Aisling’s Articles

Halloween Coloring Page – 2024

Would you like a free Halloween coloring page?  Click the image to download and print it. (The actual page is 8.5″ x 11″)

Halloween 2024 - free coloring page to download and print
(For personal use only)

More Free Art and Downloads!

Also at this website, you’ll find many Halloween and ghost-themed art ideas, and a few freebies.

Some are – admittedly – a bit dark and/or ghoulish. (In my semi-Goth teen years, I was a major fan of Edgar Allan Poe. Today…? Not so much, but some artists may appreciate these articles – and art – from many years ago, and still online.)

Here are some of them:

Art Journaling with Rubbings (cemetery art)

Elegant Rubbings with Art Foil (Halloween themes)

My Edgar Allan Poe shrine (2000) – Sold almost instantly to a collector

“Nevermore” a free, printable ATC with an Edgar Allan Poe theme

And this isn’t actually Halloween-themed – the Celtic Cross isn’t a grave marker – but this free ATC may seem just eerie enough for this time of year – Everlasting – free digital download

I hope you enjoy these freebies. Let me know what you think of them, and what you’d like to see me create in the future!

No More Half-Finished Projects!

SO… this will be a weird post, but I have to share this because it’s so astonishing. It’s how I realized that electro-sensitivity is a thing, after all.

Also, in the future, I don’t plan to include many non-art posts like this (they’ll be at my “Art and Other Things” Substack, instead), but this is important.

Here’s what happened…

Some years ago, I read about electro-sensitivity (aka electrohypersensitivity, or EHS). And – curious to see if it might affect me – I moved my bed.

After all, I’d been sleeping with my head next to not one but two electrical outlets (one in our bedroom, and one in the adjoining room), as well as the outlet for our cable TV/internet connection.

Yeah… just a little electricity running through them. LOL

(More about EHS: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7139347/ and https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935122007010)

From the very first night after that, I slept incredibly soundly, when – previously – I hadn’t thought my occasional wakefulness was any big deal. (As it turns out, it wasn’t as “occasional” as I’d thought. Not until I slept really soundly and realized how big the difference was.)

After that, my husband & I experimented with other products & methods of reducing EHS issues, including using Earthing mats. (They crumble after heavy use, but otherwise seem to work well, especially when sitting at a computer.)

Our moods, focus, and energy improved. Not massively, but enough to think that – even if it was placebo effect – Earthing/grounding had some merit.

Less snoring? Yes, please!

So, fast-forward a few years… And my husband (who snores like a freight train most nights) tried sleeping on a grounding cloth, and it radically reduced his snoring.

Whew! That’s important since even the best earplugs won’t keep his noisy snoring out.

But then, a few weeks ago, my husband had another snoring-like-a-freight train night, even with the grounding cloth in the bed. Well, it turned out that he’d kicked the grounding cloth to one side, so he wasn’t actually in contact with it.

He adjusted it, and was quiet again for a couple of nights… until it happened again. More snoring-like-a-freight-train. But, what baffled us was that he’d been on the grounding cloth all night.

And then he realized that the cloth had come unplugged.

Next night, after restoring the connection to the grounding pin…? Totally quiet.

Next, grounding sheets

Meanwhile, Amazon Vine had offered me some grounding sheets. So I ordered them: https://amzn.to/4gASebc (I think any similar grounding sheets would work. And yes, that’s a sheet for a twin bed, because we’re in Florida and staying in Airbnbs.)

I felt relief – mild, but noticeable – as soon as I stretched out on mine. I definitely sleep more soundly with this sheet under me. (Since we can’t move our beds away from the electrical wiring in this bedroom, grounding sheets can make a BIG difference.)

Encanto themed Airbnb bedroom

[This photo shows an Encanto-themed Airbnb room, with a view of the lanai & swimming pool just outside. We haven’t stayed in this exact room, but in one nearby.]

However, my husband felt that sheet’s cotton wasn’t smooth enough. So, he’s since put his grounding sheet under a normal 100% cotton fitted sheet. And it still works!

There has been zero snoring in the weeks since then. Whew! We’re both sleeping much better.

And now, the “wow, this is amazing” pillowcase!

About a week ago, I heard about a grounding pillowcase and ordered it right away. It’s this one, which isn’t available right now: https://amzn.to/3TCXm4K (The one-star reviews are clearly from people who didn’t actually try the pillowcase. Yes, the cotton isn’t especially polished. Frankly, I don’t care. This pillowcase works!)

Any alternative will probably work as well, such as https://amzn.to/4gMBj5Z .

The first night, I noticed a difference. When I woke up, I felt super-refreshed, but – more importantly – I was able to focus remarkably well. At the time, I thought, “Okay, placebo effect is good, even if it wears off quickly.”

Several nights later, I canNOT believe the difference. Every day, I’ve been fully focused on the day’s project, and – almost effortlessly – stuck with each project to completion.

Finishing projects… finally!

Whether you call it “easily distracted” or ADHD… for me, it’s the same thing: In the past, I quit projects remarkably quickly, albeit with every intention of getting back to them in a few days.

But after using a grounding pillowcase…

This has been my most productive week in YEARS.

  • I’ve relaunched three books – despite daunting editing & formatting challenges – in both paperback and ebook formats.
  • I’ve identified two new income streams (that I’m implementing today) that are passive and relatively effortless (or at least fun, or both).
  • And I spent all day yesterday working on this website, fully focused on improving the pages that are getting far more attention than the other ~300 articles her.

All of this… in ONE week…? Yes, that’s a very big deal.

From frazzled to celebrating... and finishing projects!

In addition, I’ve had some BIG “ah-HA!” moments about my family and their likely EHS.

Electro-sensitivity… hereditary?

For example, my maternal grandfather said he came up with all of his best ideas in his workroom… in the basement of his house, where he’d sit barefoot with his feet on a dirt floor. (He’d designed and built the house with that quirky basement, deliberately.)

Napoleon Mark Bernier
My maternal grandfather

Papa would regularly get anxiety, big time, in the middle of the night… and retreat to his basement workroom, where he felt calm and happy and “at home.” There, he’d often invent something new and important, and then patent it. Maybe that was due to grounding, aka “earthing,” before anyone even knew about grounding.

No, I’m not giving up electronic devices

Yes, I think phones, microwaves, and a bazillion “convenience” appliances and devices may be culprits for those with even mild EHS.

For me, the answer isn’t to quit using those devices. I mean, seriously, if I don’t have a working dishwasher in my kitchen, I’m not doing much major cooking, and my husband won’t have homemade chocolate chip cookies! lol

The answer is grounding (or Earthing), and it’s working for me.

Grounding-Earthing links

Links (and a short video) for more info

So anyway… After this week, I’m a 100% believer in grounding. And that’s why I’m sharing my story, even if this sounds ridiculously “woo-woo” and perhaps a bit crazy.

Have you tried grounding (or earthing)? Let me know in comments! I’m interested in your experiences. (Comments remain open for 90 days, and are manually approved.)

 

How a Zine Swap Works

smiling flower“Swaps” are where a certain number of people agree to swap… Well, something, usually handmade, and they’re usually multiple, identical (or nearly identical) items.

It’s a fun way of sharing art, usually through the mail, but sometimes in person.

Zine swaps

In this case, a “zine swap” is where you send a certain number of copies of just one issue of your zine, to the person hosting the swap.

You’ll also send the host either postage, money for postage, or a self-addressed, stamped envelope for shipping other participants’ zines to you.

The number of zines you’ll send is usually determined by the number of participants, including the host.

So, if six people, including you and the host, are swapping zines, you’ll send five copies of your zine (plus postage).

Each other participant does the same, and the host adds their own set of five zines to the collection.

Then the host sorts all the zines into piles, so each participant receives one from each of the other participants (including the host).

After that, the host mails the sets to each person in the swap, and keeps one set for themselves.

So, each person in that swap will receive five different zines, one from each of the other participants, including the host.

Visual explanation of how a zine swap works

I think very visually. Even writing that previous section, I was counting on my fingers to be sure I got the numbers right.

If you’re like me, this illustration may help explain how swaps work. Jane is both a participant and a host, so – as a participant – she’ll make five copies of her own zine and add them to the swap.How a zine swap works

I hope that makes sense, and I hope you’ll participate in – or even organize – a zine swap.

More zine information

If you have questions or answers, post a comment below.

A Disney World Birthday!

(This Disney World birthday post was copied from my Substack blog.)

My Substack QR code
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This week, I celebrated my birthday. Of course, that meant going to Disney for a romantic evening with my husband. We went to our favorite park, Epcot, and it was a lovely, surprisingly cool-ish night. Not too crowded, either. Yaayy for romance and yaayy for autumn approaching!

Yes, I got a birthday pin. It has my real name on it: Eibhlin, which is pronounced the same as “Eileen” in English, but in the Irish language (Gaeilge) it’s said sort-of like “Eifflin.” (I say my name the English way.)

On the pin, the Disney Cast Member put Mickey-style dots over each letter “I” in my name. I love that!

A Disney World birthday pin with my name on it.

Saturday night’s Disney visit was wonderful! My smile was a mile wide when the La Calle lead singer saw me… and wished me a happy birthday! (That happened around the 4:15 moment in the video.)

Presents…!

My husband’s birthday gifts to me included splurging at Barnes & Noble. Of course, I returned home with a bunch of “ooh, shiny!” magazines and books. I’m giddy with delight!

Books and magazines

In that stack…

Take the Leap is an inspiring book. Mostly, it’s a series of short (~4 pages), true stories of people who weren’t happy with their careers and – sometimes in roundabout ways – found where their real passion is… and followed it, with success. (It’s more “here’s what worked for this person,” instead of generic how-to insights. For me, it’s encouraging to read.)

Also in that stack of treats from B&N:

  • The latest issue of Bella Grace, which has lots of autumn-y images in cozy, cottage-y styles.
  • Also the September issue of Town & Country magazine, which seems to have shifted focus to eccentric, affluent people and what they did to gain a following. (I was inspired by some of their stories.)
  • And finally Vintage Country magazine, which – to be honest – I bought simply to see the artwork in the photos.

Hidden in that stack is my book, Sewing and Collecting Vintage Fashions. Now that my long-ago book contract has finally concluded (whew!), publishing rights are mine again. So, in 2025, I plan to revisit this topic, update my book (the resources info is very outdated), and bring fresh energy to it. This will be SUCH fun!

Meanwhile…

During September & October, I’m still winding-down a geeky pen name that’s been ridiculously misunderstood. (Don’t ask. It’s not quite been the bane of my existence, but I should have walked away from this years ago.)

By Halloween, I’ll be able to get back to fun, creative, artsy projects. Whew!

So far, 2024 has been epic and a whirlwind, bouncing between Florida and Maine and back again. Every moment of it has been an adventure! I’m not sure how 2025 will look – or even which country we’ll be in – but I know it will include more art, more treats to share with you, and lots of laughter.

Interesting Links

This website offers free junk journal pages (for personal use) and other interesting freebies.

I kind of LOVE these stencils – used with easy-to-wash-off paint or fake snow or something – to leave “evidence” that Santa visited homes, especially homes with little kids. (That’s an affiliate link, btw, but I’d share this cool idea anyway.)

I’m also awe-struck that an MIT team has been working on an AI bot that will help debunk conspiracy theories. This bot can be effective with people who take conspiracy theories far too seriously. That’s kind of overdue!

And, of course…

free
I’ve recently resumed sharing freebies with friends. The first is this hippie-style coloring page. (I mentioned it earlier, here.)

To download your own copy, click here or on the thumbnail image below. (It’ll be a letter-sized PDF that you can print and color… for personal use only, of course.)

Free coloring page

Artistamps and Mailart

Artistamps are part of a larger art form called mailart. It’s been popular in different eras, most recently in the 1970s, then in the 1990s, and now – in the 21st century – it’s growing in popularity again.

WHAT IS MAILART?

Mailart (also called “mail art”) is art sent through the mail, and it’s visible on the outside of the postcard, envelope, or (less often) the package. That is, the visible part of what goes through the mail IS the art. There may or may not be art – or anything – inside.

The visible art – seen by those who handle the art (from sender to post office staff to recipient)-  may be decorated with many things, including…

  • Artistamps
  • Artwork (hand-drawn or painted)
  • Collage art elements
  • Rubber stamps (hand-carved or commercial, used creatively)

Sometimes, the art is mass-produced, albeit on a small scale. That is, it’s printed in limited numbers and applied (or turned into) the postcard, envelope, or package.

In some cases, each piece of mailart is signed and numbered. (For example, “5/25” would mean the individual piece is #5 of a total of 25 created and mailed.)

Here are six of my mailart postcards, sent in 2023. Each recipient received a handcrafted postcard decorated with a one-of-a-kind torn paper collage on it.

Mailart postcards by Aisling D'Art, 2023 set 2

 

WHAT ARE ARTISTAMPS?

Artistamps are art, in the form of a postage-type stamp. They’re also called faux postage, among other names that mean “fake postal stamps with art on them.”  (Other terms for these faux stamps include postoids and cinderellas.)

Here’s one of my favorite artistamps. I created it using a photo from one of my visits to Avebury, England, where – unlike Stonehenge – you can actually touch the standing stones.

An artistamp - an artist's stamp - faux postage - Avebury standing stones

Some of us create our own fantasy countries, or perhaps mailing authorities, or both. Mine is Ballynafae, an imaginary island country just west of Ireland.

Some artists create a complete history, geography, and set of personalities related to their fantasy countries. They consider it part of the art.

And some mix fact and whimsy, as I did in my Kilmallock series, issued under my Ballynafae mailing authority.

This group of six stamps celebrates a real location – Kilmallock, Co. Limerick – using vintage photos from the mid-1990s… but I pretended that these were official stamps from Ballynafae.

Artistamps - faux postage stamps created by artists - Six by Aisling D'Art
Here are some of my Disney-themed artistamps.  (NOTE: The original stamps’ images were crisper. These are slightly enlarged from my 2001 website post. I’ll replace the images when I find the original artistamp files.)

The “Tapestry” stamps are from photos I took in 2001 at the final performance of Walt Disney World’s “Tapestry” parade at EPCOT. (See video link at the foot of this post. Also, the lower “Walt Disney World 2001” stamp features family friend Jeremy Pace, when he was part of the parade’s finale.)

Original artistamps with a Disney World theme

Here’s what a single set of artistamps can look like:

Single set of the Artists' Mailing List artistamps, on their 2006 anniversary.

Rainbow colors divider

Rainbow colors divider

A little more info about artistamps…

Starting in the late 1990s, I was a member of the Electronic Collaboration Project (ECP), creating several artistamp series. And, in the Artists’ Mailing List (AML) group my issuing authority was AML-23.

John Held, Jr. has compiled a book, Small Scale Subversion: Mail Art & Artistamps. (I have no idea if my own artstamps, etc., are in it, but that book has earned good reviews.)

Rainbow colors divider

1000 Journals Project

Recently, having misplaced my own copy of the 1000 Journals Project book, I ordered another.

Seeing it again, after all these years, was astonishing.

Even now, it feels like that being part of that art journal/project was a “right time, right place” moment.

Even more bizarre, I received it at 9/11, and – a few days later – journaled in the book, describing that important moment in history. (The photo above shows part of my two pages. On the left, that’s an art journaling collage I created. On the right are my handwritten notes.)

This journal started as a round-robin project.

That is, it was a series of blank journals, sent from one person to another. Each of us contributed a page or two, art journaling in it. (See someguy’s page about this project, book, and documentary.)

It’s something we did, back then, within the arts community. That is, we mailed things to each other. (See my “Art in the Mail” category for info.)

Frankly, the internet isn’t a substitute for seeing art in real life, and even having it in your hands.

That’s why I encourage you to find a copy of this important book, so you can see it in real life. It’ll give you a wonderful overview of what we were doing, and a chance to see art journaling examples.

Your public library may have a copy. Or, you can order one at Amazon, etc.

I won’t pretend that all of the entries are meaningful, or that the art is consistently wonderful.

That wasn’t the purpose of this project.

It was about life and creative expression, at that moment in time.

Here’s my Amazon review, seeing this book again after 20+ years.

This is still a remarkable book, and part of a project that aspired to include 1000 people in round-robin style art journals.

I’m a little biased because I was one of them, and I just happened to receive the mostly-blank shortly before the 9/11 World Trade Center disaster. So, my two pages in the book are from that exact day.

(Note: I received no payment for my work. None of us did. And I have no commercial interest in this book, either. I’m just honored to have participated it in.)

The pages in this book represent art journaling and mixed-media art by a wide range of people. Some may have considered themselves artists, and many probably didn’t. We were just using journals – sometimes written or decorated artistically – in the style of Julia Cameron’s “morning pages.”

For that, this is an important piece of history, representing the cultural trends, informal art, and sentiments of that extraordinary space in time. In a way, it’s a before-and-after look at how we thought and expressed ourselves, before and after 9/11 changed everything.

In my opinion, this is a vital book that belongs in art and history courses. And, for those who love “outsider” art, it’s a peek into those who can’t NOT express themselves visually.

I’m giving this five stars for this “right time, right place” project, and the importance of documentation like this.

If you’d like to own a copy of this book, here’s the link.

(Btw, that’s an Amazon affiliate link.)

Another Journey – Mixed Media Collage

Yesterday, when we arrived home after lots of errands, I felt like I needed to create another art journaling collage in my daily series.

The problem was, I was tired and cranky, and in perfectionist mode as I worked.

I think it turned out pretty well, despite how much I got in my own way.

Another Journey collage - 5 Nov 2022

I knew I wanted something that was a segue connecting to yesterday’s collage, the Journey one. So, I used another 1853 dictionary page.

This one focused on the word “Expedition,” which I’d planned to use – as a bold, text word from a travel brochure – but abandoned that bit of paper part-way through this process.

Nevertheless, that word is the entry below the word “Journey” on the right page of this two-page art journaling collage.

Over that page is the Hogwarts train from Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. That’s among our favorite attractions at that park… though we didn’t go there nearly as often as we visited Walt Disney World.

Next to that is a bit of shell – mother-of-pearl – from a recent stroll along nearby Fortunes Rocks Beach, Kennebunkport, Maine. (The Yes!Paste I use as collage glue seemed to hold the shell securely. A little bit goes a very long way.)

The feather on the facing page is also from there, adding creative continuity aligned with the previous art journaling collages in this series.

The stairway is about travel but – more importantly – internal transformation… rising above where we’ve been in the past. And, again, I highlighted that with another “Journey” word at the top of that stairway.

Finally the vintage-looking bits came from a few resources.

I intend to review all of those resources, separately… as soon as I have time.

I like this collage. It’s about travel – time and space – as well as rising above… finding where our next adventures will take us.

Art Journaling Supplies – What’s on Your Desktop?

When I sit down (or work at my standing desk), I like all of my art journaling supplies tidy and well-organized.

If I have to interrupt my creative flow to search for a particular brush, or paint, or adhesive, or collage element, it can take far too long to get back “in flow.”

Here’s what’s on my desk as I gather inspiration for my next art journaling collage.

Details of Aisling's collage supplies on her workdesk
My art journaling collage supplies, by the numbers.

My art journaling collage supplies (see the numbers in the photo, above)

Here are the art journaling supplies I’m using in late 2022:

1) A container of bits of paper, often leftovers from previous collage art. I’ve saved them because I love the colors or subjects of those images. They’re too wonderful to throw away; I’m likely to use those bits in later collages.

2) Currently, those are pieces of a failed mixed-media painting. I’d created it on canvas. Then, about halfway through the work, I realized I didn’t like it. It was the wrong background and the wrong scale for my torn-paper art.

So, I’d cut up the canvas and now the pieces are sitting in front of me, in case there’s a way to use them – whole or further cut/torn – in a future work.

3) Vintage paper and stickers that look like vintage paper elements. In my current art journal, I’m phasing from art that’s very vintage, to partially vintage, and – eventually – all contemporary elements. That’s to convey a sense of time.

Well, maybe. I’m not sure… yet. This kind of art evolves. When I’m art journaling, I don’t always start with a clear vision of what I’m creating.

4) Sponge brushes for applying adhesive to my collage elements. I look for sponge brushes with a lot of support inside the sponge part. I use those same brushes for painting, too, and I’m scrupulous about washing them to get at least four or five days’ work out of them.

5) A very damp, folded paper towel. Every time I pick up a collage element that has adhesive on it, my fingers get sticky. The damp paper towel makes it easy to keep my fingers clean as I place each element in the artwork. No more unintended sticky spots on my collages!

6) Yes pasteYes! Paste, which replaced the gel painting medium I used in my art journaling collages in the 1990s and early 2000s. (Thanks to Nancy Hansen Connolly and Milan Merhar for recommending Yes!Paste. It’s pricey, but – in actual use – is worth every cent, and it lasts a long time.)

This paste is easy to work with, rarely causes the paper to buckle, is repositionable, and easy to clean up.

It actually holds somewhat heavy (non-paper) items on my mixed-media works, too. (For example, the feather in my art journaling page of 5 Nov 2022.)

So, yes, I’m sort of a cheerleader for Yes! Paste. It’s made art journaling collages and mixed media art so much easier for me!

7) I’m currently working with a series of 30-page blank journals. They’re designed as travel journals, but – for me – they’re perfect for daily art journaling collages. And, at a price of around US$1.25 per journal, I’m comfortable being impulsive with them; if one turns out badly, it’s not as if I’ve ruined a fancy, leather-bound journal.

8) A Speedball Deluxe Soft Rubber Brayer, used with wax paper, to smooth the elements as I paste them in place. My brayer has a 3.5″ wide roller, and it’s just the right size for my torn-paper collages.

9) Miscellaneous papers:

  • Torn-paper elements – words and illustrations – selected ahead of time because they sort of “sing” to me. Sometimes I use them. Sometimes I don’t.
  • Junk mail, to go under the collage elements as I smear Yes! Paste on the back of them with a sponge brush. I keep turning and folding each page of those sale flyers and mailers, to get the most from them before putting them into the recycling bin.
  • Wax paper, to go on top of the collage element but under the brayer, so the element is smooth on the paper (and well-adhered) without making a mess.
  • A few extra magazines and tourist brochures/booklets, for images and words to use as I work.  (Tip: Tourist booklets often have the best, most upbeat words for this kind of work. I keep a huge bag of them by my desk, and pick up more every time we’re near a tourist visitors’ center.)

So, those are the art journaling supplies that I work with. It’s how I’ve created my collages for over 20 years, and it’s a system that’s worked well for me.

rainbow stripe divider

You can see more of my collages from the past year or so, in the Gallery section of this website and at my Eibhlin.com website.

(My real name is Eibhlin, pronounced “Eileen.” I’d adopted the “Aisling D’Art” pen name in the 1990s, when few women were online, and it seemed prudent to protect my privacy. Then, when the Aisling name became associated with the art journaling movement, I kept using it.)

The Journey – Mixed Media Art Journaling Collage

Earlier this week, I decided it’s time to resume daily art journaling. So, I created this collage:

Small Journal - first collage

The next day, trying to work on another mixed media collage, I realized that the art/studio side of my home office was a mess.

Okay, maybe not a total mess, but I needed to create order and space to then create my art “in flow.”

That led to rearranging everything in my home office.

Three times. Over two days. I’m not kidding. (It had to be “just so.”)

And now, more daily art journaling collages?

Today, I decided it’s time to resume this project. Get back in the habit of daily art journaling collages.

(Yes, it really is a habit. In some ways, an effortless one, but – right now – it’s essential to carve out time and mental space for it.)

Here’s what resulted. I think it’s a good art journaling example, and expresses where I’m at, right now.

The Journey – An Art Journaling Collage

This started with the word “play.” It’s on the page from an 1853 dictionary, on the right side of this two-page spread.

Note: The dictionary was coverless and in rough shape when I found it at a flea market. Giving that book’s pages fresh life in art seemed right.

Next, I took the word “Plan” and pasted it just above the dictionary entry for “play.”

Meaning: I need to plan to play.

Not “planning” in an excruciating, controlled way, but just create an opening in my daily schedule… for play.

After that, there’s the torn image of a set of chairs at a table. I wanted the image split, like someone had pushed back from the table. Making a different choice.

So, the word “escape” made sense in this collage, as well.

The photo is my own, taken at a pond in Maine. Over it, the feather came from a walk along Fortunes Rocks Beach, near Kennebunkport, Maine.

The finishing elements were the blossom and the word “Journey,” which inspired the title of this art journaling piece.


Art journaling supplies used in this mixed media collage (Links will take you to Amazon.)

  • One of 21 notebooks in a travel journaling set.  I love the size of these, and how well they lend themselves to journaling and collage art.
  • A page from an 1853 dictionary. There’s something wonderful about old books, whether they’re originals or digital copies.
  • Bits of paper – photos and words – mostly from travel and tourism brochures & booklets. They’re among my favorite resources for collage art.
  • A feather found nearby, at Fortunes Rocks Beach (Maine). After using this, I got “pink eye” from rubbing my eye, and learned to sanitize feathers in the future.)
  • Yes! paste, used in all of my recent collages. It’s now one of my favorite art supplies.

My New Favorite Art Desk – Review

I love-love-LOVE this table for working on art. The surface is huge.

It’s especially good for art journaling, which I used to do on the floor, or sitting – hunched over – on my bed.

Now, no more backache! And I can control the light, with a nearby standing lamp.

As an artist with a bazillion projects “in progress,” I needed a good art desk.

This one is close to perfect. A worktable like this is a game-changer. I may get one for my kitchen and another for my home office. It’s that good.

KEY POINTS

  • + Surface of this art desk is lightly textured, just enough so nothing sticks to it. Great for art journaling and collage art, too.
  • + Height is adjustable from close to the floor to above my shoulders (at 5′ 7″).
  • – Challenging to assemble, but directions are nice and clear… just intricate (but worth the time).
  • + Useful in the kitchen, office, studio, garage, and probably more.

Amazon link: Adjustable Height Desk/Table

Here’s my review:

Wow, this desk is exceptionally nice!

It’s solidly made with high-quality parts. It weighs over 60 pounds.

It’s also large. Larger than my past desks. Since I’ll use this for working on art journals and collages, that extra space is glorious. I can spread out ALL of my art supplies, so they’re within easy reach, and I never feel crowded.

Likewise, the surface of the desk – slightly textured so it holds items nicely – is very even, despite the fact that it comes in two pieces. Those two pieces fit together flawlessly, and don’t splay, even when I lean on the desk to reach something at the far corner of it.

The surface is easy to wipe clean, too. Absolutely perfect!

My husband spent an hour assembling this desk. The instructions are well illustrated, and outlined with step-by-step directions. Work slowly and logically and you’ll be fine.

Tip: When connecting the long, horizontal rod that’s central to the motorized height adjuster, insert the hex-shaped end of the rod (at the non-motor end), first. Then, turn that rod gently so the other end meshes with its counterpart next to the motor.

The infinitely variable height of the desk surface is impressive. At its highest point, it’s almost shoulder height, and I’m 5’7″.

At its lowest, it might be ideal as a desk for children. In-between, I think this desk is what many of us have been looking for. It can be the “perfect height” – or at least close to it – whether you use this desk in your office, workshop, or studio.

I wish I’d found this years ago. I’d have spent far less time hunched over a too-short desk, and – at the other end of the spectrum – I wouldn’t have had to find the right assortment of chair cushions when a desk was too tall.

For me, this is a “Goldilocks” desk. Not too tall, not too short… just right! 🙂

Find it here at Amazon: Adjustable height desk/table (And yes, if you see my review there… I know that’s not a great look for me. I’ll probably make another video when I have more time.)