Close Menu
The Sober CuratorThe Sober Curator
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • ❤️ CONTENT
    • ⭐ BECOME A CONTRIBUTOR
    • CONTRIBUTOR DIRECTORY
    • DEAR READERS✏️
    • MEET THE SOBER CURATOR
    • 📰 PRESS 📺
    • THE SOBEES 🐝
    • CONTACT 📧
  • HAPPY EVERY HOUR
    • NA BEERS AND CIDERS 🍺
    • NON-ALCOHOLIC WINES 🍾
    • NON-ALCOHOLIC SPIRITS 🍸
    • READY TO DRINK 🥤
    • BEHIND THE BAR 🍋‍🟩
    • NA TASTING EVENTS CALENDAR 🗓️
  • HEALTH & WELLNESS
    • BREAK FREE
    • CODEPENDENCY
    • MASTERING MENTAL FITNESS 🧠💪🏼
    • MENTAL HEALTH 🧠
    • RELATIONSHIPS 🤟🏽
    • SOBER NOT SUBTLE
    • SOBER POETRY 🖋️
    • SPEAK OUT! SPEAK LOUD! 🗣️
    • SPIRITUAL SUBSTANCE 🧬
    • WELLNESS AS A WAY OF LIFE
    • YOU’VE BEEN SELECTED
  • LIFESTYLE
    • #ADDTOCART 🛍️
    • ASK MRS. (W)RIGHT ⁉️
    • COMING OUT SOBER 🏳️‍🌈
    • 🏆 CONTENT
    • ✂️CURATED CRAFTS🎨
    • FASHION 👠
    • SHOP 🛒
    • SOBER SPOTLIGHT 🔦
    • SOBER CONTENT CREATION 💻
    • SOBER UNBUZZED FEED
  • ENTERTAINMENT
    • #QUITLIT 📚
    • MOVIE REVIEWS 🍿
    • MUSIC 🎶
    • POPCULTURE
    • RECOVERY PODCASTLAND 🎙️
    • SOBER CURATOR PODCAST 🎧
    • SOBER EVENTS CALENDAR 🗓️
    • SOBER SPORTS
    • TV SHOW REVIEWS 📺
  • TRAVEL & EVENTS
    • SOBER EVENTS CALENDAR 🗓️
    • SOBER RETREATS CALENDAR 🗓️
    • SOBRIETY IN THE CITY
      • SOBER IN MINNEAPOLIS
      • SOBER IN NYC
      • SOBER IN SEATTLE
    • WHAT A TRIP! 🧳
  • SPIRITUAL GANGSTER
    • THE CARD DIVO 🔮
    • CLASSY PROBLEMS
    • SOBERCAST
    • SOBERSCOPES
    • SOBRIETY IN FLOW 🧘🏻‍♀️
    • THIRSTY FOR WONDER
    • SPIRITUAL SUBSTANCE 🧬
    • STOICISM
  • RECOVERY RESOURCES
    • ALCOHOL & SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER RESOURCE GUIDE
    • BREAK FREE FOUNDATION
    • FAMILY RESOURCES
    • GLOSSARY OF ADDICTION AND RECOVERY TERMS
    • LGBTQ+ RECOVERY RESOURCES
    • RECOVERY STORIES
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn TikTok
The Sober CuratorThe Sober Curator
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • ❤️ CONTENT
    • ⭐ BECOME A CONTRIBUTOR
    • CONTRIBUTOR DIRECTORY
    • DEAR READERS✏️
    • MEET THE SOBER CURATOR
    • 📰 PRESS 📺
    • THE SOBEES 🐝
    • CONTACT 📧
  • HAPPY EVERY HOUR
    • NA BEERS AND CIDERS 🍺
    • NON-ALCOHOLIC WINES 🍾
    • NON-ALCOHOLIC SPIRITS 🍸
    • READY TO DRINK 🥤
    • BEHIND THE BAR 🍋‍🟩
    • NA TASTING EVENTS CALENDAR 🗓️
  • HEALTH & WELLNESS
    • BREAK FREE
    • CODEPENDENCY
    • MASTERING MENTAL FITNESS 🧠💪🏼
    • MENTAL HEALTH 🧠
    • RELATIONSHIPS 🤟🏽
    • SOBER NOT SUBTLE
    • SOBER POETRY 🖋️
    • SPEAK OUT! SPEAK LOUD! 🗣️
    • SPIRITUAL SUBSTANCE 🧬
    • WELLNESS AS A WAY OF LIFE
    • YOU’VE BEEN SELECTED
  • LIFESTYLE
    • #ADDTOCART 🛍️
    • ASK MRS. (W)RIGHT ⁉️
    • COMING OUT SOBER 🏳️‍🌈
    • 🏆 CONTENT
    • ✂️CURATED CRAFTS🎨
    • FASHION 👠
    • SHOP 🛒
    • SOBER SPOTLIGHT 🔦
    • SOBER CONTENT CREATION 💻
    • SOBER UNBUZZED FEED
  • ENTERTAINMENT
    • #QUITLIT 📚
    • MOVIE REVIEWS 🍿
    • MUSIC 🎶
    • POPCULTURE
    • RECOVERY PODCASTLAND 🎙️
    • SOBER CURATOR PODCAST 🎧
    • SOBER EVENTS CALENDAR 🗓️
    • SOBER SPORTS
    • TV SHOW REVIEWS 📺
  • TRAVEL & EVENTS
    • SOBER EVENTS CALENDAR 🗓️
    • SOBER RETREATS CALENDAR 🗓️
    • SOBRIETY IN THE CITY
      • SOBER IN MINNEAPOLIS
      • SOBER IN NYC
      • SOBER IN SEATTLE
    • WHAT A TRIP! 🧳
  • SPIRITUAL GANGSTER
    • THE CARD DIVO 🔮
    • CLASSY PROBLEMS
    • SOBERCAST
    • SOBERSCOPES
    • SOBRIETY IN FLOW 🧘🏻‍♀️
    • THIRSTY FOR WONDER
    • SPIRITUAL SUBSTANCE 🧬
    • STOICISM
  • RECOVERY RESOURCES
    • ALCOHOL & SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER RESOURCE GUIDE
    • BREAK FREE FOUNDATION
    • FAMILY RESOURCES
    • GLOSSARY OF ADDICTION AND RECOVERY TERMS
    • LGBTQ+ RECOVERY RESOURCES
    • RECOVERY STORIES
The Sober CuratorThe Sober Curator
Home - Progress, Not Perfection In Art Form – Learning How To Paint During Covid By Sober Curator Ashley Sunderland
CURATED CRAFTS

Progress, Not Perfection In Art Form – Learning How To Paint During Covid By Sober Curator Ashley Sunderland

Ashley SunderlandBy Ashley SunderlandMarch 17, 20224 Mins Read
Curated Crafts Ashley Sunderland
Curated Crafts Ashley Sunderland
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

I am a person in long-term recovery from alcohol addiction. Meditative painting is my new meditation practice that encourages me to be present to the artist within. It gives me the opportunity to activate inspiring energy that releases judgment and boosts my creative confidence. My newfound passion for painting was inspired by video tutorials I found on YouTube last March (2021) when the COVID pandemic prevented me from staying actively connected to my recovery support network.

Painting has become a beneficial mindfulness practice as part of my personal recovery program. Meditative painting is perfect for anyone including artists who want to practice and expand their creative skills, those who might have insecurities about their creativity, and people who seek a meditative practice that is imaginative, playful, and healing.

My Favorite Art Teachers & Tutorials on YouTube

Curated just for you, these are my favorite step-by-step tutorials. Most of the video lessons provide a list of the paint colors & materials needed for each painting.

Joni Young Art

Joni Young is an Acrylic artist and instructor living in Canada who is passionate about painting! She shows you how to paint and inspire with the use of color. Through her videos, you’ll learn the basics of acrylic painting and brush techniques, learn all about color mixing, and how to break down a landscape painting step by step. She provides tips and tricks to share with you! So have fun watching her videos and painting with her. It’s time to unlock your inner artist…🎨

Joni Young Art YouTube

Joni Young Art Patreon


Annet LovART ONE STROKE PAINTING

One stroke is popular and such an easy technique to master. The paintbrush is double or triple loaded with paint and applied to your surface creating simple leaves and shapes.

Annet LovART One Stroke Painting YouTube


The Art Sherpa

Learn to paint with Acrylics Step by Step with The Art Sherpa. There are 600+ free video art lessons for beginners. You CAN paint this. Begin YOUR art Journey today by finding the perfect acrylic painting on canvas to follow along with. With the #1 beginners acrylic painting channel on YouTube, there is something you will be excited to create and can hang on your wall today. They have Big Art Quest lessons that will take you through every beginner step and lessons to get you painting your own masterpieces. Join their art family for Live streaming video lessons on YouTube and Facebook.

Take your art to go with Mobile! Why are these art lessons free? So YOU can save for more art supplies and have fun!

The Art Sherpa YouTube


Goddess in You

Alika Bhatt welcomes you to Explore “The Hidden Goodness in you” through the magic of colors. Follow her in this amazing Art Journey where her main aim lies in motivating beginners and Art lovers to paint.

Goddess in You YouTube


Grace J. Art

Grace J. is a full-time artist and loves to paint Acrylic/Oil/Watercolor. She wishes to share joy and happiness through her paintings. These paintings are not hard to follow. Anyone can make these cute paintings. No special tools or skills are needed!

Grace J. Art YouTube


Donna Dewberry

Welcome to the Donna Dewberry Channel – the home of FolkArt One Stroke painting videos featuring the Creator of the One Stroke Painting technique – Donna Dewberry. This channel is for everyone who ever thought they couldn’t paint or draw a “stick figure”. YOU CAN DO IT! She will teach you everything you need to know to learn how to paint using my technique. One Stroke Painting is Blending, Shading, and Highlighting in One Stroke of the brush. We load multiple colors on a brush and let the brush do the stroke work. You’re Only One Stroke Away From Being an Artist! Be sure to Subscribe to my channel to see the latest of everything she shares.

Donna Dewberry YouTube


My Favorite Art Materials & Supplies

Michaels Craft Store

Be sure to join their free rewards program for $rewards$ vouchers & easy returns without a receipt!

Sign up here:  Michaels Rewards

Coupons are always available for at least 20% off All Regular Price Purchases!

Cut your coupons here: Coupons & Promo Codes | Michaels


Joann Fabrics & Crafts

Coupons are always available up to 50% off One Regular-Priced Item!

Cut your coupons here: https://www.joann.com/coupon/


Turner Acrylic Gouache

Shop HERE on Amazon


Folk Art Acrylic Paints

Best budget-friendly acrylic paints for beginners!

Where To Buy Retailers List: https://plaidonline.com/where-to-buy/online-retailers


Tenmon Makeup Brushes

Budget-friendly makeup brushes that make the best blending & “mop” brushes!

Buy on Amazon here


CURATED CRAFTS: Have A Blooming Fun Time With LEGOS! Check Out This Flower Bouquet Botanical Collection Set For Adults From LEGO

God, grant us the serenity to #ADDTOCART! Sober retail therapy is our favorite kind of workout—mindful, fun, and community-focused. In this section, you’ll discover unique sobriety gifts, premium recovery swag, and must-have merch we can’t stop raving about. We love featuring small businesses founded by people in recovery, sober creators, and brands that champion mental health and the sober lifestyle. From #QUITLIT reads to stylish glassware and meaningful recovery keepsakes, our curated picks make every purchase a celebration of sober living.

Shop our classic Sober Curator merch on SHOPTHESOBERCURATOR.COM for and explore our TSC Amazon Storefront featuring curated lists packed with gifts, books, and sober essentials.

Resources Are Available

If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.

Resources are available

Resources Are Available

If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.

follow the sober curator on facebook

Follow The Sober Curator on Facebook

amazon Annet LovART One Stroke Painting Art materials art supplies art teachers ashley sunderland curated crafts Donna Dewberry folk art acrylic paints Goddess in You Grace J Art joann fabrics & Crafts joann fabrics and crafts Joni Young Art learn on youtube meditation meditative painting michaels craft store painting on youtube tenmon makeup brushes The Art Sherpa
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Tumblr Email
Ashley Sunderland
  • Website
  • Facebook
  • X (Twitter)
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn

Ashley Sunderland is a Twin Cities-based Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Certified Prevention Professional, and Peer Recovery Specialist who brings both professional expertise and personal experience to her work. Through compassionate advocacy and evidence-based education, she empowers clients to achieve lasting transformation on their unique recovery journeys. Ashley is at the forefront of normalizing alcohol-free living and advancing wellness-focused lifestyles through her specialized work in the rapidly growing non-alcoholic beverage industry. As a non-alcoholic beverage consultant, she collaborates with brands and influencers to expand quality options for individuals embracing sobriety or mindful consumption, helping to reshape social drinking culture. As a contributing writer and content creator at The Sober Curator, Ashley provides valuable resources and authentic storytelling that makes zero-proof living vibrant, accessible, and celebrated. Her work demonstrates that an alcohol-free lifestyle is both fulfilling and joyful. Ashley is expanding her therapeutic practice to include holistic healing modalities and is currently pursuing certification in Equine-Assisted Therapy. In partnership with Serenity Farm & Stables in Watertown, Minnesota, she is integrating innovative recovery approaches that harness the transformative power of the human-animal bond, providing clients with unique pathways for healing and personal growth. Connect with Ashley to explore her initiatives in the recovery community, the transformative power of equine therapy, her dedication to the non-alcoholic movement, and her mission to raise the bar on what it means to celebrate, socialize, and thrive sans alcohol!

Related Posts

Monopoly Bedazzle Upcycle Curated Crafts

💎 Rhinestones, Real Estate, and Ridiculous Obsession: My Bedazzled Monopoly Saga 💎

October 6, 2025
This Just In Sober Curator Podcast breaking headlines

This Just In: Top 5 Buzz-Free Headlines, Mary J. Blige, and a Dumpster Raccoon Revival

September 9, 2025
Sobriety Just Do It

Sobriety – Just Do It | Curated Crafts: DIY Bedazzled Nike Shoe Box

September 8, 2025

Comments are closed.

Top AF Sober Travel Companies USA Today
Sober City Mobile App
SOBERSCRIBE AND GET ON THE LIST!
7 events found.
  • Week of October 6
  • Previous week
  • Next week
Notice
No events scheduled for October 6, 2025.
8:00 am
Just F*%#ing Write: Get Words Out of Your Head and Onto the Page Zoom Seminar with Tawny Lara on Saturday, October 11th, 2025
October 7 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm PDT

Just F*%#ing Write: Get Words Out of Your Head and Onto the Page Zoom Seminar with Tawny Lara on Saturday, October 11th, 2025

Tawny Lara Virtual Course
See website
4:00 pm
Trivia Night at 309 Social Club
October 7 @ 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm PDT

Trivia Night at 309 Social Club

BigVision 309 Social Club 309 East 49th Street @ 2nd Ave, New York
Donation
5:00 pm
Sober Night Live! 105.5 The Colorado Sound Presents
October 7 @ 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm PDT

Sober Night Live! 105.5 The Colorado Sound Presents

Roots Music Project 4747 Pearl Suite V3A, Boulder
See website
An Evening with Sober Sisters in STL: Shopping, Sound Bath & Mocktails
October 7 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm PDT

An Evening with Sober Sisters in STL: Shopping, Sound Bath & Mocktails

Goldie's Hair + Wardrobe 2712 Sutton Boulevard, Maplewood
$25.42
+ 1 More
5:00 pm
Zero Proof Cocktail Class With the NA Sommelier
October 8 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm PDT

Zero Proof Cocktail Class With the NA Sommelier

700 Dexter Avenue North #suite 201, Seattle
$85.00
7:00 pm
Drag Bingo (Spooky AF Edition)
October 9 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm PDT

Drag Bingo (Spooky AF Edition)

SOBER AF Bottle Shop Tacoma 5222 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma
See website
11:00 am
STOP THE SHUFFLE SCREENING – Wilmington Deleware International Film Festival
October 10 @ 11:00 am - 12:30 pm PDT

STOP THE SHUFFLE SCREENING – Wilmington Deleware International Film Festival

The Screening Room West
$15.00
Ongoing
MACHU PICCHU | Capsule Adventures
October 11 @ 5:00 am - October 19 @ 2:00 pm PDT

MACHU PICCHU | Capsule Adventures

Cusco, the Salktanay Trail, and Machu Picchu!
See website
7:00 am
Fresh Start: Breathwork with Kyle Harder | Teetotal Initiative Pittsburgh
October 11 @ 7:00 am - 9:00 am PDT

Fresh Start: Breathwork with Kyle Harder | Teetotal Initiative Pittsburgh

Thrive on Health 730 Brookline Blvd, Pittsburgh
Free
11:00 am
Just F*%#ing Write: Get Words Out of Your Head and Onto the Page Zoom Seminar with Tawny Lara on Saturday, October 11th, 2025
October 11 @ 11:00 am - 1:00 pm PDT

Just F*%#ing Write: Get Words Out of Your Head and Onto the Page Zoom Seminar with Tawny Lara on Saturday, October 11th, 2025

Tawny Lara Virtual Course
See website
+ 1 More
Ongoing
MACHU PICCHU | Capsule Adventures
October 11 @ 5:00 am - October 19 @ 2:00 pm PDT

MACHU PICCHU | Capsule Adventures

Cusco, the Salktanay Trail, and Machu Picchu!
See website

Week of Events

Mon 6
Tue 7
Wed 8
Thu 9
Fri 10
Sat 11
Sun 12
October 11 @ 5:00 am - October 19 @ 2:00 pm <span class='timezone'> PDT </span>

MACHU PICCHU | Capsule Adventures

MACHU PICCHU | Capsule Adventures

October 11 @ 5:00 am - October 19 @ 2:00 pm PDT

MACHU PICCHU | Capsule Adventures

MACHU PICCHU | Capsule Adventures Our journey blends the culture and cuisine of Cusco with the legendary Salkantay Trail, culminating at the Incan masterpiece of Machu Picchu. Trek through shifting

See website
October 11 @ 5:00 am - October 19 @ 2:00 pm <span class='timezone'> PDT </span>

MACHU PICCHU | Capsule Adventures

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Just F*%#ing Write: Get Words Out of Your Head and Onto the Page Zoom Seminar with Tawny Lara on Saturday, October 11th, 2025

October 7 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm PDT

Just F*%#ing Write: Get Words Out of Your Head and Onto the Page Zoom Seminar with Tawny Lara on Saturday, October 11th, 2025

Just F*%#ing Write: Get Words Out of Your Head and Onto the Page Zoom Seminar with Tawny Lara on Saturday, October 11th, 2025 Live Seminar Via Zoom 1:00PM – 3:00PM

See website
4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Trivia Night at 309 Social Club

October 7 @ 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm PDT

Trivia Night at 309 Social Club

Trivia Night at 309 Social Club Get your game face on and put your knowledge to the test at Trivia Night! From pop culture to history and everything in between,

Donation
5:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Sober Night Live! 105.5 The Colorado Sound Presents

October 7 @ 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm PDT

Sober Night Live! 105.5 The Colorado Sound Presents

Sober Night Live! 105.5 The Colorado Sound Presents Announcing Sober Night Live! A monthly open mic event for sober creatives, featuring performances, storytelling, and a supportive community. We are excited

See website
+ 1 More
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Zero Proof Cocktail Class With the NA Sommelier

October 8 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm PDT

Zero Proof Cocktail Class With the NA Sommelier

Zero Proof Cocktail Class With the NA Sommelier Join us at Studio Forma for a tailored, hands-on, zero-proof cocktail-making experience with NA sommelier Juanita Unger. Professional bartending techniques, cocktail theory,

$85.00
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Drag Bingo (Spooky AF Edition)

October 9 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm PDT

Drag Bingo (Spooky AF Edition)

Drag Bingo (Spooky AF Edition) Thu, Oct 09 Sober AF Zero Proof Bottle Shop Kick off Sober October by joining us for one of our KILLER Drag Bingo Nights. Sells

See website
11:00 am - 12:30 pm

STOP THE SHUFFLE SCREENING – Wilmington Deleware International Film Festival

October 10 @ 11:00 am - 12:30 pm PDT

STOP THE SHUFFLE SCREENING – Wilmington Deleware International Film Festival

STOP THE SHUFFLE SCREENING - Wilmington Delaware International Film Festival An intimate look inside the billion-dollar addiction treatment industry where young people are bought and sold for their insurance policies

$15.00
7:00 am - 9:00 am

Fresh Start: Breathwork with Kyle Harder | Teetotal Initiative Pittsburgh

October 11 @ 7:00 am - 9:00 am PDT

Fresh Start: Breathwork with Kyle Harder | Teetotal Initiative Pittsburgh

Fresh Start: Breathwork with Kyle Harder | Teetotal Initiative Pittsburgh Come breathe in community during a guided breathwork session—a space to let go of stress, quiet the noise of everyday

Free
11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Just F*%#ing Write: Get Words Out of Your Head and Onto the Page Zoom Seminar with Tawny Lara on Saturday, October 11th, 2025

October 11 @ 11:00 am - 1:00 pm PDT

Just F*%#ing Write: Get Words Out of Your Head and Onto the Page Zoom Seminar with Tawny Lara on Saturday, October 11th, 2025

Just F*%#ing Write: Get Words Out of Your Head and Onto the Page Zoom Seminar with Tawny Lara on Saturday, October 11th, 2025 Live Seminar Via Zoom 1:00PM – 3:00PM

See website
12:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Sober AF Entertainment: Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Wisconsin Badgers @ Camp Randall Stadium (Madison – WI)

October 11 @ 12:30 pm - 6:30 pm PDT

Sober AF Entertainment: Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Wisconsin Badgers @ Camp Randall Stadium (Madison – WI)

Sober AF Entertainment: Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Wisconsin Badgers @ Camp Randall Stadium (Madison – WI)

See website
+ 1 More
View Calendar
The Sober Curator
Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) TikTok YouTube Pinterest
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • LINKS DISCLAIMER
  • EDITORIAL GUIDELINES
  • TERMS OF SERVICE
  • REFUND POLICY
  • DON’T SELL MY INFO
  • DATA SUBJECT REQUEST FORM
  • CONTACT US
© 2025 The Sober Curator - Benefits of a Alcohol Free Lifestyle

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.