Friday, 28 February 2025

I am Starting a 100-Day Project - This is Week 1

I am beginning another 100 Day Project - This year I will be sharing 100 Days of Leaf Art!

Starting a 100-day project is both exhilarating and a little daunting. But imagine the joy of seeing your creativity unfold daily, step by step, through a project that connects you with nature and mixed media techniques. I just love it. You can check out some of the other 100 day projects that I did on the blog!

I have been creating art on leaves for a while now and have found some of the styles and techniques that I prefer.

In this journey, I’ll be continuing to work with dried leaves, using a wood-burning tool, stitching patterns, adding fabric clusters, and layering mixed media elements to explore the beauty of leaf art and you will also see some of my favorite ones that I created previously as well as new ones.

Are you ready to make the commitment?

There is something special about committing to a long-term creative challenge. It pushes you to develop discipline, embrace new ideas, and uncover inspiration in unexpected places. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed at the beginning, but by focusing on one small creative step each day, progress naturally builds.

The 100 Day Project started officially on 22nd February. I am sharing my completed leaves at the end of each week on a Friday, over the 100 days so today you get to see the first set of 7 leaves.

Creative Tip: Experiment with different types of leaves or styles to see which ones work best for your style.

Encouragement: The hardest part is starting! Show up with an open heart and allow your creativity to flow. Give yourself grace to experiment without expectations. and don't feel pressured to post every day, decide on a posting schedule to suit you.

Want to go deeper? Join me in my Leaf Arts - Transforming Nature into Art course for guided lessons on leaf art techniques! Yes, I have created a course to share my love for working on leaves, and I hope to work with more natural fibers over time. Come and join us on the course and learn to create your own beautifully designed leaves!

Thursday, 27 February 2025

Creating Faces - Mixed Media Art, FREE Background papers

Creating a Face: Transforming Free Papers into Unique Art

I had so much fun working on this page! There’s something special about taking existing materials and making them entirely your own.

For this piece, I started with the papers from the FREE Tier and reworked them.

These papers are designed to be versatile -you can use them as they are, or you can completely transform them by layering, painting, or experimenting with mixed media techniques.

Ways to Make These Papers Your Own

If you're looking for ways to customize them, here are some ideas to spark your creativity:

Paint Over It – Add washes of color, bold brushstrokes, or subtle shading to shift the mood and texture of the paper. You can also do some mark making on the papers as well - or even some stitching.

Working with Background Papers

One of the things I love about working with the background papers is that they serve as a great starting point for your creativity. Whether you follow their existing designs or completely change them, the creative process is all about making it your own.

If you’ve used the free papers in your work, I’d love to see what you’ve created! Let me know in the comments - how do you like to alter and personalize your materials?

Access the papers for FREE on my Patron Page.

If you would like to see the video process for these papers you can sign up for the 7 Day FREE Trial on my $3 Tier. While you are there you can check out some of the other posts and digital downloads.

Tuesday, 25 February 2025

How to Make Time for Creativity (Even on Your Busiest Days)

It’s easy for creativity to get pushed aside when life is full of responsibilities. But if you want to make progress in your creative work, it’s essential to be intentional with your time.

Last week, I noticed how quickly the days were slipping away. Even though I was creating, I felt like I wasn’t moving forward. When I started tracking my progress, I realized I was doing far more than I thought!

We’ve already talked about strategies like time blocking, batching tasks, and prioritizing creative time. Now, the key is to actually use them. These tools only work if you make them part of your routine.

Ask yourself: Have I scheduled my creative time this week? Am I limiting distractions? What small moments can I use for creativity today?

Small changes add up. Even a few focused adjustments to your schedule can create more space for your creative work.

Creative Organization Tips

Once you’ve carved out time for creativity, organizing your space and ideas will help you stay inspired:

Keep a Creative Journal – Document your ideas, progress, and inspirations. It’s a great way to track your growth.
Organize Your Art Supplies – A clutter-free space makes it easier to jump into creative work without feeling overwhelmed.
Create a “Quick-Start” Project Box – Gather materials for small projects that you can work on whenever you have a few spare moments.
Set Up a Weekly Review – Take five minutes each week to reflect on what you created, what worked, and what you want to explore next.

A Gentle Reminder

Making time for creativity is a choice. The strategies are there—now it’s about putting them into action. Give yourself permission to prioritize your creative work. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be yours.

What small step will you take this week to stay on track? Let me know in the comments!

Friday, 21 February 2025

Uncovering Hidden Creativity: Exploring Art Through Backgrounds

One of my favorite creative exercises is exploring mixed media art backgrounds. If you have watched any of the projects on Patreon you will see how I create and searching for hidden shapes and figures within them. It’s a process of discovery—letting the background guide the direction of the artwork rather than forcing a specific idea.

This approach brings a sense of playfulness to my work, allowing unexpected elements to emerge. I’ve found it especially rewarding with my digital art floral background pages, as they offer endless possibilities for layering, highlighting, and transforming abstract patterns into something entirely new.

If you’re looking for a way to spark fresh ideas and deepen your creative practice, here are some ways you can experiment with background exploration:

Creative Activities Using Digital Art Floral Backgrounds

Shape Discovery – Print out your background and study it for a few moments. Do you see faces, animals, or abstract figures? Lightly sketch around the shapes you find, then enhance them with paint, ink, or stitching.

Cut & Rearrange – Print your background and cut it into different shapes. Rearrange the pieces into a collage or use them to build layers in an art journal. Try mixing different floral backgrounds for a dynamic effect.

Layer with Mixed Media – Use your floral background as a base for stamping, stenciling, or mark-making. Acrylics, watercolors, and even embroidery can add beautiful depth to the design.

Interactive Journaling – Glue a background page into your art journal and write or doodle over it. The soft floral elements create a unique backdrop for personal reflections or poetry.

Highlighting Hidden Elements – Use a fine liner or white gel pen to outline patterns that stand out to you. Maybe a petal looks like a bird’s wing, or a swirl resembles a dancer in motion—enhance what you see and let the artwork evolve.

Embracing the Creative Process

Letting go of strict expectations and simply exploring what appears on the page can be incredibly freeing. Sometimes, the most intriguing discoveries happen when we step back and allow the art to reveal itself.

If you try any of these techniques, I’d love to see what you create! Share your work or let me know what hidden gems you find in your backgrounds.

What unexpected shapes or patterns have you uncovered in your art? Leave a comment below!

This practice can lead to unexpected and intriguing discoveries, adding another layer of fun to the creative process. Most of my work now takes on this form especially with the digital art papers I create.

You can access the papers for Free on my Patreon - Check them out HERE

Tuesday, 18 February 2025

How Will You Use the Time You Have?

Life has a way of filling up with endless to-do lists, and before we know it, the day slips away without making space for the things that truly matter: Creative pursuits, time with loved ones, and personal rest all require intentional effort to carve out space in the midst of life’s demands.

Over the past week, I’ve been immersed in new paintings and experimenting with creative techniques. Time seemed to be slipping away, and I started to feel as if I was standing still creatively.

To counter this, I decided to keep a record of my creative activities. Listing what I actually accomplished not just what I planned or that was on the 'todo' list, and this helped me see that I was making more progress than I thought. It’s a great way to recognize your efforts and give yourself credit where it’s due.

When you are feeling slightly off track, look back at your achievements and remind yourself that creative progress doesn’t happen overnight. Sometimes, it’s about trusting the process and staying patient.

Strategies for Managing Daily Busyness & Staying Creative

Here are some of the strategies that I use to stay somewhat on track of all the creative pursuits, dreams and goals. It is not a 'fix all' but try a couple and see how you get on.

Set Clear Priorities – Identify what truly matters each day. Not everything needs to be done immediately, and some things can wait.
Time Blocking – Schedule dedicated creative time just as you would any other important task. Treat it as non-negotiable.
Track Your Progress – Keep a simple journal or list of what you’ve created and explored. It helps you see how much you’re actually accomplishing.
Limit Distractions – Turn off notifications, set boundaries, and create a space where you can focus without interruptions.
Embrace Small Wins – Even 10-15 minutes of creativity counts. Don’t wait for large chunks of free time—use what you have.
Batch Tasks – Group similar activities together (emails, errands, social media) to free up larger blocks of time for creativity.
Give Yourself Grace – Some days will be more productive than others. Celebrate progress rather than perfection.

How do you keep yourself on track when life gets busy? Leave a comment!

For additional creative tips to try join us on Patreon

Want more? Join us for FREE on Patreon

Also - Check out my Website and other platforms

Monday, 17 February 2025

Making a Kawandi - Material Musings

I managed to get my first Kawandi completed. I decided to use all the fabric that I had been hand dyeing or creating batik and wax resist pieces with.

It was lovely to reconnect with all the fabric that I had been working on over time. It was slightly challenging with the more heavier cotton fabrics as they were so thick, and the needle kept finding ways to maneuver into my finger. 😂

You can check out the video above for Material Musings to get a closer look at the Kawandi so far.

What is a Kawandi?

A Kawandi is a type of hand-stitched quilt traditionally made by the Siddi women, who are descendants of African enslaved women taken to India. Kawandi are distinctive because of their vibrant, designs and the way they are constructed. They are made from layers of Saris, fabric scraps, often brightly colored, and sewn together with running stitches.

Key Features of Kawandi's

Kawandi are typically sewn from the outer edges toward the center, unlike many traditional quilts made from blocks or panels. The stitching is done in a spiral pattern, with all layers securely held together.

They are made using recycled fabrics, including old saris or other discarded textiles.
The use of fabric scraps gives the quilts a rich texture and unique, look.

The quilts are often colorful and feature bold patterns, with an emphasis on spontaneity and personal expression.

Small decorative touches, like folded fabric triangles called phulas (flowers), are added to the corners.

Kawandi's are made for practical purposes, such as providing warmth, but they also reflect the Siddi community's history and artistry.

Check out these Fiber Artists on Instagram

Sherry Whetstone

Kianga Jinaki

Sunday, 16 February 2025

Leaf Arts - Day 7 Reflection and Encouragement

Day 7: Reflection and Encouragement

I have really enjoyed this creative journey looking at the different ways that you can create on dried leaves. I invite you to take what you’ve learned and bring your own artistic voice into the process.

Working with leaves as a medium is both grounding and inspiring, connecting us to nature while pushing creative boundaries. If you’re excited to explore this art form, don’t forget that my Leaf Art Course is available

Learn More and Enroll Today!

Thank you for following along this week—I’d love to hear which technique inspired you the most! Leave a comment below and share your creative journey!

Exploring Sea Grape Leaf Art

Want to Learn How to Create with Leaves?

If you’re curious about working with dried leaves as an artistic surface, I teach techniques that allow you to incorporate them into your own projects. My Leaf Art Course covers everything from preparation to design, giving you the tools to explore this unique medium with confidence.

Sign up before February 16th 11.59pm to take advantage of the discounted price!

Learn More and Enroll Today!

Be sure to check back tomorrow for the next featured design in this exciting week of leaf art exploration!

CHECK OUT THE LEAF ARTS COURSE HERE

Saturday, 15 February 2025

Creating Clusters and Layering Technique - Day 6 - Exploring Sea Grape Leaf Art

Day 6: Layering Techniques

Layering multiple techniques—stitching, painting, and burning—allows each element to shine while complementing the others.

There are some fun ways to bring the small leaf clusters together to create some interesting designs.

Today’s piece show how using some of the skills taught can help you create a rich and dimensional work of art.

Tomorrow, we wrap up the series by reflecting on the process and encouraging you to experiment with your own leaf art creations.

Exploring Sea Grape Leaf Art

Want to Learn How to Create with Leaves?

Learn More and Enroll Today!

Be sure to check back tomorrow for the next featured design in this exciting week of leaf art exploration!

CHECK OUT THE LEAF ARTS COURSE HERE

Friday, 14 February 2025

Painting and Mixed Media on Leaves: Day 5 Exploring Sea Grape Leaf Art

Day 5: Painting and Mixed Media on Leaves

Combining paint with dried leaves opens up endless creative possibilities.

You can use most mediums on dried leaves with the right preparation. You can also pair the mediums with the range of other techniques. I experiment with a range of supplies to get different looks.

This mixed media approach brings vibrant energy to these delicate surfaces and they can be used in a variety of projects.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post, where I’ll explore how layering different techniques creates even more depth.

Exploring Sea Grape Leaf Art

Want to Learn How to Create with Leaves?

Learn More and Enroll Today!

Be sure to check back tomorrow for the next featured design in this exciting week of leaf art exploration!

CHECK OUT THE LEAF ARTS COURSE HERE

Thursday, 13 February 2025

Woodburning Designs onto Leaves: Day 4 Exploring Sea Grape Leaf Art

Day 4: Woodburning Designs onto Leaves

Woodburning on leaves is an intricate process that requires a gentle touch. By etching fine lines and patterns into the surface, I create a beautifully rustic effect that highlights the leaf’s organic qualities.

You can get a range of patterns and designs by using the different heads that you get with the wood burning tool, but you also need to know how to adapt the tool so you can use it to the maximum and achieve different looks.

Tomorrow, I’ll share how painting and mixed media techniques can further enhance these natural canvases.

Exploring Sea Grape Leaf Art

Want to Learn How to Create with Leaves?

Learn More and Enroll Today!

Be sure to check back tomorrow for the next featured design in this exciting week of leaf art exploration!

CHECK OUT THE LEAF ARTS COURSE HERE

Wednesday, 12 February 2025

Weaving Across the Surface: Day 3 Exploring Sea Grape Leaf Art

Day 3: Weaving Across the Surface

Combining fibers and dried leaves brings a whole new dimension to mixed media art. In today’s designs, I’ve used weaving techniques to add layers of texture and depth. It is quite a meditative act, weaving on a material so delicate - you are forced to slow down and take it all in as you work.

The result that you can achieve are gorgeous, it is amazing to think that you can fuse nature and fiber art in this way. With the varieties of yarn and threads, the possibilities and combinations are endless.