Tuesday 23 April 2024
Material Musings - Fabric Reflections
Monday 15 April 2024
Your Stuck! Now What?
What do you do when your art feels stuck or incomplete?
When your art feels stuck or incomplete, it can be a frustrating and discouraging experience.
However, it's important to remember that mistakes and creative blocks are a natural part of the artistic process. Instead of viewing them as failures, try to see them as opportunities for growth and exploration.
One way to approach this situation is to take a step back and reflect on what might be causing the block. Is there a specific technique you're struggling with, or perhaps a lack of inspiration? By identifying the root of the issue, you can begin to find solutions that will help you move forward.
I spend time writing in my journal (my morning pages) this sometimes helps me to get to the root of the problem. I gain insight and renewed direction, and I lean into God, as the foundation of my life I always find understanding and a new look at what ever it is that I am trying to do.
I will also do something totally different like going out for a walk in nature, or spending time in my art journal, giving myself a break from the focused concentration.
Another helpful strategy is to seek feedback from others - be selective (you don't want a pity party), but someone who may be on a similar journey and understands some of the valleys and peaks that you will come across. Sometimes a fresh perspective can provide new insights and ideas that can reignite your creativity. Don't be afraid to ask for help or collaborate with fellow artists - you never know what new possibilities might emerge from sharing your work with others.
Monday 1 April 2024
Material Musings - Finishing those Fabric projects
Thursday 28 March 2024
Creating Faces - Digital Art Papers
Monday 25 March 2024
Arts and Wellness Cafe - Compassion
Come and join me in the Arts and Wellness Cafe
In our creative journey, it's crucial to approach ourselves and our projects with a compassionate mindset. Here are three ways we can infuse compassion into our creative endeavors:
Investing in Ourselves with Value
Embracing Diverse Sources of Inspiration
Thursday 7 March 2024
Arts and Wellness Cafe - More
In order to enhance your creative journey and enrich your life, it's important to make time for activities that inspire and motivate you. Consider incorporating more moments of reflection into your daily routine. Engage in activities that stimulate your imagination and creativity, such as:
- working in your art journal;
- taking long walks in nature;
- exploring new hobbies - take an online course;
- or practicing mindfulness and meditation - try out one of my digital coloring pages. HERE
Sunday 3 March 2024
3 Organizational Tips for Sorting your Fabric Stash
As you build your own fabric collect of painted fabrics and textiles while they can be the start of some beautiful creative projects you have to also think about how you store and maintain your collection. When things are all over the place it can become overwhelming and a barrier to spending time in your creative space, so I have three simple tips to help you keep on top of your growing fabric collection and make them readily accessible:
Embrace Categorization:
The first step is to create a system that separates your fabrics based on type of fabric and color. Group similar fabrics together, like all your cotton fabrics in one section, silks in another, etc. Within each type category, further subdivide them by color. This way, you can easily locate a specific fabric..
Clear Containers:
I found with the space I have that having clear plastic bins or storage boxes allows you to easily see the contents without needing to rummage through each container. I have two different sizes for the larger fabric and then smaller ones. Choose containers in various sizes to accommodate different fabrics. Think about the space you have and what would use the space more effectively.
Labelling:
Label each container clearly and you can go further to add the colors or type of fabric. You can use a label maker for a clean and professional look, or handwrite labels on sturdy cardstock and secure them with tape.
By implementing these simple tips, you'll transform your fabric collection from a jumbled mess to a well-organized haven of inspiration. Remember, a little planning goes a long way in ensuring your creative flow remains uninterrupted as you delve into your next creative adventure!
Declutter/swap:
Regular Decluttering and Donation: By regularly reviewing what you have you can think about ways to reduce, or you can do a swap with another artist and brings new and interesting fabrics into your stash. I find it difficult to part ways with my fabric but I guess it gets easier the more you do it.
Saturday 27 January 2024
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.
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.
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!
Saturday 20 January 2024
8 Ways to Recharge your Creativity
2. Make time for daydreaming. Schedule dedicated brain-sparking sessions. Brainstorm in the morning light, doodle during your lunch break, or let your mind wander after dark. In my latest Arts and Wellness Cafe I look at one of the Words for the Month - Stillness In our stillness we can find treasures.
3. Shake things up. Ditch the familiar. Try a new art form, write with a different voice, or explore a tool you've never touched. New experiences unlock hidden creative talents.
5. Disconnect to reconnect. Sometimes, the best ideas bloom in the quiet. Take a digital detox, go for a nature walk, or lose yourself in a good book. Unplug and let your mind wander. Read that book that you have been promising yourself.
7. Embrace the unknown. Step outside your comfort zone. Learn a new dance, travel to a new place, or take a class in something totally unfamiliar. New experiences jumpstart innovation.
8. Just start. Perfectionism is the creativity killer. Don't overthink it, just dive in. Pick up a pen, play with some paint supplies, doodle, create with recycled materials, do some slow stitching. The act of creation itself is the magic spark that ignites imagination.Remember, creativity is a journey, not a destination. Keep experimenting, keep exploring, and keep feeding your curiosity. The well of wonder is always waiting to be refilled, and the greatest creations start with a single step. Now go forth and create!
Check out my course Filling the Creative Well for more creative inspiration
Wednesday 17 January 2024
Cultivating Creativity and Reflection: A Visit to the Arts and Wellness Cafe
Word for the Month: Stillness
Our chosen word for the month is "Stillness, while I do have additional words that I will use alongside they help me to focus on areas of my life that might need attention. Consider the idea of carving out moments of quiet in your day. It might be a few minutes of meditation, a stroll in nature, or simply sitting with your thoughts. Stillness provides the space for creativity to blossom and ideas to take root.
Tip and Question of the Week: Balancing Act
Our tip of the week encourages you to strike a balance between productivity and relaxation. When engrossed in a project, set aside specific breaks to recharge your mind. Ask yourself: "Am I allowing myself enough time to rest and rejuvenate?" Finding this balance is key to sustained creativity and well-being.
Art Journal Process
Dive into the art journal process as a form of self-expression. Capture your thoughts, dreams, and emotions through a mix of colors, textures, and words. I have used magazine images for inspiration and created a collage. I also look at how you would adapt the activity for a carer, and ways to make the most of the activity. Let your creativity flow without judgment. Your art journal can become a place to explore and discover hidden parts of yourself.
Stitched Projects: Weaving Stories Through Craft
In the video we look at a variety of stitched projects that I have worked on. I feel that each of them tells a story in their own way with the stitches, and the colors of the fabric and additional embellishments. These activities provide a therapeutic escape. Take the time to create something beautiful with your hands, allowing your mind to unwind and unravel the complexities of daily life.
As you embrace your word of the month, seek stillness in the midst of chaos, and find the delicate balance between work and rest. Enjoy the video and let me know what your word for the month is and how you are incorporating it into your new year so far.
Before You Go
Tuesday 5 December 2023
Creating Fabric Beads: Material Mondays
Creating Fabric Beads: A Sustainable and Creative Project
Ever wished you could transform your leftover fabric scraps into something beautiful and useful? Look no further than fabric beads! They are surprisingly easy to make and offer a fantastic way to recycle unwanted materials, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Scraps into Treasure:
This project starts with a simple base, like a recycled plastic tube, or check if you have any plastic drinking straws in one of those draws in the kitchen. They offer a sturdy core for your fabric bead. Wrapping thin strips of fabric around the tube with glue or stitching creates the foundation of your bead.
Working with Embellishments
Here's where you can go to town in your art supplies! Grab those forgotten seed beads, ribbons, and any other embellishments you have lying around. Each bead becomes a canvas, waiting to be shaped with contrasting threads, seed beads, or even bits of wool, the possibilities are endless!
Benefits of Creating your Beads:
- Creating fabric beads offers more than just artistic satisfaction. It's a fantastic way to:Reduce waste: By repurposing scraps, you give new life to materials that might otherwise end up in landfills.
- Develop crafting skills: Learn basic sewing and beading techniques, perfect for future projects.
- Enjoy a mindful activity: The repetitive nature of beading can be quite therapeutic, offering a moment of calm.
- Create unique pieces: With endless combinations of fabrics and embellishments, every bead is a one-of-a-kind treasure.
Getting Started: Check out the video to see how I created them. Here are some of the supplies that you will need.
- Fabric scraps: Any fabric will do, from cotton to silk.
- Embellishments: Beads, buttons, yarn, ribbons, the possibilities are endless!
- Needle and thread: For stitching the fabric and securing embellishments.
- Glue gun (optional): Offers a quicker alternative to stitching for some steps.
- Recycled base: Plastic tubes, paper or plastic straws
Creating fabric beads is a fun, sustainable, and rewarding activity, it is a great time to express your creativity, so, gather your materials, unleash your imagination, and let the joy of fabric bead making take over!
Saturday 2 December 2023
The Art of Slow Stitching and Weaving: A Creative Journey
Welcome to another inspiring week of Material Mondays!
Today, we're diving into a world of creativity that has been an important part of my life for many years. I've always enjoyed simple crocheting, but I've also been a collector of various yarns. I'm thrilled to share this journey with you, one that combines the art of slow stitching and weaving to create unique, visually captivating pieces. Weaving and stitching offer a different kind of creative fulfillment when combined with my ever-growing yarn collection.
My crochet journey has allowed me to collect an assortment of crochet needles, some of which are passed down from my mother, who created delicate doilies that covered our coffee table and the backs and arms of chairs. While I don't have the passion to create delicate doilies, I'll be showing you how I've integrated my yarn collection into my weaving and slow stitching projects, leading to increased artistic expression.
Weaving: A Creative Revelation
I started growing my own cotton and delved into the art of weaving and spinning. This marked the beginning of a journey, incorporating not only different types of yarn but also other materials like fabric, wood, and beads. I'll take you through some of the projects that I have created on this adventure.
The Woven Masterpieces
1. Combining Yarn and Fabric:
One of my favorite creations is a fusion of yarn and fabric, where I intertwined yarn from my collection with painted fabric, which gives you a lot of fantastic colors and textures.
In some projects, I've integrated Moringa and other wood from my garden. To decorate the wood I use a wood burning tool, and other mark making tools
3. Unique Stitched Pieces:
I've also dabbled in the art of Boro shashiko, a traditional Japanese stitching technique. It's led to the creation of beautifully stitched pieces that add a unique character to my collection. It's a way to infuse new life into old fabric scraps and turn them into something quite beautiful.
The Joy of Slow Stitching
Incorporating slow stitching and weaving into my creative process has brought a whole new dimension to my mixed media work. It's not just about the final product but also the journey, the process, and the therapeutic aspects of creating something with your own hands. Here are three benefits of embracing slow stitching and weaving projects:
1. Mindful Relaxation:
These activities encourage mindfulness and relaxation. The rhythmic, repetitive nature of slow stitching and weaving allows you to unwind and find solace in the simple act of creation.
2. Versatile Expressiveness:
Slow stitching and weaving provide a versatile canvas for self-expression. You can experiment with different materials, textures, and techniques, allowing your creativity to run free.
3. Sustainable Crafting:
These projects often make use of existing materials, like old fabric scraps and yarn, transforming them into something beautiful. It's a sustainable and eco-friendly way to embrace your creative side.
So, whether you're an experienced crafter or someone looking to embark on a creative journey, I encourage you to explore your own creative journey, seeing where there is overlap or where materials have dual uses. Experiment with your supplies, blend different materials, and let your imagination run wild. Craft your own unique, artful path and savor the joy of slow stitching and weaving and what ever else you want to couple with them.
Monday 27 November 2023
Crafting Narratives: Exploring Fabric Projects and Book Inspiration
Welcome to Material Mondays, a world where creativity meets meditative stitching - today, we dive into a series of slow stitching projects on painted fabric. This combination brings together the joy of stitching with the vibrancy of painted fabric - both while painting on the fabric and also using it.
Slow stitching allows you to interact with the painted fabrics, experimenting with color, stitch and thread, the possibilities are as endless as your imagination. The stitches weave through the painted surface, adding depth and dimension. It's a tactile experience that goes beyond the visual, inviting you to explore the different mediums.
Benefits of Slow Stitching
Expression - Slow stitching allows you to infuse your personality and creative spark into the painted fabric. Your choice of stitches, thread colors, and patterns becomes a personalized expression of creativity.
Relaxation - Engaging in slow stitching on painted fabric is a therapeutic practice. The repetitive nature of stitching combined with the visual feast of painted colors creates a relaxed state of being.
New Ways of Working - The fusion of slow stitching and painted fabric offers a unique way to work with the materials and add texture.
Slow stitching on painted fabric is a journey. It's about savoring each moment, exploring the colors and stitches, and allowing your creativity to flow organically. So join me each and every Monday.
Saturday 4 November 2023
Only 2 more days to get Art Bundles for Good #8
You’re not going to want to miss this fantastic deal. The sale will end on Monday at midnight, New York Time, so don’t miss out.
If you decide to purchase the course bundle, I thought I would share some tips for getting the most out of it, with so many classes and resources, it can get overwhelming, and you want to make the most out of it.
7 TIPS FOR GETTING THE MOST OUT OF THE COURSE BUNDLE
If you like taking different art courses then you will love this bundle, there are so many great lessons by some of your favorite artists. One thing you do have to remember to do is pace yourself. And this goes for any course that you do. For all of the courses you will have access for about a year, so you could get through all of them if you do approximately 2 courses each week - or sign up and go at your own pace. I would go through as follows:
- Think about the skills that you want to learn first and foremost and do those sessions
- Identify which ones that jump out at you immediately - could be what you will be creating.
- Classes by teachers you have heard
- Classes that are then left
- Try to sign up at least so that you get your money's worth, then at least after that at least you can then do the class at your own pace after the year sign up access.
- If there are any classes that you think ‘no not interested’ at least check it out, you may find that there are techniques that you would be interested in learning.
- Make notes of what you learnt, what you liked about the class and transferable skills or techniques you can use again.
25% to Charity
25% of the Art Bundle profits are going to support Courageous Kitchen, a Bangkok-based charity helping refugees. Get over 100 top art learning resources from more than 85 artists AND do some good at the same time. We’ve raised US$ 118,950 for charity so far.