Adding to the Fun of Halloween

Halloween is such a fun holiday; it's one of not only treats and goodies, but lots of creativity. From costumes to decor, and more.

One of the way that I like to add to Halloween fun, is to dress up, at least somewhat, when I give out treats to the trick or treaters. Sometimes I have worn funky glasses that make my eyes look all weired. Sometimes I have dressed up as a pumpkin. The kids seem to enjoy my festive looks and sometimes weird looks.

This year, I'm changing up my looks. This year I shall be wearing a cute witches' hat.

I had wanted to wear some bunny ears but couldn't find any of those. I looked through the costume section at Walmart for other head band options, but couldn't find any in adult sizes.

Then on my last trip to Walmart, I browsed the clearance isle and found a witch hat decoration. It was made to sit on a table. That would be perfect!

I wanted something colorful to accent the all black hat; like little colorful Christmas balls. I didn't find any of those, but did find a pretty purple strand of beads.

After I got home, I cut open the base of the hat and pulled out over half of the stuffing. Then I just pulled from other supplies that I had left over from previous projects, and began enhancing my witches' hat.

I had to also figure out a way to get it to stay in place on my head, and not readily fall to the ground. An old light blue shoe lace was the trick for that.

What do you think?

Do you dress up when giving out treats for Halloween?

Another thing that I have done to add to the fun of Halloween is to make coloring designs on postcards, that kids can color in. This one features my drawing of a cat face pumpkin.

Happy Halloween Cat Face Coloring Gift Postcards
by CherylsArt

Another thing that I usually do, weather permitting, is to play music outside and dance around, to help get in the Halloween spirit. The trick or treaters seem to enjoy this and have commented about my music and dancing. It's especially fun when The Monster Mash is playing.

If family and friends are coming by for a Halloween get together, a Halloween themed cornhole game set can add to the fun.

Ghosts vs. Scarecrow Cornhole Game Board Set
by CherylsArt

What are some ways that you add to the fun of Halloween?

Thanks for stopping by.

Cheryl Paton

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Recipes to Share - From the Heart

Over the years I have come up with a variety of recipes, and some of them I have written down.

One of my favorite ones is one I made as I became more health conscious. It is a healthier way to enjoy one of my favorite ice cream flavors, butter pecan. I call my version Cheryl's Butterless Pecan Ice Cream. It only has five ingredients.

Cheryl's Butterless Pecan Ice Cream

3-4 bananas, peeled, sliced, and frozen. (Whenever you make plant based ice cream, at least one of your fruits need to be frozen.)
5 oz. of pecans
1/4 cup brown sugar
1-1/2 cup of nut milk (I used almond milk in my recipe.)
1 tsp vanilla

Place all ingredients in a high speed blender and blend until smooth. This will have a soft serve type consistency. For a milkshake consistency, add more nut milk. For a more ice cream consistency, decrease the amount of milk.

For a pretty print out to share, you can order copies printed on postcards.

Cheryl's Butterless Pecan Ice Cream Recipe
by CherylsArt

One of my all time favorites is my Pesto. I especially love this when I have fresh basil to use from the garden. I have tried to go vegan, but I do have dairy based cheese from time to time.

Pesto

1 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup fresh parsley
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp garlic powder

Place all ingredients in blender or food processor, and blend until smooth. Then stir into one pound of your favorite cooked pasta.

The recipe above is somewhat different than the one printed on the postcard. I have determined over time that I prefer less of the parsley. You too can adjust the amounts to your own taste.

Pesto Recipe Postcards
by CherylsArt

I am also a practitioner of affirmations, and try to add more smiles to my day. One simple way to add smiles is to consciously think about smiling. Here is my recipe for that. It's called Recipe for Joy.

Recipe for Joy

1. Raise your ears by lifting up the corners of your mouth. (Did you know that smiling raises your ears? - Did you try it? Place your fingers on the tops of your ears, and then smile. Did your ears raise?)
2. Foster the thought, appreciate.
3. Be willing to see with new eyes. (You do not have to have a preconceived idea of something to appreciate. Just do the smile part first, and see what comes when you think the words appreciate. Try it. Did you think of something to appreciate that you may not normally think of?)

Here is a fun postcard to share this recipe for Joy.

Recipe for Joy - colorful word postcards
by CherylsArt

Do you have a recipe to share that you haven't written down yet? Here is a special way that you can share it or them. House of Sylvestermouse on Zazzle has designed recipe cards for you to write down the recipe(s) that you would like to share.

Recipe Cards
by House of Sylvestermouse

And may you have a blessed and wonderful day.

Cheryl Paton

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Pretty Christmas Ornament Suite for the Holidays

This pretty Christmas ornament design is my painting of three Christmas ornaments on a wispy look background using lighter shades of the same colors.

The design on the Christmas ornaments is a resemblance of a paint pour. I'll describe that below, under Tips for making paint pour ornaments.

Here it is printed on a greeting card. The greeting card can be purchased as physical cards and or as a downloadable.

Three Christmas Balls Holiday greeting cards
by CherylsArt

I have purchased cards from Zazzle before and have been pleased with my purchases. The colors come out great and card materials are nice quality. There are different materials to choose from for the card stock when you place your order.

A collection of current products is shown below. The link will take you to my CherylsArt store on Zazzle.

Christmas Balls Design Suite
by CherylsArt

Tips for making paint pour ornaments:

I began this painting, using oval shapes, to design three Christmas ornaments. I was inspired to make a similar design that me and my family had created one Christmas. I had purchased clear plastic, see through Christmas balls from a craft store. I already had a variety of acrylic paint that was labeled for all surfaces, on hand. It is the acrylic paint that is made for crafting. I usually buy the Americana brand, but have been known to purchase whatever is available at the time.

We already had a portable clothes drying rack to hang the ornaments from while they dried.

The technique we used was to pour paint over the ornaments, in various colors, and let the paint flow and drip down onto the floor. I had covered the floor with newspaper ahead of time to catch the drippings.

Then you wait and let them dry. You can use regular hooks for hanging ornaments, or you can tie ribbons through the holes for hanging. I would wait until the paint as dried if you want to use ribbons.

I liked that we used a variety of colors that weren't necessarily traditional Christmas colors; which made this activity all the more fun and creative for me and my family.

Will you be making this fun activity part of your holiday activities? If so, do let me know in a comment below.

If you like this pretty paint pour design that I painted, you can check out the items already available in my collection. More items will be added as I design them, and if you have a request for it to be on a particular product that you want to purchase, do let me know that too. I'll be sure to design it and add it to the collection.

May all of your holidays be creative and have happiness in them too.

Cheryl Paton

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Cute Blue Owl Collection - From the Heart

My cute blue owl design is one of those designs when I just have a general thought in mind, which is one of my favorite ways to create.

I find it more freeing, and I am especially pleased when it turns out really well, i.e. to my liking. That is not always the case. But it did happen for the blue owl design.

I began with a general sketch of an owl and then continued using my paint brush. One side looked bigger than the other; no problem, I just made adjustments and continued with the flow. That is what is so great about it; designing this way, I get to go with the flow. And like I said, sometimes it turns out really well.

My first cutesy product that I made was general in nature, a Hello postcard was first.

Cute Abstract Owl Custom Postcards
by CherylsArt

Then I made three birthday products with my blue owl painting. Approximately two weeks after my creations, six of the Hello postcards were sold. Yay. I didn't give it much thought and went on to whatever else I had going on.

It wasn't until over a year later that a set of my blue owl birthday stickers sold. This time, it got my attention. 'I should see what kind of owl items are being purchased on Zazzle.' Wrapping paper was one of them, and I had already designed a blue owl product on tissue paper. Okay, that's it. I'll make a birthday suite featuring this cute, adorable, blue owl.

And sometimes, that is how it goes for me. I don't always have everything planned from the start. It just kind of unfolds in due time.

This is how my flow unfolded for this Cute Blue Owl Birthday suite. Hope you like it. The products include wrapping paper, tissue paper, paper napkins, paper plates, birthday invitations, and more.

Cute Blue Owl Birthday
by CherylsArt

If there is an additional product that you would like me to add it to, let me know in a comment below.

Cheryl Paton

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Greenstalk Vertical Planter Review

I currently have two Greenstalk vertical planters. One is a taller unit with shorter planter tiers in it. My other one is a shorter unit, with deeper planter tiers in it.

I had the taller unit for approximately a year before purchasing the additional shorter unit with the deeper planting wells. The shorter wells are meant for plants that do not require the extra room for deeper roots.

What I have learned, is that based on my attention to watering, is that the deeper planting wells work best for me. They hold more water for longer, making the plants happier overall.

Although the units are made to drain excess water out the bottom, and through a hose attachment, they can be over watered. I did that early on. Then I went the other way and watered too little. When I purchased the shorter unit, I had much better success.

Both the shorter wells and the deeper wells have the same premise for working. They have a predrilled hole in each planting area that lines up with the tier below it, and the water drains down to the next tier and so on.

Each unit also comes with a water collection reservoir at the top, which is detachable, that can more quickly drain excess water down to the bottom and out, like when there is a heavy rain.

The planting tiers come as a set depending on which size planting wells you want and how many tiers you want to have.

I have found that I also prefer the shorter tiers, as the top is easier to reach for planting and watering.

There are accessories that can be ordered to help with the vertical gardening. The main one is the wheel base attachment with a spinner. The wheels can be locked in place to prevent the vertical planter from rolling on its own. The spinner allows you to easily turn the planter unit around without moving the wheels, to allow different plants to get more sun or shade as needed. You may need to go to Greenstalk.com to locate this specific accessory.

There are also other attachments to help with plant support. There are also accessories for frost protection and insect protection. I did purchase the accessory for frost protection, and felt more secure with my plants being protected on the predicted frosty mornings.

Pros:

More plants can be planted in a small square foot area, making it a great option for balcony and patio gardening.

The watering area is in a smaller square foot area.

Has optional accessories to make gardening easier.

Has a basic texture design or a weave pattern texture to choose from, and also various colors.

Cons:

Requires more regular watering, more so than raised beds and in ground gardening.

Would I order it again? Yes. Actually I already placed my order for an additional short tiered unit with the deeper planting wells. Whether my plants need the extra room for deeper roots or not, I will give them the extra space, and the shorter unit is easier for me to reach overall. I am 5'4".

Greenstalk Vertical Planter, 3 tiered unit. Check price.

Click here to view more options.

Cheryl Paton

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Reviewing My Steps Log Poster from Zazzle

Cat Treat Toys Review

Cat treat photo by the author.

I have gotten my cats various treat toys over the years. The one before the current one, that is pictured above, was a plastic round ball, that had a hole in it where the treats could fall out of as the ball was rolled. The one that we had, had a hole size that could be adjusted to make it easier or harder for the treats to fall out of. Our cat did seem to enjoy it to an extent, but it did not seem to be a favorite toy. I did not find the particular cat ball treat dispenser that we had, on Amazon.

Last Christmas, I came across the ladybugs and leaves design cat treat toy. With this toy, the treats seemed to be more directly retrieved from the toy. It's been over eight months now, and it is still a hit with our cat. There was a little bit of a learning curve at the very beginning, but it did not take long for her to figure it out. The way to get treats from this toy was a lot more straight forward. It was and is still a winner; it has two paws up from our cat. She comes to get me when it's treat time, without me having to call her.

This last toy is a home made treat toy made from a toilet paper roll. The toilet paper roll is folded in half, with both ends meeting, and then cutting slits, stopping around a half inch or so from the ends. Unfold the toilet paper tube, then push the middle part of the tube out a bit and add some treats. Our cat was immediately intrigued with this, once I put the treats in it! This is a nice way to add some extra fun for your cat, in a quick and easy way.

Why provide treat toys for your cat(s).

It offers some fun, play, and an intriguing way to play on their hunter instincts.

Another reason, is it is a way to help slow down a cat's eating habits. If they were used to eating fast, as in perhaps they came from an open room type shelter, they may have had to eat fast to make sure they got to the food when it was out. We had two cats where that was the case. Providing a mechanism that helped slow the cat's eating down, was a big help in getting their weight under control.

Which cat treat toy would I recommend?

My choice would be the ladybugs and leaves cat treat toy. My cat seems happier with this treat toy more so than she did with the dispensing ball toy. She looks forward to using it and I don't have to encourage her to use it.

Ladybugs and Leaves Cat Treat Toy; Catstages Buggin' Out Puzzle: Check price.

My second recommendation, is to try the toilet paper roll option; it's a good way to see if you want to invest in a treat toy that is more long lasting. However, they are relatively easy to make and toilet paper rolls can be in easy supply.

Cheryl Paton

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Reviewing Simple Green Smoothies Book

I hadn't been planning on buying a new smoothie book. I still had several from years past, and had even donated some of the ones I had to Goodwill.

However, I had been trying to improve my nutrition. I usually had a couple of eggs sauteed with fresh spinach on most weekday mornings. I decided to cut down my egg intake; I have been trying to become more vegan for sometime now.

I switched my egg ratio to one egg and upped my spinach amount. That first breakfast that I ate with my new ratio was transforming. Wow, I really enjoyed the extra taste of spinach compared to the egg. I wanted more spinach in my diet. And then the book, Simple Green Smoothies showed up on my radar.

My local bookstore showed that they had one in stock, so I purchased that one. I was impressed. Two women told about how drinking a green smoothie a day had been transformative for them. They felt more energized throughout their day, had less cravings, and dropped off weight relative easily, after having made the switch, even if they ate some of their old ways for the rest of the day.

It sounded too good to be true, but also hopeful.

I had already had a couple of days of green smoothies before buying the book. Just winging it on whatever I wanted to put in it. And I liked them. And I saw it as a way to more easily get more greens into my diet.

After I got the book, I started making some of the recipes from the book, Simple Green Smoothies. I liked that they were refreshing for the most part. I liked that the authors gave tips on how to switch things up; i.e. if you wanted them to be creamier, or have more protein, etc. I liked that this gave me more flexibility in how I wanted to approach my green smoothie making.

The authors, Jen Hansard and Jadah Sellner, also give tips on why certain foods were combined; i.e. the combination of spinach with pineapple, helped with the absorption of both vitamins, A and C.

I like how I have been progressing with my diet, since purchasing, reading, and practicing what I have read in this book, and recommend this book to anyone who is wanting to get more greens and or plants, or fresh plants into their diet.

Simple Green Smoothies book on Amazon. Check price.


The earlier smoothie books that I had purchased, were more dessert like than being focused on nutrition; I was in a different place when I purchased the earlier ones compared to this one. Also, not all smoothie recipe books are alike. There can be different types of ingredients, i.e. some books were heavy on using protein powder as a main ingredient. I prefer fresh whole foods.

Cheryl Paton

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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My Favorite Ruler, Review

My favorite ruler for all of my artistic projects is a sewing ruler. The particular one that I own measures 2" by 18" and is see through. I can see my design under the ruler, making it so much easier to know right where I want to place my next mark, and or where I need to measure from.

My canvases can vary, from regular canvas, paper, to my computer screen. Yes, you read that right. I don't know if my current upgrade of my artist software has a grid pattern that I can use or not; I have never bothered to find out. It is so natural for me to reach for my see through ruler.

I can hold it up to the computer screen, shift it this way or that, and I have figured out what I need to know. It is also flexible; it has just enough flex to it that I can maneuver it across my computer screen without any issues.

This is one gal that does not want a touch screen on my monitor. I want to be able to use my see through ruler.

Some people may refer to this as a seamstress ruler, quilter's ruler, etc. But it is so much more versatile to use than just for sewing. But if you're looking for one in the art section, you may need to go over to sewing to find one.

Not just any see through ruler will do. This sewing ruler is smooth on both sides and on the edges too. That is another criteria for my ruler. Some of the see through rulers for school have raised ridges to designate the different measurements.

If you are looking for something that gives you the option for straight lines, that has a decent length to it, (They do come in other sizes though.), is smooth on both sides and edges too, then I recommend a sewing ruler for your creative needs.

The two or three that I own, are all from Artist's Loft. You can find them at Michael's and also on Amazon.

Artist's Loft See Through Ruler Check for price.

Happy creating!

Cheryl Paton

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Address Labels Printed, Review

I ordered address labels from Zazzle, some years ago. It's not something I use a lot of anymore, but I do appreciate them when I need them.

The return address labels come in quantities of five sheets per order, with 30 individual address labels per sheet for the return address label size. The larger address labels also come in quantities of five sheets per order, with 18 individual address labels per sheet. There is also an option of shipping labels, which comes with eight labels per sheet. The size choice is up to the customer.

Sizes:
Address labels: 2.375" L x 1.25" H
Return address labels: 2.25" L x 0.75" H
Shipping labels: 3.75" L x 2" H
The full sheet is 8.5" L x 11" H.

I do like the address labels that I purchased from Zazzle, I recommend them, and I will purchase them again. The sheets that I received were sent in a cardboard type envelope that kept the labels flat.

Being an artist and having a store on Zazzle, I have a variety of designs to choose from.

My most popular design is the beach scene with gentle waves.

Sand Beach Ocean Waves Scene Address Labels
by CherylsArt

I also provide a variety of occasion address labels including birthday, graduation, and wedding; and holiday address labels too. You can browse all available address labels in my CherylsArt store on Zazzle here: https://www.zazzle.com/store/CherylsArt/address+labels.

Also, desired are my plain and simple address labels, sans design. The text is all the design there is, which comes in handy for more business type mailings, and or when you just want plain and simple.

Plain and Simple Black on White Address Labels
by CherylsArt

Cheryl Paton

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Hand Weights Dumbbells Review

When I purchased my first set of hand weights, quite a few years ago, I had no idea of how many I would come to own, or that I would develop any kind of preference.

My first two dumbbell set were one pound each. Today, I would recommend, if you got some full water bottles around, go with them. See if you like them and if it is something you want to keep doing.

However, one pound weights can come in handy if you want something light weight to carry, to burn some extra calories, when out for a walk.

Other than that, I would say that two pound weights would be a good place for beginners to start. At least, that is my preference, your starting place will depend on what works for you and where you are in your fitness journey.

The other preference that I developed, is the texture of the dumbbells. My first ones were coated with a smooth type surface. I really didn't mind that. But as I advanced to wanting heavier weights, I purchased ones with a rougher type coating, which are rated as non-slip. I felt I had a better grip with those.

I never was inclined to buy the dark gray or black weights, no matter their coating; so I can't speak for those. This girl likes colors and finds them more motivational.

When I purchased my first set of hand weights, I may have purchased just the one pounders; I'm not sure. A thing to consider is once one knows that they are going to go forward with lifting weights, is that different weights can be better for working different sets of muscle groups.

For instance, I can easily handle heavier weights when doing arm curls. (Lifting the weights from a down position, and bringing my hands upward, making a 90 degree angle with my elbows, or lifting them even higher from that position.) But when I work my forearm muscles, like when lifting the weights from a down position and forearms upward and out to the sides or upward to the front, I want a lighter weight. Some muscle groups will already tend to be stronger than other muscle groups, and different weights will be more appropriate for the muscle group that one is currently working on at that given time.

I currently own seven different weight sets, and would have never thought that I would fill a rack that would hold more than three sets. I'm glad that I didn't purchase a small rack early on. I simply found a place off to the side to place my weights, mainly near or on the lower part of the cat tree, lol!

I'm glad that I ended up getting a larger dumbbell rack, because it was something I knew that I was sticking with by then, and that I had become more educated on needing and wanting different weight sets, and on my preferences.

If you are considering purchasing a rack for weights, that has the option of coming with weights, be sure to consider the texture of the dumbbells that you want, and whether or not they come in the color(s) that you like. Also consider the weight spread in between the weights. Some weights in these multiple weight sets, may only be two pounds apart, and some three pounds or more. Consider your ability, and allow yourself to grow into your weights, and decide what will work best for you.

For me, a two pound difference is plenty enough, at least for now.

My husband did have an old type set of weights, many years ago. With those, one had to add or remove weights from the handles. If one is limited on space, this may be a space saver. However, I found the time of changing the weight ends rather annoying.

I do have some smaller weights with a space for your fingers to slide through; I prefer having the open space to easily put my fingers around. They might however serve better for other purposes. I saw that Pilates was mentioned for some of these styles.

One last thing to consider is the shape of the ends of the weight, whether they are round, or hexagon in shape. The round ones can roll. I like knowing that my hand weights will stay steady when I place them on the floor, etc. I've seen people do elevated planks, holding onto hand weights that were placed on the floor. One definitely needs a steady set for that.

There you have it. If you're ready to to check out hand weight options, here is the general link to them on Amazon. Hand weights on Amazon. I don't own any one certain brand, I just have my preferences on texture, end shape, and weight spread between the weights that I purchase.

On one final note, I have stayed more steady with using weights now that I am older than when I was younger. I find that my back is stronger and that I can do more things now than I could before. I also listen to my body, and move up to the next weight as I see fit.

Happy fitness journey to you.

If you're interested in the weight lifting exercises that I have been following, you can check out my blog on 8 Minutes in the Morning.https://www.reviewthisreviews.com/2025/05/8-minutes-in-morning-book-review.html

Update:

For those wondering what weight they should get, it will depend on a variety of factors. One thing to consider is the amount of weight one is already used to picking up and or carrying.

Many of us are already used to picking up a variety of different weight amounts when we shop for groceries, etc. However, when exercising, one will be doing repetitions. What I read as a recommendation, is that if one can easily do 12 repetitions in a row with a hand weight, that it is too light for your stronger muscles, but may be suitable for your smaller muscles.

According to Jorge Cruise, from 8 Minutes in the Morning, It's good to have three sets of weights. Cruise's recommendation for repetitions is 12. He has two different exercises that he shows for each day, that you alternate through for a total of four sets. Also, as your muscles get stronger, instead of increasing repetitions, it is better to increase the weight amount.

Cheryl Paton

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Sea Sponges for Painting Review

One of the early painting tools that I came across, when I first started persuing painting as more than a hobby, was the sea sponge.

They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and make a variety of affects. Depending on the side of the sponge that one uses, at any specific time and place, the affect will be different.

A sea sponge can be used to paint the look of distant leaves, textures that resemble rust, and so much more.

Sea sponges can be used for more close up leaves and provide layers of varying shades of highlights. You can press them down onto wet paint for one look, and a different look if you press them onto paint that has already dried.

You can swipe them across the sky to help create wispy clouds. Or in front of waterfalls to resemble a spray and splash of water. Again, the look here will vary depending on whether you are swiping the sponge across wet or dry paint.

Just like the shapes of the sponges themselves, the creative options are endless.

For this design, I went for a tile look.

For any sea sponge that one paints with, I recommend that the sponge is first wet and squeezed out, to make the sponge more flexible, and also easier to rinse and or clean the paint out.

In between color changes is an opportune time to do a quick rinsing. At the end of a painting round, I will usually add a diluted laundry detergent. I save my almost empty laundry detergent bottles, add some water and shake it up. Then I have a quick and easy way to help clear the paint out.

However, as you can see from my sea sponges, pictured above, that all the paint doesn't necessarily always come out.

Anyway, the sea sponges are re-usable for numerous times. I still have all of my sea sponges from decades ago, however, all of any one sea sponge, may not still be present. As edges became worn and loose, it was more efficient to remove the dangling piece and just work with what was left.

I leave them out to air dry, and may drop them into a wide open container, so that they remain dry, in between uses.

One of my most recent recent ventures for using sea sponges, was using them on my Gel Press Plate. The look turned out awesome.

Speaking of the surface that one uses them on, will also affect how the look will turn out. For instance, paper is more absorbent than canvas. You can also make designs on wax paper or foil, which aren't so absorbent, and then make a press print from there. The opportunities are as endless as anyone's imagination.

Here is my tile print look printed on pet dishes in my CherylsArt store on Zazzle.

Rustic Texture Slate Painting Pet Bowls
by CherylsArt

Hope you enjoyed learning about painting with sea sponges. Happy creating.

I have purchased a variety of brands of sea sponges over the years, and do not really have a brand to recommend. You can check out a variety of options on Amazon. I just recommend getting a variety of shapes that inspire you. Here's the link. Sea Sponges for Painting

Cheryl Paton

You can read my review of the Gel Press Plate here: https://www.reviewthisreviews.com/2025/06/gel-press-plate-review.html

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Gel Press Plate Review

The Gel Press is a gel like plate. It is approximately 1/2 inch thick and comes in various sizes. I purchased an 8 by 10 inch one. It is used to make art prints.

The common use is to brayer on acrylic paint, and then you can press your paper onto the paint which then transfers the paint to the paper, making a print. A brayer is a roller that you can use to roll the paint onto the gel plate.

There are various techniques one can use to make a variety of transfer images. One can partially cover an area on the Gel Press, which is called a mask. Then the person add paint and then lift the mask before pressing the receiving paper onto the paint, which will then leave an area where no paint was transferred.

One could also press other objects into the wet paint on the Gel Press, and then lift them off before making the print. This will provide a textured look of whatever object or objects were placed into the wet paint.

Another option is to use stencils that one can lay on the Gel Press, before they brayer on the paint on the Gel Press. Then the person lifts the stencil, providing a painting that is now in the shape of the stencil.

One can also paint a textured look of an object onto the Gel Press, and let that dry. Then they can paint a new layer of paint over the dried paint. Then they can press the receiving paper onto the two layered painting that is on the Gel Press. Doing this method requires the artist to give the pressing process a longer wait time before lifting the receiving paper, to allow the dry paint to be received into the wet paint, and then both layers of paint can show up on the receiving paper. Many people also do more than two layers.

This is a section of a print that I made by pressing stones into the wet paint on the painted Gel Press. The paint was still wet, so I could go ahead and press my receiving paper onto the painting.

As you can see, there can be many types of scenarios in these printing creations.

When I first got my Gel Press, I was hesitant to try much of anything. I didn't want to ruin the Gel Press. But in actuality, it is quite durable.

I have watched numerous YouTube videos on using gel plates, and many like leaving old paint on their gel plates, giving their next creation more of a grunge look. Others wipe off the dried paint with water, and or baby wipes.

One tip is to store the Gel Press in it's package, in an upright position. The key is not to let something lay on it and press an indention into it, as that can show up in future prints. Another tip is to make the layers of paint, thin. If the paint is too thick, the print doesn't peel off the Gel Press as well. And yes, it is a peeling action, that was something I had to get accustomed to.

Overall, I love my Gel Press. I have used it a variety of times to make background designs in a variety of the scrapbook papers I have designed. There are still other techniques I want to try out, including painting on it with a paint brush, and then adding another background layer to it. If you are interested in scrapbook paper, check out the link below the Gel Press link.

Gel Press Plate on Amazon. Check for price.

Find scrapbook paper in paperbacks, by Cheryl Paton, on my blog: https://artonproducts.blogspot.com/2024/03/cheryl-paton-scrapbook-paper.html

Check out another way that I am learning to make prints using a Speedball Carver, on this blog. https://www.reviewthisreviews.com/2025/05/speedball-carver-review.html

Update: I made a flower design using my gel plate. I let each layer dry as I built them up. Pictured on the left side of the image is the final layer on the gel plate before I added the final layer of wet paint to peel it off with. Pictured to the right is what the peeled off print looks like, with all the layers. Just to give you more of an idea of the process and how things can look. Also, I let the receiving paper sit on the gel plate approximately 15-20 minutes before peeling it off, to allow the multiple layers time to be absorbed onto the receiving paper.

Cheryl Paton

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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8 Minutes in the Morning, Book Review

8 Minutes in the Morning is a book about diet and weight training exercise. This isn't the first time that I have worked through this book, however, it is one that I have come back to multiple times.

8 Minutes in the Morning is by Jorge Cruise, who experienced his own health issues as well as watching his family members experience similar types of issues. He became inspired to make a change and he shares what he has learned, along with stories of the benefits that others have experienced using his methods.

The first part of the book talks about food choices, i.e. giving up the sugary stuff and or replacing it with less sugary stuff, and choosing healthy fats instead to help people feel more satiated. He provides food charts in the back part of the book along with recommendations on whether it is a limited food item or one that is unlimited - referring to how much one can have of said item, in a day.

He also provides a simple eating log that you can copy, and fill out for each day to help keep you on track.

Then he gets to the greater core of the book, at least in my opinion. That's the exercise part. There are two weight training exercises recommended, for six out of the seven days in a week. You get a day off. The key with this weight loss program is to build muscle; and in turn, muscle burns more fat. As one tones up, they will automatically burn more fat.

It's not just about the exercise though. The healthy fats are a key ingredient in building muscle, as well as doing the exercises. This approach counts on both parts.

The very first time that I used this book, I lost more pounds than I have since other times that I have done refreshers. I attribute that to my diet needing a lot more correction the first time around. However, although I haven't really loss much weight this time, my clothes are fitting better again.

Having just worked through this book again, which covers a four week period, I note that I am stronger now than at other times. I am able to do all of the exercises as shown, instead of subbing selected ones with some other exercise in it's place. I have also noticed that the heavier duty gardening work has become easier.

I have done dumbbell exercises with videos from time to time, but I didn't stick with that as much. I like that this method is more structured; just two exercise routines for each day, 6 days out of the week. I like that different muscle groups are done on different days, giving the recently exercised muscles time to recover and you work on a different focused muscle area the next day.

I haven't followed along with all of Cruise's recommendations, but have utilized most of them, and am glad that I did.

If you want to try a different way to loose weight and to tone up, I do recommend 8 Minutes in the morning. Some of the routines might take a little longer than 8 minutes, especially if it is your first time doing any of them, but I have found that it became easier and quicker over time. As with any new physical venture, check in with your body and adjust to any limits you may have.

8 Minutes in the Morning book. Check price on Amazon.

Cheryl Paton

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Tshirt from Zazzle, Review

I was going to write about a different shirt that I have from Zazzle, but found out that it is no longer available. Zazzle does change their brands of tshirts from time to time. Instead of writing about the two that I have had for years, I am writing about a recent purchase, but I do expect the same quality performance.

The one thing about ordering shirts from Zazzle, is that they don't really have a teen section, sizes go from kids to adults, and some of their shirts are marked as slim. If I was ordering a shirt from Zazzle, I would go a size or two larger when wanting it to be sized for adults. I would definitely go two sizes larger if the description says Slim, so be sure to read the description before ordering.

Other than the sizing thing, I am quite pleased with my tshirt. I already knew to order a larger size. I also wanted a soft fabric, so I got a cotton tri-blend.

All of the apparel items that I have purchased from Zazzle have been printed well. I have learned to order the white or pastel colors when ordering printed tshirts. That way the coloring is printed into the fabric, giving it a soft look and feel.

To get a truer color on dark colored shirts, one would usually have to order with a white underbase printed under the design. This gives the design a brighter and more vibrant look, but also has a rougher and more solid texture to the actual design area. Some people are okay with this, so this is a matter of preference. Some, somewhat darker colored shirts are offered without the white underbase. Customers can click on the various options to see which type of print they prefer.

I have also ordered a hooded sweatshirt from Zazzle, and have had that for many years. It has held up through numerous washings.

My experience with washing instructions have been pretty routine, i.e. washing in cool water, only use non-chlorine bleach, tumble dry low, and don't dry clean.

You can check out the shirt that I'm wearing above, by using this link that goes to my CherylsArt store on Zazzle. This one is for the cotton tri-blend.

This is a bigger picture link, and it is for a Slim style, not the one I'm wearing in the above picture.

I paint artist palette tshirt
by CherylsArt

Whichever link you use, you can look around at other options from the various menus on Zazzle.

Cheryl Paton

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Speedball Carver Review

I was becoming more and more intrigued to create prints from a carving. I had watched numerous videos on YouTube to learn about the techniques and methods that people used. I was hooked, and ordered my Speedball Linoleum Cutter.

I had some dense foam on hand that was used in some basic picture frames. It seemed that they were soon going to have a new purpose. My Speedball cutting tool arrived and I looked forward to cutting out my first print. Nope! Didn't work. The foam was a bit too dense. I had grown up with the adage of 'make do with what you got.' Well sometimes that works, and sometimes not. It was time to get something that I saw people have success with.

I placed another order for the Speedball print making blocks, called Speedy Carve. I figured since my first try didn't work, I wasn't going to go with a less expensive brand. I definitely wanted it to work. I ordered the Speedball Carving block.

The time came. I was going to make a real print. Something I actually dreamed about printing, and not just some little things to give it a try. I drew a picture of my cat, Tori, from a photo. She is gorgeous, no matter if I didn't draw every change in fur color!

The method I used was to first trace around my Speedy Carve block, so that I would have the appropriate dimension for my upcoming drawing.

With photo on my phone off to the side, I commenced to drawing, and shaded in the areas that I wanted to print, on my paper. The areas that you don't want to print, are the ones that get carved away.

I darkened my drawing with my pencil, and then laid it on the carving block, face side down. I used the smooth round side of a marker to rub over the back of my paper, to transfer the drawing to the block.

Cool, the image was easily transferred. As per tips from the videos that I watched, I went over my drawing on the block with a pen, as the pencil marks can easily get smeared away.

Then the carving began. I started with the smaller V shaped carving tool to carve right around the edges that I wanted to make my prints from. I used a larger V shape carving tool to carve out the larger areas. I even laid the large V carving tool on its side to cover more area. That worked pretty good.

Overall, the Speedball carving tool works really well, and glides smoothly along the surface of the Speedy Carve block. Per instructions from videos that I watched, I held the carving tool at an angle and with light pressure, pushed the tool along, away from my body, and my other hand.

I found that it helps to have good eyesight, good lighting, steady hands, and being able to see all the lines and areas that you want left intact. With a bit of a slip, part of what you want to print can easily go away. The black in one of the cat's eyes, was mistakenly made smaller, more like a slit when a cat is looking at a light. So guess what, the cat now has black slits instead of the wider eyed look. Oh well. She's still gorgeous!

I have since cut away the areas around the cat, and glued the carved block to a piece of wood. It gives me a solid piece to hold, and isn't wobbly or flexible.

I also found that I get a cleaner print when I press the carved block down into brayered paint that is smoothed out, rather than using the brayer to apply the paint directly to the carved block.

Hope you found some helpful tips here. If you want to try making prints yourself, I do recommend the Speedball Carving Took, along with the Speedball Speedy Carve.

Speedball Carving Tool Set Check for price.

Speedball Speedy Carve Check for price.

Thank you for visiting and for your comments. My plan now is to fine tune my print making of this cute cat, and then design some products with the prints in my CherylsArt store on Zazzle. Let me know if you have a cat color request and or product type that is available on Zazzle. I will be glad to oblige.

Cheryl Paton

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Our Adoption Story, Book Review

Our Adoption Story: The Story of How We Met Our Baby, is a book for adoptive parents to fill out, so that each one can tell the story of how they met their baby.

This book has guided prompts to help the adoptive parents fill in the blanks, so that they can write their own adoption story, and also share information about their baby, such as how meeting their baby came about, things they did the day that they brought their baby home, things they did to prepare ahead of time for bringing their baby home, etc.

Some pages also include little images to help out with the written prompts, as a fun way for the parents to personalize their story.

There are also pages that include a simple picture frame to add a picture to help depict what that page is about.

The inspiration behind this book:

My husband and I became adoptive parents decades ago. It was before the internet, so most exchanges of information were done locally, and or reading magazines, finding a group, etc.

When a couple becomes adoptive parents, things can happen rather quickly. Adoptive parents can find out that they are 'expecting' their baby anywhere from a day, to weeks, or months, before their baby is ready for adoption. It can be a whirlwind to prepare and get things ready for the day, for this new bundle of life to enter their lives. Some perspective adoptive parents can also be on a waiting list that can take even longer.

We actually found out about our potential baby around a couple of weeks before the baby was to be born. We didn't know for sure which gender we were 'expecting', but we at least had an idea. We purchased baby clothes, a crib, a dresser that included a changing table on the top. We waited to see what formula the hospital was feeding our baby, before purchasing baby formula. We also purchased diapers, both cloth and disposables.

The day came and we were both excited and nervous. But all of that changed once our baby was handed to us.

We had already made an appointment with a local pediatrician; our first stop before arriving home was with with the pediatrician. There, the doctor showed us how to change the baby's diaper, take her temperature, and gave us other new parent information.

Some time after that, I joined a parenting group, where I could take our baby. The new parents could learn about being parents. That was a great learning experience; it was very helpful. I also noticed that the new moms also talked a lot about their pregnancy and birthing stories. There was no one in the group on that particular day of the week, that I could relate to. But I did hear about another adoptive mom that went to that parenting group on a different day of the week, that wanted to start a play group for adoptive parents. Yay!

There ended up being five of us adoptive moms and five babies in our adoption play group. We all had different adoption stories. And we all had a learning curve; there were many similarities to new moms of any type, learning how to be a mom, but also things that were unique to us, as adoptive moms.

After all of this, I decided to write a story, just for our child, for her to be able to read and know some basic background about our adoption experience and information about her.

I wrote our story on index cards, and included pictures from magazines to help explain whatever, and pictures of us and her as well. I wrote answers to questions that might arise, using simple words. It became a favorite book for us to read together.

After many years, the idea came to me to make something that other adoptive parents could easily fill in and personalize, so that they could share their story with their baby.

This paperback booklet measures 6 by 9 inches and is 24 pages long. It is simple to fill out, and add photographs to. It will be a lovely, informative book for when the child is young, and also a wonderful keepsake for years to come.

Our Adoption Story - to be filled in by the adoptive parents. Check price.

Let me know in a comment below, if you think a similar booklet would be a good idea for adoptive parents that adopt a toddler or an older child. Thank you.

Update: Thank you for your comments. I will be designing three more adoption story books; one for toddlers, grade school children, and teens., each of which will include sections for the child to have some input.

Cheryl Paton

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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