This month I want to put a little light on Zahra and her shop, BYZAHRAARTZ.

Zahra makes art prints, stickers, and wearable and everyday pieces, the kind of small, made with care things that are meant to bring a little comfort and joy into your day. That's exactly the kind of work I love seeing come out of this community. Objects that make an ordinary Tuesday feel a little softer.

If you haven't seen her stuff yet, go take a look over in the Creative Business Directory space. Give her post some love, and if something catches your eye, let her know it found you here.

This is what I love about this place. We're not just cheering each other on, we're actually showing up for each other's work.

https://community.diyvinci.com/business-directory/post/byzahraartz-QBCfBdOWPw4Yz9U

It’s such a strange, heavy kind of sadness when you want so badly to create, but the logistics of setting up classes, schedules, and everyday life leave your brain too depleted to actually make anything. The ideas are right there waiting, but the bandwidth just isn't.

If you’ve ever had to put your art on pause while life takes over the foreground, how do you handle that quiet ache of unfinished drafts? Sending love to anyone else who’s currently in a "life setup" season instead of a "making" season. 🕯️

There are 135 designs, coloring pages, patterns, games, and creative assets in it, and I priced the whole thing at $10 for the anniversary.

Some of these are old favorites. Some are very specific little creative rabbit holes from years ago. 😂

If you want to peek inside, you can find it here:
diyvinci.com/product-page/diyvinci-10th-anniversary-vault

Start by cleaning the wooden rolling board and removing any dust or grease from its surface.

Apply a generous, even coat of gesso over the wooden board. Make sure the surface is well covered, as the gesso will create a good base for the colours and bronze leaf.

Allow the gesso to dry completely before proceeding.

Step 2: Apply the Bronze Leaf

Once the gesso is dry, begin covering the top surface of the rolling board with bronze leaf.

Carefully place the bronze leaf over the surface and gently press it down so that it adheres properly.

For a rich, luxurious finish, apply two to three layers of bronze leaf. Build up the layers gradually until the surface has good coverage and a beautiful bronze sheen.

Step 3: Paint the Bottom Section

Next, use bronze acrylic colour to paint the bottom section of the rolling board.

Apply the colour evenly and add another coat if needed to achieve a deep and uniform bronze finish.

This creates a lovely contrast between the bronze-leafed top and the painted bronze base.

Step 4: Let It Dry

Now comes the waiting part!

Allow the bronze leaf and acrylic paint to dry completely for approximately one day. Keep the board in a clean, dry place and avoid touching the decorated surface while it is drying.

Once it is completely dry, you can begin the artwork.

Step 5: Painting on the Top

Now transform the bronze surface into a beautiful mountain landscape.

Using metallic pearl white, metallic gold, and acrylic white, paint a series of snow-covered mountains on the top portion of the board or any desired painting.

Begin with the basic mountain shapes using white. Add metallic pearl white to create a soft, luminous snowy effect. Then introduce touches of metallic gold to highlight selected areas and give the mountains a subtle luxurious glow.

Layer the colours to create depth and dimension in the snowy peaks.

Step 6: Add the Final Details

Take a step back and look at your mountain design.

Add more acrylic white to brighten the snow and use pearl white for shimmering highlights. A few delicate touches of metallic gold will bring the whole design together and complement the bronze background beautifully.

There is no need to make the mountains perfectly realistic—the artistic, flowing effect is what gives this piece its charm.

Step 7: Varnish the Finished Piece

Once all the paint has dried completely, protect your artwork with a clear varnish.

Apply the varnish evenly over the finished surface and allow it to dry according to the instructions on the product.

The varnish will help protect the artwork while giving the finished piece a polished look.

Step 8: Your Luxury Stand Is Ready!

And your transformation is complete!

What started as a simple wooden kitchen rolling board has now become an elegant luxurious bronze decorative stand with shimmering snow-covered mountains.

Place it on a console, shelf, side table, or display cabinet and let it become a beautiful statement piece in your home.

✨ A little bronze leaf, some metallic colour, and creativity can turn everyday kitchenware into luxury décor!

Before you begin, make sure the plastic box is clean and completely dry. Wipe away any dust, grease, or dirt so that the paint markers adhere properly.

Step 2: Create a Golden Border

Take your gold permanent paint marker and carefully trace along all the edges of the box.

Create a thin golden frame of approximately ½ centimetre around each edge. Try to keep the width of the border even for a neat and finished look.

Repeat this on all sides of the box.

Step 3: Start the Floral Design

Now comes the fun part!

Using your colourful paint markers, start drawing two or three different varieties of flowers across the middle section of the box.

Arrange the flowers randomly to create a beautiful, free-flowing pattern. You don't need to make every flower identical—the slightly random arrangement gives the box a charming handmade look.

You can use different colours for different flowers to make the design bright and cheerful.

Step 4: Create a Large Flower in the Centre

Pay special attention to the area where the potpourri box has its opening holes.

Create a large, attractive flower in the centre, using the holes as centre of the design. Choose a bright colour that stands out against the other flowers.

You can make the petals simple and bold or add additional colours and details to make the centre flower more eye-catching.

Step 5: Add Golden Dots

Once the flowers are complete, use your golden marker to add small decorative dots in the spaces between the flowers.

Place the dots randomly or in small clusters. These golden accents will fill the empty spaces and add a beautiful, elegant touch to the floral pattern.

Be careful not to overcrowd the design, leave some space between the flowers and golden dots so that the pattern remains balanced.

Step 6: Repeat the Design on All Sides

Continue the same style of decoration on every side of the box.

Add colourful flowers, the larger central flower around the opening-hole area, and golden dots in the spaces between the flowers. You can keep the overall pattern similar on each side while changing the flower colours and shapes slightly.

This will give the entire box a coordinated and attractive appearance.

Step 7: Allow the Paint to Dry

Once you have finished decorating all the sides, place the box on a flat surface and allow the paint to dry completely.

Avoid touching the painted areas while they are drying to prevent smudging or damaging your design.

Step 8: Add Potpourri and Display

Once the paint is completely dry, your beautiful potpourri box is ready!

Fill it with your favourite potpourri and place it on a coffee table, shelf, side table, or any other suitable spot in your home.

The colourful flowers, golden border, and sparkling golden dots will transform a simple plastic box into a beautiful handmade showpiece.

See the pictures of its transformation below: