Arts and Wellness Cafe - Compassion

Come and join me in the Arts and Wellness Cafe

In our creative journey, it's crucial to approach ourselves and our projects with a compassionate mindset. Here are three ways we can infuse compassion into our creative endeavors:

Investing in Ourselves with Value

Education plays an important role in our growth, and investing in our own learning demonstrates self-worth. There are many programs and resources available that can accommodate different financial circumstances.  These include: bursaries, sponsorships, skills exchange and more,  By valuing our own growth, we communicate to others that we prioritize self-improvement.  Check out the Art Resource Hub for a range of opportunities listed every month. Learn More

Embracing Diverse Sources of Inspiration

Compassion towards ourselves involves recognizing the many influences that shape our creativity. While mentors within our field are invaluable, we can also find inspiration from diverse sources beyond our immediate discipline. Whether it's learning productivity techniques or wisdom from authors and their autobiographies, each resource contributes to our development. Embracing these varied influences honors our individual journey and encourages a compassionate approach to self-growth.

Encouraging Experimentation and Interpretation

Compassion in creativity extends to embracing experimentation and personal interpretation. As we learn techniques and skills, we allow ourselves the freedom to adapt and fosters a nurturing environment for growth, while sharing our experiences and encouraging others to explore their creative gifts and abilities.

I would love you to join me in the studio and check out the video where we look at some examples and additional ideas. Learn More

Before You Go:

Remember to enjoy the journey!

Get this months FREE digital Download Papers HERE

Artists Studio Tours - Barbados 2024 - A Self-Guided Tour in Barbados

 

The Artists Studio Tours Barbados 2024 is Here!

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!


Before You Go check out the Art Resource Hub:

Arts and Wellness Cafe - Words, Creativity and Art Events

Looking forward to having you join us in the Arts and Wellness Cafe.

I take you through the word of the week and look at ways in which we can use the inspiration around us in our work.  Who are your favorite artists and what influence do they have on your growth?  I share some of mine too.

The other things that we look at in this episode is:

• Art journal process -  we look at how we can explore the different effects we can get with the supplies that we have including graphite, and water-soluble graphite tints.
• Fabric Art projects and resist dyeing sneak peak!
• Question and Tip for the week to encourage and motivate you - What would be your dream collaboration?
• Arts and Artists spotlight, lots of things are happening in Barbados with the Artists Studio Tours happening over the weekend - 3rd and 4th of February.

Take a self-guided tour of the many artists' studios scattered throughout Barbados. Meet the talented artists, view their galleries, and bring home a beautiful piece of local art to cherish. In addition, this tour provides the bonus of experiencing the beauty of Barbados itself!  Hope you can join us in this adventure!

Before you go:

Check out my online course - Filling the Creative Well

Cultivating Creativity and Reflection: A Visit to the Arts and Wellness Cafe

Welcome to the Arts and Wellness Cafe, a place for those seeking inspiration to unleash their creativity and unlock their hidden talent. Today, let's embark on a journey that delves into the importance of spending time being creative and finding moments for reflection.

Word for the Month: Stillness

Our chosen word for the month is "Stillness, while I do have additional words that I will use alongside they help me to focus on areas of my life that might need attention.  Consider the idea of carving out moments of quiet in your day. It might be a few minutes of meditation, a stroll in nature, or simply sitting with your thoughts. Stillness provides the space for creativity to blossom and ideas to take root.  

Take a moment to reflect on how you can incorporate this word into your daily activities. Whether it's through art, writing, or any other creative outlet, allow yourself to reflect and be still.

Tip and Question of the Week: Balancing Act

Our tip of the week encourages you to strike a balance between productivity and relaxation. When engrossed in a project, set aside specific breaks to recharge your mind. Ask yourself: "Am I allowing myself enough time to rest and rejuvenate?" Finding this balance is key to sustained creativity and well-being.

Art Journal Process

Dive into the art journal process as a form of self-expression. Capture your thoughts, dreams, and emotions through a mix of colors, textures, and words.  I have used magazine images for inspiration and created a collage.  I also look at how you would adapt the activity for a carer, and ways to make the most of the activity. Let your creativity flow without judgment. Your art journal can become a place to explore and discover hidden parts of yourself.

Mixed Media idea for creating a collage - looking at colors and words that connect with you and creating a collage. It can be adapted for the one you are caring for.

Stitched Projects: Weaving Stories Through Craft

In the video we look at a variety of stitched projects that I have worked on.  I feel that each of them tells a story in their own way with the stitches, and the colors of the fabric and additional embellishments. These activities provide a therapeutic escape. Take the time to create something beautiful with your hands, allowing your mind to unwind and unravel the complexities of daily life.

This piece was created in Material Musings, you can check out its progress HERE

As you embrace your word of the month, seek stillness in the midst of chaos, and find the delicate balance between work and rest. Enjoy the video and let me know what your word for the month is and how you are incorporating it into your new year so far.

Before You Go

Check out my Poetry book - Sometimes I write poetry, - Learn more HERE

Material Mondays - Part 3 Stitched Wall-Hanging - A Journey of Creative Serenity

 

Welcome to Material Mondays, we are nearly at the end of this project and it will be great to see how if feels once it is completed.

As a mixed media artist, I have found great solace in slow stitching and textile creativity, and I love the whole process from start to finish, finding the fabrics, painting and creating designs to the gentle rhythm of the needle weaving through the fabric, the soft touch of the threads, and the meditative state it brings have become a cherished part of my artistic journey.

You can start with any sized fabric, but you might want to take it slow with a small piece and grow into a larger more complex fabric.

If you're seeking a creative outlet that allows you to unwind and connect with your inner artist, slow stitching might just be the perfect match. This art form is not about rushing to finish but about savoring each moment of creation. Take a moment to breathe, let go of the stresses of the day, and immerse yourself in the world of slow stitching.

Adding the beading and other creative stitches is definitely a part of the process that goes hand in hand with slow stitching and brings a great deal of satisfaction when you step back and look at your piece.

If you have missed the previous posts where you see me first working on this project you can do so below

Part 2

Part 1

I hope you managed to check out some of the other videos in this series.  I thought that I would share a creative task with you, for you to consider:

Creative Task: Find a quiet corner, gather some fabric scraps, threads, and a needle. Take your time, create a small slow stitching piece, and let the process guide you.  Do let me know how you get on.

Material Mondays - Stitch and Paint Part 3

Welcome back,  It's time for another edition of Material Mondays, where we delve into the world of slow stitching and painting on fabric. If you've been following along, you know that this is the third week I've been working on this project. It's been a delightful journey of progress, and I can't wait to share the latest updates with you!

As always, this project is all about taking our time and enjoying the artistic process. Instead of rushing, we've been adding small bits here and there, allowing the piece to evolve organically. It's a great way to stay in touch with our creative flow and not feel pressured to finish everything in one go.

In this installment, I'm excited to focus on adding some additional stitching and beading.  I will share the following:

1. Defining the Shirt: I'll start by adding more stitching around the neck to emphasize the shirt's bead details. 

2. Moving on to the head and body area adding more stitching

3. Bird and Beads: Our figure has her arm around a bird, and I'm eager to enhance it with possible beadwork in and will look at what colors I have. 

4. Detail on arm: To distinguish her arm from the body, I'll focus on adding intricate details between the existing stitches.

Throughout this project, I've discovered that it's essential to let go of the notion that everything must be finished in one sitting. Embracing the artistic process means allowing the piece to breathe and grow. It's been a learning journey to give myself the freedom to step away and return with fresh inspiration.

Adding extra beading on the collar

I have found when working on the fabric pieces, that rather than having a pre-drawn plan, I prefer letting the piece guide me. It's like an unfolding story where every stitch and bead adds a new chapter. This spontaneity allows for unexpected surprises and takes us on a journey of discovery.

We are approaching the finishing line with a few additional touches and completing this piece is my focus for the upcoming week, and I'm eager to see it all come together.

Remember as you go forward in your creative walk that art is about embracing the journey and enjoying the process. Don't rush; savor every stitch, bead, and brushstroke. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting, the creative path has something extraordinary to offer each one of us.

I hope you've been inspired to dive into your own artistic projects. Until next time, when we return to reveal the final masterpiece, happy creating!

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Before you go:

Free Course - Recycled Stamps and Stencils

The Benefits of Creative Art Activities - Art Bundle Giveaway

 Art Bundle for Good #7 is BACK!!

You have a few more days to enter the giveaway

Art Bundles For Good #7 is back, and this time, we are running an exciting giveaway! This bundle offers a fantastic opportunity to boost your creative skills and engage in artistic activities that can have a positive impact on your mental health and overall wellbeing.

For those who missed out on the first sale in November 2022, this is the perfect chance to purchase the bundle and take advantage of the various art courses and resources it offers. But that's not all; three lucky winners will have the chance to win the entire bundle, which includes over $5700 worth of art courses and resources.

Participating in creative activities, such as painting, drawing, and mixed media art, can have numerous benefits for individuals of all ages. Not only does it allow us to express ourselves, but it also provides a form of relaxation and stress relief. When we engage in creative pursuits, we become immersed in the activity and can disconnect from our daily routines, which can be particularly helpful in reducing stress levels.

Moreover, taking art courses can help develop and improve our artistic skills, providing an opportunity to learn new techniques and experiment with different mediums. By learning from experienced artists, we can gain valuable insights into their creative process and develop our unique styles.

The Art Bundles For Good Bundle #7 offers over 111 art resources from more than 90 popular artists, including one of my courses. In my course, "Mixed Media Art Bowls," you will learn to create a series of paper art bowls that can house your encouraging words and inspiration to yourself. This project is not only fun and engaging, but it also provides an opportunity to practice mindfulness and self-reflection.

So, whether you are a seasoned artist or a beginner, taking art courses and engaging in creative activities can have many benefits for your mental health and overall wellbeing, so wishing you good luck for the giveaway

 Click here to enter the Giveaway

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

Habit - Messy May - Art Prompt for your Art Journal Play

 

Join in the with the rest of the challenge HERE

Messy May - Habit - Day 12

Today is my day for sharing a prompt for you to try out or interpret however you want.  The Prompt is to create a habit of seeing recycled materials and think about how you can use them in a creative way.

In my video shared on Instagram I show you a series of things I have created with materials that I have recycled.  Below are a few examples - I have used sequin waste, a tea light, adhesive pads that had lost their stickiness and some furniture pads and more.

I look for things that have texture or can transfer the texture onto my work.

You can also use lids,  doilies and these make great stencils

These are especially useful if you want to start creating marks unique to you in your art journal and great for when you are creating backgrounds.

In the video I show you what I use and how they look on an art journal page.  I then go on to do a journal page and create 2 art cards, which you can access on my course platform for Free - HERE

On the art journal page I use the stamps that I have created, I also use the cake sleeve once it has been covered in paint as a crown. 

The art cards use the stencils, decorated tissues and some of the stamps, they are fun to create and you can place them in your art journal or frame them.

If you would like to see how I created the Art Card and the Art Journal Page with the stamps and stencils you can join me for FREE on my course Platform HERE. 

You will also be able to download a digital copy of the stamps and stencil images I created to use in your art journals or creative practice.

Stay Blessed and Be a blessing

Arts and Wellness Café - The Pursuit of Growth

 

Welcome to the Arts and Wellness Café for the month of April where the theme is Growth and Peace. What areas of your life are you looking to make a change and what things have you put in place in order for you to get the results that you are looking for? I have found that when I organize my day to day schedule I achieve a lot more. I have over time learnt that I like both online and paper based planning, and coming up with a system which works well for me. Anything you go for will take time to be established in your work, but

I also share some art - mixed media paintings and textile work, share 'Tip for the week' where we consider how things would turn out if we wrote down our goals and in 'Quick Question' we look at the important creative lessons we have learnt, and there is more. I have put the time stamp for the sections for easy access. Let me know what goals you are working on in your creative practice and a lesson that you have learnt.

I have continued to explore a drawing style - inspired originally by Neurographic Art - you can check out my video below

I have since created more and find it such a therapeutic way of creating and worked on a painting that you will see in the video called Voyage

There is something about creating the line that has drawn me to adding this to my paintings, I love the effect you get.  I always encourage people to explore and experiment, try out different styles to see what you like and just go for it.

If you get a chance, check out the book by Brian Tracey - Eat That Frog, to look at way to organise yourself and you work.

Art Courses

All course have $10 OFF until the end of April when you use the coupon code create2 - HERE

Day 2

It is Day 2 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge you can check out the other posts in the tab at the top of the page or HERE

100 Day Project

You can catch the weekly videos of the stamps used each week HERE

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

Art Journal and Creative Healing - Book Review

Have you ever thought of ways that you can use your creativity to enhance your health and well-being? I take a look in the book Art Journals and Creative Healing and how a selection of artists have used their creativity to assist them when they have gone through difficult even traumatic times. They use their creativity to express areas of their life and show the beneficial impact of creativity.

How do you use your creativity? I have always thought it to be an intrinsic part of my life, and try to do some creativity activity on a daily basis. The creative act is not reserved only for my art activities, but I also in how I may order things or develop features in the garden. Being grateful for even the smallest amount of time to pour into creative activities, and then making a list of all the things you can do, even if it is only sorting out your supplies

We have to value what we have and be mindful of exactly what we are doing that we gain benefit from.

You can also join me in the Arts and Wellness Café each month, where we look at ways to bring more creativity into our lives, sharing art journaling, reviews, art work and nurturing chats.

What is it you do to heal, sooth and nurture yourself in your creative practice?

Mixed Media Art - Art Dolls - Collaborations

 

Mixed Media Art Collaboration

In Mixed Media Artist Collaboration on Tuesday I show you how to create these Mixed Media Art Dolls.  I am part of a collaboration where each artist shares a mixed media session every second Tuesday of the month.

These are great dolls that you can place in your art journals, creating different characters.  You can join us on Tuesday 8th February HERE for the video

Artsy Second Sunday

Come and join us to see how this page develops on Sunday 13th February for Artsy Second Sunday.  You can join us in the live chat.  Click on the notification bell for a reminder when the video goes live.  You can join in alongside us and we will be in the live chat answering any questions that you may have about a technique.

Join me on Patron - for exclusive content HERE

Arts and Wellness Café - Helpful or Not?

Come and join me for the latest episode of Arts and Wellness Café 

Check out the video HERE

In this episode I include how I find keeping a journal is useful.  I had read the Artists Way many years ago and I started to do my 'Moring pages' which is 3 pages of continuous writing first thing in the morning.  I found it really useful to get out my ideas and every now and then I wrote out some really great nuggets of inspiration.

I also examine my interpretation of the differences between a collector and a hoarder.  I thought there were some massive difference, I still do ( I am not sure my family would feel the same way though lol).

For the Art Journal page it is time for us to 'Spread our Wings and Fly and you will see how the page develops.  My main supply used in the Neo-Colors

Tip for the Week - Give yourself time to Create

I give myself time every day to do what I creatively want to do in the studio. So if you give yourself a portion of time you never then feel like you have been robbed or you haven’t got anything done.  I have a range of different things that I would like to try but don’t have the time.  

If I schedule a bit of time for myself I can just enjoy doing that thing or enjoy say working in an art journal or playing with a new supply without any pressure and then you still got time to get on with the work but you have to give yourself permission you have to say this is the time that I will schedule for myself and you stick to it.

You must not do other things in that time like going to hang out the laundry but you need to stick to the time that you have chosen.

You will find that you definitely will grow if you start to do it over a period of time, and you can compare to see how much you are getting done and the quality of your work from when you first started 

Question of the Week - What one nice thing can you do for yourself this week?  This is something you need to think about as we often leave ourselves to last or over look ourselves.

Spotlight Artist of the Week 

We take a look at Rachel Bellamy, Artist and you can check out her new course - The Joy of Motif HERE

Here is an example of her work...

Thank you for joining me, looking forward to hearing what 'nice thing' you are going to do for yourself.