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

Arts and Wellness Cafe - Enhance Your Creative Journey

 

Welcome to the second episode of the Arts and Wellness Cafe. In this episode, we are diving into our creativity, unlocking the potential of your creative journey. Have you ever wondered when that spark of creativity ignited within you? Creativity is not just a privilege reserved for artists; it's a tool that can enhance everyone's overall health and well-being in a number of ways. Check out the video for more details.

Benefits of Engaging in the Arts on Health and Well-Being

Here are a few benefits for engaging in a creative activity:

1. Stress Reduction: Engaging in creative activities such as painting, drawing, or crafting can act as a form of mindfulness, allowing you to focus on the present moment, reducing stress and anxiety.
2. Emotional Expression: Art provides a safe space for emotional expression. where you can explore and communicate your feelings.
3. Self-esteem: Completing a creative project can give you a sense of accomplishment and boost your self-esteem.
4. Increased Brain Function: Engaging in creative activities stimulates various areas of the brain, promoting memory retention, and overall mental acuity.
5. Social Connection: Participating in group creative activities, such as joining an art class or theater group, fosters social interactions and reduces feelings of isolation. Join our arts Community on my course platform HERE

Learn about the Arts Resource Hub HERE

When we explore some ways to kickstart your creative journey: There are a variety of ways you can start your Creative Journey and here are a few ideas to try:

1. Art Journaling: Begin by keeping an art journal. It can be a mix of sketches, writing, collage, or any other medium that resonates with you. Use it as a space to document your thoughts, feelings, and ideas visually.
2. Creative Writing: If you enjoy writing, start a personal blog, write short stories, or even attempt poetry. Writing allows you to explore your imagination and express your inner thoughts.
3. Crafting: There is so much joy to be found in crafting - trying activities like slow stitching, woodworking, or jewelry making or other crafts can offer a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
4. Visual Arts: Experiment with painting, drawing, or sculpting. You don't need to be a professional artist; just pick up some supplies and start creating. The process is often more rewarding than the end result.
5. Music and Dance: Learn to play a musical instrument or enroll in dance classes. Music and dance are excellent outlets for self-expression and emotional release.
6. Photography: Capture the world through the lens of a camera. Photography allows you to find beauty in everyday moments and share your unique perspective.
7. Cooking and Culinary Arts: Get creative in the kitchen. Experiment with new recipes, flavors, cooking is a delicious form of artistry.
8. Gardening: Cultivate a garden or tend to indoor plants. Gardening connects you with nature and allows you to create a living work of art.

Join me in the Creative Garden LEARN MORE

Incorporate art into your mindfulness or meditation practice. Coloring books designed for adults or mandala drawing can be particularly soothing, and check out some cool FREE courses, there are free courses and digital downloads that you can try out.

Remember that creativity is a personal journey, and there are no right or wrong ways to explore it. The key is to start, enjoy the process, and embrace the positive impact it can have on your health and well-being.

When did you realize you wanted to do something creative? 

It's never too late to embark on this creative journey, and the benefits to your overall wellness will be worth every stroke of the brush or stitch made.

Arts and Wellness Café - Inspired living

In the Arts and Wellness Café, this month the word is Inspired and comfort, we will be checking out some great creative ideas and resources.

Check out the video below...

In the café this month I share a textile project, book review, art journal and more!  We also look at the things that can keep us inspired and also provide elements of comfort.

We take a look at this work in progress that will eventually be a wall-hanging.  It is made up of Shibori tie dyed fabric, painted fabric and stitches.   I am hoping to add some embellishments on the piece as well.

You get a flip through of this mini art journal.  I had created a variety of toppers that were looking for a home, I also experimented with glitter and stencils in places.

These smaller art journals are great for all those smaller toppers that you may have that want to be put to good use and you.  You will also hear the 'Tip and Question of the week'  Looking forward to having you join me.

You can also check out resource links below:

https://amazon.com/shop/realityarts

Check out the Free Resources 

Learn more

Other Courses to check out - click on the image

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?

Arts and Wellness Café - What is your Word/s for the Year

 

Welcome to the first Arts and Wellness Café for the Year.

We look at a variety of topics in this issue.

Book Review - Collage Playground

You can check out the Full video HERE

I also share one of my art projects and textile work

You can also check out the Question of the Week and The Tip for the Week, giving you some insights in your creative walk.  

I have been working on a few arts collaborations and will be sharing two of the projects with you.  I also have a series of courses that I will be teaching on.

Are you looking for a way to kickstart your creativity and surround yourself with love?

Deep dive into your Art Journal

Release your Inner BadAss!

Come 'Jump' with us creatively

We look forward to have you on this creative journey.  Click on any of the images for more information.

Click HERE

Arts and Wellness Cafe - You are Remarkable!! And Then Some...

Welcome to this weeks episode of Arts and Wellness Café where the topic is whether or not you realize how Remarkable you are?

In the video we think about the word and our creativity and we look at stepping into it.  At the end of the day you have to let go of any fears or doubts that you have and just go for it!!

Have a look at the video below:  We also cover a book review and Art Journal Page

What creative activities are you holding yourself back from, fearing what others might think or say when you share.  I always say that if you don't share you miss out on reaching that person that is sitting thousands of miles away and would be inspired by what you have to say - you could change their life, inspire and give them hope.  

But if you listen to that one person sitting in a dusty basement in their leggings trawling from one site to the next looking to see how negative they can be in the comments you have missed out on an amazing opportunity to spread your joy, be part of a community and see your creative activities grow!!  

The book that we cover in this episode is Creative Bloom, it has some great projects using wire and I love the gardening references.

You can CHECK IT OUT HERE

In 'Question of the week I ask 'How long have you been playing it small, hiding your light, and how long are you going to continue?  I would be interested to hear what you think, are you - have you just broken free and now shining like the stars?

The links that I shared:

Life Book 2022

Use Code ARTJOY30 to receive 30% off

Creative Studio - Ivy Newport 

Special offer Access to over 100 courses for 30 days

My Online Courses

"Playing Card Art"

"How Does your Garden Grow"

My new Etsy Store

Digital Art Backgrounds for Art Journaling, and all your creative activities

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.

Arts and Wellness Café - Up Close and Personal

Join me in the Arts and Wellness Café, where I look at the word 'Personal'. I had started to reflect on the word on my podcast and continue to look at how it relates to my creative activities. I reflected on the word I started to look at what I was doing and my body told me that it was time to step back. You can listen to the podcast episode HERE

There are indeed times when you just need to step away from things if you can and every now and again the constant 'having to post' on social media can take it's toll if you are not balanced and make time for yourself.  Check out the video below:

I share a book review, of the book Collage Lab which is a lovely book to have in your creative library, full of lots of tips and examples for creating.

My art journal page this week is from a piece that I had already started. Unfortunately the first half of the video became corrupted and won't play so you catch the page half way through but you get an idea of how it progressed.

Patrons get to see the video in real time and I talk through the pages. You are always welcome to come and join us - the support starts from as little as $3 per month. There are over 50 'Patron only' tutorials, behind the scenes work, printable coloring and background pages and more!

CHECK OUT MY PATREON PAGE HERE

Art Journal Page

I have a few pieces of art in an exhibition called Amazing Art and you can catch the online exhibition it was originally at St George Parish Church and you can now see the work online and purchase if you see anything that catches your eye - HERE

Thank you so much for joining me, stay blessed!

Check me out on Patreon

Arts and Wellness Café - Word for the Week - Profound. Art Journal Page, Slow Stitching and More!

Come and join me in the Arts and Wellness Café where the Word for the Week has been Profound.  Check out the video below to hear about some of the things that I am sharing:

Here are the time stamp sections - 

Welcome: Click Here

Slow Stitching: Click Here

Use Your supplies - Art Journal Page - Click Here

Explore and Express - Click here

One of the things that helped me through our first lock down as we dealt with the Global pandemic was to start stitching, and I completed many projects. I didn't realize how much I enjoyed slow stitching and creating projects.

Here are some projects that I am working my way through and I have been creating some smaller pieces as well.

This piece incorporates stitching with hand dyed wax resist fabrics

I like working on more than one piece at a time and here are some additional stitched pieces that are coming to a close. (I will share in another post.

Art Journal Page

You also get to see in this video how you can get rid of some of your neglected art supplies and create a lovely art journal page and here are some that I shared.

Applying the paint and using stencils to create a design enables you to make some really lovely background pages ready for when you next have time to work on them.

I had intended to use several stencils, but only used two for these pages.  It was lovely working in the journals, I had one main one and used two others to use up the extra paint I had on the pallet.  The paints are reasonably priced and over they years I have collected quite a few, so want to use some of them up before they dry out.  I have put the links to some of the supplies I used.

Supplies:

Folk Art - https://amzn.to/2Rw6MT9

Martha Stuart Paints - https://amzn.to/3yrKqTr

Apple Barrel - https://amzn.to/3vdYhL0

Stencils (one of the stencils is a recycled lid) - https://amzn.to/3hL5bmY

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For as little $3 each month you have access to patron only content and will receive the following

• 30 minutes of creativity monthly video Tutorial

 Reference Photos

• You will have access to two albums of high quality reference photos.  You can use them in your own art, art journals etc
• 2 Additional downloadable backgrounds

 Art Journal Bundle (after 2 months) Includes

• 5 Downloadable Art Journal Backgrounds
• 31 Art Journal Prompts Book
• 4 Handmade Art Journal Tutorials
• 4 videos - Creating Backgrounds

Monthly Art Videos 

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• Weekly Inspirational shorts video
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