Come and be Creative and see in the New Year!

 

Come and join us again to see this year out and the New Year in with Artsy Meet-up Marathon.  

20+ hours of creativity, it is a fantastic way to bring in the New Year!

This is the fourth year that Kiala has invited us to have fun together creating and just hanging out, and this is my 4th year as one of the teachers and creating art. This is one of the best ways that I know to celebrate 2026.

It starts at 10AM Central Time Dec. 31st. We will create Live until 9:30am Central on January 1, 2026. Every hour or so we will have a new lesson, tutorial, or demo. Everything is recorded and will be available to you for the first 6 months of 2026. There will also be replays, a private group on Mighty Network, plus select replays from previous Marathons, not to forget a number of bookbinding tutorials already there to get your creative juices flowing.

You don’t have to be there for the entire time, you can just show up when you can & create. The schedule is live - so you can check out who is teaching when. The line up is below.

For schedules and more information, click HERE

Reconnect - What Nourishes You? Arts and Wellness Cafe

Welcome to the Arts and Wellness Cafe - Come stay a while and enjoy. The word for the week is reconnect and this word can take a variety of forms which can be explored. 

I have been tempted to eat all the things that I wouldn't normally - like cake.  It always begins with something simple and then there is a slippery slope of indulgence and the consequences that are waiting on the other side.

As we move through different seasons of life, the things we once enjoyed without a second thought can start to affect us differently - we are getting older. 

Our bodies speak more clearly now and the words 'if you can't hear you must feel' whispers, and when we pause long enough to listen, they offer gentle guidance of the consequences of having 'just one more slice'.

There was comfort food, too, bread pudding, cake, and the memories they carry. These foods weren’t just about taste; they were about longing for a time when life was slower, less stress on our then child size shoulders - without a care in the world it seemed.  Food has a way of holding memory, and sometimes we reach for it not out of hunger, but out of a desire to feel held.

But our bodies remember everything - A restless night became a reminder that reconnection isn’t about denial it’s about awareness. About choosing what supports our health and well-being now, not what used to work years ago.

That sense of reconnection continued in the garden. Standing among the trees, listening to birds call and watching plants grow - it is one of my favorite places and brings calm.  I have watched it develop and grow over the years, the garden doesn’t rush, it responds to being tended - daily, gently, consistently. It reflects what happens when we show up for ourselves in small ways over time.

Creativity can be found in these moments too, in the color and shape of leaves, textures waiting to be stitched, or painted. Nature becomes both our inspiration and space of calm

This is your invitation to reconnect creatively - in your mind, body and the spaces that bring you peace, come and join me in the Arts and Wellness Cafe!

Blessings for Christmas and the New Year

Courageous in your Creativity - Get Messy Art Interview

 

I recently did an interview with Claudette from Get Messy Art about my work, creativity, showing up and the messy middle.  Come and join us and join in the conversation!

Before you go - Check out my Free Digital Art papers for December:

Art Journal Joy - Celebration, Nobel Peace Prize

 

In my art journal for #secondsaturdayart I created an image of using Dr Martin Luther King. He was given the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.

Check out the video, if you would like to see the full video you can do so on my Patreon HERE

Material Musings - Finishing Projects

What creative projects do you have left to complete in your creative space, we think about some of the fabric projects that are crying out to be completed or taken a bit further in their journey.

I share with you some of the things that I am currently working on, and some of the ideas that still need some tender care before they can go out into the world.

For the rest of the month, we shall be focusing on moving the projects on and see where we are at the other end - no pressure!!

Before you go

The FREE papers are now available on my Patreon, You can use them in your art journals and creative projects, along with the digital art papers for the other tiers, check them out HERE

Digital Art Papers - December - Patreon

 

Here are the papers for December's Digital Download on Patreon for the $3 Tier.   If you join us on the $3 Tier you will have access to all the previously posted content which spans 3 years and includes digital and video resources for your creative project.

We have a Free Tier and a set of papers for you to access for the month and a series of exclusive posts and videos on the tier so that you can wet your feet and see how you like it.   

Free Tier Papers 

The aim for the papers are to encourage you to do something creative with what you have and provide you with beautiful imagery that you can play around with.

 

It is very important to find ways in which you can motivate and encourage yourself, especially in those times where you are feeling off or if you want a low energy project or even only have a short time.

The digital downloads are available on Patreon for you to enjoy, why not come and check it out and have a play with the papers.

Find out more HERE

Material Musings - Cardboard projects and slow stitching

In today's video we explore the use of cardboard in mixed media art.  In one of my pieces, I combine fabric, cardboard and clay.

Let me know if you use cardboard in your creative projects

If you would like to see some additional ways you can join us on Patreon for behind the scenes and early release content.

Seasons of Change - Junk Journal Art

 

Check out my previous video for Second Saturday Art! 

This mixed media art journal page is all about fall and the seasons of change. Using recycled paper and various painting techniques.

I bought out my neo colors to add color to the page and applied it loosely

I'm creating an autumn scene in my junk journal and some fun journaling techniques. There are a few artists in the blog hop each month and we take one of the prompts and use it as inspiration for our art that we share.

We will be back for another video for November which will be released on Saturday 8th Nov.  Come and check out The Gathering art journal page. at 11.30 am Saturday.

Would love to know what you are creating in your Art Journal - leave a comment 

Digital Art Papers November - Join us on Patreon

 

Here are the papers for November's Digital Download on Patreon for the $3 Tier.   If you join us on the $3 Tier you will have access to all the previously posted content which spans 3 years and includes digital and video resources for your creative project.

We have a Free Tier and a set of papers for you to access for the month and a series of exclusive posts and videos on the tier so that you can wet your feet and see how you like it.

 

Free Tier Papers 

The aim for the papers are to encourage you to do something creative with what you have and provide you with beautiful imagery that you can play around with.

 

It is very important to find ways in which you can motivate and encourage yourself, especially in those times where you are feeling off or if you want a low energy project or even only have a short time.

The digital downloads are available on Patreon for you to enjoy, why not come and check it out and have a play with the papers.

Find out more HERE

Making Zen - Starts today!! - Day 1 Schedule

Making Zen, Online Retreat has started and continues until Friday 31st October.

You can see the first with today's schedule you have 24 hours to watch the videos, get the VIP pass if you want extended lifetime access and bonus videos.

There are 30 workshops, and 6 lessons are released each day I will share the next schedule tomorrow morning!

My session Stitched Creatures went live today and I will take you through the process of creating a stitched canvas owl.  You have a choice of two sizes to choose from or you can stitch the bird.  We also use all our fabric scraps in the project and some slow stitching.

I always look forward to working on some of the projects by the other teachers and have identified a few that I want to start first - I will be sharing my first projects in Material Musings on my YouTube Channel.  It is a lot to take on for the 5 days so consider buying a VIP Pass so that you can take all the workshops at your own pace.

It is FREE to sign up, come and join us and learn a new skill - Check it out TODAY

LEARN MORE HERE

➡️  Check out the VIP Pass   

Join Us for the Season of Splendor on -16th November

 

I am excited to tell you about the Sharing Season for 2025 - over at the Ugly Art Club!

For several years, they have brought the art community together for a bit of holiday sharing, a celebration centered on handmade gifts and the spirit of generosity during this Season of Splendor and the hosts are going to continue the tradition once again!

Learn More Here

This year’s festivities begin with a four-hour live workshop featuring Tiffany, Kristin, and DeeDee on November 16th, 2025, from 1 PM to 5 PM CST. During the session, you can look forward to lively conversation, creative making, and plenty of sharing it will be a fantastic time for all.

Once the live event has finished the inspiration will continue and the classroom will remain open and be filled with even more creative ideas and tutorials. 

I will be one of the guest artists, and there will be other familiar faces from The Ugly Art Club, and we will also contribute a pre-recorded lessons to keep the creative spark alive.

Do you want to join us?  Get ready to dive in, create, and absolutely shine this holiday season with beautiful handmade gifts!

Check it out TODAY!

Creative Reflecting - Arts and Wellness Cafe

 

Today’s Arts and Wellness Café we take a mindful pit stop to ground ourselves and reflect on our current progress especially around nurturing our creativity and well-being.

What have been your 'words for the year'? And how have you kept them in your focus for the things that you have on your schedule - all the things that we seem to find on our plate or 'to-do' lists.

Continuous learning is important to me and making sure that I keep up-to-date with the latest technology or mixed media technique is something that I include in my 'learning schedule' for the year.

What are the ways in which you reflect on how you have done for the past 10 months and what things are you going to put in place as we bring the year to a close? Join us in the Arts and Wellness Cafe where we can look at how to make the most of the time we have, enrich our lives and be an inspiration to others.

LEARN MORE HERE

Explore, Stamp and Play - Material Musings

 

Come and dive into the world of mixed media art, and stamping.


Material Musings: Exploring Stamps, Stories, and Surfaces

Welcome to October’s Material Musings! This month, we’re diving into the wonderful world of stamps, from foam and homemade to digital and store-bought. I’ve gathered a whole collection from my studio shelves, many I haven’t used in years, and it feels like rediscovering old creative friends.

I first started experimenting with foam stamps made from a roll of camping mat my son once used for outdoor adventures. That same foam became the base for countless shapes and textures which shows that creativity can come from the most unexpected places!

Throughout October on my channel, I’ll be exploring how to use these different kinds of stamps on fabric and paper, sharing techniques for layering, mark making, and breathing new life into forgotten materials. We’ll also play with office stamps, sentiment stamps, and those mysterious supplies tucked away in drawers — turning them into textured surfaces ready for slow stitching or mixed media projects.

By the end of the month, I’ll gather the fabrics and papers we’ve created and transform them into a final stitched project. So gather your scraps, pull out your stamps, and join me in making something beautifully imperfect — one impression at a time.

Before You go:

Join us on Making Zen - the VIP Pass is now available and will give you access to the courses and bonuses

Sign Up for FREE HERE

Making Zen Teachers

Learn about the Teachers

Making Zen - Get Your FREE Ticket 27th - 31st November 2025

 

 

What to Do with All Those Scraps? Join Me at Making Zen Online Retreat!

Do you have piles of scrap fabric, loose beads, and leftover threads that you just can’t bring yourself to throw away? You’re not alone! The good news is, I’ll be showing you a fun way to recycle them into something truly magical, a gorgeous stitched creature on canvas - An owl to be exact.

And here’s the best part: this project will be part of the Making Zen Online Retreat, happening 27th–31st October 2025.

LEARN MORE

If you’ve never joined before, Making Zen is a textile/arts focused retreat that brings together nearly 30 talented artists, each offering a unique workshop over five creative filled days. The workshops are free to watch for 24 hours, and is plenty of time to dive in, experiment, and connect with other creatives around the world.

If you don't have your ticket yet, don't worry, it is completely free to sign up on the Making Zen website!  My session will be live for 24 hours, and you’ll also have access to a whole lineup workshops. If you’d like extended access, there’s a VIP Pass available too.

While we’re on the topic, here are just a few reasons why textile activities are so beneficial: 

• Boosts mindfulness – Focusing on textures and stitches calms the mind and reduces stress.
• Enhances creativity – Textiles let you play with colors, patterns, and layers in new and exciting ways.
• Improves fine motor skills – Repetitive actions like stitching and weaving strengthen hand-eye coordination.

So gather up those scraps, save the date, and come stitch with me! I can’t wait to share this beautiful process with you at the retreat.

Sign up for you spot for FREE HERE

Digital Art Papers - October - Patreon

 

Here are the papers for October's Digital Download on Patreon for the $3 Tier.   If you join us on the $3 Tier you will have access to all the previously posted content which spans 3 years and includes digital and video resources for your creative project.

We have a Free Tier and a set of papers for you to access for the month and a series of exclusive posts and videos on the tier so that you can wet your feet and see how you like it.   

Free Tier Papers 

The aim for the papers are to encourage you to do something creative with what you have and provide you with beautiful imagery that you can play around with.

 

It is very important to find ways in which you can motivate and encourage yourself, especially in those times where you are feeling off or if you want a low energy project or even only have a short time.

The digital downloads are available on Patreon for you to enjoy, why not come and check it out and have a play with the papers.

Find out more HERE

Free Digital Art Papers on Patreon - Creative September!

Have you got your Digital Art Papers Yet?

When you join on the FREE tier of my Patreon, you get access to a set of monthly Digital Art Papers.  Here is the current one for the month that you can use in your creative project.  We release the October papers on the 1st October. 

Make sure that you sign up to our FREE Patreon to access the next set of papers and to check the September ones out.

You can access your papers HERE!

Join us for Making Zen - Online Creative Retreat

Making Zen is back on 27th - 31st October 2025 and I am one of 30 teachers

It is a FREE, 5-day online retreat to spark creativity, peace, and connection - wherever you are in the world - with:

- 30 textile artists - check them out
- Beginner-friendly workshops
- Welcoming community of makers
- Dates 27–31 October 2025

My lesson is called Stitched Creatures - we will be taking all of our scrap fabrics - the ones you cannot bear to throw away, beads, slow stitching and a canvas and bringing them together

If you are ready to dive deeper, the VIP Pass is available now with early access to the retreat lessons starting 6 October, ongoing workshop access, and exclusive gifts from all the artists.

I would love you to join us on this fantastic creative activity🤩🤩

You can sign up HERE

Stitched Folk, Side Kicks and Solar Dyeing - Material Musings

   

This month in Material Musings, creativity thrived in unexpected ways. I have really been inspired by the students take of my lesson on Fodder School.  Some experimented with turning their 'make fodder' into brooches, journals, and coasters - it was inspiring to see ideas all the ideas take shape. 

I managed to create a fabric cover for my 'Side Kick' journal shared by Wendy from Fodder School - you can check out the projects HERE 

Join us on Material Musings below

As I played around with the solar dyed fabric, I used some of my handmade stamps to enhance the designs.  I had to stay flexible with my unexpected results.

Solar dyeing with flowers produced surprising colors, turning “mistakes” into unique textures. Fabric scraps found new life in stitched clusters, pockets, and homemade stamps featuring birds, abstract shapes, and dandelions. 

I also launched Stitched Folk, exploring stitched figures on canvas, the course is fun and you get to create your own stitched canvas piece. 

 Looking forward to seeing you!

Exciting News: Gratitude Junk Journal 2025 + A Free Spot Giveaway!

I am so excited to share some wonderful news with you, I will be teaching in Gratitude Junk Journal 2025, a beautiful online workshop hosted by the Tiare Smith! This year promises to be better than ever, and I couldn’t be happier to be part of it.

Alongside 12 other inspiring artist instructors, we’ll be guiding you through 30 days of joy, creativity, and gratitude. Together, we’ll open our hearts, celebrate our creative spirits.

But that’s not all…

I’m giving away a FREE spot in Gratitude Junk Journal 2025! 

How to Enter the Giveaway:

Giveaway runs until 30th September!

• Make sure you are a member of my Patreon (You can join here on the FREE tier or higher). 
• Leave a comment on the giveaway post sharing two things you’re grateful for in your creative journey.

You can also grab two additional chances to win [HERE].

What You Can Expect from the Workshop:

Every day, you’ll receive a new creative challenge designed to help you reflect, play, and practice gratitude. Some days it will be a question to ponder, other days a fun activity or art prompt. Each little step will guide you toward discovering more joy and creative flow.

By the end of the workshop, you’ll walk away with: 

• A beautiful altered book transformed into your personal gratitude journal.
• Gorgeous art journal pages filled with meaning.
• A daily practice of gratitude that sparks creativity and helps reduce stress.
• New ways to use what you already have to make amazing art.
• Techniques for backgrounds, layers, and textures you’ll use again and again.
• A JOY-filled heart, more love, and a smile that comes from deep within.

This isn’t just about making art, it’s about connecting with gratitude, finding inspiration in the everyday, and reminding ourselves of the light and joy that lives inside us.  Are you ready to Join Us?

If this sounds like something that speaks to you, don’t miss your chance to enter the giveaway today! Sign up for FREE and Leave your comment on Patreon and you and will be entered into the prize draw.

👉 ENTER TO WIN TODAY!

I am looking forward to seeing you inside Gratitude Junk Journal 2025 and share this creative journey with you.

With many blessings,
Amanda 💖

Reflective Fabric Adventures - Material Musings

 

Come and join me on Material Musings today as we get reflective over the work we have done on the eco dyeing at the moment.