In The News - Paper and Embellishment Kit - My Color is Beautiful Art, Gifts, Fairs and Birthdays!

Well the paper packs are finally ready to send out, and are finding their way to some special homes.  I was glad I have been able to offer them as a gift for signing up to My Color is Beautiful Art Course.  As part of my lesson we will be working on a canvas, and some of the things in the pack will come in handy.

You will also be able to make other things with the materials in the Kit and each week on a Tuesday I will be showing you just how far the resources will stretch and what you can make.

Included in the pack a selection of:

Paper ephemera

Patterned and hand painted papers

Handmade paper

Die cuts

Ribbons

Findings

Handmade Stencils

Beads and embellishments and much more!

CLICK HERE to sign up for the course and receive your 

FREE PAPER AND EMBELLISHMENT KIT

IF YOU HAVE ALREADY SIGNED UP FOR THE COURSE DON'T WORRY!

I created another kit, with many of the items above but a whole lot more that you can purchase for $9.99 or £6.41 aprox which will include postage and packaging!

The packs are waiting to find creative homes - it could be yours, and there is so much you can do with them! Check out the tutorials I will be doing on Tuesday!

Click on the buy now button to purchase 

Other things to report this week is the EEC Christmas Fair, I had a stall there and it was great to see so many people come out and support.  It was a lovely family event that they put on each year, and lot of preparation and hard work is done by Angie Ng and her team.

I have been working on some mini wall hangings which you will get to see closer over the weekend and they make great gifts.

My stall at the Christmas Fair

We had quite a number of people sign up to win..

 Crafting with Nature in a Weekend: Over Twenty-five Inspirational Projects 

and we have picked out a winner who should get their book next week.

Best thing above all is that we still have our mum here with us and she sees another birthday.  We take a moment to remember our loved ones who are not with us and the gift of life that we have alongside the opportunity we have to make a difference each and every day.  Everyone came round to mums along with the grandchildren who helped her celebrate, catch up and eat cake!

Mum making the most of life.....

Stay blessed and be a blessing!

Fly - Art Journal Page and Video

Here is some inspiration for today. A while back I shared this page that I had done in my art journal.  

I have just got around to editing the video for it and thought you might like to see the process I used to create it.  I hope you enjoy it and are blessed.  This is my first video of this kind:)

Here is the finished painting, thanks for watching!

Material Mondays - Embrace Me - Mixed Media Wall Hanging

I have been hooked on creating these wall hangings for quite a while, and haven't lost my zeal for creating them.  I have a few more ideas that I want to try out and because of the time it takes to complete need to make room for them.

I started this one about a month ago, laying down the initial colours and adding the machine stitching.

It is called 'Embrace Me' measuring approximately 4"x8" and the majority of my work that I create is about relationships. 

The relationships that we have with others and the one that we have with ourselves, how we encourage and support our selves, being gentle with our hearts.

The thing that takes time is the embellishing but it is such a therapeutic activity that you can get lost in.  It is also an activity that you can do while sitting with the family and not feel as if you have shut yourself away in the studio, again these wall hangings remind me about the relationships that I have with others.

   

Thanks for stopping by Material Mondays where I share a project that involves either working with fabric in some way or crochet.  If you want to learn how to crochet or work with fabric and a number of other courses, then check out Craftsy.  For all new subscribers they have a selection of free online classes, and are always running a special offer on some of their fee paid classes

Check out some of their courses!

Gratitude and Celebrations Journal - Week 65 Nurture

Nurture

Welcome to today's post for Gratitude and Celebration.  I have a lot to be grateful for and many things to celebrate that I have been sharing here on the blog over the past few weeks.  So much has happened that I had missed a couple of weeks of posting on Fridays and now will be playing catch up.

Gratitude's and Celebration Journal - Nurture

It is fitting that today the theme is nurture and I have had to remind myself that I need to make sure that I spend time on activities that will not only nurture and nourish my health, but also my spirit and creativity.

I have had the opportunity to go away get some sunshine and get the rest that I needed physically, and with all that we were doing in Barbados, I spent time away from my role as a carer and writing online on my blog, although I wrote in my journal.  

Whilst I missed and at times felt guilty for not doing something on my blog, I felt that time was needed for reflection and just taking time to notice my surroundings, which was very beautiful.  We all know how you can take for granted those things that you see around you on a regular basis, or most of the time in your rushing around and not stay in touch with your senses - when last did you feel the breeze on your skin?

Spending time in my journal helps to focus on what matters

In nurturing my soul I spend time in the word of God, allowing my heart to be healed, my mind to be renewed and taking another step into the adventure of life.

How will you spend time nurturing the different aspects of your life?  It is time to take stock and if you can take time out and refresh those parts that need to shaken up, before you begin again.

I look forward to the journey and hope you come along and join me. Why not start your own journal, keep it as simple or complex as you wish, but do something!

Gratitude and Celebration Journal

Wanted in Paradise!

It has been nearly 2 weeks since we have been back from Barbados, and it feels like longer, and a million miles away.  I thought I would share some of the pictures to warm up your cold December evening, and share some of the good news that accompanied the trip.

It wasn't a trip that we had planned, having been on holiday 2 months before, we were settling into our day to day routine, then came the call...

The BBC were putting together a series about people who had been considering returning to sunnier climbs and we were chosen to visit Barbados again to see if would be something that we considered doing.  The program 'Wanted in Paradise' is loosly based on the 'Wanted Down Under' series.

We were blown away by the opportunity to really see what it would be like living in Barbados, which allowed us to escape London for a week to see what things that we would need to think about and put into place.  This was an emotional journey as it meant having to think about those things that you take for granted, like being around family and friends, making your home in an unfamiliar environment and the ups and downs that goes with it.

We stayed in a really lovely beachfront apartment called Inchscape, and the week was spent meeting a range of different people and getting a side to the island that you don't usually think about when on holiday. 

Sekani got to visit the University of Barbados, and spoke with the Dean, and Alan met two head teachers and took his e-safety and cyber bullying program and ran a session in two primary schools.  It was an eye opener to find out how much they knew about e-safety and the work that is being done in schools at the moment. 

I got to meet the  Pamelia Brereton, the President of the Barbados Alzheimer's Association  and found out about the work that they are doing, and how I could possibly use some of the experience that I have gained from working with the Arts and Healthcare.  It was great to talk to Pamelia, who was able to relate to my situation with my mother as a carer, and gave some great advice.

President - Pamelia Brereton

I also got to spend the afternoon with English Born artist and author Janice Sylvia Brock, who spends half the year here in the UK and the rest in Barbados.  

She had a beautiful studio and home and it was great getting to talk to her about her work and what inspires her, living abroad, as well as sharing with her some of my own art work.  

Entrance to Studio

Janice's studio which also serves as a gallery space is so light an airy with some great sea views, I would love to have a creative space like this!....one day!

To see more click on this image

As we shared our love for the arts, it was great to hear about some of the ways in which she supports some of the different charities on the island.

We viewed 3 properties to see what kind of budget we would need to purchase a home, and made a comparison between the cost of living in the UK and Barbados to be able to judge objectively whether it was cheaper home or abroad.

Other highlights on the trip included spending time with Alan's cousin Mike and his wife Denise, they are a great couple who run Value Vacations travel agents in Barbados, and they are doing their bit giving back to the community with a variety of different ventures.

Alan with his cousin Mike and Denise

Sekani turned 19 years old in Barbados and we spent time with family and friends, it was his first birthday away from home, and we missed family and friends in the UK.

I have a lot of thinking to do, in order to make a decision, with no direct family in Barbados, and looking after my mum a priority, I have many tough decisions to make that will effect many people and can't be made lightly. 

Sea views

 Barbados has so much going for it, and a great environment, to inspire creativity and we have met a lot of lovely people!

Sunsets are beautiful!

The program will air in February 2015, to find out what we eventually decide you have to watch the program!, I will give you a heads up when it is on.

For now, stay blessed and be a blessing!

Quote Wednesday - Linda Saccoccio

When we are enthusiastic we are intoxicated with passion, rooted in our true selves and it flows into all we do...

Linda Saccocio

What is it that you are passionate about, that you wake up thinking about, and go to bed with it on your mind? There is so much to get enthusiastic about and when you begin with an attitude of gratitude you start on the right path.

Each Quote Wednesday I share a quote with a photograph that I have taken. Quotes can be so inspiring and uplifting it is a good idea to meditate on the words and make a point of saying something encouraging about your life!  Do something great!  

Join me next week for the next inspiring quote and image. Blessings

Word for the Week - Ephesians 1:18

I pray also that the eyes of my heart be enlightened in order that I may know the hope to which you called me, the riches of your glorious inheritance in the saints and your incomparably great power for us who believe.... 

Ephesians 1;18

As you meditate on the scripture and enjoy the image ask and think about the many gifts you have been given, the many challenges you face, and the fruit that will come from the work of your hands. 

Words and images for the week, to bless, encourage and inspire you to be all that you have been called to be. 

What will you do with what you have been given today?

Stay blessed and be a blessing

Christmas Fair - Emmanuel Centre! - more giveaways!

It is approaching at a phenomenal rate, as it does each and every year around this time, the reminder that Christmas will soon be here.  Each year I have been taking part in EEC Christmas Fair and will be having a stall selling some of my art and crafts.  It is a really lovely event that ends with a concert. 

There will be a wide variety of stalls, with lots of gift ideas for those who are seeking inspiration and want to get in early with their shopping, lots of tasty treats from the international food court, and activities to keep the whole family engaged.  it is an event not to be missed and you will be able to finish your evening with the Westminster Community Choir and be engaged in so much more.

Venue:

The Emmanuel Centre, 9 -23 Marsham Street, London SW1P 3DW

***Prize Draw***

Come down and say hello!

I will be running a free prize draw for all those who attend the show and sign up to my mailing list.  You could be in for a chance to win a copy of:

 Crafting with Nature in a Weekend: Over Twenty-five Inspirational Projects

It is full of ideas for some lovely things that you can do with the materials that you can collect, and some of the things that you can make are delightful!

I would love to see you at The Fair you will definitely have a lovely time on the day. 

For those of you who won't be able to attend, don't forget the free bonus giveaway that is available for signing up for the 'My Color is Beautiful Art' Course.

I am excited to be able to offer a bonus gift for all those who register HERE for the course.  For everyone who registers here you will receive a free paper and embellishment pack, filled with lots of goodies for you to use as part of my lesson on the course and for any other creative activity that you might have...

I will include in the pack a selection of:

• Paper ephemera
• Patterned and hand painted papers
• Handmade paper
• Die cuts
• Ribbons
• Findings
• Handmade Stencils
• Beads and embellishments and more

Once you have signed up via my link I will arrange to have the kit sent out to you before the course begins.

If you have already signed up else where for the course and would like to purchase a paper embellishment kit you will be able to do so from the beginning of next week for $7.50 including P&P.

Register here now and receive your free bonus embellishment kit by clicking the button below!

I will be sharing over the weekend some images of the pack and how you will be able to put the contents into creative use!

Quote Wednesday - Raymond Carver

And did you get what you wanted from this life, even so I did. And what did you want?  

To call myself beloved, to feel myself beloved on this earth....Raymond Carver

Each Quote Wednesday I share a quote with a photograph that I have taken. Quotes can be so inspiring and uplifting it is a good idea to meditate on the words and make a point of saying something encouraging about your life!  Do something great!  

Join me next week for the next inspiring quote and image. Blessings

Barbados Trip and Special Giveaway Bonus!

I have just come back from a couple of weeks away in Sunny Barbados, and just getting my body clock back to a workable routine, I will be sharing more about the trip and the opportunity that blessed us next week, but here is a sneak preview of where we stayed.

Inchcape Villa, home for the week

This was our view every morning.....

Beautiful sea views

and I was visited each morning by this tiny little fellow perched on the back of the chair singing sweet songs, and I guess I did spoil it a little with the sunflower seeds..

Morning birdsong greeting me as I spent time in my journal

And he would come back with his or her friend during our stay.

My regular morning visitor

I will be sharing more about all the things that we got done, but for now I thought with all this rainy weather we are experiencing here in the UK I would shine some light.  I must admit on our last day in Barbados it rained cats and dogs, I guess Barbados cried cause we were returning to the UK:) 

Anyway back to this light.

I am giving away Bonus for signing up HERE to the 'My Color is Beautiful Art' course....

Registration is open!

The course is going to be just what you need to start February 2015 off with a creative kick and here are just some of the things you can expect:

• 8 wonderful, creative instructors
• 10 amazing video mixed media main lessons, 1 lesson per week for 10 weeks.  PDF Download of each lesson, provided as well.
• 10 eye opening color challenges and background techniques, videos and/or pdf’s provided.   1 challenge per week for 10 weeks, resulting in 40 AMAZING backgrounds, ideas and techniques. and much MORE!

All this for only $49!  

(classroom content valued at over $400!).

Class begins February 2nd 2015

BONUS GIFT

I am quite a hoarder  collector and I love paper, and making my own painted paper, and I have a love of shiny things with the beads and embellishments that I have been using and applying to some of my work as the piece below shows.

I am really excited to be able to offer a bonus gift for all those who register HERE for the course I have decided to give away a free paper and embellishment pack, filled with lots of goodies for you to use as part of my lesson on the course and for any other creative activity that you might have...

I will include in the pack a selection of:

• Paper ephemera
• Patterned and hand painted papers
• Handmade paper
• Die cuts
• Ribbons
• Stencils
• Beads and embellishments!

Once you have signed up via my link I will arrange to have the kit sent out to you before the course begins.  

If you have already signed up else where for the course and would like to purchase a paper embellishment kit you will be able to do so from the beginning of next week for $7.50 including P&P.

Register here now and receive your free bonus embellishment kit by clicking the button below!

I am so looking forward to having you on the course, here is a sneak preview of one of the paintings that I am currently working on!

Word for the Week - Ephesians 2:1

I am Gods workmanship, created in Jesus Christ to do good works, which God prepared in advance for me to do. Ephesians 2:1

As you meditate on the scripture and enjoy the image ask and think about the many gifts you have been given, the many challenges you face, and the fruit that will come from the work of your hands. 

Words and images for the week, to bless, encourage and inspire you to be all that you have been called to be. 

What will you do with what you have been given today?

Stay blessed and be a blessing

Quote Wednesday - Pearl S Buck

Growth itself has the germ of happiness...Pearl S Buck

You can't go from day to day, week to week without there being some growth in your life, though it is not something that will just happen without your input, you have to decide what areas of your life where growth needs to be, and then you have to make that step.

Each Quote Wednesday I share a quote with a photograph that I have taken. Quotes can be so inspiring and uplifting it is a good idea to meditate on the words and make a point of saying something encouraging about your life!  Do something great!  

Join me next week for the next inspiring quote and image. Blessings