Joyful Designs for Mindful Living
Modern digital designs made to celebrate what you love—family, food, sports, books, and joy—crafted for easy customizing, gifting, and creating with heart. Click on the images to go to my Etsy shop.
Why This Mother’s Day PNG Is Trending (and How Etsy + Pinterest Shaped the Design)
Every year, Mother’s Day trends shift just a little—and this year, the shift is clear: shoppers are craving sweet, playful designs that feel modern, emotional, and gift-worthy, without being overdone.
That’s exactly why my Mother’s Day raccoon PNG—featuring a mama raccoon in heart-shaped sunglasses hugging her two little ones blowing bubblegum bubbles—has been resonating so strongly.
But this design didn’t happen by accident.
I Started With Real Etsy Search Behavior
Before opening my design software, I spent time researching what people were actually searching for on Etsy in the weeks leading up to Mother’s Day. A few clear patterns emerged:
“Mother’s Day PNG” and “Mama PNG” searches spike early
Cute animals consistently outperform florals alone
Buyers are gravitating toward fun, wearable art—not overly sentimental quotes
Designs that work on shirts, totes, mugs, and cards convert best
That told me this wasn’t the year for stiff typography or traditional imagery. Shoppers wanted something that felt joyful, lighthearted, and wearable.
Pinterest Confirmed the Emotional Direction
Next, I turned to Pinterest—because Pinterest shows not just what people are buying, but what they’re dreaming about.
Across Mother’s Day boards, I kept seeing:
Soft, beachy color palettes
Heart-shaped sunglasses and playful accessories
Cozy family moments (hugs, connection, togetherness)
Bubblegum, bubbles, and nostalgic details
Illustrations that feel happy and relaxed, not posed
Pinterest moms and grandmas aren’t looking for perfection—they’re looking for emotion. That insight pushed the design toward warmth, humor, and connection instead of formality.
🌊 The Story Behind This Design
This design was inspired by my husband’s guided whitewater rafting trip down the Salmon River in Idaho—a place known for wild rapids, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable adventure. As he came home sharing stories about navigating rough water, trusting the guide, and paddling through unexpected twists, it struck me how similar it sounded to fatherhood.
That connection became “Surviving Fatherhood, One Rapid at a Time.”
Because parenting—like whitewater rafting—is a mix of calm stretches, sudden splashes, teamwork, and holding on when things get rough.
The color palette reflects the river itself: deep blues and foamy whites from rushing water, warm golds from the sun on canyon walls, pine greens from the surrounding forest, and rugged earth tones inspired by river boulders. The vintage, distressed style gives it a timeless, outdoorsy feel that adventure-loving dads will instantly connect with.
This design makes a meaningful and humorous gift for:
Father’s Day
Outdoorsy dads and grandpas
Whitewater & rafting lovers
Husbands who appreciate adventure and sarcasm
It’s a celebration of fatherhood, wilderness, and taking life one rapid at a time.
How Our Hockey Family Inspired These Funny Kitchen Towels
If you’ve ever wondered how a kitchen towel ended up saying something about hockey… welcome to my house.
My husband and one of my sons are serious hockey refs and players, which means our family calendar revolves around rinks, whistles, and “just one more shift.” Hockey brings so much joy (and chaos) into our lives, and somehow the kitchen has become the heart of it all—where stories are told, snacks are inhaled, and laughter is constant.
These 20 funny hockey sayings were inspired by real-life moments in our home—the jokes, the routines, and the love we share for the sport. I wanted to capture that energy in a way that felt cozy, fun, and perfectly at home on a kitchen towel.
Because in a hockey family, even the kitchen speaks hockey—and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way 🏒❤️
It’s a celebration of fatherhood, wilderness, and taking life one rapid at a time
The Inspiration Behind the Humorous Cat Advice Calendar
If you live with a cat, you already know they run the house—and they have opinions about everything.
The idea for my Humorous Cat Advice Calendar came from everyday moments with cats: the dramatic naps, the unsolicited stares, the confidence, and the unshakable belief that they are always right. Cats have a funny way of reminding us to slow down, protect our peace, and never apologize for choosing the coziest spot.
I wanted to turn those small, relatable moments into something practical and joyful—something that would make cat lovers smile each time they check the date. Each month’s “advice” is inspired by the quiet wisdom (and sass) cats deliver daily, often without saying a word.
This calendar is a celebration of cat humor, cozy living, and the little bits of joy pets bring into our lives—one month at a time 🐾
It’s a celebration of fatherhood, wilderness, and taking life one rapid at a time
Recipe for Retirement
Heart warming
Humorous
Hits with bakers, grandparents, people who have recently retired
A celebration of what’s yet to come!
Behind the Design: My 25-Pack Seamless Digital Paper Set
This 25-pack seamless digital paper bundle was such a fun design project to create. I wanted the patterns to feel cohesive, versatile, and easy to mix and match for crafting, scrapbooking, and digital design projects.
One thing I focused on was making it easy to preview the entire collection at once. I designed a clean, organized preview page that shows multiple paper designs together, so shoppers can quickly see the colors, patterns, and overall style without clicking through individual images. It’s one of those small details that makes a big difference when choosing digital paper.
This seamless paper pack was created to be practical, flexible, and visually appealing—perfect for anyone who loves clean design and effortless crafting.
Why I Loved Creating This Funny Kitchen Towel PNG Bundle
This Funny Kitchen Towel PNG Bundle was honestly one of the most fun products I’ve made. I’ve always admired those silly, slightly sarcastic tea towels you find in gift shops—the ones that make you laugh out loud while you’re pretending you’re “just browsing.”
I wanted to capture that same playful kitchen humor and turn it into designs that makers could use at home or for gifts. Coming up with the quotes was my favorite part—short, relatable, and just the right amount of cheeky. The goal was simple: create kitchen designs that feel fun, modern, and joyful, whether they end up on a tea towel, pot holder, or gift.
This bundle is my little nod to those classic gift shop towels—with a fresh, DIY-friendly twist.
The idea for my “Mama Needs More Caffeine” design came from real life—early mornings, full calendars, and that first cup of coffee that makes everything feel possible. As a mom and creator, I wanted to design something that felt relatable, lighthearted, and joyful, not overly serious or cluttered.
I started by sketching out the message and focusing on typography first. Since words are the heart of this design, I chose a super trendy, playful font that’s popular with moms on Etsy and Pinterest—bold enough to stand out on shirts and mugs, but soft enough to feel cozy and approachable. From there, I built the artwork around the message rather than letting the graphics overpower it.
Next, I added a cute bunny illustration and subtle decorative elements to give the design personality and charm. These details were chosen intentionally to appeal to modern moms who love humor, seasonal designs, and giftable graphics. The layout was adjusted carefully so everything feels balanced and easy to read, especially when printed on apparel or sublimation products.
Finally, I exported the design as a high-quality 300 DPI PNG with a transparent background, making it easy to use for t-shirts, mugs, tumblers, magnets, and other handmade items. My goal with every design is to make it simple to use, fun to gift, and instantly smile-worthy.
The Mama Needs More Caffeine PNG is a reminder that it’s okay to laugh at the chaos, pour another cup, and keep going—one sip at a time.
Why I Created This Printable: Meaning, Money, and Experiences
This printable was inspired by a shift in how I’ve been thinking about money, happiness, and what actually brings fulfillment. After attending a personal finance workshop and revisiting ideas from **The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel, one message kept coming up again and again: happiness isn’t about how much you have—it’s about how intentionally you use what you have.
The idea that really stuck with me was the connection between meaning and money. Experiences tend to stay with us far longer than things do, shaping our memories, relationships, and sense of purpose. I wanted a simple, positive reminder of that idea—something you could see every day and let quietly influence your choices.
That’s how this printable came to life. “Happiness comes from meaning. Spend money on experiences.” It’s not about restriction or guilt—it’s about alignment. A reminder to pause, reflect, and choose experiences that support the life you actually want to live.
By combining personal finance insights, behavioral psychology, and a warm visual design, I created this piece to support intentional living—especially for people who love to explore, travel, and invest in moments over material things. It’s meant to be both encouraging and grounding, a small nudge toward a more meaningful relationship with money.
A Vision Board for People Who Love Books (and Quiet Dreams)
I created this Book Lover’s Vision Board Collage Kit because I wanted a way to set intentions that felt less hustle-y and more… well-read. I kept noticing that my goals lived in books—slow mornings, cozy corners, meaningful learning, and time to actually enjoy the stories I love. So I decided to turn that feeling into a vision board.
Using the collage is simple (and honestly kind of magical): print the pages, cut out the quotes, categories, and bookish images, and start arranging what you want your next chapter to look like. Some people make one big board, others create monthly spreads or use it as a book club activity, homeschool project, or reflective gift for retirement.
If you love reading, learning, and intentional living, this kit is for you. It’s not about doing more—it’s about choosing the chapters that matter and making space for them on purpose.
Here’s to a year that feels like your favorite book 🤎📖✨
How I Used Prompting Skills to Create a Kitten PNG and an Animated Valentine Card
For this project, I combined AI prompting, image editing, and animation to create a cute kitten PNG and turn it into a playful, eye-catching Valentine card. My goal was to design something sweet, trendy, and perfect for sharing digitally or using in creative projects.
I started by using an AI image generator and writing detailed prompts to shape the kitten’s style, expression, and overall vibe. By refining keywords—like mood, color palette, pose, and background—I was able to guide the AI toward a design that felt charming, high-quality, and Valentine-ready. Prompting became a creative skill in itself, helping me get closer to the exact look I envisioned.
After generating the image, I edited the kitten PNG to clean up edges, enhance colors, and remove the background for a crisp, transparent finish. This step ensured the image was polished and versatile for cards, social media, printables, and digital designs.
Next, I brought the kitten into an animated Valentine card design, adding motion, text, and festive elements to make the final piece feel lively and shareable. The animation adds personality and emotional impact—perfect for modern digital greetings.
This project shows how powerful AI prompting can be when paired with thoughtful editing and design. By blending technology with creativity, I was able to transform a simple idea into a trendy kitten PNG and a fun, animated Valentine card that’s both adorable and ready to delight. 🐱💌
Why Vision Boards Work (and Why They Make the Perfect Craft Night)
Vision boards are more than a creative trend—they’re a powerful way to clarify goals, spark motivation, and turn ideas into action. By gathering images, words, and quotes that reflect what you want more of in your life, a vision board helps your brain focus on what truly matters. Whether your goals include financial wellness, health, travel, career growth, or mindfulness, seeing them regularly keeps intention top of mind.
One of the best things about vision boards is how fun and accessible they are. Vision board crafting turns goal-setting into a relaxed, social experience—perfect for a cozy night with friends, a family activity, or a solo self-care ritual. All you need are printed pages, scissors, glue, and a little time to dream. Add snacks, music, and conversation, and suddenly personal growth feels less like work and more like play.
I designed my 2026 Vision Board Digital Download for my Etsy shop with this exact experience in mind. I wanted something that worked just as well for a vision board party as it does for quiet reflection. The kit includes 30 thoughtfully designed pages covering themes like money, health, self-care, travel, home, relationships, and personal development—plus 10 unique clip art pages and modern, trend-inspired quotes. Everything is printable, flexible, and easy to mix and match, so each vision board feels personal and meaningful.
Whether you’re setting intentions for the year ahead or hosting a creative craft night, a vision board is a simple, inspiring way to connect, reflect, and move forward with purpose—one image at a time.
Designing a Meaningful 25-Year Retirement Sign
This sign was designed to celebrate something that often goes unspoken—the magnitude of a 25-year career. I wanted to create a keepsake that didn’t just say “congrats,” but actually showed the time, dedication, and commitment behind the milestone.
The idea came from thinking about how powerful numbers can be when we stop and really look at them. By breaking 25 years down into months, weeks, days, hours, and minutes, the achievement becomes tangible. It turns a long career into something you can truly see and feel—and that’s what makes it meaningful.
I designed the sign with a clean, minimalist aesthetic so the numbers could speak for themselves. The goal was timeless and modern, something that works just as well at a retirement party as it does framed in an office or home. Making the sign fully editable was important too—retirement is personal, and the ability to customize names, dates, wording, and fonts allows the design to reflect the individual being honored.
This piece isn’t just decor—it’s a way to honor years of showing up, contributing, and making an impact. Designing it felt intentional and thoughtful, and I love that it gives people a simple yet powerful way to celebrate a career well lived.
Why a Gap Year Journal Matters ✨
A gap year can be one of the most valuable experiences of your life—but only if you take the time to reflect, document, and plan along the way. That’s why I created the Gap Year Planner & Journal, including an editable version, so you can shape it to fit your journey.
This journal helps you stay organized, mindful, and intentional, turning real-life experiences into skills, insights, and stories you can confidently share on college, internship, or job applications. With editable pages, you can customize goals, timelines, reflections, and milestones as your plans evolve.
A gap year isn’t time off—it’s an investment. With a plan, a journal, and the flexibility to make it your own, you don’t just live the journey—you learn from it and carry it forward.
Designing Bookish Valentine Seamless Paper with AI
I’ve been loving the process of designing seamless paper lately—especially patterns that blend bookish charm with cozy Valentine’s Day vibes. This collection started with a simple vision: books, hearts, warm colors, and a soft, on-trend aesthetic readers gravitate toward.
I used an AI image generator to quickly explore motifs, layouts, and styles, treating it like a digital sketchbook. Along the way, I also researched what seamless paper sizes people tend to search for and use most. I experimented with different dimensions, tested how the patterns repeated, and ultimately chose the size that’s most versatile and user-friendly.
Once the size was set, I refined everything in Canva—adjusting colors, spacing, and details and carefully checking that the pattern tiled smoothly. This is where the design really came together.
These bookish Valentine seamless papers are perfect for digital scrapbooking, planners, stationery, gift wrap, journaling, POD designs, packaging, and more. AI helped me move faster, but the final patterns reflect thoughtful edits, research, and creative intention—resulting in cozy, trendy designs made to actually be used. 📚💘
Designing a Bookish Flamingo Valentine (Inspired by My Mom)
This flamingo Valentine started as a personal project inspired by my mom—she loves flamingos and books, so blending the two felt like the perfect creative challenge. I wanted the design to feel joyful, cozy, and a little whimsical, with strong bookish Valentine vibes.
I began by researching trending Valentine products and styles, paying close attention to what’s popular right now: cute animals, soft color palettes, book-themed designs, and animated digital cards. Using those insights, I wrote detailed AI prompts to generate a flamingo illustration that felt playful yet polished and paired naturally with reading-themed elements.
Once I had the base image, I edited and refined it using design tools to adjust colors, clean details, and enhance the overall warmth of the design. From there, I experimented with different animation options—testing subtle movement, timing, and text effects to see what brought the design to life without overwhelming it.
The process felt genuinely delightful. Combining thoughtful prompting, trend research, and creative experimentation allowed me to turn a heartfelt idea into something modern and shareable. I’m truly excited about how this flamingo Valentine turned out—it feels meaningful, on-trend, and full of personality, just like the inspiration behind it. 🦩📚💘
Why I Created the Hockey Mom Nutrition Facts Design 💙🏒
If you’re a hockey mom, you already know—this life is equal parts love, chaos, caffeine, and cold rinks. Early mornings, packed gear bags, endless schedules, and cheering your heart out from the stands… it’s a lot. And honestly? It deserves to be celebrated.
I created the Hockey Mom Nutrition Facts design because I wanted something that felt true. Something funny, heartfelt, and instantly recognizable to anyone who’s lived rink-side life. Inspired by the classic nutrition label, this design breaks down what really fuels a hockey mom—patience, resilience, humor, and unconditional support (with a heavy dose of coffee).
One of my favorite things about this design is how creative you can get with it. It works beautifully on shirts, hoodies, tumblers, mugs, stickers, tote bags, signs, and wall art. I’ve seen it used as team banquet gifts, end-of-season surprises, Mother’s Day presents, and even as fun décor in hockey homes and locker rooms.
For me, it’s also about giving meaningful gifts—the kind that make someone laugh, feel seen, and say, “Yep, that’s me.” This design isn’t just cute; it tells a story. It honors the effort, the love, and the behind-the-scenes work that hockey moms pour into their families every single day.
If you’re looking for a gift that’s personal, creative, and full of heart—or you want to make something special for yourself—this one was made by a hockey mom, for hockey moms. 💙
Grandma Needs More Books: A Cozy Design Inspired by My Mom
Some designs come from trends—this one came from my heart.
The “Grandma Needs More Books” PNG was inspired (once again) by my mom, who is always on my mind and almost always reading. If there’s a quiet moment, she has a book. If there’s a gift idea, it’s usually something book-related. And if there’s space on a shelf… well, it could probably hold more books.
I wanted to create a design that felt sweet, cozy, and lightly humorous, something that book-loving grandmas (and their families) could instantly relate to. The phrase “Grandma Needs More Books” says exactly what so many of us already know—reading isn’t just a hobby, it’s a comfort, a ritual, and a love language.
This high-quality PNG was designed to be easy to use for shirts, mugs, totes, wall art, and thoughtful gifts. It’s perfect for birthdays, Mother’s Day, Grandparents Day, or just a quiet “thinking of you” moment. The style leans cozy and modern, making it just as at home on Etsy as it is on Pinterest or a handmade gift.
At the end of the day, this design is really about celebrating grandmas, books, and the joy of slowing down—and honoring the women who taught us to love stories in the first place.
Because honestly… grandma probably does need more books.
Powered by Plants 🌱 Why This Design Hits Different
The Powered by Plants design was born out of a love for veggies, plant-based living, and the joy of making healthy choices feel fun—not preachy. With the rise of the cabbage-core trend, I wanted to create something playful, bold, and totally empowering that celebrates food as fuel and personality.
This design reflects strength, care, and confidence—whether you’re fully plant-based, veggie-curious, or just obsessed with farmers-market vibes. It’s perfect for turning into wall art, stickers, mugs, shirts, or gifts that spark conversation and feel good to give (and keep).
At its heart, Powered by Plants is about embracing what nourishes you—your body, your values, and your creativity. Eat the veggies. Feel the power. Have fun with it. 🌿✨
A Love Story Worth Turning Into a Keepsake 💖
Some stories deserve more than a card or a caption—they deserve to be saved, shared, and revisited. I created the Personalized Couple Magazine Template as a creative way to celebrate love through photos, memories, and words that matter.
Designed in a modern, magazine-style layout and fully editable in Canva, this keepsake lets you turn your relationship into something tangible and timeless. From how you met to your favorite moments, inside jokes, and future dreams, it’s a meaningful project you can print, gift, or share digitally.
Whether it’s for an anniversary, Valentine’s Day, or just because, this isn’t just a template—it’s a love story you’ll flip through again and again. ✨
Why a Challenge Can Actually Be Fun 💛
Challenges don’t have to be intense or all-or-nothing. Sometimes, the best challenges are the gentle ones—the kind that invite you to notice small moments, try something kind, and reflect without pressure. That’s exactly why I created 365 Days of Kindness.
This journal isn’t about perfection or keeping up every single day. It’s about building a kindness practice that fits real life—one small, meaningful moment at a time. With simple prompts organized by month, you can use it daily, occasionally, or whenever you need a reminder that kindness (to yourself and others) matters.
Think of it less as a challenge and more as a companion—something that helps you slow down, reconnect, and grow in ways that feel doable, thoughtful, and surprisingly joyful. Small acts really do add up. 🌱✨
Why I Loved Designing These Shabby Chic Journal Pages 🌿
Designing this Shabby Chic Lined Journal Paper was such a joy—it felt like slowing down, noticing small details, and blending beauty with purpose. I wanted these pages to feel inviting, calm, and just structured enough to help thoughts flow without feeling restrictive.
Journaling and list-making are powerful tools. Whether you’re writing letters, brain-dumping ideas, keeping gratitude lists, or capturing everyday moments, putting words on paper helps organize thoughts, reduce stress, and spark creativity. These pages are designed to support that process—gentle lines for guidance, plenty of open space for expression, and botanical details that make the act of writing feel special.
With the added junk journal page, you can mix structure with creativity and truly make your journal your own. It’s a simple reminder that sometimes the most meaningful moments happen when we slow down and write them out. 🌸
What the Wilderkind Aesthetic Means to Me 🌲✨
The Wilderkind aesthetic is all about reconnecting with wonder—nature, imagination, softness, and quiet strength. It blends woodland elements, gentle magic, and childlike curiosity with thoughtful design, creating spaces and products that feel calm, meaningful, and a little bit enchanted.
When designing this product, I chose elements inspired by the Wilderkind feel—organic shapes, natural textures, delicate details, and a sense of storytelling. Every choice was intentional, from the gentle botanical accents to the balance of structure and openness, so the design feels grounding without being rigid.
At its heart, Wilderkind design invites you to slow down, create freely, and stay curious. It’s a reminder that creativity doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful—and that sometimes the most beautiful things are the ones that feel quietly magical. 🌿
A Birthday Gift That’s Truly One of a Kind 🎉✨
This Personalized Birthday Word Art Design was created for moments that deserve more than a card. By customizing a name and meaningful words, each design becomes a reflection of personality, memories, and connection—something truly personal and impossible to replicate.
What I love most about this product is how creative you can be with it. From t-shirts and mugs to posters, cards, and wall art, it transforms simple words into a keepsake that can be used and loved in so many ways. Every version tells a different story.
Whether it’s a milestone birthday or a “just because” celebration, this design turns thoughtful words into a lasting reminder of how special someone truly is.
How Cover to Cover Changed the Way I Read 📖✨
I realized I was rushing through my reading life—starting books without finishing others, forgetting what I’d read, and feeling oddly disorganized about something I loved. My book stacks were growing, but my reflection and enjoyment weren’t.
That’s why I created the Cover to Cover Reading Journal. I wanted something simple and easy to use—a place to track my reading habits, plan what’s next, and pause long enough to reflect on why a book mattered. No pressure. No complicated systems. Just gentle structure that supports the joy of reading.
This journal was designed to fit real life. Use the pages you need, skip the rest, print or go digital—whatever helps you slow down and read with intention again. Because reading should feel nourishing, not rushed—cover to cover. 🌿
How I Made a Gen Z Deer Valentine (with a Little Help from AI)
This Valentine started with a simple idea: I wanted something that felt me—outdoorsy, a little rustic, and not overly sweet. I kept picturing a deer, something bold and grounded, paired with a playful Valentine message that would actually make someone smile.
I began by using an AI image generator to explore different deer illustrations and styles. I treated it like a creative brainstorming partner—tweaking prompts, adjusting the vibe, and seeing what sparked that yes, that’s it feeling. Once I landed on an image that felt right, I brought it into Canva to make it my own.
In Canva, I refined the colors, played with texture, and adjusted the layout so it felt balanced and intentional. I added details like camouflage-inspired elements and typography that matched the rugged, outdoorsy mood I was going for. This part felt a lot like traditional designing—experimenting, editing, and trusting my creative instincts.
What I loved most about the process was how collaborative it felt. AI helped me get unstuck and move faster, but the final design still reflects my taste, my edits, and my story. It’s a reminder that these tools don’t replace creativity—they can support it.
The end result is a Valentine that feels authentic, a little wild, and perfect for someone who’d choose the woods over chocolates any day. 🦌💚
