Between Paper and Metal: The Creative Process Unfolds
Aloha!
This week, I’m excited to share a behind-the-scenes look at my creative workflow! Last week, I talked about where I draw inspiration from here in Hawaii. Some travelers arrive with just one suitcase and leave with two or three, while others can be seen moving between hotels with their luggage in tow. Suitcases are such a small detail, yet they became part of the inspiration for my World Traveler planner sticker kit.
Finding Inspiration
When I’m not drawing, I love exploring artwork that captures a feeling or tells a story — usually something soft and dreamy, like watercolor or pastel pieces. I believe we’re all connected in this world, and I try to lift each other up. Whenever possible, I showcase other artists’ work in my designs. For example, if I use a piece from the lovely Heat Digital Club on Etsy, I always link their shop in my item descriptions.
Bringing Art to Life
Once I gather the images and artwork I want to use in a kit, I ask myself: how can I best use these elements to tell a story? I try to capture the feeling of travel — the excitement, the memories, the little details. Even something as small as a passport stamp can tell a story, a visual diary of where someone’s been. You can glimpse a traveler’s interests — music, culture, food — and each experience becomes a mosaic of their life.
That’s the feeling I aim to capture in my planner sticker kits. From luggage stickers and passport icons to decorative touches, every piece tells a story. Some kits require a little extra creativity — for instance, adding miniature suitcases where others might use circles in checkboxes. Arranging everything in Photoshop to fit the small space of a store image can be tricky. It takes patience to balance everything at a glance, but when it all comes together, it’s pure happiness.
A New Creative Journey: Jewelry
Adding earrings to my store has been a different but equally rewarding creative journey. Sometimes, inspiration comes from the simplest things — like taking my puppy for a walk and spotting a single feather on the ground. That feather inspired a pair of handmade earrings symbolizing freedom, gentleness, and a connection to my Cherokee heritage. That small moment drives me to start crafting the next piece, hoping it evokes the same joy and sense of wonder.
I’m also working on capturing videos of my earrings so customers can see how they move and shine when worn. It’s a new skill for me, and I’m learning that habits and mastery don’t happen overnight!
Sharing Everyday Inspiration
Creating both planner stickers and handmade jewelry allows me to share bits of inspiration from everyday life — from feathers on a path to travelers passing through paradise. Every item tells a story, and I’m so grateful to share those stories with you.
I hope you enjoyed this little glimpse into my creative process! 🌿
Mahalo,
Kate