Creative Toolbox

Sketched Hearts: A Closer Look at Each Sticker

These hand drawn heart elements began the way some of my work does sometimes: 1 AM, a rolling cart full of supplies, and no real plan beyond wanting to make marks.

Paula Canning

25 Jan 2026 — 2 min read

These hand drawn heart elements began the way some of my work does sometimes: 1 AM, a rolling cart full of supplies, and no real plan beyond wanting to make marks.

The only constraints I gave myself for this session were the color red and the heart shape. With Valentine’s Day approaching, it felt like the most natural place to land. From there, I let my curiosity take over.

I pulled out whatever was nearby — glitter pens, colored pencils, pens, paint, distress ink, highlighters, watercolor, crayon, alcohol ink, even washi tape — and experimented freely on cheap cardstock.

Some of the hearts were easy to birth, others messy and impulsive. Each one reflects the way a different material wants to move on paper.

After scanning everything in, I realized I wanted to share not just the finished sticker set, but a little of the magic behind it...the textures, the tools, and the small decisions that shaped each piece.

If you’re curious about the kinds of supplies I reach for when I work this way, I keep a running list of favorites and frequently used tools linked here. It’s less a “shopping list” and more a peek into my creative table.

I’ll be using this Sketched Hearts set in my own spreads soon, but first, here’s a closer look at how each heart came to be.

Colored Pencil Hearts

These hearts were built slowly, layer by layer. Colored pencil gives a soft, almost velvety texture, with visible strokes that feel intimate and controlled.

Pen & Line Hearts

Some hearts lean into repetition and rhythm, using pen lines that curve, wobble, and overlap. I wasn’t aiming for symmetry here cause the charm is in the variation. These are great for adding movement and visual interest in collage-style journaling.

Paint & Watercolor Hearts

These hearts came from looser moments. Paint and watercolor do a lot of the decision-making on their own, creating uneven edges, blooms, and textures that can’t really be forced. They’re expressive and a little unpredictable, which makes them especially fun to cut, tear, or layer.

Marker & Highlighter Hearts

Brighter, bolder, and more playful. These hearts came together quickly, often in one sitting, letting the color do most of the work. They bring a pop of energy to a page and pair well with simpler backgrounds.

Mixed Media Hearts

A few hearts combine multiple materials: crayon with pen, paint with pencil, washi layered over marker. These are my favorites in many ways because they feel the most like real experimentation.

Each heart in this set is a small study in material, pressure, and movement.