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

Art Bundles for Good #8 is Back! Until 7th May!!

Art Bundles for Good #8 is back now for 5 days only! If you missed the sale last November, this is your final chance. There are more than 100 classes from more than 85 different artists, all for one low price. You don’t want to miss this!

This is an incredible chance to learn a broad range of artistic styles from dozens of different artists and we are supporting a great charity.

Visit the Art Bundle website to see all the amazing courses included. They are all listed on the homepage.

GO TO THE ART BUNDLES FOR GOOD

There are over $5400 worth of courses and resources 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.

This is an amazing opportunity to get more than 100 art resources at such a low price. With so many products, it works out to less than $1 per class!

The best part is that 25% of the Art Bundle profits are going to support Courageous Kitchen, a Bangkok-based charity helping refugees. Get over 100 top art learning resources from more than 85 artists AND do some good at the same time. We’ve already raised US$ 131,054 for charity.

GO TO THE ART BUNDLES FOR GOOD

Arts and Wellness Cafe - Words, Creativity and Art Events

Looking forward to having you join us in the Arts and Wellness Cafe.

I take you through the word of the week and look at ways in which we can use the inspiration around us in our work.  Who are your favorite artists and what influence do they have on your growth?  I share some of mine too.

The other things that we look at in this episode is:

• Art journal process -  we look at how we can explore the different effects we can get with the supplies that we have including graphite, and water-soluble graphite tints.
• Fabric Art projects and resist dyeing sneak peak!
• Question and Tip for the week to encourage and motivate you - What would be your dream collaboration?
• Arts and Artists spotlight, lots of things are happening in Barbados with the Artists Studio Tours happening over the weekend - 3rd and 4th of February.

Take a self-guided tour of the many artists' studios scattered throughout Barbados. Meet the talented artists, view their galleries, and bring home a beautiful piece of local art to cherish. In addition, this tour provides the bonus of experiencing the beauty of Barbados itself!  Hope you can join us in this adventure!

Before you go:

Check out my online course - Filling the Creative Well

1000 Dog Portraits - Work Published

In keeping with the post I shared a while back about celebrating your achievements, I thought I would share some of my artwork that got published in a book some time ago, but we can still celebrate!  In fact I have a journal dedicated for things that I have achieved, so that I can look back as a reminder and see how far I have come.  It is important that you write down all your achievements, not matter how small.

The Book that my work was published in was published in 2014 and is called 1000 Dog portraits, curated by Robynne Raye. I created 2 playful paintings which were selected.  It was a reminder to me to 'go for it' and not hold back and allow the critic to voice their untruths.

On the Run - Amanda Trought, 1000 Dog Portraits

My main focus was to have fun and bring out the colors in each of the paintings, and I like the cartoon like feel of my dogs, and they may one day feature in a children's book of their own.

Amanda Trought Art - Dog Portraits

It was great to see the diversity of work from both artists and designers from around the world, and to have my work published alongside them.

I think I might spend some more time playing about with colors and shapes, and see what other playful characters that I can come up with. Why not try it out yourself.

Cole my dog is wondering when I am going to do a painting of him, he loves posing for the camera, and makes sure we only get his best side!

Cole, Such a majestic looking dog

Hanging out with Cole

Stay blessed and be a blessing and keep your eyes out for many other creative goodies that will be coming your way.

You can check out the book  HERE on Amazon 

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Free Trial on Patreon - Join Us

Sometimes I Write Poetry - Look inside

I am going to take you on a little journey through the book what I wanted to show you is the color the paintings that are included in the book from paintings that I have created.

Sometimes I write poetry is a collection of words expressing emotions it has been in the process of development over the years and I finally gathered the courage to share it with you.  I'm really proud of the way that it came out I really love the feel of the cover, it's a matte finish and very soft.  The book is split into eight chapters the chapters, which are love, decisions, thoughts, calling, memories, loneliness, loss and death and community and soul and with each chapter there is a color painting that goes with it, and over a hundred poems.

If you would like to purchase a copy you can do so HERE  

Cyber Week Sale!! Extended

You should also check out the Cyber Week Sale that I have going on my Course platform - get 50% off all courses using the code CREATE50 

To be taken to the course selection - Click on the image or HERE 

I also have up to 40% off my digital stamps, there are a range of designs to choose from.  The Etsy code is ORDER20 and you can click on the image to see the designs or HERE

Book Review - Treasured Notions - Vintage Beads and More

I am so glad that you could join me for in the studio.  I am reviewing the book Treasured Notions, which is a lovely book especially for those of us who like to collect a range of materials and elements for our creative work.  You can access the book on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3Enp4vE

I had a look through some of the things that I have collected and use in my fabric work and you can see a selection of the beads that I have in my collection.  The  beads which come in all shapes and sizes, you can make your own out of recycled material as well which can be great fun. 

I have been using beads for years.  These particular ones I brought around 20 years ago, which I think makes them Vintage!  I used to wear my hair in plaits and would add the beads at the end - using the colors Red, Yellow and Green.  I was rocking it back then:)

The beads are glass so quite a few of them over the years broke.  I now use them in my mixed media stitched projects.  

As well as purchasing the beads individually or in a set, you can sometimes find some great beads at the local charity store.  At one point my local charity store was making bundles of unsold jewelry and beads, it was like a treasure hunt and you always came away with some amazing pieces, I had some great finds that are being prepped for many different projects.

One way to be creative if you don't have time to get on with a project is to maybe spend time sorting your supplies.  You would be amazed at what 5 minutes create play can do when you try and fit it into your schedule. 

Check out the Video Below that I shared as part of my Essential supplies series to get a better look.

Thank you for joining me

Free Mixed Media Art Resources

 

Check out the Free resource - see a host of Free Resources and information for you to access, including digital and audio downloads, course information, book, product reviews, discounts and offers. You can check it out on my course platform - Click on the link HERE

Art Tags FREE Mini Course

A set of 7 art tags designs that you can add your own flair to. In the videos I share with you some hints and tips More information HERE

Recycled Stamps and Stencils Course

Do you want ideas for creating your own stamps and stencils from recycled materials, in this mini course I show you a series of examples using recycled materials and create a couple of art pages.  More information HERE

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Mixed Media Art Courses to Check out

Mini Art Journal & Background Page - Get Messy May - Day 1 & 2

So the Messy May prompts have started and for the first Days prompt 'Starting' I decided to make a few Matchbox sized art journals.  I will also be using them for some of the prompts to come.  The idea for me with the challenge this month is to do something creative no matter how small, so these mini art journals are ideal.  There will be some days where I do a full sized art journal spread depending on how I feel.

I am also one of the artists creating a prompt for the challenge and my day will be on Day 12 - Habit.  I hope you are able to join us and come and see how you can find additional ways to be creative and enjoy the process.

The prompt for today is 'Showing Up'

The prompt for today is 'Showing Up' and I created a background page using some of the paint supplies that I have.  I think one of the good things about challenges is that you can take the prompt where you feel like taking it, it is your creative journey so you enjoy it and the process.

These are colors that I don't normally combine together so it was great to be able to play in the art journal.

You can join us on the journey and take part, dip in and out if you wish and most of all enjoy.  My main day is on day 12 - Habit, and  I have a lovely prompt for you to do and some bonus sessions as well.  You can sign up HERE

Get Messy May - The Start of a New Challenge!!

What a great way to end a challenge than to begin another!!  Starting TODAY for the whole of May I will be part of a Journal Challenge.

Messy May is the daily-ish journaling challenge for imperfect creatives. Want to play along? ⁠
⁠

• Sign up for free by clicking HERE (your bonuses + special classroom arrive via email)⁠
• ⁠Follow the prompt and micro challenge on Instagram⁠
• ⁠Create along with the host artist, share your art, cheer on other creatives⁠
• ⁠Bonus: Join us for the events, share your art to win giveaways, and make some art friends (with our help)⁠

We would love to have you join us!  Here are the prompts for May - click on the image to sign up

Stay blessed and be a blessing!

Amanda

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