100 Days of Leaf Art - Week 4

 

Week 4: Adding mark-making to Leaves

Incorporating mark-making onto the leaves adds texture and contrast. 

I experiment with different materials, such as using the wood burning tool, attaching stitched and decorated leaves together or simply adding embroidery techniques and creating leaf clusters with slow stitching.

Adding textiles also brings an exciting dimension to leaf art. The softness of fabric  with the organic fragility of leaves creates a beautiful contrast.

Creative Tip: Don't be afraid to try new techniques and experiment to get your desired look.

Encouragement: Small creative risks lead to big breakthroughs—try a new technique and see where it takes you.  You could practice on say fabric to begin with and then move onto the leaves. If something doesn’t work, repurpose it into another piece.

Want to learn more?

Join me in my Leaf Arts - Transforming Nature into Art course for guided lessons on leaf art techniques! 

Come and join us on the course and learn to create your own beautifully designed leaves!

100 Days of Leaf Art - Week 3

 

Welcome to Week 3 of the 100 Days of Leaf Arts.

Week 3: Building a Daily Creative Habit

Consistency is key to creative growth. Showing up every day - even for 10 minutes -keeps your ideas flowing and strengthens your skills. With each day over the challenge, I attempt to refine my techniques, try new stitches, and explore layering with fabric or other materials.

Weaving and Burning Dried leaf

One of the biggest challenges in any long-term project is overcoming the inner critic. Some days, it might feel like nothing is working or you don't know what to try. Other days, everything clicks into place. The key is to keep going, no matter what. I set a simple daily goal: create one small design, even if it’s just a single stitch or a minimal burned mark.

Creative Tip: Set up a simple workspace so you can create without distractions. Having materials ready makes the process smoother. Create a daily ritual around your project, light a candle, play calming music, or sip tea while working.

Encouragement: Keep going, even if your pieces don’t turn out exactly as planned. Creativity is a journey, not a destination. Your skills will improve with practice, and each piece adds to your growing body of work.

Want step-by-step guidance? My Leaf Arts course walks you through different mixed media techniques.

Want to learn more?

Join me in my Leaf Arts - Transforming Nature into Art course for guided lessons on leaf art techniques! 

Come and join us on the course and learn to create your own beautifully designed leaves!

Arts and Wellness Cafe - Creative Living

Arts and Wellness Cafe 

Welcome to the first of many Arts and Wellness Cafe.  It has been a minute and I wanted to share with you for the end of February.  Well here we are now in March and time has already passed so quickly.

In this Arts and Wellness Cafe, it truly is as if you passed by with none the frills and bells that editing can sometimes offer you.  

In this episode I share some of the projects that I have been working on and what I hope to get to over the course of the month.

I hope you are blessed and that you come back next time and spend some time in the Arts and Wellness Cafe.

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.

Exhibitions in Barbados, Studio Tours, Creative Talent

I have been fortunate enough to have been to several art exhibitions over the past few weeks and also and have been one of the exhibiting artists in galleries around Barbados.  Here are a few images taken from the show

Here is some of my work, I had 3 sculptures on show

Amanda Trought and Artwork

Amanda Trought - Queens Park Gallery, Barbados

The Stilt Walkers Treasure

To Market

The Gift

Here shown with artists - Elle Rene, LisaMeart, Amanda Trought, Barbara Russell , Friend of Barbaras

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Caribbean Fine Art Fair (CaFA)

Went to the Caribbean Fine Art Fair opening and met lots of talented artists from all over the Caribbean and the Diaspora.  You can check out the website to see the full list of participating artists HERE.

Artists - left to right, Amanda Trought, Shanon Barro Lauren B, Tavernelle Wells, Rachel Sepulvda, LisaMeArt

LisaMeArt at the CaFA Exhibition

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Studio Tours happened the weekend of the 23 and 24th March but there is an extended exhibition taking place at the Frame Art Gallery where the work can be viewed by the 44 Artists that took part in the Artist Studio Tour

You can check out the full details of the artist by going to the website:  www.artiststudiotoursbarbados.com

Artists Studio Tours Barbados 2024 at the Frame Art & Co.’s Gallery, Millhouse Complex, St. Michael,  Tuesday to Friday 9am-4.30pm, Saturday 9am-2pm

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Exhibition - Elle Rene, (Giselle Walker) Insight 

on until 24th April 24, Queens Park Gallery, Barbados

Artists left to right - Elle Rene, Sonia Caesar, Amanda Trought

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Visual Arts Barbados - Monthly Online Magazine

Published by Corrie Scott 

Check out the March Magazine and some of the back issues

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Also check out the National Cultural Foundation (NCF), Barbados - For More Information on events in Barbados

There are many ways you can support an artist, purchase their work, check out their social media, leave a comment on their profile, share their work.  Have a blessed Weekend!

3 Organizational Tips for Sorting your Fabric Stash

As you build your own fabric collect of painted fabrics and textiles while they can be the start of some beautiful creative projects you have to also think about how you store and maintain your collection.  When things are all over the place it can become overwhelming and a barrier to spending time in your creative space, so I have three simple tips to help you keep on top of your growing fabric collection and make them readily accessible: 

Embrace Categorization:

The first step is to create a system that separates your fabrics based on type of fabric and color. Group similar fabrics together, like all your cotton fabrics in one section, silks in another, etc. Within each type category, further subdivide them by color. This way, you can easily locate a specific fabric..

Clear Containers:

I found with the space I have that having clear plastic bins or storage boxes allows you to easily see the contents without needing to rummage through each container. I have two different sizes for the larger fabric and then smaller ones. Choose containers in various sizes to accommodate different fabrics. Think about the space you have and what would use the space more effectively.

Labelling:

Label each container clearly and you can go further to add the colors or type of fabric. You can use a label maker for a clean and professional look, or handwrite labels on sturdy cardstock and secure them with tape.

By implementing these simple tips, you'll transform your fabric collection from a jumbled mess to a well-organized haven of inspiration. Remember, a little planning goes a long way in ensuring your creative flow remains uninterrupted as you delve into your next creative adventure!


Declutter/swap:

Regular Decluttering and Donation: By regularly reviewing what you have you can think about ways to reduce, or you can do a swap with another artist and brings new and interesting fabrics into your stash. I find it difficult to part ways with my fabric but I guess it gets easier the more you do it.

100 Days of Art - with Amanda Trought (Day 1-7) - #100dayproject

What would happen if you shared what you do for the next 100 days?

I'm excited to announce that I'm joining the 100 Day Project! For the next 100 days, I'll be sharing 100 pieces of my art, from mixed media and sculptures to fabric creations and jewelry.

I plan to share a diverse mix of styles and inspirations! Each piece comes with a little story, and I hope it sparks your own creativity, whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out.

Catch all the daily updates on my Instagram account, where some of the art will even be available for purchase! For a weekly recap come back here to my blog every Saturday.

Join me on Instagram

If you are still on the fence about joining the 100 Day Project, there's still time! Jump in for any number of days, leave encouraging comments on others' posts, and most importantly, enjoy the creative journey! Remember, progress over perfection – you'll be surprised where you end up.

Staying Stress-Free During a 100 Day Project - 

1. Be Flexible: Don't pressure yourself to create, you can share tips, your work, process, behind the scenes - it is totally up to you. Some days will be easier than others, so allow for flexibility in your approach and output. 
2. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: This project is about exploring your creativity, not achieving instant perfection. Embrace the journey, celebrate small wins, and learn from every step along the way.
3. Supportive Community: Connect with other participants online or in person. Share your work, offer encouragement, and draw inspiration from each other's experiences. Remember, you're not alone in this!

I hope this helps! Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the creative process. 

Here are the first 7 days of the artwork that I have shared:

Day 1 of 100 Days of Art

Day 2 of 100 Days of Art

Day 3 of 100 Days of Art

Day 4 of 100 Days of Art

Day 5 of 100 Days of Art

Day 6 of 100 Days of Art

Day 7 of 100 Days of Art

Before you go - Come and join us in the Art Resource Hub

Arts and Wellness Cafe - Enhance Your Creative Journey

 

Welcome to the second episode of the Arts and Wellness Cafe. In this episode, we are diving into our creativity, unlocking the potential of your creative journey. Have you ever wondered when that spark of creativity ignited within you? Creativity is not just a privilege reserved for artists; it's a tool that can enhance everyone's overall health and well-being in a number of ways. Check out the video for more details.

Benefits of Engaging in the Arts on Health and Well-Being

Here are a few benefits for engaging in a creative activity:

1. Stress Reduction: Engaging in creative activities such as painting, drawing, or crafting can act as a form of mindfulness, allowing you to focus on the present moment, reducing stress and anxiety.
2. Emotional Expression: Art provides a safe space for emotional expression. where you can explore and communicate your feelings.
3. Self-esteem: Completing a creative project can give you a sense of accomplishment and boost your self-esteem.
4. Increased Brain Function: Engaging in creative activities stimulates various areas of the brain, promoting memory retention, and overall mental acuity.
5. Social Connection: Participating in group creative activities, such as joining an art class or theater group, fosters social interactions and reduces feelings of isolation. Join our arts Community on my course platform HERE

Learn about the Arts Resource Hub HERE

When we explore some ways to kickstart your creative journey: There are a variety of ways you can start your Creative Journey and here are a few ideas to try:

1. Art Journaling: Begin by keeping an art journal. It can be a mix of sketches, writing, collage, or any other medium that resonates with you. Use it as a space to document your thoughts, feelings, and ideas visually.
2. Creative Writing: If you enjoy writing, start a personal blog, write short stories, or even attempt poetry. Writing allows you to explore your imagination and express your inner thoughts.
3. Crafting: There is so much joy to be found in crafting - trying activities like slow stitching, woodworking, or jewelry making or other crafts can offer a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
4. Visual Arts: Experiment with painting, drawing, or sculpting. You don't need to be a professional artist; just pick up some supplies and start creating. The process is often more rewarding than the end result.
5. Music and Dance: Learn to play a musical instrument or enroll in dance classes. Music and dance are excellent outlets for self-expression and emotional release.
6. Photography: Capture the world through the lens of a camera. Photography allows you to find beauty in everyday moments and share your unique perspective.
7. Cooking and Culinary Arts: Get creative in the kitchen. Experiment with new recipes, flavors, cooking is a delicious form of artistry.
8. Gardening: Cultivate a garden or tend to indoor plants. Gardening connects you with nature and allows you to create a living work of art.

Join me in the Creative Garden LEARN MORE

Incorporate art into your mindfulness or meditation practice. Coloring books designed for adults or mandala drawing can be particularly soothing, and check out some cool FREE courses, there are free courses and digital downloads that you can try out.

Remember that creativity is a personal journey, and there are no right or wrong ways to explore it. The key is to start, enjoy the process, and embrace the positive impact it can have on your health and well-being.

When did you realize you wanted to do something creative? 

It's never too late to embark on this creative journey, and the benefits to your overall wellness will be worth every stroke of the brush or stitch made.

Celebrating Textiles - Textile Challenge.

Celebrating Textiles

A couple of years ago I was asked by the previous curator of The Queens Park Gallery - Janice Whittle to take part in an exhibition - my first exhibiting some of my new textile work.  She also mentioned Boro Shashiko which I was not familiar with at the time and gave me two challenges to explore Boro and to go much larger in size with my work than I had previously gone.  

You can check out the video below of the exhibition

What is Boro?

Derived from the Japanese Boro, meaning something tattered or repaired, boro refers to the practice of reworking and repairing textiles (often clothes or bedding) through piecing, patching and stitching, in order to extend their use.

At first I couldn't imagine how I would tackle such a large piece and also learn a new technique and create a piece for an exhibition but Janice encouraged  and I became excited at how I would execute the challenge.

It took me months to get started - just as well she had given me 10 months notice!  I decided to create a series of small pieces, the size that I was used to and then join them all together.

This made the world of difference, I could just focus on that piece and then move on.  I found the stitches to be also relaxing, Boro is also known as 'The Mending Stitch'

I gathered my jeans fabric and set about creating stitches on them

I also added elements such as painted fabric, laying  and using alternative colors on the fabric.

This is the finished piece.  The wood is Moringa and Cotton Tree wood harvested from my garden

Art by Amanda Trought - Wall Hanging

My challenge for this piece was to learn something new and go much bigger in size than I normally do.  What have you challenged yourself with this month that has stretched you?

Stay blessed and be a Blessing

Amanda

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I am also taking part in the Ultimate Blog Challenge and you can check out all the posts HERE

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Mixed Media Art Courses to Check out

SALE - Enjoy $10 OFF all courses until 30th April Click on the image to see the course.

Use the Code at the checkout - create2