Creative Joy
Want more inner joy and peace - the fun and simple way? Make Art without a Brush, do Asemic Calligraphy, Therapeutic Doodling and Zen Style Collages.
Enjoy proven, playful methods that are different from anything else out there.
NO brush, NO talent, NO special supplies required!
Creative Joy is a brand new concept!
It is specifically designed to restore your natural inner joy and peace during these unprecedented times.
You play with short, super simple, unconventional ways of creating.
There is no agenda to make "art".
Yet, without ever trying to make art - you can end up with fabulous art.
Some Client wins
"I thought I was quite relaxed.
But this is taking it to a whole other level."
And you can apply the same principles in everyday life.
I've even tried it when I was in the gym. With zero motivation.
It WORKS!"
Lynn Edmonds
"It's like a magic pill for having joy in an adverse world."
Amanda Meyer
Like for most of us, your nervous system might be rattled to the core.
You might be feeling anxious, lonely, depressed, unmotivated and hovering in functional freeze mode.
Even creating can seem like too much effort.
I know this well from my own journey over many years after debilitating effects from anesthesia, having the outer world go bonkers and working with women individually and in groups.
As a result, I developed specific creative methods that are different from anything else out there.
They are super simple, playful and proven to be highly effective. They
- bypass the inner critic,
- have you feeling calm and happy from inside and
- restore that gentle inner strength that can move mountains.
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Get stunning art - without trying to make art.
Imagine, you are just smudging paint onto a piece of copy paper with a plastic grocery bag for a few minutes.
There is no agenda of making a piece of art.
You are simply playing for the pure joy of it.
No matter how messy it looks, you can always find a beautiful detail in it.
I show you how to take a photo of it and print or have it printed into a stunning artwork. Small, or big (like in the photo).
You were born with natural creative joy in your heart.
Close your eyes and imagine being a child, creating from deep inside of you.
Feel that delicious joy, contentment and awe spreading like sun rays from your heart into your body and mind!
"It's so relaxing and joyful!
This is therapy.
Who would have thought that playing can do this!"
Donna Wilson
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With each SHORT, playful step, you get instant gratifications.
Feel how fun it is when you smudge paint with a jar lid - and within minutes you get results like in this picture.
Would you love to make abstract art - but ...
- you can't paint?
- you don't even want to paint anymore?
- it just takes too long.
- it can get expensive.
Awesome! I am the same way!
So, here you get to play with unusual, everyday items like jar lids, plastic bags, cardboard.
You get intriguing abstract art within minutes - without trying to create art.
No talent required.
No brush required.
Creative play with unconventional materials and methods affects your whole life beautifully:
...you start looking with "new" eyes.
...you experience the awe and wonder of experimenting and creating with curiosity. It heals the heart and opens it up.
...you marvel in the magic of letting your own creativity loose and getting really fun, striking results without trying.
It builds up your confidence and inner strength.
...instead of getting frustrated, you are more inclined to find creative solutions in everyday life.
It boosts your confidence and lights you up.
A simple doodle, done in a recliner with a piece of cardboard on the lap - printed onto a canvas.
When you feel joyful inside...
...life becomes brighter.
You have more fun doing daily tasks.
You create with more joy.
You move with more vigor.
You stand taller.
You feel more balanced and focused.
You have confidence in your abilities.
You are more likely to explore and have fun.
You keep a twinkle in your eyes.
Hoodie and mug printed with images of joyfully smudged papers.
Art created with a bottle cap.
The story behind Creative Joy.
Since you are here, you might relate to this:
during the last 8 years I faced a lot of challenges.
They included excruciating pain, high anxiety and intense panic attacks after unfavorable reactions to anesthesia.
The outer world going bonkers added fuel to the fire.
It also affected me deeply when I saw and see so many others struggling with anxiety, depression, loneliness and overwhelm.
So, I was determined to find SIMPLE, EFFECTIVE ways to build a foundation of inner joy and calm that is sustainable even during pain, anxiety and adversity.
I researched a lot, took creative courses, observed the highs and lows of other creatives in groups and identified what causes frustrations, feeling "not good enough", and the so-called "ugly middle" in creating.
In the process I discovered and rectified two crucial things:
1.) When you are in pain - physically, emotionally or mentally - "normal" creating can often get you even more agitated, anxious and frazzled.
You need totally simple ways of creating that bypass and neutralize the inner critic.
2.) There are 3 pitfalls that prevent creating - and living - with sustainable joy.
As a result I came up with my proprietary GOLDEN KEY method that makes those culprits jobless.
I experimented with all kinds of ways of creating.
Ultimately it was
-doodling in short, certain ways,
- coming up with the asemic calligraphy and
- smudging and smearing paints in certain ways, and
-using the Golden Key while creating and in everyday situations,
that established a base of inner peace and joy that can be sustained even during challenging times.
Neither my clients nor I have seen anything like it in other courses.
Client Win
"It worked when I was completely at loose ends."
"It was because you absolutely embody what you teach!... Your voice and your face exude joy!...
Your calmness and joy is the best example of taking responsibility for one’s state of mind in spite of adversity.
I am so grateful!"
Christine
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You'd love to create - BUT creating can
- make you feel tense?
- get you frustrated?
- make you feel like you are no good at it?
It happens to everyone!
But I discovered:
The "GOLDEN KEY" is in HOW you create.
Having that key makes a significant difference in the benefits you get from creating.
It can prevent you from getting frustrated and tense.
Instead, it allows you to create - and LIVE - with sustainable joy.
Special Treat:
Feel deeply soothed with my Signature Asemic Calligraphy©.
Clients call this "therapeutic" - "instant joy" - "so calming" - "so much fun".....
Let your hand glide over a paper, scribble with a Sharpie or pen, fill in some spaces.
It's exquisitely relaxing while setting your inner joy free effortlessly.
Frame it as wall art, use it as fodder for collages, journal covers, art books, cards...and more.
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Take a look inside the Course
This program is a beautiful virtual retreat over a 6 week period with recorded online modules and 7 live Zoom sessions.
Whether you are an advanced creative, are starting out or think you are not creative (a myth), I guide you with fresh, new methods to create for the joy of creating.
That's where YOUR magic happens.
It can magnificently affect your well-being on all levels - emotional, mental and physical.
Simple Supplies
You most likely have all of these items.
The paints are available at most craft stores - and online.
They can be substituted with whatever paints you already have.
When you use less materials for multiple results, it stimulates the creative center of the brain - and boosts your confidence and joy.
You can easily put some supplies into a little pouch and create on the go.
Doodling is fabulously calming in a dentist's or doctor's waiting room.
Classic Black and White
Remember the doodling you did as a kid?
It is still one of the fastest ways to calm down and feel joyful. Especially if you use the Golden Key from this Course.
I show you elegant and playful doodling, asemic calligraphy and more. You get PDFs to support your explorations.
It's fun to turn some into intriguing Zen style art collages that make you proud.
You can do this ANYTIME and ANYWHERE.
Even with your kids and grandkids.
Uplifting Colors
A little fooling is a good thing sometimes.
You'll create art and collage fodder that looks like abstract painting. But it's done without a brush!
When you use materials and methods that are unusual, it can greatly expand your ability to come up with creative solutions for challenges in your daily life.
At the same time, it's also a fun, gratifying way to make practical things like greeting cards, journal covers, collages. You can even have them printed onto pillow cases, clothes and more.
Priti is deciding which part of her first doodle to frame.
Sandy framed her very first doodle immediately.
Her husband loved it as his Father's Day gift.
BONUS
Turn joyfully smudged papers into Art Wear, Home Decor and more.
With just a few simple clicks of your computer mouse, you can have your painted papers turned into pillows, journals, tote bags, wall art, mugs, clothes and a bunch more things.
I show you how you can do this - and where to get it printed.
Would you have guessed this is paint smudged with a bottle cap? Within minutes.
"Seriously?!
I can smudge paint and switch into being calm and happy? "
YES!
That's exactly what children do!
I know, it sounds crazy good - and it really is!
No talent required!
No special space required.
You can even create sitting in your recliner with a piece of cardboard on your lap. Like I do.
No fancy supplies.
Just (copy) paper, scissors, pen, Sharpie, 3-5 small craft store paints and a few things you usually throw in the trash:
bottle and jar caps, an old credit card or stiff lid from a food box.
What Clients say
"...this is therapy..."
"I was really sceptic.
I mean, doodling, it's child's play. Right?!
But this is therapy!
I feel so joyful after just 15 minutes.
I am going to do this with my mother."
Jamie, who described herself as a worn out caretaker of her 93 year old mother
"It's very relaxing!"
I’ve been doodling at night before bed and it is very relaxing … an added bonus - when I’m mindfully doodling, I’m NOT mindlessly eating junk food!
Chris Carlson
"There's real substance..."
"Monika, you have the happiest voice I think I’ve ever heard! Just finished watching the first set of modules!
I can’t believe you’re making so much wonderful (and joyful!) information available!
There’s real substance!
Thank you so much 🙏🙏🙏❤️ !"
Chris Carlson
"...ignited the child like creativity..."
Monika's decades of passion and love for the art and creativity really ignited the childlike delights within each of her attendees.*
Our creative juice flew under her inspiration...
It is very heartfelt and relaxing.
Sandy Shum
*Parts of this course are delivered in Zoom sessions.
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Do you think you are not creative?
That's a devastating myth!
We were all born creative!
Just watch kids play.
We'll bust that myth.
And you can create happily ever after.
Relax with shirts that you can have printed with your doodles and smudged designs that you create within minutes - like these.
It's utter pleasure!
Don't have time for creating?
Ohhh - "no time" has been one of my "favorite reasons" to say NO too many times to things that would BRING ME JOY.
"No time" - it sounds so logical!
Except - it doesn't hold up.
All I have to do is look at the time spent scrolling on social media.
And - BAM! That excuse is totally out.
Or: what about watching Netflix? Shows?
Sitting around lost worrying for hours at a time?
Can you relate?
I invite you to choose CREATIVE JOY.
Join this beautiful journey into feeling calm and happy.
And getting beautiful things that you can SEE and TOUCH and even WEAR.
P.S.: one of the coveted benefits of creating is, that you actually can get all other work done faster and more efficiently.
Which leaves you with more time to do the things you love.
Including Creating.
Meet Monika Astara, your guide on this fabulous journey.
"You have no creative bone in your body!
God must have been asleep when He created you!"
That's what my art teacher told me for 6 years.
You most likely have your own version of this in your life.
It might also have hampered your creativity for a while - like it did for me. So I became a teacher first.
I was teaching in public schools, community colleges and a prison.
But after 10 years my passion for artful expressions won.
In 1987 I took the plunge - and have been a full time artist and art wear designer ever since.
I've created over 20.000 pieces that have been selling in high-end boutiques, galleries, shows and my own boutique.
Now I offer them online and at trunk shows.
From the very beginning I have always come up with my own playful unconventional methods. They are simple and fun - and get high-end looking results.
My clients say they haven't had this much joy and happiness.
And that they haven't seen the methods anywhere else.
It's my greatest joy to inspire and guide you to create in ways that light you up and boost your confidence.
I look forward to playing with you INSIDE of CREATIVE JOY!
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Want to know more about me, Monika?
How it all began with shaky knees and women turning into girls having fun. Plus professional background and some quirky tidbits.
Let's round up the goodies you've gained by the end of Creative Joy
You have joyful, simple tools that can take you from feeling overwhelmed, depressed or scattered to feeling calm, happy and focused. Often within mere minutes.
This kind of creating can make you more focused and efficient at work and at home.
That frees up precious time that you can use to do the things that you love!
You can use the black and white tools anywhere and anytime. Even while sitting in a meeting or in a waiting room or on a plane.
You have experienced that something as simple as playing on papers absolutely can shift your mood within minutes.
And you know how to do it for yourself now.
You can do this with your kids or grandkids.
Creating together with simple methods provides you with quality time that feels relaxing and rejuvenating for all.
Overall it can greatly increase your well-being and your joy in life and at work.
Your Super Sweet Bonus:
Sometimes you just need an extra boost - without having to "DO" anything!
I show you how and where you can have even your most humble designs turned into gorgeous printed creations that lift you up on those days.
Imagine drinking your coffee out of your own art mug.
Or sitting at your desk or strolling around in your own art shirt.
Or looking at your own art on the walls.
Can you feel how it lights you up?!
How it makes you smile and you relax - just by being reminded of your natural inner joy?!
The T-shirt is printed with a detail photo of a delightfully smudged paper. Imagine wearing your own art!
Hot TIP:
Have your art from the course printed onto products as gifts!
It saves you a bunch of money and time having to search for gifts.
And your recipients get gifts that they will love and treasure!
Check out this selection of doodles and smudged paper photos that got turned into special designs to make you, family and friends happy. I show you how and where to do this.
Imagine - your own Art on the Wall!
Make your friends ooh and ahh! Turn your Asemic Calligraphy, Smudged Abstract Art and Doodle Art into fabulous wall art and pillow covers. For your home, office and for selling.
Let your inner Creative soar!
Join Doodle Magic and Creative Joy - and AMAZE yourself.
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Questions you might have:
How long is this course available?
It's available indefinitely.
When does the Course begin?
TBD - about late July 2025
How do I view the Course?
You can access it from a computer, phone and tablet.
It might be most fun on the computer, where you get clear, big views.
What happens after I signed up?
You get
- an email from Monika@MonikaAstara.com and
- an email confirmation from New Zenler, the platform host.
Please complete your registration.
Make sure you
- mark the page where you access the course,
- save your logins and
- the email you signed up with.
I will send you inspiring emails leading up to the start date.
What if I need help?
Easy-peasy!
Join our private FREE Facebook Club.
Ask your questions there. I will be checking in there at least twice a week.
Or email me!
We also have live Zoom sessions where you can ask your questions.
What supplies do I need?
Nothing special is needed.
You most likely already have everything.
Pen, Sharpie or Posac pen or any acrylic black pen, paper (copy paper), a few acrylic paints - black, white and 2 colors.
It's all easily available at your local craft store or big box store or on Amazon.
The supply list is in your Play station 1 - aka Module 1.
What are the advantages of an online course - versus in person?
In person courses are fun. However, they cost significantly more.
Plus you have to add in costs for travel, meals, accommodations.
It can get pretty expensive.
They last only a few days. Then you are on your own.
You have to rely on memory and a few notes.
With online courses you always have a front row seat.
With a clear view of everything the instructor does.
You can watch the videos over and over. You can stop and go as you need it.
You get awesome PDF downloads.
You can create at any time of the day or night. In any outfit - or even in your birth suit.
Plus you get support in a private Facebook group.
And several live Zoom sessions!
You get the course for indefinite length - and can go back to it anytime you need a boost or want more joy.
AND - you get 30 prompts that you can use daily - for years to come.
The more you play with the awe and curiosity of a child, the happier, the more peaceful and confident you become.
Instead of getting frustrated and rattled in daily life, you can stay balanced and find creative solutions.
"Even thinking about it makes me feel happy."
"Prior to this course, I was someone who didn't really draw.
But your doodling methods were a revelation.
I CAN draw and it is fun!
Even thinking about it makes me feel happy."
Cassandra Martin-Himmons, Master your Stress, Self care coach
