In my leisure time, what I enjoy most is making things. Not in a “Pinterest-perfect, look-at-me” way—more like the kind of making that helps me breathe again. If I’ve had a long day, or my brain is buzzing, or I just feel off, I can usually get back to “me” by working on mosaic or watercolor projects.
Mosaics
Mosaics have become my favorite kind of creative reset. There’s something deeply satisfying about working with small, broken pieces and turning them into something that feels intentional. I love the slow pace of it. I love the problem-solving. You’re constantly deciding:
- Does this shape fit?
- Is this color too loud?
- Do I need a smoother edge here?
It’s part puzzle, part patience, and honestly, part therapy. A mosaic won’t let you rush. If you try, it shows. But if you take your time, it rewards you with that moment when the image starts to “click” into place.
Watercolor
Watercolor scratches a different itch. Mosaics are structured and tactile; watercolor is looser and more unpredictable. I like that it forces me to let go a little. You can guide the paint, but you can’t fully control it, and that’s the point.
Some days I paint simple things like abstract shapes. Other days I’ll play with color just to see what happens. It’s the easiest way I know to get out of my head.
Creativity is a Shared Passion
The best part, though, is that this isn’t just a solo hobby I keep tucked away. A lot of the time, my wife and the boys are right there with me.
Spider-Man*, Bonecrusher, and A-Bomb all have their own creative “styles,” and they’re not shy about it. I have let the older two come into our studio and do projects. A-Bomb still isn’t old enough (at 2 years) to experiment in the studio.
Spider-Man and Bonecrusher each also wanted to make a YouTube video for our studio’s YouTube channel. It was a lot of fun making a mosaic video with Spider-Man and a painting/gel printmaking video with Bonecrusher. (I have attached their videos in case you are interested. I’m sure they would get a kick out of having other people watch their work.)
Watercolor days can be messy. We set up paper, rinse cups, brushes, and suddenly the kitchen table looks like an art class exploded. But those are some of my favorite moments. They’ll paint whatever comes to their imagination. I’ll work on my own piece beside them, and we’ll compare as we go. No pressure. Just making.
Sometimes, they help give me advice and ideas. For example, Bonecrusher wanted me to paint a nerdy turtle. It turned out awesome. Who knows…perhaps one day the nerdy turtle will feature in one of his stories.
That’s what I enjoy most in my leisure time: creating something with my hands, and sharing that space with my kids. It’s relaxing, but it’s also meaningful. These projects give me a way to slow down and be present. And if the finished piece turns out great, that’s a bonus. The real win is the time together while it’s happening.
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