Come and be Creative and see in the New Year!

 

Come and join us again to see this year out and the New Year in with Artsy Meet-up Marathon.  

20+ hours of creativity, it is a fantastic way to bring in the New Year!

This is the fourth year that Kiala has invited us to have fun together creating and just hanging out, and this is my 4th year as one of the teachers and creating art. This is one of the best ways that I know to celebrate 2026.

It starts at 10AM Central Time Dec. 31st. We will create Live until 9:30am Central on January 1, 2026. Every hour or so we will have a new lesson, tutorial, or demo. Everything is recorded and will be available to you for the first 6 months of 2026. There will also be replays, a private group on Mighty Network, plus select replays from previous Marathons, not to forget a number of bookbinding tutorials already there to get your creative juices flowing.

You don’t have to be there for the entire time, you can just show up when you can & create. The schedule is live - so you can check out who is teaching when. The line up is below.

For schedules and more information, click HERE

Exhibition and Art in Barbados - Queens Park Gallery

I recently had the opportunity of having my art in an exhibition at the Queens Park Gallery for the exhibition Reparations Now and had two pieces of work on display. 

Both pieces speak to the importance of identity - knowing who you are, your purpose and what is driving you.

My Sculpture is called - Disconnect, Gather Together in Thy Name

Photo - Cornerstone Creatives

The second piece is called Remembrance

You can catch more of my work on my website HERE

Leaf Arts - Day 7 Reflection and Encouragement

 

Day 7: Reflection and Encouragement

I have really enjoyed this creative journey looking at the different ways that you can create on dried leaves. I invite you to take what you’ve learned and bring your own artistic voice into the process. 

Working with leaves as a medium is both grounding and inspiring, connecting us to nature while pushing creative boundaries. If you’re excited to explore this art form, don’t forget that my Leaf Art Course is available 

Learn More and Enroll Today!

Thank you for following along this week—I’d love to hear which technique inspired you the most! Leave a comment below and share your creative journey!

Exploring Sea Grape Leaf Art

Want to Learn How to Create with Leaves?

If you’re curious about working with dried leaves as an artistic surface, I teach techniques that allow you to incorporate them into your own projects. My Leaf Art Course covers everything from preparation to design, giving you the tools to explore this unique medium with confidence.

Sign up before February 16th 11.59pm to take advantage of the discounted price! 

Learn More and Enroll Today!

Be sure to check back tomorrow for the next featured design in this exciting week of leaf art exploration!

CHECK OUT THE LEAF ARTS COURSE HERE

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