Monika Astara Studio
Let your creative spirit soar, boost your confidence and restore your inner calm and joy.
Create Happy Art, Painted Papers, Clothes and Jewelry that light you up and nurture you in everyday life.
"Mindboggling-ly" simple, fun methods - stunning results.
Online courses - Virtual Retreats - In-person Workshops and Events - Private Sessions: In-person and via Zoom - Corporate Virtual Retreats
From joyfully smudged Papers to stunning Artsy Clothes -
experience Simple, New Approaches - and create for the Pure Joy of Creating.
That's where MAGIC happens.
Priti is deciding which part of her first doodle to frame.
Regardless of whether...
...your creativity might have been put on hold, or got stifled by rude comments,
...you are in transition or on a spiritual journey - wanting to feel alive, expand and nurture your spirit,
...you are retired, in midlife, an empty nester - looking for fulfillment, a hobby and more joy,
...you are feeling anxious, lonely, frustrated, or depressed - and are longing for inner calm and joy,
...you are an accomplished artist who loves to do "different" - or forgot how to create for the joy of it and want it back,
I got you covered - with the most fun and simple ways for creating.
What clients say:
"I am in my studio again, having fun!
Monika's methods are so much more fun and a lot faster than the dyeing procedures I am used to.
The videos are short and to the point.
And you get instant gratifications."
Linda Thompson
"Monika, what you are offering is something so special. I haven't seen anything like it.
I must say I quite enjoy the freedom to splash paint freely.
It took me out of my comfort zone.
It is quite liberating."
Lindsay Cash
"I thought I was quite relaxed.
But this is taking it to a whole other level."
And you can apply the principles in everyday life.
I've even tried it in the gym.
With zero motivation.
It WORKS."
Lynn Edmonds
We've all had enough seriousness and challenges.
It's time to PLAY to get your juice for life and youself back.
Picture yourself creating...
...happy Artful Clothes - with just ONE pattern piece.
...beautiful Jewelry for your soul.
...uplifting Abstract Art without a brush.
...fun and striking unconventional Papers.
...soothing Zen style Collages and Mixed Media.
"It's so SIMPLE! It's brilliant."
Priti Bhardwaj
Marilyn in her necklace to support her in her transition.
There are no mistakes.
And you get instant gratifications at every SHORT step.
NO talent, NO brush required.
Start SIMPLE. Start FREE.
Rock your leggings - make this fabulous Drama Vest to jazz them up.
It's just a rectangle with 2 holes.
No seams.
Banish doldrums - uplift your mood and boost your confidence with a variety of FREEbies
Discover the joy of letting loose and seeing immediate exciting results.
Hi there, I am Monika Astara, your guide on restorative creative journeys.
So many of us were hindered and shut down creatively when we were young.
We internalized critical voices, rude comments and being laughed at.
Even if we are creative professionals, those old voices and memories can still roar in our heads..
My art teacher had told me for 6 years:
"You don't have a creative bone in your body. God must have been asleep when He created you."
Yet, I have been a successful full time artist and designer since 1987.
I am here to inspire and guide you to create and live freely and joyfully from your heart.
Over the last 38 years I have made over 23 000 pieces of gorgeous clothing and jewelry that sold in high-end wearable art boutiques, galleries, my own boutique, and now sell online, at select shows and galleries and in my Studio.
From the very beginning I've always come up with my own simple, fun methods and patterns.
So - if anyone ever told you that you are not creative! AWESOME!
That means you are beyond traditional rules.
You have the freedom to discover methods that are unique to you.
And you have more fun with it. Just like I do.
Come join me and create for the pure joy of it - and watch your creative magic unfold.
In your art and in your life.
Pick a course, Zoom session, in-person class or event... and let your inner creative dance with joy.
Ways we can create together:
Hand Painted Art Tops, Happiness and Joy
Signature Program - online
Make and wear fabulous, flattering tops that light you up.
They have only one pattern piece and two seams.
It's so easy - you can make them in your sleep.
Splash, squirt and roll paint freely - get stunning designs you don't see anywhere else.
Even if you've never created before!
"It is quite liberating!" Lindsay Cash
Doodle Magic - Virtual Retreat
Upcoming, transformational Retreat.
In a world that has our nervous systems rattled to the core, this virtual retreat is about cultivating and restoring your inner calm and joy with the most SIMPLE, soothing, playful, joyful ways to create on paper.
NO brush, NO talent, NO special supplies required.
Online with live Zoom and private Facebook Community.
"It's like a magic pill for having joy in an adverse world." Amanda Meyer
All 7 Ways we can Create Together - online and in-person
- Online Courses - fee and free
- Private Studio Days
- Private Zoom Sessions
- Corporate Sessions and Retreats
- Classes at the Studio
- Virtual Classes
- Printable Downloads
"I haven't had joy or happiness in many years.
Your course if giving me so much joy and happiness!"
Dale H.
JOIN the FREE Creative Freedom emails.
- Relax and smile with real life (messy) studio creative play.
- "Creative quickies" for you to jazz up your mood, wardrobe and art.
- Updates and uplifting stories.
Look forward to it once or twice a month.
"It's like getting joy delivered to your inbox."
Donna Wilson
You don't have to feel lonely in your creativity.
Be part of a community and be supported.
Join the...
FREE Creative Freedom and Joy Club.
Shop for finished Happy Art, Clothes and Jewelry.
Swinging into Light
A Story of Transformation and Gratitude
Sit back and relax with the blog.
Bruised and Beautiful
Follow your passion - and help shows up when you need it.
Let's bust the myth of "not being creative".
Art as Therapy
