Showing posts with label Tools motivation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tools motivation. Show all posts

Wednesday 12 July 2017

Are you neglecting yourself? Where is the Love? 10 tips to get back on track


Are you neglecting yourself?

How many times have you neglected yourself in the past month, have you stopped treating yourself with kindness?
I have been there, it creeps up on you, and you have to make some decisions about how to get yourself out of the heaviness. 

When I have lots of different things going on it can be easy to forget about self-care and nurturing, and when caring for my mother who is living with dementia I found that turning to creativity, my art journal and a few other tips help me put things into perspective.  This last few months for me have been a challenge, some good and some bad.

Mixed media art Journal
The journal page says 
"The gentle breeze, the birdsong, the still small voice reminded her to step out of the self imposed barriers......she was enough"  

You are enough, have value, are absolutely brilliant and more!  We often put up those comparison charts, the "Not good enough Chart", "Self sabotage Chart " and "the 'Throw away' negative comments made by other people that hurt" chart and we put the breaks on our moving forward.  Which one have you used on yourself?

We forget ourselves don't we? and before you know it you have this ache....When I am out of balance and without routine or any scheduled 'Me Time',then things that I would normally brush off get on top of me. I find that comments that people say play like a theme tune in my mind, I try to put out fires and it is almost like a bottle that gets full to the brim and then overflows (well that's how it sometimes feels).

The Neglect Effect

Neglect effect can showcase itself in different ways:
- lack of exercise, 
- not allowing yourself to have a break, 
- taking too much of a break, 
- not eating right, 
- not spending quality time with loved ones, 
- sabotaging your work, 
- comparing yourself to others, 
- feeling stuck
-  self doubt, 
TV series binge, 
-followed by the cake and ice cream you wouldn't normally eat, 
- self loathing that follows and then beating yourself up for the work you didn't get done while you were watching back-to-back series of something you really weren't at all interested in before.

I am sure that you can think of other ways - the list goes on.  The knock-on effect is that it impacts on our commitments and relationships.

Admit you have a problem

The First step is admitting that you have a problem and that the pain of staying how you are is worse than the pain that comes from change!

My name is Amanda, a Mixed media Artist, and I have been neglecting myself.  For one reason or the next I allowed things to slide, became overwhelmed at the amount of work that I needed to get done around my art, commitments, my blog and to top it all I am in the process of moving again!

New Temporary Studio space

The move itself had stresses of its own, but then I started to stress about where I would put every thing, this is the new temporary studio space which is half the size of my current studio.

Current Studio space

This is my current studio space. minus the strapping young man (I will do a post-move studio tour on my YouTube channel in the next couple of weeks), just where would I put every thing, stay on top of things I needed to get done and I found myself becoming inactive while continuing to internally stress-out, secretly hoping somehow someone else would sought everything out.  

At the end of the day you have to realize your worth and value and what really matters and make the move, make a decision and take action, shine your light and be good to yourself.  

Here are also some quick and easy solutions for you to try and to get back on track, there are obviously loads more, but these helped for me and I hope you find them useful if you need them.

Here are 10 Tips to tackle the self-neglect and give yourself more love

  1. Admit you have a problem - realizing that this neglect will be a problem if you allow it to continue you have to put in the right ingredients to ensure that you can turn things around. 
  2. You have a choice - If you do nothing you are still making a choice, you can choose to start making the most of the situation, what are the ways you can see the good things that you have going. 
  3. Take small regular actions - What small actions can you make that will eventually create the big change.  
  4. Acknowledge your achievements - keeping an achievements book is a way of looking back at how far you have come, and celebrating those achievements, and the impact that you may have made on another persons life.
  5. Eat right - Make sure that you are getting the right nutrition from your foods, and take supplements were necessary.  I firmly believe that food has an impact on our health and well-being, and it might be some small changes that you have to make.  Check out my Smoothie Recipes
  6. Clear up your mess - Tidy up, and declutter, start with a clean room - sometimes being around mess will hamper your productivity.
  7. Get Fit - When was the last time you got some exercise? Go for a walk - get out in nature, this helps refresh your ideas, and keeps you fit.
  8. Creative Challenge - I usually kick off with a creative challenge, that helps me focus on what I really want to have in my life, and creativity impacts on our health and well-being as well.
  9. Share/Give -  Think of the needs of someone else, what could you do to help their situation? why not see how you can give of your time or other resource to be a blessing to others.
  10. Love yourself - show some self love, think about the things that you enjoy, going for a walk, beach, swim, visit a gallery, work in a journal, learn a new skill, read a book, achieve a life long goal

Bonus 
Feed your mind - listen to encouraging and positive messages feed your mind and get a shift in perspective.


Gratitude's - what are you grateful for in your life that you have been taking for granted?

OK, now what are you waiting for, you don't have to wait until your feeling off to put some things in place, but start something today!

Stay blessed and be a blessing



Thursday 16 February 2017

10 Prompts, 10 Days, 10 Minutes - Images - How did you get on?


Thank you for joining me on this journey



Amanda Trought

What you now have is 10 great ideas for you to kick start your creativity, and not see the blank page as something to fear.  You have loads of ideas within that just need a little bit of nudging to come out.  

As you practice you will learn about what you like and do not like about different activities, (like food try it before you say you don’t like it).  You can take different ideas and interchange them as you go along or you can join them together to see what you get.

Here are my results for taking the 10 mins each day. If you played along I hope you enjoyed it, what was your favorite one?

If you would like to receive a pdf copy of the prompts then sign up for my mailing list and I will send you a copy.  It has full instructions and images for you to go at your own pace, and has some additional suggestions for you to try!

Here is what I came up with over the 10 days (click on the title prompt for the instructions for that activity:



Amanda Trought - Mixed Media Artist

Amanda Trought - Mixed Media Artist

I did a few of these, I really enjoy the process, and you can come up with such a variety of images - great for working on later, you can follow up things that you liked or that worked well.

Amanda Trought - Mixed Media Artist



Here is one of the things that I photographed, some flowers that I grew - Mexican Sunflower, brilliant color, they grow over 9 feet!


Amanda Trought - Mixed Media Artist

I chose images and colors that speak to me, and I guess also reflects the journey that I am on.

Amanda Trought - Mixed Media Artist


This is a really fun activity, you can use up any scraps that you might have had lying around and create some lovely pieces


Amanda Trought - Mixed Media Artist

After fusing the wool using the Heat n Bond I used the sewing machine to add some more doodling.  I would like to add to this piece and may used it in another challenge.

Amanda Trought - Mixed Media Artist

The stitches do not have to be anything fancy, just keep it simple.

Amanda Trought - Mixed Media Artist



Great way to find out what kind of marks you can get from the supplies you have.  Who would have thought you could do all this with these simple sticks and old pens!


Amanda Trought - Mixed Media Artist

Prompt 6 Go Further - Take the Collage a bit further 

After creating a collage, adding some doodling and mark making to it.  Utilizing some of the skills you used in previous prompts.


Amanda Trought - Mixed Media Artist

You can even take it further with your doodling.

Amanda Trought - Mixed Media Artist

Check out his glasses!!

Prompt 7 Surround yourself with inspiration - String somebeads or broken jewelry together and attach to fabric

Making the doodles with the fabric and wool for prompt 4 has given us a great jump off point.  I added a backing to the fabric, stitched it creating some more interesting marks and added beads and attached to a stick - remember to keep it simple, and build on it as you have more time.





I love creating backgrounds, and this is a great excuse to use all those different textures into the piece.  I used tissue paper, inktense blocks and gesso. 


Amanda Trought - Mixed Media Artist

I made marks with the sticks and added additional paint, this was a great surface to do the last prompt on.


Amanda Trought - Mixed Media Artist


You can either draw what is in front of you or pull together a few items.  I chose to draw the things directly in front of me, the cream pot and pens.

Amanda Trought - Mixed Media Artist

I did two 1 minute pieces, one 3 and one 5 minute sketches.

The time goes really fast, and this is a great warm up exercise.  As you continue you begin to notice and capture different things as you spend longer and observe more.

Amanda Trought - Mixed Media Artist



You could start a new piece or use one of the pieces that you created before.  I decided to use the background that I had created in prompt 8.  As you know I love creating faces, I kept the colors simple trying to retain as much of the background as possible.  I also used stitching and beads to highlight various areas




Remember, the ideas are not set in stone, and you can alter add or substitute other supplies and materials, you can link the ideas together, the main thing to remember is to have fun as you create. As you learn a new technique you grow, don’t limit yourself or put yourself down, don’t compare but enjoy the adventure and grow, and be an inspiration to others.


I hope you enjoyed these ideas.  If you want to have your own copy of the booklet I created then sign up for my Mailing list and I will get it sent out to you.

Stay blessed and be a blessing.


Thursday 9 February 2017

10 Prompts, 10 Days, 10 Minutes - Day 10 - Bring it Together




Welcome to day 10 of the 10 Ideas to kick start your creativity.  Today's task and additional instructions is below

Prompt 10 - Bring it together

Bring it together - From the background page that you made on day 8 you are going to incorporate some of the techniques that you have been using. 

You are going to create an image that represents where you are now in your creative journey and add at least 3 or more of the techniques that you have been learning over the past 9 days and incorporate this as well, to create one image. You can embellish with beads, jewelry, create a wall hanging with your finished piece, it is up to you so play.

Additional Information

The great thing about these ideas is that anyone can do them, you don’t need to be creative, so if you are looking for ways to unwind or give yourself that much needed time then these are things ideas that you should try.

For each activity you can try it using different mediums or surfaces, colours - do not limit yourself.  I want to give you ways in which you can experiment if you want to.  You can adapt it anyway you like to suit, and there are no right or wrong ways to create, so do not put any boundaries on yourself.

The most important thing is to have fun.  The minimum amount of time you should spend on each activity is 10 minutes, it is great if you can spend longer.  You can do a different activity each day, add the activities together, or work on a piece for longer.  

I will be following along and posting to my Instagram account remember to share and put in the hastags #101010 and #realityarts

Each activity will give you ways in which you can very easily strengthen your creative muscles and also provide you with some of the tools and techniques that I will be sharing in my lesson on the BADASS Art Journal You can still sign up Check out some of the cool bonuses that you can get when you sign up using my link HERE

What you waiting for - enjoy, and let me know how you get on.

Thank you for joining me and check back tomorrow to see all of the art that I created with these prompts.

Wednesday 8 February 2017

10 Prompts, 10 Days, 10 Minutes - Day 9 - The need for Speed!




Welcome to day 9 of the 10 Ideas to kick start your creativity.  Today's task and additional instructions is below

Prompt 9 - Speed Drawings

Speed drawings – Do some speed drawings, set a timer and give yourself just 1, 3 then 5 minutes.  You can do as many of these as you like.  Set your timer, split the paper into 4 sections and draw what you see in front of you.  

Don’t over think it, it is just a way of keeping you observant and drawing what you see.  Think about Day 2 when you went out and took photographs, what is it you notice about the items you are drawing in front of you

Additional Information

The great thing about these ideas is that anyone can do them, you don’t need to be creative, so if you are looking for ways to unwind or give yourself that much needed time then these are things ideas that you should try.

For each activity you can try it using different mediums or surfaces, colours - do not limit yourself.  I want to give you ways in which you can experiment if you want to.  You can adapt it anyway you like to suit, and there are no right or wrong ways to create, so do not put any boundaries on yourself.

The most important thing is to have fun.  The minimum amount of time you should spend on each activity is 10 minutes, it is great if you can spend longer.  You can do a different activity each day, add the activities together, or work on a piece for longer.  

I will be following along and posting to my Instagram account remember to share and put in the hastags #101010 and #realityarts

Each activity will give you ways in which you can very easily strengthen your creative muscles and also provide you with some of the tools and techniques that I will be sharing in my lesson on the BADASS Art Journal  Check out some of the cool bonuses that you can get when you sign up using my link HERE

The BADASS Art Journal is going great and these tips will provide you with some great ways in which you can keep yourself going and have ideas that you can dip into.

What you waiting for - enjoy, and let me know how you get on.

Tuesday 7 February 2017

10 Prompts, 10 Minutes, 10 Days - Day 8 - What is in a background




Welcome to day 8 of the 10 Ideas to kick start your creativity.  Today's task and additional instructions is below

Prompt 8  - What is in a background?

What is in a background - Create a background on paper, using stamps, stencils and your choice of 3 paints, use them in different ways on each of the backgrounds. 

 Spend time playing with the colours, shapes and the way the brush leaves its mark. You can try some of the sticks from when you made marks earlier during the week, and see which patterns were your favorite.

Additional Information

The great thing about these ideas is that anyone can do them, you don’t need to be creative, so if you are looking for ways to unwind or give yourself that much needed time then these are things ideas that you should try.

For each activity you can try it using different mediums or surfaces, colours - do not limit yourself.  I want to give you ways in which you can experiment if you want to.  You can adapt it anyway you like to suit, and there are no right or wrong ways to create, so do not put any boundaries on yourself.

The most important thing is to have fun.  The minimum amount of time you should spend on each activity is 10 minutes, it is great if you can spend longer.  You can do a different activity each day, add the activities together, or work on a piece for longer.  

I will be following along and posting to my Instagram account remember to share and put in the hastags #101010 and #realityarts

Each activity will give you ways in which you can very easily strengthen your creative muscles and also provide you with some of the tools and techniques that I will be sharing in my lesson on the BADASS Art Journal  Check out some of the cool bonuses that you can get when you sign up using my link HERE


What you waiting for - enjoy, and let me know how you get on.

Monday 6 February 2017

10 Prompts, 10 Days, 10 Minutes - Day 7 - Inspiration all around




Welcome to day 7 of the 10 Ideas to kick start your creativity.  Today's task and additional instructions is below

Prompt 7  - Surround yourself with Inspiration

Surround yourself with inspiration - String some beads or broken jewelry together and attach to fabric, make a simple wall hanging, and add your favorite inspiring words or quote on it.  I find beading always to be one of those activities that allows you to create and slow down.  Select some random beads, don’t spend a lot of time choosing then the time will go.  

As you practice you get better at selecting, in the beginning it is just a way to be able to get you doing something creative.  You can keep the fabric simple, and use the fabric that you created from Day 4 with the doodle.  Adding the beading to it and any additional embellishments takes it to another level, you could try some bigger pieces.  You could even try creating a wall hanging out of the postcard collages that you created.

Additional Information

The great thing about these ideas is that anyone can do them, you don’t need to be creative, so if you are looking for ways to unwind or give yourself that much needed time then these are things ideas that you should try.

For each activity you can try it using different mediums or surfaces, colours - do not limit yourself.  I want to give you ways in which you can experiment if you want to.  You can adapt it anyway you like to suit, and there are no right or wrong ways to create, so do not put any boundaries on yourself.

The most important thing is to have fun.  The minimum amount of time you should spend on each activity is 10 minutes, it is great if you can spend longer.  You can do a different activity each day, add the activities together, or work on a piece for longer.  

I will be following along and posting to my Instagram account remember to share and put in the hastags #101010 and #realityarts

Each activity will give you ways in which you can very easily strengthen your creative muscles and also provide you with some of the tools and techniques that I will be sharing in my lesson on the BADASS Art Journal  Check out some of the cool bonuses that you can get when you sign up using my link HERE

The BADASS Art Journal course starts today and these tips will provide you with some great ways in which you can keep yourself going and have ideas that you can dip into.  It is great to have you on board!

What you waiting for - enjoy, and let me know how you get on.

Sunday 5 February 2017

10 Prompts, 10 Days, 10 Minutes - Day 6 - Go Further




Welcome to day 6 of the 10 Ideas to kick start your creativity.  Today's task and additional instructions is below

Prompt 6  - Go Further

Take the Collage a bit further -  On a fresh piece of paper/card Cut some images from a magazine and try and create a picture/collage draw additional shapes and lines. Think about some of the collages you may have made earlier, were there anything from these that you would like to incorporate. 

This is a great way to create other shapes and interesting characters.  Keeping it simple to begin with you can get more and more expressive creating some lovely images.  You can add paint and other elements the more you practice.

Additional Information

The great thing about these ideas is that anyone can do them, you don’t need to be creative, so if you are looking for ways to unwind or give yourself that much needed time then these are things ideas that you should try.

For each activity you can try it using different mediums or surfaces, colours - do not limit yourself.  I want to give you ways in which you can experiment if you want to.  You can adapt it anyway you like to suit, and there are no right or wrong ways to create, so do not put any boundaries on yourself.

The most important thing is to have fun.  The minimum amount of time you should spend on each activity is 10 minutes, it is great if you can spend longer.  You can do a different activity each day, add the activities together, or work on a piece for longer.  

I will be following along and posting to my Instagram account remember to share and put in the hastags #101010 and #realityarts

Each activity will give you ways in which you can very easily strengthen your creative muscles and also provide you with some of the tools and techniques that I will be sharing in my lesson on the BADASS Art Journal  Check out some of the cool bonuses that you can get when you sign up using my link HERE  The Course starts tomorrow, have you joined yet?


If you don’t take the BADASS Art Journal course these tips will provide you with some great ways in which you can keep yourself going and have ideas that you can dip into.

What you waiting for - enjoy, and let me know how you get on.


Saturday 4 February 2017

10 Prompts, 10 Days, 10 Minutes - Day 5 - Unusual Marks




Welcome to day 5 of the 10 Ideas to kick start your creativity.  Today's task and additional instructions is below

Prompt 5 Unusual Marks

Find different stick/old pens that you wouldn’t normally use to paint and try creating with them, see how each creates a different line and shape in the paint.  You can get some great and unusual marks in the paper, and also start to add to your creative tool chest things that you can use at a later date.  

You might find some of these marks that you make the next inspiration for your next piece of art 

Additional Information

The great thing about these ideas is that anyone can do them, you don’t need to be creative, so if you are looking for ways to unwind or give yourself that much needed time then these are things ideas that you should try.

For each activity you can try it using different mediums or surfaces, colours - do not limit yourself.  I want to give you ways in which you can experiment if you want to.  You can adapt it anyway you like to suit, and there are no right or wrong ways to create, so do not put any boundaries on yourself.

The most important thing is to have fun.  The minimum amount of time you should spend on each activity is 10 minutes, it is great if you can spend longer.  You can do a different activity each day, add the activities together, or work on a piece for longer.  

I will be following along and posting to my Instagram account remember to share and put in the hastags #101010 and #realityarts

Each activity will give you ways in which you can very easily strengthen your creative muscles and also provide you with some of the tools and techniques that I will be sharing in my lesson on the BADASS Art Journal  Check out some of the cool bonuses that you can get when you sign up using my link HERE  Only 2 days to go before the course starts!


If you don’t take the BADASS Art Journal course these tips will provide you with some great ways in which you can keep yourself going and have ideas that you can dip into.

What you waiting for - enjoy, and let me know how you get on.




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