The Universal Language of Kindness

Plus: Giveaway Winner Announced

As I sit in my studio this weekend, I’m filled with gratitude for the simple yet profound gift of creating tiny moments of joy for others.

Seven years ago, I started making these little tokens of appreciation — never imagining how these modest creative gestures would ripple outward, touching lives in ways I couldn’t have predicted.

I’m grateful for the privilege of using my creativity not just to make art, but to make connections.

Every irregular leaf and wonky heart carries a message: you are seen, you are appreciated, you make a difference.

Amidst the chaotic hustle and bustle of our daily lives, I’m thankful for the opportunity to pause, to notice, to create these small bridges between strangers (because as Glinda says: “Strangers are just people I’ve never met!”).

Each piece carries the hope of brightening someone’s day.

This morning, before watching Wicked (which, by the way, is absolutely spectacular!), my heart swelled watching my 10-year-old daughter hand her handmade token to Moises at the AMC concessions counter. Before he took our order, I asked him how his day was going and what his name meant … we ended up having the most delightful conversation about his name’s biblical origins and how he’s always loved swimming but also how much he enjoys washing dishes … “I guess because Moses and water are deeply connected!”

My daughter personalizing her handmade tokens before handing them out this morning

Then there was Edgar, who thoughtfully brought us an extra tray to help carry our popcorn and fries. My daughter created personalized bookmarks for both of them, and the joy on their faces when they realized someone had noticed them — really noticed them — as people, not just nameless providers at the concession stand ... that's what this is all about.

It’s so simple, really: Ask someone’s name. Make conversation. Share a smile. Add a tiny handmade token of appreciation … and watch how these small moments of connection ripple outward.

If my 10-year-old can do it without hesitation or self-doubt, imagine what all of us could do, one small gesture at a time.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey of spreading joy. Your stories of giving and receiving these small gestures of kindness remind me that we’re building something beautiful together — a kinder, more connected community, one personal interaction at a time.

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Giveaway Winner Announcement

Speaking of creating ripples of joy, there’s a beautiful parallel between the tokens I make for others and my personal art journaling practice. Both involve intuitive mark-making and mixed media, both spring from the heart. The main difference? My art journal pages are purely selfish (in the best possible way!) — a space where I create solely for my own happiness and growth.

This intersection of personal creativity and shared joy is precisely why I’m thrilled to announce the winner of last week’s social media giveaway for One BADASS Art Journal 2025, where I’ll be teaching as a Guest Artist.

Congratulations to Holly Brown! You’ll be joining us for a year of creative exploration and community-building through mixed media art — Tiare will reach out to you directly.

Didn’t win? Don’t worry! You can still join this amazing creative journey. The course is $97 but you can use code BADDIE for a 20% discount. Even better: if you sign up before December 31, 2024, you’ll receive Tiare Smith’s BADASS 2017 lessons FREE as a bonus!

Like those little tokens of appreciation I love to share, this workshop is about more than just art … it’s about nurturing your creative spirit in a warm, supportive community where every artistic expression is celebrated.

While Thanksgiving may have passed, I’m reminded that gratitude is most powerful when it’s not confined to a single holiday … when it flows naturally into small, everyday moments of connection.

Grateful for this life, and for the chance to add more color to our shared human experience along with my mini-me.

.With encouragement and love,

Mansi.