Makings and Musings Podcast

Should you invest in expensive art supplies, or are cheaper materials good enough? In this episode of The Making & Musings Podcast , I explore a question that comes up again and again: do you really need expensive art materials to make good art? I share my honest thoughts on both affordable and high-quality materials, and how each can support your creativity in different ways. We gently explor...

If you have ever wondered which type of paint is best for beginners , or what the difference is between oil, acrylic, watercolour, and gouache , this episode is for you. In this episode of The Making & Musings Podcast , I talk you through the key differences between these four popular types of paint in a simple, calm, and practical way. I share how each one behaves, how it feels to work with,...

In this podcast episode, What I Did to Get Comfortable on Camera, I share how I slowly learned to feel at ease filming myself. I talk about my love for slow social media. The kind that takes a bit more time. For me, that means YouTube and podcasting. I love consuming slower content, and I wanted to create it too. But that meant learning how to be on camera without fear. I share what helped me get...

In this episode, I share how I truly prioritise art in my daily life. Not in a perfect way, but in a real and doable way. I talk about the small choices I make to ensure art stays important, even when life feels busy and full. I explain the simple tricks I use to keep my sketchbook active and how I think about urgency and priority when deciding how to spend my time. I share how this way of thinkin...

The Cleverest Way to Save Big on My Sketchbook Course! 🎨📖 In this episode, I share a brilliant way for you to get the biggest discount ever on my Fill Your First Sketchbook in 30 Days course! By combining the waitlist discount and my creative community membership, you can save £62 —which means you get two months of my community for free while taking the course. It’s a win-win! Join the email wai...

Sketchbook Series – How to Develop Your Own Sketchbook Style Finding your own artistic style can feel overwhelming, but here’s the secret—it happens naturally over time! In this episode, I’ll talk about what "style" really means, why you don’t need to force it, and how your sketchbook is the perfect place to explore and experiment. I’ll also share examples of famous artists whose styles...

Sketchbook Series – The Difference Between a Sketchbook and a Finished Artwork Do you ever feel like every page in your sketchbook needs to be "good"? In this episode, I’m exploring the important difference between a sketchbook and a finished artwork. Your sketchbook isn’t meant to be perfect—it's a space for play, practice, and exploration. I’ll share how great artists have used the...

In this episode of our Sketchbook Series, I delve into the profound mental health benefits of maintaining a sketchbook. Drawing from personal experiences and observations, I share how the simple act of sketching has been a therapeutic outlet for me, aiding in processing emotions and reducing stress. You can find my Sketchbook Course here: https://www.makingsandmusings.com/online-courses/course-fil...

In this episode of the Sketchbook Series , Irene Ruby explores the different types of sketchbooks available and helps you choose the right one for your creative journey. From watercolour sketchbooks to mixed-media options, she shares her personal recommendations and tips on what to look for when picking the perfect sketchbook. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this episode wi...

In this episode, I share practical ways to find inspiration in the world around you. Whether it’s nature, everyday objects, or simple moments, creativity starts with observation. Tune in for tips on cultivating curiosity, turning small details into art, and mindful challenges to spark your imagination. Follow me for more creative inspiration: Instagram: @makingsandmusings Facebook: Makings and Mus...

In this episode, I explore how legendary artists like Leonardo da Vinci, J.M.W. Turner, and Frida Kahlo used their sketchbooks as tools for creativity, experimentation, and self-expression. We dive into their methods, inspirations, and what their sketchbooks reveal about their artistic journeys. Want to see these sketchbooks yourself? Here are links to some incredible resources: Leonardo da Vinci'...

Struggling to find time for your creativity? In this episode of the Makings and Musings podcast, I share practical tips on how to make art part of your daily life—even if you only have 10 minutes a day. Learn why those small moments of creativity can make a big difference and how to build an art habit that sticks. Plus, hear all about my upcoming course, Fill Your First Sketchbook in 30 Days , des...

🎨 Podcast Episode: Adding Colour to Your Sketches 🎨 In this episode of the Sketchbook Series, I share tips and techniques for adding colour to your sketches. From choosing the right tools to experimenting with vibrant hues, this episode is perfect for anyone wanting to bring their sketches to life. Whether you're just starting out or looking to rediscover your creative spark, this episode wi...

This episode focuses on the power of black and white drawing – the foundation of Week 1 of my Fill Your First Sketchbook in 30 Days course, launching in March. Learn how to embrace simplicity and the beauty of ink and pencil drawings while building a daily art practice that can bring calm and clarity to your life. Join me each week as I guide you through fun and easy steps to help you create art e...

How to Start and Enjoy Your Sketchbook Journey Have you ever been stuck staring at a blank page, too afraid to start because you're worried about ruining your sketchbook? I’ve been there too. In this episode, I share my journey from fearing the white page to embracing the joy and freedom of sketchbooking. You’ll learn practical tips to overcome perfectionism, use simple materials, and start cr...

Why Keeping a Sketchbook Will Change Your Art Practice. In this episode, I share why keeping a sketchbook is a game-changer for any artist. Whether you’re just starting out or have been creating for years, a sketchbook is more than just a place to draw—it’s where you can experiment, grow, and build confidence. I’ll talk about how sketching daily can help you break through creative blocks, track yo...

In this episode of the Makings and Musings Podcast, I sit down with Hannah Ashe, an interior designer with a fascinating journey from being a music teacher to launching her own design business. We chat about the twists and turns of career change, the importance of balancing work with personal creativity, and the ways we both embrace creative expression in our lives. Hannah shares how she transitio...

In this episode of the Makings and Musings podcast, I share a personal story from my Solo travels in China over 15 years ago that shaped not only my perspective on life but also my creative journey. Join me as Ireflect on a challenging night spent alone in a foreign city, with no internet, no phone, and only her resilience to rely on. From finding unexpected kindness in strangers to learning the v...

🎨 10 Tips to Start a Creative Practice in 2025 🌟Are you ready to start or refresh your creative journey this year? In this episode, I’m sharing 10 practical tips to help you build a sustainable and fulfilling creative practice. Whether you’re a beginner or returning to art after a break, these tips will inspire you to pick up your tools and get started today! From finding time in a busy schedule...

It was a delight to be invited to talk with Ste Greenall about Makings and Musings on Your Voice on Black Cat Radio. https://blackcatradio.org/members/ste-greenall/We spoke about my Move to the UK, How I started making art and why I started Makings and Musings and how making art is great for our mental health and wellbeing. It was a lovely surprise to do the show live in the studio too! If you are...

Welcome to another episode of the Makings and Musings Podcast! Today, I am thrilled to have a chat with the talented Karen Abend. Karen is not only an amazing artist but also the founder of Sketchbook Revival. She has a passion for creativity and loves helping others discover their artistic side. In this episode, Karen shares her journey, insights, and the joy of keeping a sketchbook. Whether you...

Hello everyone, my name is Irene, welcome to the Makings and Musings podcast. I’m a full-time artist and illustrator, and I’m here to help you start and grow your creative practice. In this episode, I want to give you some tips on how to begin drawing and make art a part of your daily life. Many people think you need special talents or expensive supplies to start drawing, but that’s not true. Let’...

Hello, art lovers! Welcome to another episode of our podcast. If you want to learn how to draw, this episode is just for you! Today, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the incredibly talented Emily. Emily is an artist with a passion for creativity and a wealth of experience in the world of art. In our chat, we dive into the magic of making art every day, the joys of keeping a sketchbook, and...

Embark on a creative journey with me as I share the wisdom gained from five years of daily drawing. In this podcast, discover the joy of consistent artistic expression, valuable insights into the world of art, and practical tips for maintaining a daily drawing habit. Join me on this artistic adventure and unlock the secrets to enhancing your creativity. What I learned from drawing every day for fi...

Hi my lovely Creatives, My podcast guest for todays episode is the lovely Helen Ridley. Helen is a live event illustrator who specialised at wedding illustrations. She tells me all about her journey and how she build her illustration business. Helen teaches in watercolour workshops and she is organising her first art retreat in September. Website: https://www.helenridley.com/Instagram: https://www...