Nikki Luscombe | Creative Workshops

Tag: art

  • Six Crafty Tools I Always Reach For

    As a maker and workshop facilitator, I’ve spent years experimenting with all kinds of tools and supplies. But there are a few materials I return to again and again because they’re reliable, versatile, and fun to use.

    1. Tombow Dual Brush Pens

    These pens are a staple in my studio. Each one has two tips: a flexible brush tip that mimics a paintbrush, and a fine bullet tip for detail work. The water-based ink blends beautifully, allowing for watercolor effects without the mess.

    Why I love them:

    • The brush tip is perfect for larger format hand lettering and calligraphy.
    • You can blend colours to build depth.
    • They’re great for layering over collage or mixed media backgrounds.

    2. Micron Pens

    Micron pens are known for their precision and archival quality. The .08 size is my go-to because it strikes the perfect balance between boldness and control. These pens don’t bleed or smudge, making them ideal for mixed media work.

    Why I love them:

    • They create clean, consistent lines for outlines, doodles and text.
    • The ink is waterproof, so you can layer watercolour or highlighters over it.
    • I can get lots of depth and texture by using different nibs.

    3. UHU Glue Sticks

    Not all glue sticks are created equal! UHU glue sticks are smooth, strong, and dry clear. They’re essential for collage work, especially when working with delicate vintage papers.

    Why I love them:

    • They don’t wrinkle or warp paper.
    • They’re mess-free and easy to control.
    • They’re archival quality.

    4. Gelli Plates for Printmaking

    Gel plates are a game-changer for printmaking. These soft, reusable plates let you create monoprints without a press. Every print is one-of-a-kind, and the process is incredibly intuitive and playful.

    Why I love them:

    • You can use them with acrylic paint, stencils, stamps, and found objects.
    • They’re perfect for creating backgrounds, textures, and collage fodder.
    • The process is full of happy accidents.

    5. Vintage Books

    Old books are treasure troves of inspiration. The aged paper, unique fonts, and illustrations add instant charm to any piece.

    Why I love them:

    • They add a sense of nostalgia and narrative to your work.
    • They’re perfect for altered books, collage, and mixed media.

    6. Tea-Dyed Papers

    There’s something delightful about tea-dyed paper. Each stained, speckled, and uniquely aged sheet is a little work of art. I love using stained art and lined papers as backgrounds, collage elements, or even as journal pages. The process of dyeing them is a bit time-consuming (set aside at least an hour to create a batch), but the results are always a delightful surprise.

    Why I love them:

    • They add instant vintage charm and warmth to any piece.
    • The natural staining creates organic patterns and textures.
    • They’re perfect for layering, writing, or stitching into handmade books.

    Ready to play?

    Whether you’re looking to try something new or deepen your practice, I’d love to welcome you to one of my workshops!

    👉 Click here to view upcoming workshops and sign up!

    Let’s get crafty!

    PS- Share your favourite crafting tools in the comments.

  • A Dream Week of Art Journaling at Haliburton School of Art + Design

    A Dream Week of Art Journaling at Haliburton School of Art + Design

    Last week, I gave myself the gift of time: five full days immersed in creative exploration at the Haliburton School of Art + Design, learning the art of intuitive journaling with the incredible artist and educator Melanie Matthews. It truly felt like a dream holiday—eight hours a day of making, experimenting, and reconnecting with my creative self.

    Melanie’s approach to art journaling was both liberating and grounding. She encouraged us to let go of perfection, trust our instincts, and embrace the unexpected. Each day was rich with in-depth instruction, helping us better understand materials, techniques, and the fundamentals of composition.

    Throughout the week, I kept returning to the Art-Making Manifesto by @helenwellsart, which Melanie introduced to us early on. Its principles became a guiding light in my process and eventually found their way into my final journal pages.

    Learning New Perspectives

    One of the most powerful parts of the experience was witnessing how differently each student approached the same materials. Some pages were bold and expressive, others soft and meditative. It was a beautiful reminder that creativity is deeply personal—and that stepping outside our comfort zones is where growth happens.

    Being a student again, especially in such a supportive and experimental environment, was incredibly recharging. It reminded me how essential it is to keep learning—not just to teach or produce, but to wander, to play, and to stay curious.

    A Creative Recharge

    Spending a week making art felt like an act of radical self-care. In a world that often prioritizes productivity over presence, giving myself permission to slow down and create without an agenda was transformative. It reaffirmed why I believe so deeply in the power of workshops and creative retreats.

    If you’ve ever dreamed of spending your days surrounded by paint, paper, and possibility, I can’t recommend a week at HSAD enough. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just beginning, there’s something truly magical about dedicating time to your creative voice.

    Ready for Your Own Creative Recharge?

    Are you looking to reignite your creativity? Join me at an upcoming workshop!