Intro
Greetings, gang!
Thanks for cracking open this April edition of the Stef Makes newsletter! As always, I appreciate your time as you read about some of my artsy endeavors and the occasional life update.
IRL, this past month we took a trip to DC (it's right there, after all) to visit the sensory overload that is the O Museum and hunt for its secret doors. (We found 18 out of 80-some.) I can't take a photo that would do this place justice—it's visual chaos wherever you look, and you have to go. We intend to bring all our future guests there, so feel free to visit!
Just a tiny tidbit of what you might see in this place
Oh yeah, and we expanded our family: After saying goodbye to our beloved Max nearly three and a half years ago, we have a dog in the house again! His name is Mac, although we call him Mackie, Macarooni, and the Moose (for all the galumpfing around the house he does). We're dealing with some leash reactivity, and he takes exception to other dogs and when the mail carrier comes by to do their job. But he's a good boy; he and Goblin, our kitty, are coexisting peacefully, he is OBSESSED with playing fetch with his orange ball, and overall, he is a goofy gus. We like him!
Mac the Moose!
And as for what's on the art front, well, why don't I tell ya all about it?
Behind the scenes
Homemade earrings
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Recent projects
What's in the cooker and what's on the plate
Here's the rundown of what I've been working on and what I hope to create in the near future:
Started reading The Artist's Way for some creative oomph with the hope of putting it into practice (Join me!)
Elected to abandon certain projects
Completed reviewing the Creative Activities...Program books (that I have access to)
Posted a tutorial about a DIY Barbie outfit that involves a pair of scissors and a single sock
Shared the background behind a dating podcast I previously hosted and a zine that turned into the foundation for my illustrated poetry book
And here's what's forthcoming on the docket:
Submit a poem to the local library's Poetic Musings Poetry Contest. I was going to submit "Book Club," but poems must be unpublished. I will have to use my brain to create something new. (BTW: Here's a video of me wearing leopard print and reading "Book Club" [and proving that the poem's definitely been published]!)
Show the result of my weird DIY doll-themed buttons/pins/badges. I recently busted out my button-making machine to finally do something with the pics from How to Be a Doll Detective (yes, that's the real title of a real book). Even my honey got in on the action and made a few badges!
Goblin loves to roll all over my WIPs
Complete my fill-in-the-date poster calendar. I've started a colorful calendar poster that will feature blank spots for you to add the dates, so you can use it for whatever year you choose. I just need to lay it all out and pick a printer!
Finish my 24-hour sketchbook. Spoiler alert: It's taking a lot longer than 24 hours. But it's an intriguing challenge nonetheless! Deetz coming soon.
Inspiration sources
The creative sparks
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Shop highlight
Vision board bingo cards
Vision Board Bingo Cards premiered in the 2025 Patreon kits and are now available in my shop! Use these cards as a fun way to set intentions and goals and serve as a reminder to treat yourself when you achieve them.
Le fin!
Thank you kindly for reading this newsletter. You've reached the end, but there will be another issue next month, so enjoy yourself in the meantime!
Stef Mates
