Found Words - Filling the Creative Well - Blog Series

 

Words are powerful, the ones we say to ourselves, or those we allow in from other sources.  We can also stumble upon them unexpectedly and we can look for ways to find those words that speak to our lives.  We can challenge ourselves to make a poem or journal page using found words and cut them out from magazines, books, or even junk mail.

You can make a start by collecting these words that speak to you. Don’t overthink it, if you are leafing through a magazine and come across a word trust your instinct and put it aside to use it in your journal and that time when you are ready to play.

Check out the video on creating word plaques - you can add these to your art journal pages or creative projects.

What else can you do?

Arrange the words into a sentence or poem. Let the words surprise you. You may find a theme emerging or it might be something that your heart wants to say. You can glue them onto a painted background, write around them, or turn them into mini word plaques.

Found word poetry can also a form of collage, combining meaning and language. It is a great way to incorporate text into your art.  It is another activity that you can do to kickstart a mood or inspire you.

This can also be a way to sidestep writer’s block or deepen your journaling. Found words become journal prompts, and even affirmations. They remind us that language is everywhere—and that meaning can be playful.

Takeaway Nuggets:

1. Found words can give voice to what you didn’t know you needed to say.
2. Poetry lives in the unexpected when you look closely.

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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. .

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. .

Digital Art Papers - May

My papers for May are now ready to down load in my FREE Patreon Tier.  You can use them in your creative projects.  

You can also see the other papers available on different Tiers.  There are over 700 posts on Patreon - videos, digital posts, exclusive, early release, resources, discounts and more.

Join us on the $25 per month tier and get access to all of the 700+ resources available on all the tiers.  You can also wet your fee with the $3 Tier and get 7 Day FREE access.  

Check out Patreon HERE

The Fun Continues: Create Your Own Cardboard Bookcases!

 

The Creating with Cardboard Course has been an absolute joy so far! Watching participants transform simple, everyday cardboard into beautiful, functional bookshelves has been nothing short of inspiring. Each creation is unique, filled with personality, and showcases just how much fun recycling can be when combined with creativity!

The Early Bird Special has been extended to the 15th February!

If you haven’t joined yet, great news—the early bird special has been extended to 15th February! Now’s the perfect time to jump in and start crafting your own custom bookshelf. Whether you want a miniature bookshelf a whimsical storage space, or a decorative shelf for your favorite trinkets, this course will teach you what you need to know.

Why Not Gift a Creative Experience? 

Looking for a unique and meaningful gift? Instead of another store-bought item, why not give the gift of creativity? A gifted spot in this course is perfect for anyone who loves hands-on projects, sustainability, or exploring new art techniques. Whether it’s for a crafty friend, a family member, or even yourself (because self-care through creativity is important too!), this class is a wonderful way to spark inspiration.

What’s Inside the Course?

• Step-by-step tutorials to create and decorate your own cardboard bookshelf
• Creative techniques using paint, collage, and other mixed media elements
• Sustainable crafting tips—learn how to repurpose materials in fun and artistic ways
• Bonus content! Extra videos and ideas to personalize your bookshelf, create miniature art journals and more.

Sign up before 15th February to take advantage of the early bird price and start creating today!

Join the Creative with Cardboard Course Now!  Sign Up Here

Art Journals that now have a new home!

Creative art journal Papers - FREE on Realityarts Patreon

Check out some of the creative papers I have created which are available on Patreon.  Some are available on their respective tiers, but do check out the Free Tier and papers available for you to use each month.

You can access the current one for November and also see some behind the scene projects.  

Next month I will be sharing all the papers I have produced for 2024 with some additional visual elements which you can purchase, and you will be able to download them for use in your art journals and creative projects.

Check out the Papers HERE

Journal Prompts and Slow Stitching in the Arts and Wellness Cafe (Fullness)

 

Welcome to the Arts and Wellness Cafe. Come and join me as we look at the topic 'Fullness', we have art journals to work in, processes, lots of creativity, looking at the food forest and medicinal plants, the effects of dementia and care and lots more to encourage and motivate you.

As we gather I invite you to explore your thoughts and emotions through the art journals and take a look at some of the art journaling questions around Fullness that can be found on the course platform HERE

We are also working with slow stitching is a way to relax and unwind, we share a stitched technique, and other creative projects.

Engage in the various creative processes and allow your imagination to soar.  It can be such a freeing feeling trying new activities and seeing where they take you.  We will visit the garden and see some of the plants that I use in my Herbal teas.

As a previous carer, I reflect on the effects of dementia, and looking after my mother.  I used a variety of creative activities which not only benefited her but also me while taking part. Through these conversations and experiences, may you find inspiration that ignites your spirit and motivates you on your personal journey towards wellness. 

Together, let us cultivate a sense of fullness in our hearts and minds, embracing the beauty of creativity, connection, and compassion.  Join me in the Arts and Wellness Cafe!

Before You Go - Check out the Art Resource Hub

Your Stuck! Now What?

 What do you do when your art feels stuck or incomplete?

When your art feels stuck or incomplete, it can be a frustrating and discouraging experience.

However, it's important to remember that mistakes and creative blocks are a natural part of the artistic process. Instead of viewing them as failures, try to see them as opportunities for growth and exploration. 

One way to approach this situation is to take a step back and reflect on what might be causing the block. Is there a specific technique you're struggling with, or perhaps a lack of inspiration? By identifying the root of the issue, you can begin to find solutions that will help you move forward. 

I spend time writing in my journal (my morning pages) this sometimes helps me to get to the root of the problem.  I gain insight and renewed direction, and I lean into God, as the foundation of my life I always find understanding and a new look at what ever it is that I am trying to do.

I will also do something totally different like going out for a walk in nature, or spending time in my art journal, giving myself a break from the focused concentration.

Another helpful strategy is to seek feedback from others - be selective (you don't want a pity party), but someone who may be on a similar journey and understands some of the valleys and peaks that you will come across. Sometimes a fresh perspective can provide new insights and ideas that can reignite your creativity. Don't be afraid to ask for help or collaborate with fellow artists - you never know what new possibilities might emerge from sharing your work with others. 

Above all, remember that art is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the imperfections and embrace the process of creating. By approaching your art with curiosity and a willingness to learn from your mistakes, you'll find that even the most challenging blocks can lead to breakthroughs that will enrich your artistic practice and not only be a blessing for you but helps someone else on the journey as well.

While you are making the changes to suit you, come and join us as a FREE member on Patreon, where you get to see behind the scenes and early release content.  When you're ready there is a 7 day FREE trial of the $3 tier that has patron only video content, digital downloads and more waiting for you.

Artsy Meetup Marathon - 2 Days to Go!

 

Only 2 Days to go - the Artsy Meetup Marathon

December 31, 2023 - January 1, 2024

Artsy Meetup Marathon

We only have a few days left before we see in the New Year.  When I think about what I want to spend time doing next year, creativity is at the top of the list!  and so I will be joining Kiala Givehand in the 3rd Annual New Year’s Eve Artsy Marathon.
​
We are going to bring in the New Year being creative with amazing people surrounded by our art supplies. 

Here are the artists that will be taking part

We would love you to join us?

This year's Artsy Meetup Marathon is:

• 24 Hours of Creative Lessons from a variety of guest teachers (names below).  You don't need to be there all 24 hours, the recordings will be available a few days after the event.
• The Scedule will be live on the website
• an opportunity to learn, play, and explore with other creative souls.
• a list of techniques, tips, and tutorials for your visual journaling and documented days. 
• There will be several GIVEAWAYS throughout the night
• a powerfully creative way to bring in 2024 with intention.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

The Teachers

Kiala Givehand - mixed media bookbinder, storyteller, printmaker, & wisdom keeper -- @kialagives

Tiffany Goff-Smith - mixed media artist -- @SouthernGals_Designs

Kristen Radden - creative divination junkie -- @otm_academy

Rachel Torda - artist, writer, seeker, & watercolor mermaid -- @thedreaminglotus

Meghann Early - intuitive art journaler & junk journler -- @meghandthemoon

Amanda Trought - mixed media artist & blogger -- @realityarts

Shemi Dixon - mixed media artist & youtuber -- @shemidixon

Leaca Young - artist & reiki practicioner -- @leacayoungart

Tina Riley - art & heART journaler -- @tinarileyimaginariums

Kristi Nazzaro - mixed media artist -- @soul_positive

Suzanne Earley - mixed media artist, quilter, and founder of strawberry moon magazine -- @suzanne_earley

Liz Constable - book artist, teacher, & author -- @bookartstudios

Dee Dee Catron - mixed media artist & mark maker -- @deedeecatron

Aly Million - mixed media artist and journaler -- @alycadabra

Brooke Henry - maker, teacher, art journaler -- @bbhenry_art

​Susanne Randers - paper lover, eco dyer, and bookbinder -- @mitkrearum

Vanessa Oliver-Lloyd - art witch & collage fanatic -- @dansmoncrane

Misty Granade - abstract mixed media artist -- @misty.granade

Cindy Gilstrap - mixed media & journaling artist -- @junqueart

Kristin Peterson - mixed media & collage artist -- @alteredstatesstudio

Joyce Van Der Lely - artist & empowerment guide -- @joycevanderlely

​

We are going to have so much fun at the Artsy Meetup Marathon, and you will have so many hints and creative tips to see you into the New Year.  JOIN THE PARTY!

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Before You Go

Check out Filling the Creative Well Mixed Media Course - LEARN MORE

Join us for the Artsy Meetup Marathon - See in 2024 with Us

Introducing the Artsy Meetup Marathon

December 31, 2023 - January 1, 2024

Artsy Meetup Marathon

When I think about what I want to spend time doing next year, creativity is at the top of the list. And that’s why I said YES to Kiala Givehand when she invited me to teach in the 3rd Annual New Year’s Eve Artsy Marathon.
​
We are going to bring in the New Year being creative with amazing people surrounded by our art supplies. 

We would love you to join us?

This year's Artsy Meetup Marathon is:

• 24 Hours of Creative Lessons from a variety of guest teachers (names below).  You don't need to be there all 24 hours, the recordings will be available a few days after the event.
• The Scedule will be live on the website
• an opportunity to learn, play, and explore with other creative souls.
• a list of techniques, tips, and tutorials for your visual journaling and documented days. 
• There will be several GIVEAWAYS throughout the night
• a powerfully creative way to bring in 2024 with intention.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

The Teachers

Kiala Givehand - mixed media bookbinder, storyteller, printmaker, & wisdom keeper -- @kialagives

Tiffany Goff-Smith - mixed media artist -- @SouthernGals_Designs

Kristen Radden - creative divination junkie -- @otm_academy

Rachel Torda - artist, writer, seeker, & watercolor mermaid -- @thedreaminglotus

Meghann Early - intuitive art journaler & junk journler -- @meghandthemoon

Amanda Trought - mixed media artist & blogger -- @realityarts

Shemi Dixon - mixed media artist & youtuber -- @shemidixon

Leaca Young - artist & reiki practicioner -- @leacayoungart

Tina Riley - art & heART journaler -- @tinarileyimaginariums

Kristi Nazzaro - mixed media artist -- @soul_positive

Suzanne Earley - mixed media artist, quilter, and founder of strawberry moon magazine -- @suzanne_earley

Liz Constable - book artist, teacher, & author -- @bookartstudios

Dee Dee Catron - mixed media artist & mark maker -- @deedeecatron

Aly Million - mixed media artist and journaler -- @alycadabra

Brooke Henry - maker, teacher, art journaler -- @bbhenry_art

​Susanne Randers - paper lover, eco dyer, and bookbinder -- @mitkrearum

Vanessa Oliver-Lloyd - art witch & collage fanatic -- @dansmoncrane

Misty Granade - abstract mixed media artist -- @misty.granade

Cindy Gilstrap - mixed media & journaling artist -- @junqueart

Kristin Peterson - mixed media & collage artist -- @alteredstatesstudio

Joyce Van Der Lely - artist & empowerment guide -- @joycevanderlely

​

We are going to have so much fun at the Artsy Meetup Marathon, and you will have so many hints and creative tips to see you into the New Year.  JOIN THE PARTY!

****************************************

Before You Go

Check out Filling the Creative Well Mixed Media Course - LEARN MORE

Free Taster Classes on Now!

 

You can find out more information HERE  

Come and join in the fun for Life Book 2024 Taster Sessions, where art meets well-being! Tamara and her team have put together an impressive lineup, taking you on a journey that can positively impact your health and overall sense of well-being.

Over the next two weeks, you will immerse yourselves in the world of art as the Life Book 2024 Teaching Team introduces you to a fantastic range of soul-nurturing experiences. These sessions will ignite your creative spirits.

The Taster Sessions will be available from September 25th, 2023, to October 8th, 2023, You can have continued access to the sessions if you join Life Book 2024, commencing on January 1st, 2024.  Gaining access to over 80 enriching mixed media art sessions, each session is designed to not only awaken your artistic talents but also to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and foster mindfulness.

If you already feel the excitement, you can take the first step by pre-ordering Life Book now or delving deeper into what awaits you here. Prepare to embark on a transformative voyage that will enrich not only your artistic skills but also your life. Welcome to a world where art and well-being converge in a symphony of self-discovery and joy.

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Making Zen

The other free course for you to try at the moment is the Making Zen course free to access until 29th September.  You will be shown how to:

Make a time for yourself to create

Overcome procrastination with a variety of creative projects

Learn new techniques and more!

You can get your FREE Ticket Here

Before you go....

Sign up to my Patreon platform where you will unlock over 400 patron only videos, digital products and more!  You can sign up for 7 day for FREE to get a flavor for what is on offer!

Transforming Tetra Pak Cartons into Art Journals: Embracing Recycling and Creativity

In today's art journal video, I am thrilled to share with you a unique and eco-friendly approach to creating art journals using recycled materials, specifically Tetra Pak cartons. These cartons, commonly used for packaging beverages, pose a recycling challenge in many areas. However, instead of letting them go to waste, we can repurpose them into beautiful and functional art journals that provide endless creative fun.

The Need for Recycling and Repurposing

Recycling has become increasingly important in our efforts to protect the environment and preserve valuable resources. By recycling and repurposing, we can reduce waste, conserve energy, and reduce the harmful effects of pollution. Tetra Pak cartons, due to their complex composition, often present a challenge for local recycling centers, and this led me to explore alternative ways to reuse these cartons and turn them into something meaningful.

Creating Art Journals

Art journals are a great way to express our creativity, capture our thoughts, and document our experiences. They serve as a personal sanctuary for self-expression and reflection. By repurposing Tetra Pak cartons into art journals, we not only divert them from landfills but also breathe new life into these everyday objects.

The Creative Process:

In future videos, I will be sharing the step-by-step process of creating these art journals with my patrons. From preparing the cartons to binding the pages, each stage offers opportunities for customization and personalization. You can choose to leave the carton's original design intact or transform it with paints, collages, or other mixed-media techniques. I have also reused the cartons as temporary plant pots in the garden and there are a range of other creative projects that you can use them for.

I would love to know how you use yours, and whether you have tried using them for a creative project, by transforming Tetra Pak cartons into art journals it provides a unique way to express your creativity while making a positive impact on the environment.

Join us on Patreon if you would like to see how I put the art journal together, and remember you can sign up for a 7 day FREE trial and view over 90 Patron only posts.

Art Journal with Pockets

This journal started out as a place to hold my mixed media cards. I loved all the elements that I created to go on the front and inside.

Over time I will be transforming it into an art journal with papers to create on. If you're interested in creating your own art journal, be sure to watch this video and you will be able to see how to make changes to an original idea.

This journal uses cardboard and leather that I had in my stash, take a look at some of the things that you have that you will be able to use.

You can find some free resources to use in your art journal on my course platform.

Check out some courses while you are at it!

Click HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Remember to enter the giveaway for the Art Bundles for Good - there are 3 prizes valued at $5700

Enter the Giveaway HERE

Good Luck

A Year in Color - Art Journal Pages, and other Video Collaborations

A Year In Color is back with the FREE sampler for a total of 4 days starting Friday 13th May

I was invited by Larissa Russell of Creative U  to join her in the online A Year in Color  - in my session I show you how to create a mixed media art page.

Larissa and I together with a host of other presenters have created for you an amazing online experience, a full year of creativity, inspiration, and color.

We are offering you a sampler for free. Each presenter is adding two sessions to the A Year in Color lineup, and the first one is part of the Sampler. Purchase today at a discount to get the second sessions from each presenter. You can upgrade for 52 weeks of content, lifetime access, and a Facebook group to share with. From now until May 16th you can SAVE 10%.

Here is the page and prompt that I work with

Register for this Free Sampler event as time is limited, free access from May 13-16, 2022. Register 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!

Arts and Wellness Cafe - You are Limitless

 

Join me for this months episode of the Arts and Wellness Café - the main word for the month is Limitless and Pause.  We have to know that there are limitless possibilities available to you each and every day and you also need to know when your body needs to take a Pause.

I also share details of an art journal - my 'phone case' journal, which was great to make and is really handy if you have a lot of paper elements to use up.

You get to see a flip through of the pages, and I have one more to complete.

In the book review we look at Drawing Lab, a great book to work on your drawing practice.  We ask the Question of the week and look at the Tip of the Week and so much more.

You can check out previous episodes below

Join me on Patreon for Patreon only content, behind the scenes and art tutorial videos and hints and tips