Welcome to Material Musings, in this video I share some ways that I use fabric scraps and create mini projects. I show you some of the panels and wall hangings in progress, waiting for either some stitching, beading or to be added to another project.
I also share how I create these fun badges, they will either be placed on another project or can be used as a tag or in an art journal spread. I will be adding some more stitching to the pieces and maybe some beading to each of them.
How are you using your fabric scraps, or your supplies that you have neglected?
If you decide to create them, remember to share on IG and tag me @realityarts
Check in your own supplies to see what you have. Here are some of the additional supplies that I used:
Brads - https://amzn.to/3VsNA7c
Hot Glue Gun - https://amzn.to/3vtsb32
Embroidery Thead - https://amzn.to/3VsATJr
Ribbon - https://amzn.to/3PvE3Zh
Fabric panels (available in different colors) - https://amzn.to/495SutS and check out - https://amzn.to/3Tq9ghM
Have fun!
Before you go
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Welcome to Material Mondays, a delightful journey into the world of mixed media art and slow stitching! In this blog post, we'll explore the incredible benefits of engaging in regular stitched activities. Whether you're an experienced artist or a beginner looking to explore new creative outlets, the positive impact of these projects on your well-being cannot be overstated.
In the video I share with you a project that I am working on which combines painted fabric and slow stitching. I built up the images on the fabric using stencils, and fabric paint and then found the images on the surface.
There are so many great ways in which slow stitching can impact on your health and wellbeing, here are a few ways for you to consider.
Nurturing Mindfulness and Relaxation
One of the most great aspects of stitched activities is their ability to induce a state of mindfulness and relaxation. Working the needle through the fabric, creates a meditative experience.
Fostering Creativity and Self-Expression
Stitched projects are a perfect avenue for nurturing your creativity and exploring your artistic voice. With the projects you can infuse your personality, emotions, and unique perspective and create something truly one-of-a-kind.
Cultivating Patience and Resilience
Stitched activities can teach us the valuable lessons of patience and resilience. As you embark on a project, you'll encounter challenges along the way - threading a needle, tangled threads, intricate designs, or the need to redo a section. Through perseverance and determination, you learn to embrace these obstacles as opportunities for growth. The slow, nature of stitching encourages you to savor the journey, appreciate the process, and celebrate the small victories achieved with each completed stitch.
Connecting with Tradition and History
Embarking on stitched projects allows you to tap into a rich tradition that spans centuries. Stitching has been practiced across cultures and generations, creating a deep sense of connection with those who came before us. My mother use to create these intricately crocheted table decorations and many other things. I was always amazed at the designs that she came up with just two simple supplies – the crochet needle and the thread.
Promoting Self-Care and Well-Being
Regular engagement in creative activities can significantly contribute to your overall well-being. The act of setting a dedicated time for creative pursuits is an act of self-care, allowing you to prioritize your own happiness and fulfillment. Through stitching, you can alleviate stress, and boost your mood. Additionally, the sense of accomplishment and pride that accompanies completing a stitched project gives you a much-needed sense of satisfaction.
As you join us in Material Mondays each week why not bring your supplies and embark on your own stitched adventures, don’t feel rushed to finish a piece of work, depending on the detail that you include determines the length of time it can take.
Remember the positive impact these activities can have on your well-being. From fostering mindfulness and creativity to cultivating patience and resilience, stitched projects offer a variety of benefits that extend far beyond the final masterpiece. So, grab your materials, and ignite your imagination!
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
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.
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.
Here is the video of my creative journey to Mixed Media Art which I shared as part of Pass The Brush Art Experience..
Thank you for joining me, you can also connect with me on Instagram and check out some of the other artists.
The aim of the event is to
show solidarity within the art community and to amplify black artists so their
voices can be heard and art can be seen in a broader audience. Connect with each other as artists and see what our similarities and differences.
Let me know what you are getting on with.
Here are the artists that shared their spaces and their audiences. You can check out their instagram pages and see some of their amazing work.
Cardboard arts and craft activities are great ways of making things that not only children can enjoy but also adults as well.
I found a great way of using something we have around us and use every day and these often end up in the bin. I started looking at these as a possible craft addition when I saw some of these Craft Ideas on Pinterest I ended up making an art journal, with inserts that you can use for tags and special notes I shared how I made this Journal in a post HERE I will be doing a video so that you can see all the contents and the different tags.
It was a joy to make once you have worked out just how the journal will sit, and the different sections I wanted. It all began to come together and once again I was able to utilize all the smaller tags, cards, papers and embellishments that you see on the inside of the pages.
Join me tomorrow where I show you another Journal Making idea from Toilet tube roll and whether you are re-purposing, reusing or altering, you can make something that is unique to you.
Happy Saturday! So great that you could join me today. I wanted to let you know that the Recycled Project posts are back and I will be sharing things that you can do with recycled materials. There are a lot of crafty things that you can do with recycled materials. You will have endless amounts of fun re-purposing, reusing and just making stuff that you might be able to use around the home or in your crafting space.
This is also useful if you are creating on a budget and want to find some inexpensive ways of creating the products or equipment that you might need for a fraction of the cost.
In one of my previous posts I shared a book case I made from Cardboard boxes
Cardboard Bookcase
which was made from packing boxes below!
The foundation of the bookcase made from Cardboard
I had great fun making it, was able to make it fit the space I had in mind. I have since been making other things, and there seems to be more recycled material than time to make something new and exciting, but I am giving it a go.
I have come up with a few ideas for things to do with plastic bottles and newspaper, and again it is quite exciting what you can do with a little bit of imagination.
I have made a storage container this week, which will be used to hold some of my tools in the studio, see photos below, you can also see the video so that you can see it from a different view point.
So many things can be made from these two materials
So many things you can do with plastic and paper!
There is a wealth of things that you can create with plastic and paper, here is one way in which you can create an inexpensive storage container, that can be used in a variety of ways in your creative space or around the home.
The design formed itself and began to take shape once the paper was added.
It is made using the top of a plastic container and newspaper.
I love the way the paper lays on the plastic
The newspaper is rolled and covers the plastic to get the textured effect.
I created a stand from the rolled paper
It is dried and painted then given the brushed gold effect with metallic paint. I really like the detail on the handle and the pattern around the container.
Painted cup, which is varnished
It is then sealed with varnish and is water resistant, but to preserve it don't actually use it as a cup (lol).
With some thought you could allow your imagination to run away with you and create other shapes and styles - how about a series.
Do come back next week to see what else can be made, subscribe and sign up to the emails, so that you don't miss out on a post!
Here is some inspiration for today. A while back I shared this page that I had done in my art journal.
I have just got around to editing the video for it and thought you might like to see the process I used to create it. I hope you enjoy it and are blessed. This is my first video of this kind:)
Here is the finished painting, thanks for watching!
Realityarts - Creativity Book Shop - Some really great titles for you to dive in
Creative Resources
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