Early Birds and Giveaway's

 

Art Bundle for Good

Do you want a chance to win the new Art Bundles for Good #9?

Three lucky winners will have a chance to win the latest Art Bundles for Good including $4000 worth of art courses and other great resources. There are over 90 art resources from more than 80 of your favorite artists, including one of my courses.

It doesn’t cost anything to enter, so don’t miss out.

The Art Bundle Giveaway only lasts for 1 week, starting today! Earn more chances to win by sharing with the link provided.

Enter the Giveaway HERE

Gratitude Art Journal

I am so looking forward to sharing my lesson, here is another sneak peek of what we will be creating to fit into your junk journal:

We will start our journey together making an altered book journal, using what we have on hand to create something wonderful and fun to hold our thoughts, our ephemera, our joy and gratitude!

Each day you'll be challenged to dig into your own gratitude with a question to answer, something to think about or do and/or something to create. You'll find a little joy in each day. You'll leave this workshop with a warm smile, some extra love and a JOY-filled heart.

Remember to unlock the EARLY BIRD SPECIAL which ends 31st October 2024 at 11:59pm Eastern:

Just enter code: AMOR24 at checkout AND GET 20% OFF HERE!

CHECK OUT THE GRATITUDE JUNK JOURNAL HERE

Before you go...

Did you get your FREE Papers - check out Octobers papers and see what you can come up with.

Get your papers here

Join Me for the Gratitude Junk Journal 2024

 

I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be one of the instructors for Gratitude Junk Journal 2024, hosted by Tiare Smith! You can sign up right here: Gratitude Junk Journal 2024.

Together with 12 other talented artists, we’re bringing 30 days of joy, creativity, and gratitude straight to you. This is a fantastic opportunity to kickstart your gratitude practice while nurturing your creativity. Through daily prompts, art, and reflection, we’ll embrace gratitude, opening our hearts to more love, joy, and creative expression.

I’m offering a FREE spot in Gratitude Junk Journal 2024! The giveaway ends on September 30, 2024, at 12pm NOON, so make sure to enter before time runs out.

How to Enter:

• Simply sign up to my course platform for the FREE Art Resource Hub. If you’re already a member, you’ll be automatically entered.
• For extra entries, you can increase your chances right here: Sign Up for the Giveaway.

What can you expect from this workshop?

In this 30-day workshop, you’ll:

• Learn how to create a beautiful, altered book to capture your thoughts and art.
• Discover techniques for making art journal pages you’ll love.
• Practice daily gratitude through fun, creative challenges.
• Find joy in your everyday life—reducing stress and enhancing positivity.
• Use “junk” from your stash or around your home to create amazing art.
• Explore techniques for creating vibrant backgrounds.
• Gain skills that will empower you to make inspiring art again and again.

Each day you’ll engage with thought-provoking questions, actions, or creative exercises designed to help you reflect on your own gratitude journey. By the end, you’ll walk away with a heart full of joy and a beautiful journal to remind you of your creative journey.

Ready to join us?
Click here to sign up today!

Let’s create, reflect, and grow together. Stay blessed and be a blessing!

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.

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

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

Art Journal Play - Word Plaques

 

In this video I share how I create my art journal plaques.  They are great for adding encouraging words in your journal and to decorate it as well as also being used for other creative projects.  Check out the video and let me know how you will use them.

Fathers Day Special Sale

The sale continues - get your discounted courses.  The sale finishes on the 17th June at 9am.  Use the Code FATHERS50 at the checkout.  Take a look at the courses available HERE

Stay blessed and be a blessing

Summer Time Art Journal Page with Amanda Trought

 

Come and check out my latest video, Summertime - Art Journal page. 

I have been creating digital downloads for quite a while now and had started creating images on these pages that I have been sharing with my $3 Tier Patrons each month.

You don't have to be a paying member to join, you can still get FREE access to the digital download papers I create each month and see where your creativity will take you, I would love you to join us on this creative adventure.  This was the last paper I produced for my FREE Patrons:

Get your FREE copy of this 4 page background pages HERE

In todays video, I share how you can alter the page and highlight the areas that you want to keep.

I then go on to show you how you can work on it an create an image.  I love working on these papers and you are also then able to do additional things with the papers that you have painted on.  You can use them in your creative projects, art journals and more.

If you would like to see the full video with the process details and access to the digital papers for June and more then check out the Free 7 Day Trial on Patreon

Welcome To the June Free Digital Papers!! VIP Pass - Making Zen and More

Welcome June, it is the first day of the month and a great time to think about some of the creative projects that you can do. Here are a few examples of what you can do in your art journal and mixed media creative projects:

• Nature-inspired Collages: Collect leaves, flowers, and other natural elements to create intricate collages in your art journal. Use different textures and colors to add depth and interest to your compositions

• Watercolor Landscapes: Experiment with watercolors to paint serene landscapes or vibrant cityscapes. Let your imagination wander as you blend colors and create dreamy scenes.

• Found Object Sculptures: Gather everyday objects like buttons, keys, and old jewelry to assemble unique sculptures. Combine them with clay or wire to create three-dimensional artworks that tell a story.

For more ideas, join us on Patreon as a FREE member to see the remainder of the really helpful list of creative activities.  

Remember, the beauty of mixed media and art journaling lies in the freedom to experiment and express yourself without constraints. Let your creativity flow and have fun exploring new techniques and ideas!

FREE Digital Downloads for June! 

New papers available - Get Yours HERE for FREE on Patreon

Each month I give away a free set of papers, you join Patreon as a FREE member and you can download it for your art journals and creative projects.

Included in the Free papers is a background sheet and tags for you to use in your creative project.

Making Zen

It is the last day to get access to the Making Zen Courses

Get the VIP Pass for Making Zen - You will get:

❤ Lifetime access to all classes, presentations and tutorials (value $1,000)

❤ Extended playback options

❤ Exclusive premium bonuses from our artists (value $554)

This exclusive offer disappears at midnight ADT on Sunday, June 2, 2024!

Get the VIP Pass HERE

Some of the bonuses include

Kawandi Style Quilting

Create a Lucious Silk Sketchbook Cover

Sashiko Hydrangea Pattern Stitch Guide

There is something for everyone, so come and check it out and Grab your VIP PASS will you are at it!

Celebrating Mother's Day: The Importance of Self-Care and Nurturing

 

Happy Mothers Day, It’s a time of reflection and appreciation for the incredible women who have shaped our lives. 

From the mothers who raised us to the maternal figures who have guided and supported us along the way, Mother's Day is an opportunity to celebrate their love, sacrifice, and unwavering presence. As we spend time honoring those in our lives, we also take time to think about our own self-care and nurturing our well-being.

Self-Care Matters

Self-care is a fundamental aspect of maintaining balance, and overall well-being in our lives. Taking time to showing ourselves love and carving out moments of solitude, indulging in a favorite hobby, or simply giving ourselves permission to rest, self-care empowers us to recharge and replenish our energy.

Sometimes prioritizing self-care can often feel like a as meeting the needs of others can leave little time or energy for self-nurturing. However, practicing self-care is essential.

Celebrating Self-Care

I encourage mothers and maternal figures to take time for themselves, engage in activities that bring them joy, and honor their own needs and desires – whatever that may be, whether it's enjoying a leisurely morning, taking a peaceful nature walk, or indulging in a creative pursuit, let's celebrate each and every day in a way that nurtures the mind, body, and soul.

For More Ideas for Self Care - Join us HERE

Flowers for Mothers Day - #secondsaturdayart

 

Come and join me in the Studio as I create this page.  It originally starts out as a background page with flowers.  Every month on my Patreon site I release a new set of papers that members can access.  

I take a good look at the background and like to see what images start to appear, I will go around it with a water-soluble graphite, and then the rest flows.  

I leave a couple of flowers in their original position and also use some translucent paint so you can still see the background. Why don't you try it out for yourself?

If you would like to access the background papers, come over to my Patreon and join the Free 7 Day Trial - HERE

I hope you enjoy

Art Bundle for Good - 2 Days left!

Art Bundles for Good #8 is only here for 2 more days. If you didn’t purchase the Art Bundle last November, this is your last chance. This bundle of over 100 art classes will not be offered again.

There are over $5400 worth of courses and resources on on topics like watercolour painting, art journaling, sketching, mixed media, drawing, abstract art, acrylic painting, collage, pastel pencils, colored pencils, creativity and much more all bundled together for one low price. 

GO TO THE ART BUNDLE

You’re not going to want to miss this fantastic deal. The sale will end on Monday at midnight, New York Time, so don’t miss out.

GO TO THE ART BUNDLE

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.

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

5 Ways to Prepare your Art Journal for Creative Play

Arts Journal play, 5 Ways to Prepare your Art Journal for Creative Play

One of the most exciting things that I have found when using an art journaling is the creative play that it encourages. There are many different ways that you can use your art journal and a few ways to prepare your journal that will help you to avoid the roadblocks that can often come when doing anything creative. I cover some of the ways in the video and here are a few additional suggestions to help you get started:

Gather Your Materials
Before you begin, gather all the art supplies you might want to use - and use what you have (you don't have to have specialist equipment, or journals - if a composition notebook is what you have, then use that, or make your own)  Check out my YouTube Playlist on creating a variety of different Art Journal and pages.  

You can also include paints, markers, pens, collage materials, stamps, stencils, and anything else that inspires you. Having everything within reach will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.  I have a monthly free digital download that you can use for collage material in your Art Journal, you can access it in my Art Resource Hub.

Set the Mood
Create a comfortable and inspiring space to work in. Play your favorite music, light some candles, or surround yourself with plants and artwork that uplift you. The right atmosphere can help get your creative juices flowing.

Prep Your Pages
Consider prepping some of your journal pages in advance. You could paint backgrounds with different colors, textures, or patterns, or even add a layer of gesso to prime the pages for mixed media. Having a variety of backgrounds ready to go can jumpstart your creativity.  If I have extra paint on my pallet from doing a particular project, I will apply the excess to the pages of my art journal.

Embrace Mistakes
Remember that your art journal is a space for experimentation and self-expression. Don't be afraid to try new techniques, and don't compare yourself to anyone else. Embrace the imperfections and let them guide you towards unexpected artistic discoveries.

Start with a Prompt
If you're feeling stuck, consider starting with a prompt to kickstart your creativity. This could be a word, a quote, a color scheme, or a theme that speaks to you. Let the prompt guide your artistic exploration and see where it takes you.  CLICK HERE  and join me in the Art Resource Hub on the 'Realityarts Academy' for a series of free downloads to get you started. 

By preparing your art journal for creative play in these ways, you'll be ready to dive into a world of endless possibilities and artistic freedom. Join our online art community and share what you have been doing in your art journal

Enjoy the process and let your imagination soar!

Before You Go...

Join us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content, see behind the scenes and get more insights and inspiration, and I share more on creative play and tips for working in your art journal.

Free Digital Downloads - Jan - Dec 2023 - 7 More days

 

Every month on my course platform I give away a digital download, for you to use in your creative projects.  January - December 23 will be available until the 7th January 2024

You can access the digital downloads HERE

A new download for January 2024 will be available in the next couple of days, so come and join us!