Material Musings: Weaving Big and Dyeing with Wax Resist

 

Welcome to Material Musings! This week, we're diving into two exciting textile adventures: a larger weaving project and wax resist dyeing with tea and clay.

Weaving in a Bigger Way

I originally created a series of smaller looms and wanted to increase the size so created a larger one from the wood from a canvas frame.  When weaving on a larger scale you can explore the possibilities that come with using a wider loom and thicker yarns. I have used the yarn I currently have and found ways to increase the size which you will see.  I hope you are inspired to try some of the techniques for yourself.

Wax Resist

I have been experimenting with wax resist techniques for a while now and I will show you an easy way to apply it to your fabric in various patterns and creates a barrier that prevents dye from reaching certain areas. You can create stunning designs, and unexpected color combinations.

Wax resist and clay dyed

We'll be using natural and readily available materials like tea and clay as our dyes! This allows you to experiment with unique color palettes and textures. from the earthy browns from the tea and clay, and shades of pink from avocado pits – the options and combinations are endless!

Join the Fun!

Come join me in this Material Musings adventure!  Be inspired, learn new skills, and create something truly unique and beautiful.

So, grab your favorite cup of tea (or maybe some clay!), and get ready to join me in Material Musings! I can't wait to share this journey with you, and don't forget to share your own textile creations with me on social media . I'd love to see what you come up with!

Creating in Faith - Pots of Clay

Pots made of clay don’t always look that spectacular until they have been through the glazing and firing process.  When they are first molded and shaped they are dull in colour, still quite fragile.  Each pot is made for a different purpose, some that are filled with water, others filled with wine, some go to be filled with compost to hold plants and there are still a variety of other uses, each with its own purpose and plan for its’ existence.

We too are like these pots of clay that God has formed, molded, pressed in at the sides and fashioned to be fit for a particular purpose, having then His love, grace and wisdom poured into us. We are not to be afraid of what God has called us to do as his children because the purpose he has instilled within us is to bring life, be a blessing, minister to others and show others his love and grace through our thoughts, words and actions.

Once the pots have been fired at exceedingly high temperatures and come out of the kiln they are ready to go and do what they have been called to do, and so must we whatever processes, experiences that we are going through it is to equip us, strengthen us, show us our purpose and beauty and, seeing the richness that lay within us all we have to – as the clay is molded let our lives be molded to his will.

What aspects of your life do you take for granted?  How can you shine a spotlight on those areas of your life that have been overlooked, - journal, write, create some art as your response.

Here are some of the links I mentioned.  My Cousins daughter Melissa's company called Grey Remedy check out her link HERE  You can also check her out on her Instagram Page

Part of Melissa's Range of potter

I love the Raku style of pottery and I have put together a Pinterest board for you to check out, there are some beautiful designs for you to appreciate.  I covered a workshop that artist Juliana Inniss did building coil pots below.  

She is part of a collective of Ceramic artists who exhibited together recently at the Form and Function exhibition below at the Argentina Embassy in Barbados, who have also by the way promised to host a monthly exhibition of local artists.

You can check out some of the sculptures I create HERE, I would love to see how I could incorporate the Raku effect, so a lot of experimenting is needed as my pieces are not fired in a kiln.  

Island Keeper - Mixed Media Art Sculpture, Manifesto Exhibition at Parliament

Disconnect - Mixed Media Art Sculpture, Manifesto Exhibition at Parliament

Amazon have a selection of books on Raku if you are interested in trying yourself  I have compiled list on my Amazon Storefront and check out some of the other books and resources available

Stay blessed and be a blessing!

Celebrating Your Achievements - Filling your Well

Picking up my Art Awards

How often do you celebrate your achievements or do you brush them under the carpet?

It is important to regularly celebrate the achievements and accomplishments that you make, it doesn't have to be anything big or lavish, but needs to be noted, so that in those times of doubt you have something to look back on, or you can as it were 'dip into the well' to remind yourself.

Do you quietly allow those momentous occasions to pass you by with other people getting more excited than you?  Do you hope your achievements will gain the approval of others, not valuing the importance of stepping out and knowing your worth?

When I talk about celebrating your achievements there are so many different ways in which you can do it, and the important thing is that you do celebrate in some way to mark the occasion acknowledging the work that you put in to get to where you got.

We can get in the mode of achieving things but not acknowledging them because other people feel insecure,  or are you the sort of person who waits for affirmation from others, and don't recognize what you have done as an achievement.  

Blow your own trumpet!

Not everyone grows up being told how great they are, how much talent they have or that the world is indeed their oyster which means they can have anything their hearts desire.
You can't wait for someone to see your value you have to see it first within yourself.  Why not make something of the hard work that you have put in there are others who would be happy to celebrate alongside you and would be inspired.


I shared some of the recent success I had with some of my work in Barbados.

Angles Walk Among Us - Silver Award 

I received 3 awards (2 Bronze and 1 Silver) in the The National Independence Festival Of Creative Arts (NIFCA) Barbados for 3 Sculptures I created. I shared my successes HERE.  It was great to be part of the exhibition and there were many beautiful pieces of work on display, both professional, and emerging. 

Mixed media art Sculpture - The Dancer - Bronze Award

The Dancer, which received the NIFCA Bronze award was snapped up and made its way to a home in the UK.  I shared my achievements, wrote down the date and how I felt about it in my journal.

The Dancer - in her new UK home

 My work is available for viewing and sale on my website - Realityarts.org  

So why not blow your own trumpet, even for a moment, look at what you have achieved, write it down and give thanks for a new day to achieve something else, and the fuel that keeps you going in those times of doubt when you look back and see how far you have come.  

What about you?  what have you done in your life that you have brushed under the carpet?  what can you celebrate be it big or small? And without knowing it you could be that spark and motivation that someone else needs to celebrate their achievements. 

Stay blessed and be a blessing!

Creating on a Budget - Figure Vase

Well here we are for another week of working with vases.  Here is the video of this weeks vase and what it looks like physically.

 This is the third vase that I had found at a thrift store, and it had a floral pattern on, I wish I had taken a photograph of it before I had altered it.

 I find that once I get a creative idea I get so caught up in it I just have to go all out, until I have no choice but to stop.  These vases have turned out far better than I had hoped, and you can see the other vases that I altered HERE and HERE

The idea behind creating them is to show you how you can create a tight budget, and with a little bit of imagination you can still produce some beautiful pieces, if not for yourself you can give them as gifts or even sell them! 

So armed with my paper clay I covered this vase and then formed a figure around the sides.  Paper clay was great to work with, and it gives you additional texture that for me works well with this piece.

I hope to work on some larger pieces, whether it is my own vase or bowl that I make from start to finish or alter something else.

I painted this one with black paint then buffed it over with Rub 'n Buff which gives you a gold finish (they come in a variety of finishes) and a little goes a long way.  You can also use gold or silver paint, by dry brushing.

I will at some point be doing a tutorial of the process, and keep a look out for my paper clay tutorial.

So this is the finished piece.  I could have also scraped some details into the clay before it dried, and you can do this with a variety of materials that you find around the home, that you can incorporate into your studio supplies.

I really like how they turned out and will definitely be doing some more.  Here is a link to the two posts for you to see how they turned out Here and Here

Stay blessed and be a blessing

Clay Vase - Creating on a Budget

I thought I would share another example of the vases that I altered.  I had found three ceramic vases in a local store but  didn't like the pattern that they had, so I altered them.

I give you a closer look in this video here

By taking home made paper clay and a molded had that was also made from clay I covered the vase with the paper clay.  I would have loved to show you the process, but only thought of it when they had all been covered with their first layer.

 It really does give the vase a different look. Once the clay had dried I painted it and covered with the string

 All in all I think it turned out well, and I would like to experiment with different surfaces. 

Why don't you give it a try and see how it turns out for you

Check out some of your local thrift stores for inexpensive vases and rediscover their beauty.

For now stay blessed and be a blessing.

Creating on a Budget - Fabric Vase

So sorry that I haven't been around here on my blog.  I have lots to share over the coming weeks about things that I have been getting involved with.  It is great to be able to share some of the opportunities that have come about and as they bless me I hope to be able to bless you as well.

I have been playing around with different materials in the studio, looking at ways in which you can create art especially when your on a budget.  I have a range of projects on my blog that where I have used recycled materials that can be transformed into a work of art and so thought I create a series of a few more things that you can make.  I will rearranging my blog to make some of the projects more accessible, and there will be step by step projects, so please do come back.  Also sign up for my newsletter - the first issue will be out in July, and there will be lots of hints and tips to help you on your creative journey

Fabric Coated Vase

I found some mini vases at my local dollar store.  It can be a great place to find things that you can transform and utilize in your studio, and I have loads of cool projects coming up. 

The original surface of the vase was a lightly engraved but nothing to write home about, so I decided to change them.

I created a face from a mold out of clay and attached using paper clay (another thing I will show you how to make), I then tore up strips of fabric and armed with my powertex (one of my favorite supplies at the moment), coated the fabric and then applied to the vase.

 As the fabric dried I also wrapped it with string to give it additional texture.  Once it all dried I highlighted areas with gold and bronze paint.  I have a video of the vase coming up on my YouTube channel so check there to see it up and personal lol!

I love it, and think it looks quite cool.  I have two more that I will be altering and sharing with you over the coming weeks. 

Fabric Coated Vase - Amanda Trought

Stay blessed and be a blessing!

While your at it check out Craftsy online courses, there are some free ones

Sculpture - Work in progress - sneak peak

I thought I would share with you a sneak peak of a piece that I am working on.  I have got the structure, with the armature  and the first layer of clay.  I have pre-molded the faces so these were added on at this point.  

I wasn't really sure where I wanted to take it initially, and what story the figures were telling.  One figure I guess is being rescued, I am not sure that it is the obvious choice though, and I think that the story has a twist.

Sculpture - to rescue or be rescued?

I really enjoy working on this piece and have a few others that I want to get finished, they are all at different stages.  I enjoy working on more than one piece at a time as it fits with the way I like to work.  

I find when you have to wait for pieces to dry, it enables you to go on to another piece and do what needs to be done.

Sculpture - work in progress

If all goes well with the time I should have some sculptures complete by next week, so will be sharing here, so do check back.  Why not subscribe or join the mailing list and you will be updated with any new posts.

If you get a chance, hop on over to my Inspirational quotes blog to get this weeks encouragement and see if the art work inspires you.

Material Mondays - Moon and Stars Wall Hanging

I created this piece a while back and only just completed it.  It is my Moon and Stars wall hanging.  It truly is a mixed media piece and incorporates clay, fabric, card, paint, and beads and jewelry findings.

I have really enjoyed incorporating clay more and more into my work and you may have seen some of my art dolls on my site.  This allows me to combine the clay with fabric and create some interesting pieces.

The beads and jewelry findings were great to add, and if you wanted you could add pieces of jewelry that you may have laying around.

Wall hangings make great gifts and can be done in so many different ways.  Also check out the card hangings that I created.  I had promised to create a tutorial and will be working on that very soon.  Also check out some of the previous projects I made for Material Mondays

Check back next week for the next project, subscribe and do leave a comment, it would be great to hear from you.

Blessings!

Bearing gifts - Danielle New sculpture

Danielle, is my latest sculpture, made from clay and fabric and in her hands are a tray of what look like pebbles or stones but among them is a diamond.

As I was making this piece I wanted to express how we can be totally oblivious to the treasures that we have within.  We look at others comparing ourselves without realizing that we are comparing our beginning to someones middle or end.

We are all on a journey and along the way we have the opportunity to uncover more treasures that will take us to the next level, it could be that we learn a new skill, uncover a talent or ability and that takes us in a different direction.

These treasures won't often be glaringly obvious, we have to dig around, take our time and many a time 'step out' feeling vulnerable, scared and often out of our comfort zone.

What treasures are locked up within you that are waiting to present themselves and take you on a different journey, perhaps an adventure or two!

 Danielle is part of a series of sculptures/figurines that I have been making, she is currently making her way to the sunny shores of Barbados.  If you would like to commission a piece or buy one that you have seen on either one of my blogs you can email me at amanda(at)realityarts(dot)co(dot)uk

Gratitude's and Celebration - New Sculpture - Elouise

For a long time as an artist I have been searching for that medium that would help me feel as if I fitted in.  I went on a journey exploring different mediums and styles, and it took a lot of pushing, and prodding, getting out of my comfort zone and sometimes just trying again.

After a while I became happier with what I was producing, understanding that we all have those moments of feeling as if we are not good enough and that critical voice can stop you in your tracks if you let it.

You can hide that gift, or talent and never embark on that thing that would change how you looked at yourself and your art.

Today I celebrate and I am grateful to all those supportive voices that cheer me on, who encourage and who are leading the way themselves on their own beautiful journey.

This sculpture I have called Elouise, as I was making her I was reminded about the ties that bind us - the ones that are external and the ones which we bind ourselves with.  She is in the process of breaking free and finding her joy and passion which is to dance.

I hope as you step out of your comfort zone you are surrounded by those who are your cheerleaders and supporters and you take that brave step to silence your critics despite the shape or form they make take.

Stay blessed and be a blessing!

Camille - Sculpture

Camille - Mixed Media Sculpture

My latest sculpture is called 'Camille' and this sculpture really speaks to me about holding your piece, being confident and assured in how you carry yourself.

You are a light in the darkness, do not be afraid of your gifts and talents - as a message that we all need to hear.  

I experimented with different materials that brought together her clothing. I had also crocheted some flowers and combined them with a product called 'Powertex' that hardens them and used this within the piece.  She measures in at 22cm and weighs 2.2kg.

I have managed to complete quite a few sculptures that I am looking forward to sharing here over the next few days.  I have been experimenting with sizes and styles as well, and I think I am beginning to find my flow.  I have promised to place them on my Etsy Store - which is still in the development stage, and because we are moving might have to take a slightly back stage.

Camille, Mixed Media Art Sculpture

I hope you like her as much as I enjoyed creating her. Blessings!

Tutorial Tuesday - Clay Birds with character

Yet another bird came to town, this time in the form of 'Hortense'.  I think that she is a duck, well my Grandson stated quite clearly that he thought it was a duck - who am I to disagree!  

Doing something different with the clay

She is not the final bird I will be making but I thought it would be a good idea to get on the road to finishing the many projects that I have laying around and that are bursting to be completed.

I think that I have finally convinced myself that I like working with clay and sculpting and my sculpture pinterest board is building up some amazing pieces of work by very talented artists who are also an inspiration.

I would really encourage you to give it a try, there are loads of courses, tutorials and videos that will show you the ropes, all you have to do is get some clay and start to play and don't worry what your first piece looks like, as you progress you will be surprised at the results.  Working with clay also has some therapeutic benefits that are worth exploring.

This bird was fun to make especially adding the accessories

Selection of the birds I have made so far

I will have some more art dolls to share and some larger pieces at the end of the week, and I am super excited by these pieces and can't wait to show you them along with some other paintings that I have been doing.  Until then stay blessed and be a blessing!