Crocheting Real Leaves for Eco-Friendly Crafts - Material Mondays

Come and join me in Material Mondays. Working with different materials can be a great way to experiment and try new skills. I never would have thought of combining the following elements - dried leaves and crochet. 

I worked on a couple of leaves to create different designs, I think one of my favorite one was the leaf with the center piece cut out.  It was the most tricky one to work on because of the size, but with perseverance and handling it really delicately I was able to do it.

I share with you in this video how you can add crochet to your dried leaves that you may have in your craft supplies. They look really pretty and along with slow stitching is a therapeutic activity that brings about calmness. Once complete I will be placing them in a frame to help preserve them.  I hope you enjoy, check out the previous Material Mondays video where I show you how I slow stitch on the leaves.

Let me know if it is something that you try, I would love to see what you do.

Love is - Mixed Media Art Journal Page

Love is

Welcome to today's Art Journal page. I I really enjoy using my paper ephemera/fodder  on my pages.  You are always creating these elements in projects and so when I get a chance to use them in my art journal, I find it quite a relaxing activity. There are so many ways you can use your ephemera, including creating mini cards, using them on tags and much more.

I am using book pages and I had applied paint to the opposite side of the paper and then proceeded to cut out heart shapes and stick them to the page.  I prepped the page which already had markings on it from a previous activity and I added additional paint and scraped it with a card. This helps it to dry quicker.

I added doodling on the page with ink, drawing around the heart shapes.  I like to add encouraging words to my art journals and it is great to later come back and see the messages and reminders. Check out the full video to see the process.

Additional Resources

Mixed Media Art Tags

2023 Loving Healing Creating Summit - Unlimited Access

 

The Free Summit has ended

But, it's not too late to get all 

21 Sessions

Loving, Healing and Creating Summit

Organized by Larissa Russel she has brought Healers and Creators together to share Healing with Creativity.

Each presenter has a fantastic session on healing and/or creativity to share with you, it has been great following along. If you haven't had time to look at all the sessions, then the unlimited access is for you. You can enjoy learning and creating for your own healing in your own time.

This is my art journal session for the course, we look at ways to speak encouraging words over ourselves.

LEARN MORE ABOUT UNLIMITED ACCESS

You will get unlimited and immediate access to the sessions
You can access the sessions whenever you want
You have lifetime access
You can save $30 off the price until 16th February 2023

I hope you are able to join us!

Recycled Stamps and Stencils

Check out my FREE Recycled Stamps and Stencils course which shows you how you can create your own mixed media stamps and stencils for your creative projects.

LEARN MORE 

Material Mondays - Leather Faces, Creating in Leather

 

Welcome to another installment of Material Mondays! Today, we are continuing our series on leather and creating designs and I am excited to share some new pieces I have been working on.

I love creating unique pieces using different tools and techniques, I will be using a  a mallet, wood-burning tool, and a range of different supplies to create patterns and designs on my leather pieces.

I find that experimentation is key to unlocking the full potential of these tools and supplies, so I encourage you to play around and try new things.

In today's episode, I will be sharing four pieces that I have created. And, in the last piece, I will be using a variety of tools to create a border and patterns.

I am also doing some mark-making on the leather. I am excited to see what we can come up with, so, grab your leather and your tools, and let us dive into the world of leather and Material Mondays.

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Loving Healing and Creating Summit - Want Unlimited Access and check out some of the sessions that you missed?  Check it out

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One BADASS Art Journal Has Started - Check it out HERE

Ready to make some BADASS art? One BADASS Art Journal 2023

 

If you have never taken the One Badass Art Journal workshops here is some background information for you, we hope you join us!  I have the pleasure of joining such a great group of creatives for another year. 

Q: What is the One BADASS Art Journal course?

A: The One BADASS Art Journal course is a workshop that provides 17 mixed media lessons and 16 instructors, designed to inspire and teach individuals to create, learn, feel confident and provide them with the techniques and inspiration to feel BADASS when they make art.  The theme for the One BADASS Art Journal course in 2023 is "CHALLENGE YOUR INNER BADASS."

Q: What kind of lessons will be included in the One BADASS Art Journal course?

A: The One BADASS Art Journal course includes 17 lessons, including a book making lesson, other classes will teach individuals about mixed media techniques, tips and tricks, and techniques that you can take into your creative practice.  

My session looks at challenging ourselves to take time out - think about the things that mean a lot to us - what are your favorite things to do? And try and incorporate this into an art journal and more importantly into our day-to-day lives.

Q: Is there a discount for the One BADASS Art Journal course?

A: Yes, there is a 20% discount available for the One BADASS Art Journal course when you use the code CREATE20 at checkout.

Q: What are the benefits of taking the One BADASS Art Journal course?

A: The benefits of taking the One BADASS Art Journal course include learning mixed media techniques, tips and tricks, and techniques for beautiful color combinations, watercolor, blending and so much more. You will also be infused with confidence, creativity and inspiration, and will have access to a supportive community. Additionally, you will have the chance to play with a variety of tools, adding to your skills and have the opportunity to challenge and step outside your comfort zone.

We hope you join us.  To learn more about the artists - Click HERE

Material Mondays - Week 17 - Adding Beading to the Stitched Project

For Material Mondays this week we are going to be adding beading to our project. This piece is nearing its completion and you get an idea what goes into creating a piece like this.

It goes through many stages and the process part of it is really enjoyable.

The project has to go through the many stages as part of the process and you should take your time and really enjoy it. I like to let the piece sit for a couple of days. You can check out the supplies list on my Amazon Store Here.

This is what it looked like previously, you can see the progress

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Check out some of my digital stamps on my Etsy Store below

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

Material Mondays - Painted Fabric - Vase

 

In Material Mondays this week I share working on a painted fabric.  The surface was prepared previously and I took the time to work on a few images which included this vase with flowers and some figures.

This is a great way to prepare your fabric for stitching projects and can also be a standalone project.

Supplies used include the following:

Homemade stencils - check out my free course for making your own - https://bit.ly/messyhabit 

Tea Towel for crafts - https://amzn.to/3gutIOR 

Stencils - https://amzn.to/3Gvswpf 

Fine Brush - https://amzn.to/3UNiOCR 

Tulip Paints - https://amzn.to/3EuCZQm 

Dimensional Paints - https://amzn.to/3UZ0XbA 

Permanent Ink - https://amzn.to/3hH926F

Join me each week for Material Mondays, check out the last two episodes:

Cyber Week Sale - 50% off ALL Courses & More!!

I have a Cyber Week Sale currently and I am offer 50% off all my courses!!

You have a selection to choose from and it is a great opportunity to spend some quality time being creative.  

If you want to take advantage of the Course Discount use the code: CREATE50

CHECK OUT THE COURSE PLATFORM

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Etsy Store

I am also offering an additional 20% off my Etsy digital stamps.  I currently have a store sale, you can get an additional discount which will be a whopping 40% discount off all items until Monday 28th November 11.59 EST

Use the code ORDER20 to get the additional 20% discount in the store.  I have a new selection of digital stamps, which can be altered to create a series of different looks.

Here is one of the digital stamp designs, once you print them out you can create different looks to use in your creative projects.

CHECK OUT MY ETSY STORE

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Remember to check out the Art Resource Hub which is FREE to join to to check out additional offers for November that are being offered.

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One BADASS Art Journal Course - Giveaway!

I will be teaching on the course next year, and we are holding a giveaway

You have the opportunity to enter the Giveaway, Learn More Here

Stay blessed this weekend and be a blessing.

52 Art Journals - Mixed Media Mini Art Journal

 

This Art Journal uses digital papers I created for my patrons.  They also get to see how to put the art Journal together. It's made from one sheet of paper or card. I have used the digital paper and collaged additional onto the covers of the mini journal.

We have on the front card cutouts which was originally from a greetings card with a butterfly and some flowers and flourishes and then we've just got some other elements using ribbon.  I have used background paper and painted paper as well underneath and altered ribbons on the side. 

On the pages I also use old artwork, collaged and stamped tags and embellished handmade paper. I have left space in the journal for additional writing or doodling 

You can check out the video above to see more details

If you are interested in some of the resources, you can check these out - 

Ribbons

Background Papers

Encouraging words - Free downloads check out Creative Fabrica

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Check out some of these offers

Material Mondays - Week 14 - Painting on Fabric

Material Mondays Painted Fabric Art

In the video this week, we're going to be painting on fabric before stitching! This is a great way to add some extra interest to your fabric project and make it look more unique.

Painted art journal page with glitter

You can use a variety of creative supplies and paints. I am using the brand called Tulip and I have listed the supplies below that I use to paint on fabric.

I usually use recycled fabric, cottons etc where I need them for specific projects I will order them online.

By painting on fabric before stitching, you'll be able to create some really beautiful and unique pieces. You can see the other videos in the Material Monday's series.

Preparing the fabric with paint

Check out the video to see how the fabric progressed:

Supplies used

Tulip Paints

Fabric Glue

Glitter

Pallet knife

Dimensional Paints

Permanent Ink

Other Resources

I am teaching - Check out my FREE Courses HERE

My Amazon store - Click HERE to see my Store suggestions

Check out my Art Supplies on Kit: https://kit.co/Realityarts

Thank you for joining me in my art studio. We all have 5 minutes that we can give to creative play, why not see how you can fit creativity into your every day

Subscribe to my YouTube channel HERE

For More inspiration please visit my Patreon page.

Material Mondays - Textile Art Project - Week 12

Welcome to Material Mondays, this week we are working on a lovely art piece that I had started a while back and it was calling to be complete. I managed to get it a bit further along.  You can check out the video below.

I had got the piece to this stage and checking what kind of beading that I want to have attached to the piece.

I added some seed beads and will see how I feel about them as to whether I will add some more.  It is great to be able to use the supplies, some of the beads have come from clothing, charity or thrift store and other I have brought over time.

I was contemplating whether to turn it into a journal cover

Check out the video below to see how it went.

Let me know if you are working on any textile pieces or would like to incorporate it into your mixed media work.

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A reminder to Enter the Giveaway below

LEARN MORE

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Check out some courses while you are at it!

Click HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Material Mondays - Stitched Project

 Welcome to Material Mondays - This week we are going to create a stitched project.

The fabrics have been taken from ones that I have made over time and have them in my stash, but you can use whatever you have to hand and also make some painted fabrics as well for yourself.  You can see the materials that I use to create my painted fabric HERE

If you want to purchase some supplies similar to the ones that I am using, you can check out these links on Amazon:

You can source some of the supplies here: 

ribbon - https://amzn.to/3TANuqu 

fabric - https://amzn.to/3gs0MXq 

buttons - https://amzn.to/3Sxi7f9 

embroidery thread - https://amzn.to/3DtyKUL

I hope you have fun using your supplies and look forward to seeing your results.

Time for another Pause - Limitless possibilities

 

Come and join me in the studio - we remind ourselves how many things that we are able to do to push our creativity forward.  The word limitless for me has been a word that I have taken through year after year.

What has been your word for the year - have you started to think about next year yet?

Check out some courses while you are at it!

Click HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Material Mondays - Creating a Stitched word Sheet

 

Today in Material Mondays I show you how you can create a stitched word sheet with some encouraging words and inspiring phrases.

I took a selection of embroidery threads

Selected a white tea towel to write the words on.  This was quite thin cotton, and so I doubled the thread, check out the video to see how it progressed.

If you want to try it yourself, you can see the links for supplies below:

Embroidery threads - https://amzn.to/3EyxKQ8

Embroidery Kit for beginners - https://amzn.to/3fZ00kF

Embroidery hoops - https://amzn.to/3CuoFoS

Cotton fabric - https://amzn.to/3MoJ82Y

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