Art Journal Joy - Celebration, Nobel Peace Prize

 

In my art journal for #secondsaturdayart I created an image of using Dr Martin Luther King. He was given the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.

Check out the video, if you would like to see the full video you can do so on my Patreon HERE

Art Journals - Filling Your Creative Well - Blog Series

 

Art Journaling Adventures

Welcome to Day 1 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge that will be taking place for the month of July.  Over the next 31 days I am going to be sharing different ways to encourage yourself to be more creative and I will share the different ways being creative has encouraged and inspired me.  If you give them a try they may encourage and inspire you too!

Today we look at Art Journaling - which can come in a variety of forms and everyone has their own style.  Essentially art journaling is a great way to express your creative thoughts and emotions or just have a play with your art supplies. In your art journal you can add color, layers and find ways to represent how you feel on paper.

I love creating my own Art Journals and work in a variety of ways in them.  Sometimes I might not be able to articulate what is on my mind, so I start with color on the page and create a series of backgrounds.  I might also do some mark-making adding shapes and patterns, and will also use stamps and stencils.  Spending time on the activity helps relax me and enables me to process my thoughts.

In this video I share an example of art journals I created using recycled materials

Where do you start?

You are going to start from where you are.  Look at your supplies, and start there, and of course if you have a wide selection of supplies don’t try and use everything.  An example of some of the things you can use are paints, paper ephemera, magazines, markers, glue, or fabric scraps - whatever you feel like playing with. There are no rules. It is not about creating “beautiful” pages, but about making space for expression and experimentation.

Start by creating a background. You can use washes of color, collage pieces, or even scribbles. From there, follow your instinct. Perhaps a word or phrase comes to you. Maybe you draw a shape that reflects how you feel. You might choose to layer materials or textures that tell a silent story. You can also write a sentence on the page: “Today I feel…” Then start to build color, shape, or texture around that feeling. Layer over it if you want.

Art Journal Variety

Art journaling offers a daily creative check-in. Even ten minutes can help you reconnect. Your journal is a creative playground that you can tap into whenever the mood takes you.  Over time you might even get the urge to create your own journals.  Allow yourself to go with the flow and see what your needs are at the time.

Remember: your art journal is your well. You can use it to refill, restore and reflect 

Takeaway Nuggets:

1. Art journaling invites you to blend emotion, imagery, and reflection into your creative practice. 
2. There are no rules - go at your own pace!

Check out some of the free and paid resources below to enhance your creative journey

Course Platform - there are a variety of FREE courses and resources for you to use in your creative practice.

FREE Tier - Patreon - I have a Free Tier on Patreon that has a selection of early release posts and monthly Digital Download Papers for you to use in your creative projects - Learn More Here

YouTube - Weekly Videos to encourage your creative practice, Slow stitching, art journaling and Artists chats - Learn More Here

Check out Filling the Creative Well which helps you establish your creative practice. In the course Filling the Creative Well, your journal is also a place to answer questions, encourage and motivate you, some days you need a reminder and so filling it with encouraging words so that you can come back to it, especially in those days where you are in a valley is really important. .

Join Me for the Gratitude Junk Journal 2024

 

I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be one of the instructors for Gratitude Junk Journal 2024, hosted by Tiare Smith! You can sign up right here: Gratitude Junk Journal 2024.

Together with 12 other talented artists, we’re bringing 30 days of joy, creativity, and gratitude straight to you. This is a fantastic opportunity to kickstart your gratitude practice while nurturing your creativity. Through daily prompts, art, and reflection, we’ll embrace gratitude, opening our hearts to more love, joy, and creative expression.

I’m offering a FREE spot in Gratitude Junk Journal 2024! The giveaway ends on September 30, 2024, at 12pm NOON, so make sure to enter before time runs out.

How to Enter:

• Simply sign up to my course platform for the FREE Art Resource Hub. If you’re already a member, you’ll be automatically entered.
• For extra entries, you can increase your chances right here: Sign Up for the Giveaway.

What can you expect from this workshop?

In this 30-day workshop, you’ll:

• Learn how to create a beautiful, altered book to capture your thoughts and art.
• Discover techniques for making art journal pages you’ll love.
• Practice daily gratitude through fun, creative challenges.
• Find joy in your everyday life—reducing stress and enhancing positivity.
• Use “junk” from your stash or around your home to create amazing art.
• Explore techniques for creating vibrant backgrounds.
• Gain skills that will empower you to make inspiring art again and again.

Each day you’ll engage with thought-provoking questions, actions, or creative exercises designed to help you reflect on your own gratitude journey. By the end, you’ll walk away with a heart full of joy and a beautiful journal to remind you of your creative journey.

Ready to join us?
Click here to sign up today!

Let’s create, reflect, and grow together. Stay blessed and be a blessing!

Summer Time Art Journal Page with Amanda Trought

 

Come and check out my latest video, Summertime - Art Journal page. 

I have been creating digital downloads for quite a while now and had started creating images on these pages that I have been sharing with my $3 Tier Patrons each month.

You don't have to be a paying member to join, you can still get FREE access to the digital download papers I create each month and see where your creativity will take you, I would love you to join us on this creative adventure.  This was the last paper I produced for my FREE Patrons:

Get your FREE copy of this 4 page background pages HERE

In todays video, I share how you can alter the page and highlight the areas that you want to keep.

I then go on to show you how you can work on it an create an image.  I love working on these papers and you are also then able to do additional things with the papers that you have painted on.  You can use them in your creative projects, art journals and more.

If you would like to see the full video with the process details and access to the digital papers for June and more then check out the Free 7 Day Trial on Patreon

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

Playing with Faces - The Benefits of Spending Time in Your Art Journal

 

Spending Time in Your Art Journal

Welcome to today's art journal.  Today, we're going to explore a mixed media art journal that I created and consider some of the numerous benefits it brings to your creative journey. If you've never tried art journaling before or you're looking for some inspiration to reignite your passion, you're in for a treat!  Check out the video to see how I sometimes play in my journal and fill up some of the pages, prepping them for future use.

Art journaling is a unique form of self-expression that combines elements of visual art, writing, and creativity. It's a personal space where you can freely explore your thoughts, emotions, and ideas while experimenting with various art techniques and materials. Whether you're an experienced artist or a beginner, there are countless reasons why spending time in your art journal can be incredibly rewarding, let's take a closer look at some of these benefits.

Stress Relief and Relaxation:

Engaging in art journaling can be a soothing and calming activity. It offers a chance to disconnect from the hectic pace of daily life and immerse yourself in a creative sanctuary. As you focus on colors, textures, and the act of creating, you can experience a sense of mindfulness and find relief from stress and anxiety.

Creative Exploration and Experimentation: 

Your art journal is a playground for artistic exploration. It's a space where you can let go of expectations, rules, and judgments. You can try new art techniques, experiment with different mediums, be inspired and push the boundaries of your creativity. The freedom to make mistakes and learn from them allows for immense growth and discovery as an artist.

Creative Confidence and Courage:

Art journaling nurtures your creative confidence and encourages you to take risks. As you experiment, play, and explore, you develop a sense of trust in your own artistic abilities. This newfound confidence often spills over into other areas of your life, empowering you to embrace creativity and take on challenges with courage.

It's a personal journey that can bring joy, healing, and growth. So, grab your favorite art supplies, find a quiet corner, and let your creativity soar! 

Your art journal is waiting to be filled with your unique voice and vision. I hope that you take the time to work in your art journal/s finding that space and time to share your stories.

These are just a few of the many benefits of spending time in your art journal - you can catch the full list on my Patreon on Tuesday, why not sign up for the 7 day FREE Trial.

Art Journal Joys - Mark Making and doodling

 

Making Marks in your Art Journal

In my video today I share with you how to prepare your art journal page and then go on to create some interesting marks and doodles on the page.

I think that it is important to spend time playing in my art journal and working on a page that was previously prepared. It is great to have a page that you don't have to start from the beginning sometimes and you can just do some mark making.

I also show you how I would start the page from the beginning, using up any spare paint that I might have to add to a page.

The Art journal is made from recycled papers and then stitched together.

Some of the supplies used:

Craft paints - https://amzn.to/3LoHkIb

Ink - https://amzn.to/3L1wFBN

Posca Pens - https://amzn.to/41p9PuV

Gelly roll Pen - https://amzn.to/3Ao73u3

You could also do this idea on card or paper and then use as collage paper to create backgrounds in your art journal.

I hope you have fun trying out the idea.

You can also get access to background papers on my course platform.  Sign up to the Art Resource Hub and other courses and receive a free digital download paper every month.

Learn More

Learn More

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

Creating a Recycled Art Journal - Use those Catalogues!

Welcome to my latest art project where we will be creating a recycled art journal using an old catalog. 

This project is quick, easy and affordable, and the best part is that nothing will be wasted!  You get to use some of those store catalogues that you have been collecting and create some wonderful projects.

To start, find yourself an old catalog, like this Tesco's home catalog that I'm using. The first thing you need to do is rip out about half of the pages. This is because we'll be adding collage and texture to the pages, so you want to make sure you have enough space to work with. Go through the catalog and rip out every 2-3 pages.  I save the ripped out pages to use later.

Once you have removed the pages, stick together sets of 2 or 3 pages depending on where you ripped them out. Allow the pages to dry and then reinforce the spine with some masking tape on the inside.  If you are going to be adding paint it stops any bleed through on the other pages.

I also add masking tape to the edge of the pages that I have stuck together This will also make it easy to turn the pages.

With the pages left over, look through them and cut out images or words that speak to you. I select colorful patterns and shapes and these will form part of your collage. This is a great way to still create something without having to have a lot of art supplies or anything fancy. All you need is a catalog, glue, and some basic tools.

Come and join me in the next video, I'll show you how to work on some of your pages, and ideas from other recycled journals that I have created. This art journal will be a space for you to fill up over time, write down your thoughts, and enjoy the creative process. It's all about play, so have fun with it!

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If you would like to take it a step further and make your own stamps and stencils, then check out my FREE online course Recycled Stamps and Stencils where I show you how you can take items that you may have around the home and turn it into something that you can use in your art journals. 

You get a video on how to create the stamps and stencils, a digital download of the stamps and stencils that I created, background papers and more!  Check it out HERE

Art Journal Page - Inspired, Material Mondays!

 Art Journal Page Process

Today I share an art journal page process as I do quite a bit of mark making on the page.  I had already created the face, which is something I do a lot in my journals, either fill up the pages with background color or faces until I am ready for them.

Material Inspired

One of the other things that I would like to get back to is working with fabric.  I like creating different activities that enable you to play with your supplies.  These spools have been wrapped in fabric and lace and I have added stitching and a variety of different fabrics together

I also found some beads and buttons that were in my overspill container and was able to use them.  The container holds all those elements that I haven't yet put away and so I would see what could be used on a project.

I managed to put together 3 spools that I can use in other projects.  It was really fun working on them.

What do you have on hand in your creative space that you can get to work on if you had limited time to create, you have to try and make time for your creative practice?

Stay blessed and be a blessing!

Mixed Media Art Projects - Recycled Phone Case

Recycled Phone Case Art Journal

I love using recycled materials and had gone to my charity store and picked up a phone case.  It was slightly too big for my phone so I thought I would make use of it and create a mini art journal.

I talk about the journal in the video below, and I have included some close up images of the pages as well.

On the front of the art journal I used some of my favorite handmade paper infused with gold, looks lovely doesn't it, one of my favorite colors which I use a lot when painting too.  

One of the motivations for the journal was to use the elements that I had been holding on to for what we call 'best' or 'one day' but that day never comes.  It is important to use your supplies rather than holding onto them for that one special day.  Allow yourself to be included in the special day and use it on yourself.

The journal is made up of handmade paper and I have included making use of space where I can add additional elements If I were travelling with the journal - a water brush and some water colors always travel well and have minimum cleanup.

I added sentiments that are reminders 'You are beautiful - Shine your Light' reminds us that we all have something to offer and that we need to not only shine our light for ourselves, but for others who you are impacting and helping them to be brave or step out and shine their own light.

How many times have you been self conscious about what you are doing, not because you can't do it, but you are listening to the negative talk of others.  Sometimes it is that throw away statement that can do the most damage - but you have to 'Dance like no one is watching' again, your being who you want to be will encourage others to keep going.

Each page has either an encouraging word or scripture, and also space for adding doodles or mark making.

Every page is a constant reminder to dream big, follow your heart and do the things that bring you closer to your goals.

Some of the sentiments I use especially when working on a challenge and I am working on two at the same time, the 100 Days of Handmade Foam and the Ultimate Blog challenge.  There are some days that I have not felt like posting, and sometimes you don't, and you find a way of dealing with it and then getting back on course.  I take the necessary breaks that I need, all the time reminding myself of my overall goal.

Explore, Imagine, Dream is the title of this page.  I recommitted myself to share as part of the blog challenge, to not only encourage myself but others as well - I am sharing what I love, creativity and the process.

This pages sentiments - You are unique, a miracle, don't ever compare yourself with anyone else.  Take a look back, you have come a long way, this is not your destination.

I hope you find the things that motivate and encourage you and that you take one step in front of the other to reach the goals you desire.

Blessings!

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100 Days of Handmade Foam Stamps

If you would like to see the stamps daily you can check out my Instagram HERE

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I am also taking part in the Ultimate Blog Challenge and you can check out 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