Have you check out the Art Resource Hub, if not you would have missed the FREE monthly digital downloads that you can use in your art journal and creative projects.
In this months papers you get an abstract design that you can use as part of a collage, attach images to the surface or paint directly onto the surface and create an image.
Here are some of the previous papers that are available for you to use in the Art Resource Hub - get your copies now and share how you use them by tagging me on Instagram @realityarts
Imagine immersing yourself in the vibrant art scene of Barbados, wandering through artists studios brimming with creativity. Meet the passionate artists and witness their techniques while you discover one-of-a-kind pieces that you can cherish. This self-guided tour isn't just about art; it's an immersive journey into the heart of Bajan culture.
I have put together some tips to help you make the most of your visit as you embark on your artistic adventure
Choose Your Studios to visit:
Immerse yourself in diverse mediums like painting, sculpture, textiles, and jewelry - there are 44 Artists in 27 studios.
Check out the online brochure if you have not yet picked one up you get to see examples of the artists work - Follow your interests! Explore as many of the studios as you can!
All of the studios are free to enter and the artists are happy to chat and talk about their work.
Planning:
Download the map - Grab a digital or physical map from the event website to chart your course.
Pace Yourself - Spread your visits across the two weekends (February 3rd & 4th, March 23rd & 24th) to savor the experience.
Studios are open 11am-5pm, so relax and arrive when inspiration strikes - artists have included their telephone numbers if you need to make additional arrangements.
Tips for a Smooth Journey:
Pack Light: Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, a hat and sunscreen, and consider a bag for any treasures you find.
Connect with the Artists and engage in conversation, ask questions, and learn about their creative process.
Support Local Art: If a piece speaks to you, consider purchasing it as a unique souvenir and a meaningful contribution to the community.
Bonus
Combine studios with sightseeing - Plan your route so you can take pit stops on the way - take in one of the many beautiful beaches. There are artists studios in most of the Parishes
Fuel your creativity, remember to take time to have something to eat and enjoy delicious Bajan cuisine.
Share your experience and use #ASTB2024 to connect with fellow art lovers and artists and showcase your finds.
Google Map Directions
Remember, this is your artistic adventure. Wander freely, be inspired, and bring home memories and art that will forever connect you to the magic of Barbados!
Have you ever taken the time to engage in a creative activity? Maybe you've painted a picture, written a poem, or simply doodled in a journal. Regardless of the activity, there are numerous benefits to spending time being creative, and research has shown that regularly engaging in creative activities can have a positive impact on your overall wellbeing.
One way to incorporate creativity into your daily routine is through art journaling. Art journaling is a form of self-expression that combines words, images, and artistic techniques in a journal. It is a way to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a visual and creative way.
In today's Art Journal video, we will be taking a journal page and transforming it using a variety of supplies. The page starts with some collage paper and then using stamps and stickable letters, a message and an image are created to accompany it. The bird is a stamped image that is stuck on to the page, then incorporated into it by using paints, and ink to decorate its body. This process can be easily adapted to your own supplies and preferences, making it a flexible and enjoyable activity.
One of the great things about working in your art journal is that you can work with the supplies you have and substitute as you go along. If you don't have stickable letters, then write your message by hand. If you don't have a stamp of a bird, you can substitute a photo or draw the bird yourself.
With creativity, it's important to experiment on a regular basis in your art journal and play around with ideas, seeing which ones resonate with you more. It doesn't have to be perfect, and it can be whatever you choose it to be. The act of creating and expressing yourself is what's important, not the end result.
Here are some reasons being creative is beneficial.
It can help reduce stress and anxiety;
Engaging in a creative activity can help you shift your focus away from negative thoughts and feelings, allowing you to relax and unwind;
It can also boost your mood;
It can increase self-esteem;
It promotes feelings of accomplishment.
Creativity has been shown to enhance problem-solving skills and improve memory.
Spending time being creative can have many benefits for your mental and emotional wellbeing. Whether it's through art journaling or another form of creative expression, taking the time to explore your creativity can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. and you might discover a new passion or uncover a hidden talent!
Every month in the Art Resource Hub you have access to Free Digital Downloads, Offers and Resources that are available for you to use in your creative projects.
I give away a free digital downloads for your art journals and creative projects.
Check out this months offering:
You get a sheet of A4 background paper and 4 tags for you to use in your creative projects. You can add your own designs to them, add color, whatever inspires you. I would love to see what you do with the papers, remember to tag me on Instagram @realityarts
As a DIY enthusiast, I love working with different materials and finding new ways to use them in my projects. One of the materials I like to work with is leather, and in this post, I wanted to share some of the tools that I use. It is by no means an exhaustive list, it is just what I have available to me at the moment.
Most of the tools that I have in my arsenal can be used in other areas of my mixed media work, whether it be working with jewelry pieces as embellishments or working with clay or paper crafts. I find that having versatile tools gives me the most value for my money and the flexibility to explore new creative avenues.
I found that purchasing a bag of leather scraps is a great way to sample a variety of leathers, and if I have a specific project that calls for a larger piece, I can then go out and buy that when needed. This is a great way to save money and still have the option to try out different leathers.
One of the things that I always recommend when working with materials is to experiment and play around. Get to know your tools and find what works best for you. This will also help you find your creative inspiration and develop your skills.
If you're interested in exploring leather crafting and would like to take a look at some of the supplies that I use, I have created a Leather Supplies Guide on Amazon. Feel free to check it out and see what catches your eye.
Working with leather can be a lot of fun and there are so many possibilities for what you can create. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things, and most importantly, have fun!
There is nothing that really prepares you to be a
carer. I obviously learnt to take care of my son, but another adult is a whole different ball game. I never saw my grandparents
being cared for and by the time my father got ill I had moved home so was
never directly involved in his care.
When he got really ill dad became bed ridden I do wonder
what I thought about my mothers experience and why I wasn’t around to help out more, she didn’t have any of the support
that I now have she did it on her own for over 5 years.
Now as mums main carer, my time is spent sorting out every
aspect of her life, making sure that she maintains a level of independence and
making sure she has balanced meals, medication, appointments, bills and
everything in between. It can be all
consuming at times as mum needs 24 hour care and my life fits around her needs. Sometimes you think you've got it all together and the next all it takes is one small thing that you would probably shake off and it totally devastates you, and you wonder when it will all end.
One thing that has been important is maintaining my own
identity in all of this, which can be hard when you’ve not had any sleep, mum has been wandering from room to room, tired but thinking its morning
and everyone should be up. Being a carer
really makes you think of your own life and how fragile it can be, not wanting
to be dependent on others and maintaining your own health. I have found that my involvement in art has been the one key activity that allow a means for expression, and gives me the space I need to unwind and in turn get up and face another day.
Art is very therapeutic and I encourage mum to express her creativity whenever possible, and this in turn helps her mood and overall well-being.
Here is mum at an art session at her local day centre
Before you go - Check out the Art Resource Hub for FREE online creative courses that will impact on your health and wellbeing and help you stay creative.
Why is it that we hold on to clothes that don't fit, with the promise of one day wearing them...or is it just me?
I have told myself over the years that I would slim down and get myself into these clothes again, and I've come to the conclusion that while I am getting fitter and loosing weight something still has to go, and there needs to be a closing date.
When I looked at some of the styles I realized that it was the fabric I liked so rather than keep it as the original item I would re-purpose it. I've been getting quite attached to making journals and book binding, been inspired by Art Journals by other artists. I have made a few on my channel that you can look at HERE
Others clothes I've packed for charity. Looking back on some of the pieces the clothes reminded me of the summers I spent seemingly without a care in the world, not imagining my life years later, or the responsibilities I would have - perhaps I am hankering after that care free life again... perhaps it will come in a different form.
What are you holding on to that doesn't quite fit?
Realityarts - Creativity Book Shop - Some really great titles for you to dive in
Creative Resources
Affiliate Links
Some links on this site are affiliate links. If you purchase a product after clicking an affiliate link, I receive a small percentage of the sale for referring you. I only have links to products that I would buy myself. Purchasing through affiliate links is an easy, painless way to help out your favorite artists/bloggers at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
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.png "Mixed Media Art Journal - Amanda Trought")
.jpg "Working with Leather - Amanda Trought")
.jpg "Working with Leather - Amanda Trought")
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