Material Musings - Fabric Reflections

 

Welcome to Material Musings, how have you been?  We look through several projects in this video and it is great to be able to reflect on some of the work that I have done.

Are there things that you wanted to change that having put them in place you have managed to get sorted?

Join us in the creative slow stitching fun!

Before You Go

Check out my website, you can click HERE or scan below!

Fabric Art and Slow Stitching Projects - Material Musings

 

Welcome to Material Musings, where we embark on a journey through the exciting world of fabric art! From exploring various fabric products to delving into inspiring books for creative sparks, there's so much to discover together.

I am currently immersed in several fabric art projects, and we will be choosing a few to work on over the next couple of weeks. I will be adding some additional stitching and also going though my bead selection.

Check out the video above and I have included time stamps in the video description to make for easier viewing.

Check us out on the FREE membership on Patreon for some tips for you to consider while on the stitching journey: - Check it out Here

Embrace Imperfection

Don't be afraid to let go of perfectionism: ....Learn more Here

Experiment with Texture

Explore texture in your fabric art by: Learn more Here

Before You Go

Here are some of the other projects and resources mentioned for you to take a look at

Dragonfly stitched project - https://youtu.be/8Zody9EG9Z4

Red Bead Stitched Project - Part 1 https://youtu.be/aiqsmpk8D8s Part 2: https://youtu.be/PsHo0cntWIE Fabric Kits/course to purchase: https://realityarts.thinkific.com/courses/fragments

The Ultimate Flower Book - https://amzn.to/49FS2To

Creative Applique to Make and Wear - Hardcover - https://amzn.to/3JqmVR3

Stitch inspiration: Bianca Springer @thanksimadethem on IG or https://biancaspringer.com/ I am teaching - Check out my FREE Courses HERE - https://realityarts.thinkific.com/ Thank you for joining me in my art studio. We all have 5 minutes that we can give to creative play, why not see how you can fit creativity into your every day Subscribe Here http://youtube.com/amandatrought For More inspiration please visit my Patreon page HERE. https://www.patreon.com/realityarts

Check out Bianca Springers Book 'Represent - Embroidery' on Amazon HERE

Check out her Blog too HERE- 

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. 

Above all, remember that art is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the imperfections and embrace the process of creating. By approaching your art with curiosity and a willingness to learn from your mistakes, you'll find that even the most challenging blocks can lead to breakthroughs that will enrich your artistic practice and not only be a blessing for you but helps someone else on the journey as well.

While you are making the changes to suit you, come and join us as a FREE member on Patreon, where you get to see behind the scenes and early release content.  When you're ready there is a 7 day FREE trial of the $3 tier that has patron only video content, digital downloads and more waiting for you.

Second Saturday Art Journal Page - Tulips

 

If you didn't catch us in the live premier this afternoon you can take a look at how I created this page here which was part of a collaboration for #secondsaturdayart.  Click on the video above or HERE

It started out with the digital download page I created of the tulips, which is part of a kit that I created on my Patreon platform you can check it out HERE.

For $3 each month they have access to a new set of digital download background papers, tags and videos giving ideas for how they can be used. 

I had fun creating the image and incorporating the tulips with the figure.

It is all about creative play and experimenting with the supplies that you have.  These papers will be then added to my art journal.  There are tags and other elements that can be added when the digital download pages are cut up.

If you want to check out the FREE members page of my Patreon you will see early release and posts there first.  If you want to access the digital papers and others in the series you can check them out using the 7 Day FREE trial which will give you access at the $3 tier, and you have over 400 posts, videos and downloads to check out in the meantime.

The page was great fun to create, and I look forward to creating more using this technique.

Who's Tune are You Dancing To?

Who or what are we allowing to have influence over our lives - its a question for reflection.  Have there been times that you doubt the journey or direction that you are going?

If we Imagine life as a giant, noisy orchestra, with everyone playing their own tune, shouting their expectations at you. In a quiet moment we take a breath and ask ourselves 'Who am I even trying to please and What song do I want to dance to?" It is a gentle reminder to reflect on the source of influence in our lives. Are we marching to the beat of our own drum, or are we swaying to the rhythm of others' expectations?

As artists and creators, it's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of external pressures—the need for validation, the pursuit of perfection, the desire to fit into a particular molds. But in the midst of this chaos, it's crucial to take a step back and reconnect with our inner tuning our melody. What is it that keeps you awake, what are you longing to create?

Take a moment to listen closely to the still small voice. What are the passions, dreams, and values that drive you? What sparks joy and ignites your soul? It is here, within the depths of your being, that you will find the ideas that will really move you.

Express yourself through your art, and allow it to speak and express where words can sometimes fail? Join us in our online creative community, we offer a myriad of opportunities to explore and unleash your artistic voice. Some FREE courses to get your feet wet and more exciting courses to come.

Take a look in the Art Resource Hub and you will find monthly digital downloads, prompts and quotes to encourage and motivate you, learn more HERE

So, my dear creatives, I ask you again: Whose tune are you dancing to? Listen closely, for the answer lies within. And when you find it, dance with joy and conviction, knowing that you are living your truth, one step at a time.

Art Journal Play - Mark Making and Doodling

In this video I show you how I take a background page, that has leftover paint on it and turn it into a page full of detail, doodles and mark making.  I had shared in an online collaboration called Second Saturday Art.  You can check some of my other videos in my Playlist Here.

When I work in my art journals, I always have a spare page that I can put all the excess paint that you are sometimes left with in your pallet and rather than wash it off I will add it to a random page in the journal.

I was able to come back to the page and started to add doodles, marks and a figure emerged.  I went with the flow and had fun.  Check out the video to see the finished page, and take a look at the process as it unfolds.

Before You Go

Come and join us on Patreon.  You can now join as a FREE member and get access to posts before they appear here on Realityarts-Inspiration.  I also have a 7 Day Free trial on the $3 Tier You can get access to over 400 posts, videos, and digital downloads.  Learn More HERE

Gardening on a Budget - Trimming the Trees

I managed to get some of the trees trimmed in the garden.  They have been growing happily but can become a problem if you allow them to grow too tall.

I got our guy who cuts the grass to cut them back for me and now there is a lot of branches and leaves to make use of throughout the garden.

There are many things that you can do with the cut branches which once laid on the beds will help the plants overtime and is a cheaper way that having to have a dedicated compost bin, this helps to keep all the moisture in the beds and stops the plants from drying out.  You can also use some of the branches and seed pods in creative projects in the studio.

Here is what the pods look like on the trees, and once the pods are dry they split open and each can contain between 8 and 13 seeds.  

Come and join me in the garden, you will get to see how some of the plants are doing and may be share how you are doing in your green space, however big or small.

Before You Go

Check out my Website and Art Work - Click Here or scan below

Art Resource Hub - Free Digital Downloads (Available Now!)

 

Have you check out the Art Resource Hub, if not you would have missed the FREE monthly digital downloads that you can use in your art journal and creative projects.

In this months papers you get an abstract design that you can use as part of a collage, attach images to the surface or paint directly onto the surface and create an image.

Here are some of the previous papers that are available for you to use in the Art Resource Hub - get your copies now and share how you use them by tagging me on Instagram @realityarts

Tropical Garden Update - Growing Bananas

 

Come and join me in the garden to check out what is happening to my banana patch.  I had moved a small plant in the space and it has now grown and has many small suckers growing around it.

I also noticed a flower growing and then before you could turn round there was a rack of bananas attached, which you can see in the photo below.

The garden is my happy place while there is usually quite a bit of work to be done out there I always take time out to just sit and enjoy all the things that are growing.

Join me next time in the garden to see what else is growing on.

Before You go

Join me on Patreon you get to see behind the scenes and Patreon only content, we currently have over 400 posts available. Check it out HERE.

Visual Arts Barbados - April Issue

 APRIL 2024 issue of the BARBADOS VISUAL ARTS MAGAZINE

Celebrating 14 years of this Visual Arts Barbados monthly free online magazine since March 2010

 

Do please share this magazine and let us show the talent in Barbados to the world

 

Free Online monthly magazine

https://issuu.com/corriescott/docs/april_2024_visual_arts_magazine_barbados.pptx

The April 2024 Issue is available above, it is published monthly by Corrie Scott it is great to be kept updated on the art events that are happening on the island.

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The art on the cover of the magazine is by artist Elle Rene who recently had her opening of her solo show at the Queens Park Gallery. You can see some of the images from the exhibition below. Should you be in Barbados the exhibition runs until 30th April.

Insight Exhibition - Elle Rene (Giselle Walker)

Elle had some beautiful paintings and prints in the solo show, she is a very talented artist and also has curatorial experience in many exhibitions in Barbados.

Elle, Sonia and Amanda

Elle giving her thank you speech

You can see the Catalogue of the Insight Exhibition HERE

Before you go

Join us for FREE on Patreon

Material Musings - Finishing those Fabric projects

 

Welcome to Material Musings today, I am sharing one of my fabric projects with you.  I have a range of projects that are in a stage of nearing completion and I often work on small batches at a time to get a group of them complete, and move them on to their next stage.

The projects are made up of a variety of different materials, including some that have been wax resist dyed, painted and there is some slow stitching that brings it all together.

It is a lovely relaxing time to do some slow stitching while getting some of these pieces complete, and they are now ready to go on to the next stage of their journey and I will think about what additional embellishments would look good.

Have fun with your stitched projects.

Before you go

Join us in the Art Resource Hub for the new digital download papers that are available to you for FREE to use in your creative projects.