Material Musings - Fabric Reflections

 

Welcome to Material Musings, how have you been?  We look through several projects in this video and it is great to be able to reflect on some of the work that I have done.

Are there things that you wanted to change that having put them in place you have managed to get sorted?

Join us in the creative slow stitching fun!

Before You Go

Check out my website, you can click HERE or scan below!

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.

Material Musings - Stay Inspired with Slow Stitching and Fabric Art

 

Welcome to this weeks Material Musings, I'll be sharing some of my projects that feature stitched faces, These pieces reminder us of the possibilities that slow stitching and fabric art offer.

As you check out the video, also take a look at 4 ways that you can paint and stitch on fabric and tell your story:

1. Embrace the Storytelling Aspect

Each face stitched onto fabric tells a unique story, capturing moments, emotions, and memories. Slow stitching and creativity allows you to express those things that words might not be able to express. Using needle and thread enables you to weave tales of love, loss, joy, and resilience. As you bring your stories to life through fabric art. let the storytelling aspect of slow stitching fuel your creativity and expression.

2. Experiment with Texture and Depth

Explore possibilities of texture and depth with wax resist hand-dyed fabric, you can get some amazing effects. This technique adds a layer interest to your fabric art. Play with different colors, patterns, and resist techniques to achieve unique effects. Experimenting with texture and depth opens up a world of creative possibilities that will keep you inspired and engaged.

3. Add Beading

The addition of beads not only adds visual interest but also infuses your creations with additional pops of color. Experiment with bead placement, size, and color to enhance the beauty of your stitched pieces and bring them to life.

4. Therapeutic effects

There is also the therapeutic effects of slow stitching and creating on fabric to consider. The repetitive motion of stitches brings about a calmness that you can dip into whenever the mood takes you.


As you step into your own fabric art journey, remember to embrace the storytelling aspect and experiment with texture and depth. Let your creativity flow freely as you explore the endless possibilities of slow stitching and fabric art and watch as your imagination takes flight. So, grab your needles, threads, and fabrics, and let's dive into a world of creativity, inspiration, and endless possibilities together.

You can check out my Fabric Fragments kit which includes a selection of fabric both hand painted, dyed and pre printed. It has also included one of my painted and stitched pieces and videos on working with your fabric. Patrons get a discount on all courses and digital products on my course platform. 

I would love to see what you create, let me know what you are working on.
Blessings!

Before You Go...

Join Patreon for FREE

Edible Companion - Sometimes I Write Poetry

 

MORE INFORMATION

Material Mondays - Larger Stitched Kit

 Material Mondays - Larger Stitched Kit that I keep in the studio

Welcome to Material Mondays and Week 16, we get to have a closer look at my main sewing kit and some of the supplies that are in there. I usually use this one when I am in the studio and it houses additional needles, elastic, tape measure and more. You can find all the items in my Amazon Store Idea List

Check out the video

In case you missed it...

Check out some of the other videos in the Series

Sometimes I Write Poetry - I have Published a Poetry Book!!!

 I am so excited to share that I have published my first book of poetry!!

I am thrilled as I have been writing on and off over the years and the poems were typed up, but I never did anything with them.  The papers even started to change color.

It is amazing the things that we say we want to do, but for one reason or another we talk ourselves out of seeing it come to pass.  After I made up my mind to do it once and for all I had to be disciplined and make sure I focused on getting some of the tasks done, a bit every day. 

I did an interview talking about the book and the process and you can catch it below.  Let me know how you are getting on in the things that you are trying to get done, is there a particular dream that you are working on?

I hope you are encouraged as you listen to the interview.

The book is available on Amazon

Amazon US Book - https://amzn.to/3TWgWHz Kindle - https://amzn.to/3SZi9fM Amazon UK Book - https://amzn.to/3zBc1DP

One of the things that I want to continue is the joy of writing and the ability to use the resources available to us to share the work. I also want to encourage you to think carefully about the things that you are putting aside because you don't think you would be able to do it. Break it up into smaller chunks and get started, before you know it you will have got further than you thought you could. Time is going to pass anyway; you might as well do something that is going to make you proud.

So get ready to take action or continue to take action in your life 'story'!!  Let me know what your biggest challenges are, as sometimes it is just a change of perspective that will throw new light and opportunities on things.

Stay Blessed and be a blessing!

Limitless - Your Brains potential

 

What would you do if you could see how much better it was going to get, how different would you act now? and what would you do with the time you have?

Limitless

I have always liked the movie that came out called 'Limitless' and the idea of being able to maximize the use of your brain to 100%  to learn and do all the things you wanted to do.  Though I wouldn't want to have to continually take a drug to do so.  Some say we only use 10%, others say it is a myth and we use far more.

I think it depends how we are looking after the bodies that we have been given.  How do you look after yourself, nurture and take care of your body?  What foods are you putting in, or rather what kind of foods are you putting into that which you want to take you all over the world, perform and interact  or not if the last two years have been anything to go on - When was the last time you had a health check-up?  Are you drinking enough water, getting enough rest, finding ways to destress in a stressful environment ? and the list goes on.

Are you doing all you can do to keep your body in tip top condition in order to use all your abilities to their maximum potential?  It can be a massive challenge when you are bombarded with foods filled with E numbers and preservatives or pesticides (The food industry determines that we can safely ingest a number of harmful chemicals), these are designed to make our foods look the 'right' color, bind them or keep them at a certain consistency - and that is just one part of our lives I will not go into the environmental effects on our bodies and brain health.  

With all that and more that we are told by big business that won't harm us but have been found years later to be responsible for cancers and other illnesses you can understand why we might not be performing at 100%

What can we do?

We can have an impact on our brain and overall health by doing several things:

• Get enough sleep, take a power nap if needed - don't feel guilty
• Eat a balanced diet - A variety of food groups - quality food, not processed, heavily salted or laden with fat or sugar.
• Increase your water content - most of us are drinking water but not enough - if you feel thirsty then you are already dehydrated.
• Exercise your brain - puzzles, conversation, social interaction, learn something new, teach what you learn to others.
• Fresh air - exercise your body, go out into the fresh air, get some sunshine on your body
• Take part in a creative activity - great for your mental health and wellbeing
• Plan what you want to do, set some goals - make a list, schedule and find time to pursue those things that are important to you, challenge yourself.
• Growing your own food
• Get rid of the clutter - mental, physical... and more

These are just a few things to get started of the ones currently on my list, let me know what you ones you do.  Stay blessed and be a blessing

Textile Arts - Slow Stitching

Slow stitching is one of the things that I love to do when creating.  I have been thinking about designing my own figures and started playing about with some ideas.

Here is one that I worked on.  It started out as a simple line drawing, then I transferred it to fabric and worked on it as you can see in the video.

The fabric has been wax resisted, dyed and then stitched and I am really enjoying this part.  I still have a backing to put on and my beads are singing to me but I think that it is quite full on at the moment.

You can see some of my other textile work in the Playlist HERE

Also catch one of the videos below

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Courses - Enjoy $10 OFF all courses until 30th April

Use the Code at the checkout - Create2

I know Why the Caged Bird Sings - Art Journal Page

 

Come and join me as I share an Art Journal Page using the same name as the book by Maya Angelou - I know Why the Caged Bird Sings - Great book if you have not read it yet, Amazon has a reduced price at the moment.  Check out the video below:

I show you from start to finish how I would work on a page, using Neo-colors and stencils and some pens at the end.

This is a good example of using up the paint on your pallet and using it to create an image in your art journal. Hope you enjoy seeing how it takes shape.

How Does Your Garden Grow - New Online Course!

I am so excited to share with you that I will be launching my first solo art course today called 'How Does Your Garden Grow?'. Check out the course HERE

'Early Bird Special' Get the course for $47 instead of $57

Until 8th August 2021

We will take a walk in the garden, taking inspiration from the flowers and the leaves and then use them to inform some of the shapes, colors and marks that we will use in our creative art piece. I will then show you how to create a background and develop it to find an image we can build on and use additional marks, shapes and symbols on the page.

I have included lots of goodies to download as part of the course: -

• Course handbook
• 12 Page coloring book,
• 12 Page mixed media background images,
• 9 Stamp Images
• 14 Garden images
• A Bonus video on creating backgrounds
• Two A4 art prints - downloadable
• 1.5 hours of workshop going through the steps for creating your final image.

• All the videos and images are yours to download and keep and you can take at your own pace.

• All the skills that you will learn are transferable and it is a great idea to re-create the lesson using different mediums

I would love to have you join me on the course!  You can get it at the 'Early Bird Special' of $47 until 8th August 2021

Join Us HERE

ADDITIONAL BONUSES

For additional Bonuses check me out on Patreon

Patrons at all tiers receive these two additional bonuses when they sign up for the course.

12 page vintage florals 1 downloadable papers
12 page vintage florals 2 downloadable papers

Check out Patreon

Creating in Faith - Kindred - What do you feel connected to?

 

This weeks word is Kindred on the Realityarts Podcast Episode 29 of Creating in Faith.  Check out the podcast episode HERE

What do you feel connected to in regards to your creativity? Is it a supply, technique, way of doing things? Are you part of a group of artists, do you have someone to share your joy with?

We often think about our connections and the impact they make to our lives as well as the impact that we make on others. When you think of your creativity how is that manifesting itself within your work. We can sometimes be really connected to a particular art supply because it enables us to express ourselves and the things that are on our hearts.

I found I during the first stages of the 'global event' I was guided to sewing. I found the simple stitches to be surprisingly therapeutic and still do. I was able to quiet down all the chatter and just focus on being present.

It is a good idea to think about your creative activity that will be that for you when you need it. You also need to allow yourself the space to explore what it could be.

What information do you need to access to do what you need to do?  

It is important to listen while we create so that we can really hear through our senses what wants to be manifested. Do not judge the particular activity that you are being inspired to do, just go with the flow and enjoy that moments creative activity and maybe even schedule the regular time for yourself?  Join me on the podcast today.

As we take a look at moving forward in our art and creativity how does the word 'Kindred' impact on you and your world and how you move through it.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts....

Check out the Podcast Episode HERE

CONNECT WITH ME

Check out the Arts and Wellness Café videos each week which further explores the words

YouTube www.youtube.com/amandatrought

Blog - realityarts-creativity.blogspot.com

Patreon Blog - www.patreon.com/realityarts

Twitter - www.twitter.com/Realityarts

Instagram www.instagram.com/realityarts/

Facebook www.facebook.com/realityartss/

Check out some encouraging boards on Pinterest @realityarts

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Creating in Faith - Word for the Week - Blissful Ambition

 

The latest episodes of the words for Today on Creating in Faith is available on the podcast where the words shared are Blissful and Ambition. 

When you think about your creativity do you ever think about how it makes you feel or what you want to do with it.  Many of us find that creativity has a therapeutic effect on our health and well being and it is an integral part of their day to day.  There is also the need for many artists to look at ways in which they can earn from their creative project.

How do you see your growth and development progressing.

You can listen to the Podcast for Blissful HERE and Ambition HERE or click on the link below

New Classes have Started - BadAss Art Journal - Sign up!

 

Welcome, well we are off!  The BADASS Art Journal 2021 online course officially started on Monday and we have some amazing classes lined up for you.  Hosted by artist Tiare Smith she has brought together 14 of us to share some of our art lessons

I am looking forward to sharing my lesson with you.  This is my fifth time teaching on this class and we always have an amazing time as the other teachers share their lessons.

I hope you can join us, don't worry about the idea of 'falling behind' you can go at your own pace and the lessons are downloadable.  Here is a sneak peak of what you will be learning in my lesson

Here are some of the supplies we will be using and making lost of lovely marks on the paper.  What ever you don't have or can't get you can substitute, the main thing is to have fun while you are creating.

We will start out be creating a background page like this one, with lots of texture, encouraging words and marks, using some of my not so often used supplies - this is a great time to incorporate the paint that you normally leave or feel uncomfortable using.  You also choose some of you favourite paints to add balance and it works.

We will then create a simple image, which encompasses the word that we want to use in the main painting to encourage ourselves as we go on our creative adventure.

It would be great to see you and you can get more information HERE  or you can sign up below for the course and join me and the other teachers who are excited to meet you too!

New on the Podcast - Realityarts

I wanted to share with you the latest posts of the podcast and ask you a couple of questions about your creative walk. In the first podcast I ask you to consider whether you are friends with yourself, are you treating yourself the way you would want to be treated - if not what are you going to do about it?

In the second recording I ask you to consider your state of comfort. Are you so comfortable that you are on the verge of becoming complacent, or are you breaking it up a bit and moving from being uncomfortable to comfort on a rotating wheel of sorts. I would love to hear what your take on it is.

Stitched Meditations - Boro Shasheko Stitching

 

In this video I share with you some of the processes used for creating this wall hanging, it uses some of the techniques known as Boro Shasheko also Slow Stitching.

I created on several small pieces to begin with and then brought them together.

The pieces of material all were recycled and they have their own story to tell.  Let me know if you have ever used the stitches in your own work.

It is a very meditative piece and I also added a number of additional elements and sculptural pieces onto it.  I also used Moringa wood harvested from my garden as sculptural hangings at the base of the wall hanging.  Thank you for taking time out to watch the video.