Inside My Summer Mixed Media Workshop

Something magical happens when you gather creative women, a table full of supplies, and a forest full of birdsong.

Last month, I hosted my outdoor summer mixed media workshop- and let me tell you, it was pure creative bliss. Picture this: morning sun peeking through the trees, teal water cups glistening in the light, and the sound of laughter floating through the forest as we layered paint, collage, and bold marks onto our own 5x5 canvases.

And yes… I even hired a photographer to capture the magic (a big step for me!).

A Table Full of Color, Connection & Courage

Five amazing women joined me around the table that day, and what we created together was so much more than just art. It was a space to play. To try something new. To quiet the inner critic and just make stuff.

One woman had only tried mixed media once before and hated her first piece so much she never went back to it. Most of the others had never done this style of art at all. And yet, by the end of the workshop, each person walked away with a completely unique canvas bursting with color, texture, and self-expression.

That’s what I love about mixed media, it doesn’t require fancy skills or years of experience. It just asks you to show up bravely, get a little messy, and follow what feels fun.

A beautifully styled outdoor table setup for a Creatively Misty mixed media workshop, featuring mini easels with blank wood panels, vibrant water glasses, floral paint palettes, and art supplies thoughtfully arranged on a white tablecloth with a hot pink runner. This image captures the joyful anticipation of a hands-on creative experience—inviting women to slow down, explore bold self-expression, and connect through art in a colorful, nature-filled setting.

Why this workshop meant so much to me

Hosting this summer’s workshop wasn’t just another event on my calendar- it was a full-circle moment.

The very first time I ever taught a class was back in 2013 at Michaels Arts & Crafts. It was a beginner scrapbooking workshop, and I was so nervous. I remember second-guessing every supply, wondering if I was “qualified” to teach, and hoping no one would ask a question I didn’t know the answer to.

Fast forward a couple years—after my divorce in 2015, I picked up mixed media as a way to heal, experiment, and reconnect with myself. It was messy, intuitive, and completely different from what I had done before. For the first time, I wasn’t just teaching technique, I was showing up as me.

That shift cracked something open. I realized I wasn’t just leading art projects. I was creating brave, inspired spaces where women could explore, express, and rekindle their creative spark.

This summer’s workshop felt like a continuation of that journey. Not only did I teach one of my favorite styles of art, but I also did something I’ve never done before—I hired a photographer to capture the joy and connection. That might seem small, but to me, it was a way of saying: this work matters. This moment matters.

And now, I get to share that joy with others.
To remind you (and myself!) that art isn’t about impressing anyone.
It’s about reclaiming your creative voice—and having a dang good time doing it.

Misty of Creatively Misty leading an outdoor mixed media art workshop, smiling warmly as she guides students through playful layering techniques. Surrounded by women joyfully creating under the forest canopy, the table is filled with colorful supplies, blooming flowers, and vibrant energy. This moment captures Misty's mission in action—inviting women to step into creative courage, explore bold self-expression, and reconnect with their artistic voice in a supportive, joy-filled space.

What we created

Each participant made a one-of-a-kind 5x5 canvas using my favorite mixed media techniques—layered papers, mark-making tools, juicy paints, and a whole lot of curiosity.

Some pieces were soft and floral. Others were bold and textured. Every single one was beautiful.

No two canvases looked alike, and that’s exactly the point. Because your art should never look like anyone else’s—it should look like you.

Why this kind of experience matters for women like us

You’re constantly doing, giving, caretaking, planning. And somewhere along the way, your creative spark started to flicker.

Workshops like this aren’t just about making art—they’re about returning to YOU and your creativity.

They’re about sitting in a circle of supportive women, surrounded by color and nature, and saying:
“I deserve this.”
Time to play. Time to breathe. Time to create something just because it feels good.

Three women painting side-by-side at a Creatively Misty mixed media workshop, surrounded by vibrant supplies, sunshine, and forest greenery. With brushes in hand and focused expressions, they explore creative layering on mini art panels—capturing the spirit of bold self-expression, joyful experimentation, and connection that defines Misty's art gatherings. A peek into the kind of fearless fun and artistic courage you can expect when you say yes to your own creative spark.

Want to join the next one?

Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned creative who needs a spark, my online workshops are a judgment-free zone for messy layers, creative courage, and bold self-expression.

I’ll guide you step-by-step through techniques that help you let go of perfection, trust your instincts, and make something that’s so you.

Click here to join the next online workshop — let’s make something beautiful together.

Misty of Creatively Misty standing with a group of women in a lush forest setting, each proudly holding up their vibrant 5x5 mixed media art pieces after completing an outdoor art workshop. Surrounded by trees, laughter, and layered creativity, this joyful scene captures Misty's mission to spark bold self-expression, creative courage, and community through fearless mixed media play. A celebration of color, connection, and the magic that happens when women say yes to their artistic voices in the wild.

Hi, I’m Misty

Mixed media artist, creative guide, and passionate believer in the power of fearless self-expression. After years of playing small and settling for a life that didn’t feel like mine, I chose to rewrite my story through art — and I’ve never looked back.

Now, I help women just like you break free from perfectionism and self-doubt so you can reconnect with your creative voice and boldly explore what lights you up. Whether you’re picking up a paintbrush for the first time or returning to art after years away, my mission is to help you step bravely into your own magic — one joyful, messy layer at a time.

Let’s create a life (and art) you absolutely adore. 💙