Material Musings - Handbag Fabric Art Journal and More

 

Did you catch last weeks Material musings where I show how you can recycle material to create art journals.  Check it out above.

I have really enjoyed working in these Fabric art journals.  They incorporate both fabric and watercolor paper or card inside that serves as the signatures.  

I think one of my favorite journals is the handbag one, made out of one of my favorite handbags, I gave it new life after it could no longer serve as a handbag.  A great way to recycle.

I have also used a lot of texture on the art journal covers with textured paint or used unlikely materials such as chamois leather.

If you would like to see how the handbag journal was created, you can check out my Mixed Media Art Journal Bundle course HERE

Welcome to September and the Free Digital Art Papers

Welcome to September, and we have available in our Arts Resource Hub a set of creative papers that you can use for your craft projects and art journals.

If you are wondering what you can create with them, they can be art background pages, I create a mini art journal with mine.

In the video I share what I did with August papers.

All papers are available, so you can mix and match.  Come and join us on the Arts Resource Hub and get hold of your papers for September.

For further Information Check out the Art Resource Hub HERE

You will find all the papers from previous months available for use as well.

Material Musings - Fabric Art Journals

Come and check out the latest Material Musings where I share a variety of fabric art journals that I work with.

Some have been made with paper signatures, and others have been made of entirely of fabric.

You can check out the video below

One of the fabric journals is used to house my sample embroidery stitches, I can practice the stitch first and make a note about which one it is.  There is currently 50 embroidery stitches enclosed.  I would like to perfect these first and then go on to others.

Taking Inspiration from Nature - Creative Garden

Do you ever feel that you are creatively blocked? Then you should look no further than your own garden, green space or local park! 

We can find a wealth of inspiration when we take a walk in our gardens or green space, and there are so many ways in which we can look to nature and produce beautiful creative projects. 

Here are 5 tips for using the natural world to unlock your creativity:

1. Allow it to guide your art - Look at the kind of things that you might find to add that inspiration to an art project. It could be the twist of a branch that inspires a brushstroke, or the texture of bark or rocks recreated with modeling paste or gesso. Step outside your comfort zone and see where the natural world takes you.

2. Choose Your colors from natures palette. Nature offers a vast and vibrant range of colors. Observe the color combinations of a flowers petals, the contrast of a cloudy sky, or the variation of greens and browns that you find in a garden.

Choose colors that evoke the emotions and feelings you want to convey in your art, and let them be your guide. This plant is called the paddle plant and I love the color combination. I would never have thought to use it in my art.

To Read More - Join me as a FREE member on Patreon HERE

Fodder School 4 - Exciting News!!

 Exciting News - I will be teaching in Fodder School 4!!

What is Fodder School?

Fodder school is a year long online mixed media event. Each month a new teacher provides a project creating collage fodder and using it.

In my Fodder School class, I will be sharing ways you can have fun playing with the supplies you have and show you how to create some unique fabric fodder that expresses your creativity.

I will share ideas and tips for writing, doodling, stamping, stenciling on your fabrics to create amazing, patterned fabric sheets which you can further cut, layer, and stitch together to create even more dynamic fabric fodder clusters.

In Use Fodder I will then show you how to combine the fabric fodder, and clusters you have created with decorative stitching and beading to create small wall hangings.

Fodder Challenge

The year kicks off on 1st October with a month of short projects from each teacher called Fodder School Challenge. I will be sharing with you some exciting ways to embellish dried leaves. Fodder Challenge gives you a taste of each teacher and their work. 

You can sign up for just the Fodder Challenge or take in both and experience a full year of amazing lessons.

You can visit  willawanders.com to find out more and take advantage of the early bird price!  

Podcast News

Wendy recently interviewed me, you can hear it on her podcast “Show up or Shut up”  

We had such a rich conversation about creative practices using art as a therapeutic tool and so much more!  You can find the link to the episode HERE, or listen on your favorite podcast app.

I am so looking forward to sharing my lessons and having you join us!!

Material Musings - Fabric Art Cards

 

Check out the Video

Welcome to Material Musings, In todays episode we look at ways that you can use your fabric scraps and create a series of fabric cards.  

By stitching your scraps of a base fabric, adding decoration and stitched words you can make use of the scraps and turn them into something useful.  You could also make things like placemats, coasters, covers for art journal and more.

With the addition of stitched words you can further add to your pieces.  You can also add a small woven piece to add to your fabric cards.  All of the additional fabric has either been painted, stamped, stenciled or wax resisted. 

Try and experiment and see what combinations you can come up with.

Before You Go check out - Bag Envy

Discover the best materials, tools, and tips to elevate your bag-making game with ten seasoned experts at Bag Envy on October 4th at 11 AM PST! By securing your spot, you’ll gain lifetime access to the event recordings, allowing you to watch and rewatch content at your own pace. Plus, you’ll get a digital swag bag full of goodies. Don’t miss out on the chance to score additional giveaways by joining the event live. Sign up today through Creative Spark and save $20 off at checkout with the code bag24reality.  Find out more about Bag Envy HERE

Embroidery Extravaganza - Starts Tomorrow!

Embroidery Extravaganza starts tomorrow Thursday 8th August and it will be a day where creativity and craftsmanship come together, so gather your supplies! 

This event can be attended by embroidery enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you're just starting out or are a seasoned pro, the ten expert-led workshops are designed to ignite your imagination and elevate your embroidery skills.

Click Here to Learn More about the speakers

What to Expect

At Embroidery Extravaganza, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Participate in workshops led by experts in the field.
• Discover new techniques and creative ideas to take your embroidery to the next level.
• Exclusive Student Benefits
• Gain access to all event presentation recordings with no expiration date! This invaluable resource is available exclusively to students who purchase their tickets before the event date. 
• Giveaways during the live event
• Receive a digital swag bag filled with goodies

Get Ready for a Day of Creativity

To make the most of your experience at Embroidery Extravaganza, here are a few tips:

• Come Prepared: Bring your embroidery supplies, including needles, threads, hoops, and any other materials you like to use.
• Stay Open-Minded: Be ready to try new techniques and experiment with different styles.
• Take Notes: Keep a journal handy to jot down ideas and techniques you learn during the workshops.

Limited Space - Act Fast!

Spaces are limited, so don't wait to secure your spot at this incredible event. Plus, you can save $20 off your ticket now by using the code ee24reality at checkout. Sign up now at creativespark.ctpub.com.

Looking forward to seeing you there and stitching together a beautiful day of creativity and craftsmanship!

Material Musings - Fabric Art Projects

 

Welcome to today's Material Musings, I am excited to share what I have been working on and learning in my fabric adventure.

I will be sharing some of the fabric art journals that I have been creating and I have made a couple that have been helping me keep my smaller projects and fabric ephemera in some order.

I also finished this fabric dragonfly inspired by a class on Making Zen by Lisa Goddard You can check her out on Instagram Here 

I hope you enjoy the video and check out some of the projects, and get to create some fabric journals of your own.

Before You Go

Join in the fun at Embroidery Extravaganza

Here are the speakers

What to Expect
At Embroidery Extravaganza, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Participate in workshops led by experts in the field.
• Discover new techniques and creative ideas to take your embroidery to the next level.
• Exclusive Student Benefits
• Gain access to all event presentation recordings with no expiration date! This invaluable resource is available exclusively to students who purchase their tickets before the event date.
• Giveaways during the live event
• Receive a digital swag bag filled with goodies
• Get Ready for a Day of Creativity

To make the most of your experience at Embroidery Extravaganza, here are a few tips: 

• Come Prepared: Bring your embroidery supplies, including needles, threads, hoops, and any other materials you like to use.
• Stay Open-Minded: Be ready to try new techniques and experiment with different styles.
• Take Notes: Keep a journal handy to jot down ideas and techniques you learn during the workshops.

Spaces are limited, so don't wait to secure your spot at this incredible event. Plus, you can save $20 off your ticket now by using the code ee24reality at checkout.

Sign up now at creativespark.ctpub.com.

Creativity Meets Craftsmanship at Embroidery Extravaganza

Mark Your Calendars for August 8, 2024!

I am thrilled to share a bit about Embroidery Extravaganza with you.  It will be a day where creativity and craftsmanship come together. 

This event can be attended by embroidery enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you're just starting out or are a seasoned pro, the ten expert-led workshops are designed to ignite your imagination and elevate your embroidery skills.

Click Here to Learn More about the speakers

What to Expect

At Embroidery Extravaganza, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Participate in workshops led by experts in the field.
• Discover new techniques and creative ideas to take your embroidery to the next level.
• Exclusive Student Benefits
• Gain access to all event presentation recordings with no expiration date! This invaluable resource is available exclusively to students who purchase their tickets before the event date. 
• Giveaways during the live event
• Receive a digital swag bag filled with goodies

Get Ready for a Day of Creativity

To make the most of your experience at Embroidery Extravaganza, here are a few tips:

• Come Prepared: Bring your embroidery supplies, including needles, threads, hoops, and any other materials you like to use.
• Stay Open-Minded: Be ready to try new techniques and experiment with different styles.
• Take Notes: Keep a journal handy to jot down ideas and techniques you learn during the workshops.

Limited Space - Act Fast!

Spaces are limited, so don't wait to secure your spot at this incredible event. Plus, you can save $20 off your ticket now by using the code ee24reality at checkout. Sign up now at creativespark.ctpub.com.

Looking forward to seeing you there and stitching together a beautiful day of creativity and craftsmanship!

3 Reasons to Spend Time Being Creative

3 Reasons to Spend Time Being Creative

Finding moments to express our creativity can be so refreshing and rewarding especially when we are bombarded on all sides for our attention. Here are three reasons why spending time with art supplies is a great way to enhance your life:

Boosts Mental Health and Well-being

Engaging in creative activities like drawing, painting, or sculpting can significantly improve your mental health. It provides a therapeutic outlet to release stress and express emotions. Studies have shown that art can reduce anxiety and depression, promoting a sense of calm and well-being. 

Enhances Cognitive Abilities

Using art supplies stimulates the brain. Whether you're sketching a landscape or assembling a collage, the process challenges your mind to think creatively and explore new perspectives. This mental exercise can improve your overall cognitive flexibility, making you better able to tackle your everyday challenges with creative solutions.

Encourages Self-Expression and Personal Growth

Art is a powerful form of self-expression that allows you to express your thoughts, feelings, and ideas that might be difficult to articulate with words. It enables self-discovery and personal growth, helping you understand yourself better and communicate more authentically. As you experiment with different mediums and techniques, you also build confidence in your abilities and develop a unique artistic voice.

When you incorporate creative activities into your routine with your art supplies it not only enriches your life but also nurtures your mind and spirit. So, pick up those brushes, markers, or clay, and let your imagination soar!

Check out some of Artezas Art Supplies, and discounts on Amazon HERE

Arteza's Art Supplies

Join us HERE on Realityarts Academy for FREE art courses and resources. 

Growing Soursop - Creative Garden

 

Welcome to my Creative Garden where I am growing a Soursop tree.  It is growing quite tall and was grown from seed.

It produced two fruit last year that I was able to salvage, the rest were eaten by the monkeys.  They were even able to open a couple of bags that I had over one of the fruits I wanted to save.  They usually just take a bite, knock it down and chomp on others.  Check out the video to find out more about the fruit. 

What is Inspiring You - Join us in the Arts and Wellness Cafe

Come and join me in the Arts and Wellness Cafe as we look at the things that inspire and encourage you to be your creative self.

We reflect and ask questions, as it is important for us to be able to dive into our resources and encourage ourselves in those 'off times'.

We look at the latest Journal that I am playing with which is the Junk Journal July, having fun playing with the supplies I have and interpreting the quotes to suit my needs as a creative.

I share my stitched project and some projects that are waiting to be worked on.

Looking forward to seeing all the things that inspire you. 

Get This Months Free Papers 

when you join us as a FREE member on Patreon.

Get your FREE papers HERE

Fabric and Foam Stamps

Come and join me in Material Musings today.  I have been playing around in my fabric art journals and experimenting with my foam stamps. I had created a set of foam stamps from the last 100-day project, and really liked how some of them came out.

Here is a selection of them.  I have been working on using them on fabric and incorporating slow stitching which I will be doing in this current fabric art journal that you will see in the video. 

I really like some of the foam stamps I created and will be sharing more of them. The foam stamps digital images are going to be available as digital stamps that you can incorporate in digital art work on my Etsy Store Here.

Take a look at the video and you will also catch some information about other things that are happening in the studio and some of the FREE courses that are available on my course platform. You can check it out HERE

These bold foam stamp designs are some of my favorite and look really effective on an art journal page and can be used to decorate your art journals and create prints on fabric.

I will keep you updated with the progress.

Check us out on Patreon HERE

Creative Weekend - Starts Here

What creative activities are you planning for this weekend.

If you would like a few hints and tips, I will provide you with 5 creative activities that you can do in a weekend. You can get all the family involved, or this might be something you do for a quiet moment.

Here Are 5 Creative ideas that you can think about doing:

1. DIY Studio Decor

Spend the weekend revamping your creative space with a few DIY projects. From creating your own art mood board for inspiration or upcycling old furniture that will help with your materials/tool storage, think about projects that you can do in a couple of hours or an afternoon.

2. Nature Inspired

Cole my dog loves being in the garden

Take your creative endeavors outside and set up an easel in a nearby park or your own garden. Let the beauty of nature inspire your artwork as you paint landscapes, flowers, or any other scene that catches your eye. Take a look at the colors and the subtle differences in shade. See if you can recreate this using your art supplies.  Come and join me in the garden for additional inspiration HERE

3. Free Art Courses

Take a look at the selection of FREE courses on my course platform and why not try them out using different supplies, and see how you can vary the results.  Courses can be found HERE

4. DIY Craft Projects

Unleash your artistic side with DIY craft projects - these are small projects that you can personalize and create small batches that can be given as gifts or when you are sending out one of your art pieces. You could try making handmade cards, or creating your own jewelry. These hands-on activities are not only enjoyable but also allow you to express your creativity in unique ways.

5. Photography Expedition

Grab your camera or your phone and set out on a photography expedition in your city or a nearby scenic spot, or again wander around your garden seeing what amazing animals or plants you can capture.

These creative ideas offer a mix of artistic, culinary, and outdoor activities to make your weekend both enjoyable and creatively fulfilling. Whether you choose to work on these projects alone or involve your family, exploring your creative side can lead to a weekend full of inspiration and self-expression.

Come and check out some of the FREE Mixed Media courses on my Course platform. You can check them out HERE

Material Musings - Mixed Media Art Dolls

 

In todays episode I share the work I did with some art dolls.  They were part of a lesson on the Making Zen art Retreat and were fun to create.

The Lesson was taught by Mirjam Glieben, you can check her out on Instragram HERE   They were a lot of fun to create and I would love to experiment with them. These pieces had been slow stitched and I added embellishments such as broken jewelry and other additions.

I also completed one of my projects that had been wax resisted and dyed with conventional dye, then I added slow stitching to it.  The final stage is adding beading to it, which you can see me add some seed and bugle beads to the project.  Both the slow stitching and beading are such a relaxing activity, check out the Info graph below which shares the benefits of slow stitching.

Check out the post HERE for more information

Before You Go

Embroidery Extravaganza - save $20 Use the code ee24reality