PLOT TWIST & NEW OBSESSIONS
When Your Brain Takes the Wheel: Progress Report #2
Remember how I had a plan? Yeah, about that.
I haven't made any more salt dough ornaments since Monday. Between coaching sessions, 2 books I’m bouncing between writing, meetings, and updating the Etsy store, I just haven't had the time. And honestly? I'm not even mad about it because something way more exciting happened.
I got distracted. Gloriously, productively distracted.
Here's how it went down: I was waiting for Frosty the Snowman (henceforth MoFro) to dry. I looked over and saw my fabric scraps. Then I saw my alcohol ink markers. Then the Mod Podge. And my brain just... exploded with possibilities.
So, I made these instead.
Meet the Fabric Scrap Ornaments (Version 2.0)
These are not what I originally planned.
They're brighter, bolder, more chaotic than the muted vintage aesthetic I talked about in my first post. And I love them so much I could tinkle.
This one is just the ink with minimal blending. I used iridescent white acrylic for the snow and then mod podged the whole thing. Mod Podge is a must since the alcohol ink will continue to evaporate and lose its color over time.
This one was incredibly difficult to photograph, probably because I used glossy Mod Podge, but whatever. Heart it.
I had a general idea for a forest scene. I just blobbed on three sections of different blue grays then went heavy on the blending. The sun peeking through was a last-minute addition. After it dried, I doodled in the trees with a Staedtler pigment liner (1.2) then sealed it. I’ll probably add some of the iridescent white to the tips of the trees and then maybe a gold border. Not sure yet.
I'm still figuring out the best technique for these—there's a learning curve with layering fabric, ink, and Mod Podge. But that's the whole point of this series, right? Figuring it out in real time, mess and all.
When I'm done experimenting, these are (probably, maybe, who knows?) going to have beadwork, embroidery, paint, glitter, doodling—all the things. And I'll definitely do a tutorial at some point when I nail down the best technique(s). But for now, I'm just riding this creative wave and seeing where it takes me.
The best part? These have given me SO many ideas for new handmade items to add to the Etsy store. Bright, bold, unapologetically maximalist ornaments and decorations. This is what happens when you let yourself follow the tangent instead of forcing the plan.
Can we talk about this snowman for a second? Because I am IN LOVE with him.
I went with a felt hat (because of course I did—it's on brand). His nose is a single bead. And his scarf? A piece of natural muslin colored with alcohol ink. He's imperfect, he's handmade, he's got personality for days.
MoFro is proof that sometimes the simplest projects turn out to be your favorites.
The Wooden Ring Ornaments
I also finished two wooden ring ornaments this week. Wrapped in fabric scraps with other doodads. I like them. They're understated compared to the chaos I just created with the fabric scrap ornaments, but they fit the original aesthetic and they're done. Two down, several more to go.
What I've Learned This Week
This is my signature style, and I'm leaning into it: I get distracted. I follow the shiny thing. I pivot mid-project because something else sparks my brain.
And you know what? That's fine. That's how I work. That's how a lot of neurodivergent creators work. The plan is a guideline, not a prison sentence.
I thought I'd have more salt dough ornaments by now. I thought I'd be deeper into the embroidery. Instead, I have MoFro, two wooden ring ornaments, and a whole new obsession with alcohol ink on fabric that's going to take over my life for the next few days.
Quite frankly, this feels more authentic to how I actually create than sticking rigidly to a plan ever would.
What's Next
Between now and Monday, I'm going to keep experimenting with these fabric scrap ornaments. I want to figure out the best layering technique so they're bold but not overwhelming. I'll probably make a few more wooden ring ornaments too.
And if I get sidetracked again? Well, you'll be the first to know.
See you Monday with whatever chaos emerges next.
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About the Author
Gal is an autistic artist, late-diagnosed at 49, and the creator of AuRTistic Expressions—a space where neurodivergent truth meets creative survival. Through books, blog posts, printables, and coaching, Gal explores what it means to unmask safely, communicate authentically, and make art that doesn’t ask for permission. Stick around—there’s plenty more where this came from.
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