The Journey Within - Online Class In Full swing

The Journey Within - Click to Register and more info

Well the Journey Within 2016 is in full swing and we are coming to the end of the first month.  We are having a lot of fun, insight and much needed time in our journals.  It is great to be able to share with each other in the journey, and the journey has kicked off well with Vivienne McMaster, Kelly Johnson and Tiare Smith, along with some great journal hints and tips from Kiala our host.

You can join us for the year long journey or the class is also split up into quarters and the first quarter is from January to March - so you still have time to sign up if you want to get on board for either the year long or the first quarter.  There is no falling behind as you can take your time to work through the videos and dip your toes in and really make this journey count for you.  

You will be able to view my lesson in February and I can't wait to share some techniques with you, here is a sneak peek:

Sneak peek of my lesson for The Journey Within 2016

It was great hearing the interview with Vivienne and some of the classes that she teaches and the way that we see ourselves and the stories that form - especially through the camera, and I would like to spend more time for a while seeing myself from a different perspective, through the lens and document the journey.  

Kelly Johnson and Tiare Smiths had us working in our Art Journals, exploring and discovering.  Our session with Kelly we were encouraged to explore seeds.  I have moved recently and have been keen to start growing and planting, so this was an ideal exercise.  I am coming across a variety of seeds from unfamiliar fruit and finding out the different conditions that would make the seed grow and it has been a really good experience.  Just taking a closer look at the seeds their colours and shapes got me really thinking about the particular plants and where I would want to place them when they start to grow.

All these seeds I have potted up and waiting for them to grow.  I have had success with the Moringa and the squash which have sprouted up almost immediately.

The Palm seed above also sprouted and I have the makings of a small plant so far.  The others will probably take a few more days to germinate.  I really loved this way of documenting the seeds that I have found and all in all, I am quite pleased with the page and will share more of what I have been growing during the week.

For Tiare's class we were encouraged to play and create what she calls splatter, splotch and splash art. 

It is such a freeing exercise and I plan to do more.  You are playing with the paints, on the page and allowing the colours to take shape, loved it

 

I must say that the Journey Within online course is something that your going to want to take part in.  Already there is so many juicy techniques in the classes and so much more to come. Why not join us on this journey and you can be sure that by the end of the year you will have so many areas of your life impacted by taking part.  

To find out more information, click on the link above and join us for a journey of a lifetime!

Dwelling in the desert and images - I just felt like writing....

I felt like writing a piece, it is called 'Dwelling in the Desert'.  I would like to write more often, and plan to try and make a practice of it. I have included some of my past art work, I hope you like it, leave me a comment let me know what you think, if you resonate with the piece.

Dwelling in the Desert

How is it that thoughts can take hold of you - from just a few words your world can be turned upside down.

Mixed media art - Amanda Trought

The attentiveness wrapped in tender words is what did it in the guise of a stream.  It is now understandable that when you get stuck in the desert for so long, in a parched and dry land where everything seems withered you loose a piece of yourself, ever so slowly until you look in the mirror and don't even recognize your reflection.  Every now and then in what seems like a cycle a stream appears.  You've been parched for so long you wonder if you should drink, laugh, wet your feet or totally ignore it, but the very idea of the stream brings hope.

Mixed media art - Amanda Trought

Every time you look at the stream it reminds you of those unfulfilled dreams, and you are amazed at how you got into the position.  You never thought that you would be surrounded by dry land in the desert for so long and just got used to it, the days rolled weeks, months and then the years and then you looked back and things had changed, you had changed and you were just there.  Your throat aches from crying and calling out "Why".

Mixed media art - Amanda Trought

Now the sound of the stream as it bubbles over the rocks, caressing the tips of the trees that suddenly gather along its path.  It brings new life, fresh eyes, new ways of thinking and as quickly as the stream appears there is a refreshing to your soul and you are lost in your confusion, feeling guilty, wanting to dip in the stream, and lose yourself, scared that it is only a disguise and the thirst will still remain.

Mixed media art - Amanda Trought

You didn't realize that you were thirsty until you noticed the stream.  Some say that if you drink from the stream you will never be able to go back, some say a new life awaits.  As you walked along the stream bed, it looks so inviting, enticing, you long to laugh again and feel at ease.  Flowing over the rocks droplets of water rise up and touches your face, absorbed in your skin your senses are heightened as you are reminded of where and who you are.

Mixed media art - Amanda Trought

Confusion now spills into your mind, your heart beating fast.

Stop talking, let there be silence you say, your thoughts needing to be quiet, banishing them to the barren part of your mind so that you can be still, you want your thoughts to be ordered to stop what seems like madness, or is it just your mind playing tricks of yearning from another dimension.

You wait, confusion tries to come back from the banished regions of your mind to taunt you again and you are tempted to get closer to the stream, perhaps you'll just gaze for a while.  You tell yourself that your perspective has changed, and that you'll be stronger, and if you look through squinted eyes perhaps the desert isn't so bad, the years still passing and you can see that the desert has a different cloud formation going on, perhaps there is change ahead, perhaps it isn't enough!

One Badass Art Journal - Blog Hop and Giveaway!

I HAVE A FREE SPOT TO GIVE AWAY - SEE BELOW

Do you want to learn how to become a badass Art journaler? 

Want to learn new, fun, exciting Art journaling Techniques that will take your Art journaling to a whole new Level? 

Then this one’s for you …

I’m thrilled to share that here is another great collaborative

Project that I will be part of in 2016 … ONE BADASS ARTJOURNAL … and here is a sneak preview of what you will be making in my session:

We will be drawing strength and nurturing ourselves with these exercises, and creating different levels and layers and building (literally!) on our journal page.

There will be more than one message that comes through, messages to encourage, nurture, inspire, and make you feel loved.

I hope you enjoy!

One BADASS Art Journal will empower you to create, to learn, to feel confident and provide you with the tools, techniques and encouragement needed to feel

BADASS every day!

Check out the amazing Teacher-Lineup … you can find more Information about the Artists teaching, and much more information about this fantastic class here.

But WAIT I have a spot to GIVEAWAY

In this workshop you will get so many wonderful videos and techniques - such as:

• get 16 badass art lessons

• learn wonderful mixed media techniques

• be infused with confidence and creativity

• learn great tips and tricks you can use again and again

• make badass art journal pages......and MORE

Here is the Blog Hop line-up, and each teacher has a space to give away, so more chances of winning one!:

12/26 – Andrea Gomoll 

12/27 – Robin Mead

12/28 – PanArt – Cristin Stevenson 

12/29 – Grace Howes

12/30 – Jeanette Montero

12/31 – Keri Sallee

1/1 –  Jennifer Albin

1/2 – Susanne Rose

YOU ARE HERE .1/3 – Amanda Trought .YOU ARE HERE

1/4 – Ayala Art

1/5 – Kiala Givehand

1/6 – Nicci Battilana

1/7 – Tracy Scott

1/8 – Tiare Smith

Be sure to follow along with the rest of the blog hop! Just scroll down to find their site urls and their “hop” date. Be sure to visit on each date so you can learn more about what each artist will be bringing to One BADASS Art Journal and for chances to WIN!!!

I am really looking forward for the class to begin and I know that you will be blown away by some of the things you are going to learn!  I hope you will join us!

Click for more information

For this Blog Hop, 

I have ONE FREE SPOT to giveaway 

for the BadAss Art Journal Class  

To enter the draw:

Leave a comment below letting me know why you would like to win a place in the class AND 

click my Facebook page like button

Closing date for this draw will be 

Friday 8th January 2016, I will announce the winner on Saturday 9th January 2016

New Course - One Badass Art Journal, Discounts and competition!!

Ok, I have some great news to tell you!  I am teaching in another course, and this one is being hosted by Tiare Smith and is called ONE BADASS ART JOURNAL!

REGISTER TODAY

There is a wonderful group of yet more talented artists taking part in this 12 week workshop.  There is so much being offered, you will be able to make your own BADASS Art Journal and view 24 lessons/classes.  Check out the video below!

INTERESTED?  Why not treat yourself for and explore your own Badass Art Journal and link up with the facebook group there is so much more check out the rest of the course HERE

As a special offer you can get a 15% discount on the price of the course.  You have to enter the code IMBAD15 at the checkout BEFORE Sun 27th Dec to receive the discount.

And as a special bonus, SIGN UP HERE BEFORE DECEMBER 31 and you will be entered to win 1 of 2 spots in the other course that I am teaching in called The Journey Within: A Year of Handmade Journals.

Sign up for one for both courses and make your 2016 a year to remember!

Bird on my shoulder - process video

I wanted to share this short video with you today that shows you how I created this piece, hope you like it.

click on the video below to see how I made it.

I have lots to share with you over the coming weeks, sit back, relax and enjoy.  Blessings

Material Mondays - Mixed Media Necklace

It has been a while since I posted to the Material Mondays and I thought I would kick off with something that I had great fun in making.

Mixed Media Necklace

It is a mixed Media necklace that uses broken pieces of jewelry, embellishments, beads and things and then is wrapped in fabric and then painted and is very light to wear. I have been finding it so refreshing giving new life to some of my favorite pieces of jewelry that had previously broken.

I hadn't done any jewelry type projects for a while so this one satisfied the mixed media side and wanting to do something slightly new.

I have a few different things that I will share with you for the Material Mondays that over the course of the months I have either been itching to try or have started and they got shelved.  I think we all have those times where we create and either get bored or distracted and start on something else, I can't be the only one.  Sometimes I really have to reign myself in so that I can get a project complete.  At the end of the day you have to be happy with the way you work and I think that I have found my pace.

Do come back for Material Mondays to see what I share next week.  You can check out some of the previous projects HERE.  I am hoping to get some videos going to show you how you can put your own pieces together so stay tuned!

I would love to have your comments, and if you haven't already subscribe to my blog make sure you do so that you can be alerted for any new posts.  Blessings!

Gratitude's and Celebration - New Sculpture - Elouise

For a long time as an artist I have been searching for that medium that would help me feel as if I fitted in.  I went on a journey exploring different mediums and styles, and it took a lot of pushing, and prodding, getting out of my comfort zone and sometimes just trying again.

After a while I became happier with what I was producing, understanding that we all have those moments of feeling as if we are not good enough and that critical voice can stop you in your tracks if you let it.

You can hide that gift, or talent and never embark on that thing that would change how you looked at yourself and your art.

Today I celebrate and I am grateful to all those supportive voices that cheer me on, who encourage and who are leading the way themselves on their own beautiful journey.

This sculpture I have called Elouise, as I was making her I was reminded about the ties that bind us - the ones that are external and the ones which we bind ourselves with.  She is in the process of breaking free and finding her joy and passion which is to dance.

I hope as you step out of your comfort zone you are surrounded by those who are your cheerleaders and supporters and you take that brave step to silence your critics despite the shape or form they make take.

Stay blessed and be a blessing!

Camille - Sculpture

Camille - Mixed Media Sculpture

My latest sculpture is called 'Camille' and this sculpture really speaks to me about holding your piece, being confident and assured in how you carry yourself.

You are a light in the darkness, do not be afraid of your gifts and talents - as a message that we all need to hear.  

I experimented with different materials that brought together her clothing. I had also crocheted some flowers and combined them with a product called 'Powertex' that hardens them and used this within the piece.  She measures in at 22cm and weighs 2.2kg.

I have managed to complete quite a few sculptures that I am looking forward to sharing here over the next few days.  I have been experimenting with sizes and styles as well, and I think I am beginning to find my flow.  I have promised to place them on my Etsy Store - which is still in the development stage, and because we are moving might have to take a slightly back stage.

Camille, Mixed Media Art Sculpture

I hope you like her as much as I enjoyed creating her. Blessings!

Material Mondays - Sculpture Figures 1

Allowing myself loose on working with clay has led me to try some more complex pieces, and experimenting with other materials such as powertex which is a fabric hardener.  I have been able to use several different mediums to create this sculpture.  I really love the way the fabric gathers and holds its shape.

I have also incorporated jewelry, gems, and flowers which helps with the overall effect.

Using the different materials gives you different textures, which then show through when you apply paint

I am really pleased with how she turned out, she stands around 12 inches tall.

She comes bearing flowers and is looking for a good home so if you are interested in purchasing I will be putting her up in my Etsy store

Gratitude's and Celebration - Week 78 - Growth

Gratitude’s and Celebration – Growth

We all want to grow and much of the time the experiences we go through can be instrumental in that growth.  Our experiences are not always positive and we can often search ourselves to find out why it may have happened to us, or what we could have done differently and more importantly I think we need to think about what we learn about ourselves through those experiences.

Growth

I see everything we go through as potential room for growth depending on our perspective.  Each experience has something that we can learn about ourselves or the world around us, and eventually we will be able to share what we've learnt for someone who is going through or experienced the same thing.

I have learnt many things thorough my experience with my mother who has dementia, I learnt about strength and faith - my mothers and my own that has developed and carried me through.  I learnt value of changing relationships, and with time adapt to the changes that come and make room. So many situations over the years that had a different impact on my life but enabled me to view it from a different perspective and share my story with others.  

I celebrate and am grateful for continued growth in my life, that has impacted and helped inform the person I am today.

Gratitude's and Celebration Journal - Growth

Where have you felt that the most growth has occurred in your life?

I am on a creative journey in my journal and hope you come along and join me. Why not start your own journal, keep it as simple or complex as you wish, but do something!

Gratitude and Celebration Journal

Saturday's In the News - New product - Powertex

I went to a Hobby and Craft show at Excel a while back. There was lots to see and many stands with their show specials as well as demonstrations, fashion show and more. They are usually put on a couple of times a year around November and March, and great if you are thinking of trying out a new craft or hobby, or brush up on a new technique.  There is always much to learn and most exhibitors have mini demonstrations going on throughout the day.

I came across a Powertex stand, not having heard of the product before, but seeing the effects, had to find out more about it.  The husband and wife team who demonstrated using the product were really friendly and shared many hints and tips, their display was amazing.

"Powertex fabric and textile hardener is an environmentally friendly water-based liquid sculpting medium. Powertex can replace polyester for fabric hardening and textile hardening. Powertex can harden absorbent materials. Powertex is used for making sculptures, paintings, decorative objects and jewelry. Once dry your artwork can be decorated with oil paints, acrylics, latex or Powercolor mixed with Easy Varnish."

Here are some of the things that they had on display, using fabric and many things that you would probably find around your home you can create some beautiful designs

This was a cardboard box that was decorated with the hardened fabric

You can create bigger indoor and outdoor sculptures 

It can be used for both decorating sculptures and in mixed media projects

It is a bit messy and you will need gloves, though it is non toxic and will wash off your hands with soap and water, your clothes will not fair too well, so you need to cover up.

I brought one of their kits and have been blown away by the versatility of the powertex and other products that you can buy.  It has taken some of the things I have created to another level, I have used it in the mixed media paintings that I create, and I have just loved working with clay and have already used it in creating clothes for some of the art dolls. 

Here are some of the other things that I have been making...

Powertex used to create clothes

Mini Placs

Tea Box decorated with fabric

Mini Dogs

I have created a separate page on the blog with some of my other sculptures and creations.  I really recommend that you give Powertex and other products a try.  You can visit the site HERE