the finish line; it’s about what we learn along the way.

What’s stood out to me in this process is how art journaling builds a daily habit of learning. Each time I sit down, I discover something new—about color, composition, or even my own creative moods. Sometimes it’s a technical insight, like balancing a busy page; other times, it’s simply about letting go and enjoying the moment. Art journaling invites constant exploration, and the accordion format makes it all the more playful and satisfying as it unfolds.

If you’ve never tried working in an accordion-concertina journal, I highly recommend giving it a go. The continuous flow of the pages invites new perspectives and ideas that just don’t happen in a traditional book layout. There’s something magical about seeing your artwork stretch and connect across folds—it feels alive.

Have you ever experimented with this kind of journal? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s chat!

Wishing you a wonderfully creative weekend, thanks for stopping by!

Share the Happy💖