Unraveled: Finding Balance in the Chaos - Arts and Wellness Cafe

 

Life has a way of unraveling just when we think we have everything under our control. Routines fall apart, and the tidy systems we worked so hard to build can suddenly feel like a tangled mess. But what if “unraveling” isn’t a sign of failure, but an invitation for a change of perspective?

Check out the Video

To unravel is to pause, breathe, and look at the pieces with fresh eyes. It is a time where you can reset or reshape old patterns into something new, something that fits your current situation. We can welcome unraveling as part of the creative process.

In my own practice, I’ve learnt that balance doesn’t come from trying to hold everything together perfectly. It comes from knowing when to let go, when to batch record. Some days it looks like sipping a herbal tea made from plants in my garden.  Other days it’s experimenting or letting stitched work return to nature. It is giving myself permission to rest, knowing that my health and wellbeing will fuel my creativity.

Art reminds us that beauty often comes from the imperfect and the unfinished.

Here are four reflections to think about when things feel unraveled:

1. Pause - Instead of rushing to fix, ask what’s really happening. Is this falling apart, or reshaping itself?
2. Rest as Renewal - Sleep and hydration aren’t luxuries; they’re the foundation for creativity and clarity.
3. Work with Nature - Look to cycles in the natural world. What can you learn from leaves, or seasons about letting go?
4. Find the Message - Your art doesn’t have to be perfect. Sometimes the “unraveled” pieces carry the most honest stories.

Before You Go....

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Arts and Wellness Cafe - Consistency

 

Welcome to August in the Arts and Wellness Cafe.

It also happens to be my birthday month and I have been leaning into one word 'consistency'. It’s been showing up in how I am viewing my art, my health and the way I show up as a creative.   

Check out the August papers for FREE HERE

I’ve shared new digital art papers on Patreon (free and paid tiers) which are now available on my Patreon, starting at the FREE papers.  I enjoyed the Filling The Creative Well” challenge and I will be adding it to the course platform so you can dip into it when you have a moment and there will be other additions to help support your creative journey.  

My collaboration with Fodder School and Art Foamies brought six beautiful female-figure foam stamps to life, and I popped up on a podcast too!

Beacon - set of 2 ArtFoamies  Check out the Full Sets HERE

        

This weeks nuggets:

• Break big dreams into small daily steps.
• Use free resources and keep growing.
• Look after your body - rest when needed.
• Let your art inspire and support others.

Let me know some of the ways you will be showing up for yourself this week

Stay blessed and be a blessing!

Who are you Creating For - Arts and Wellness Cafe

 

Come and join us in the Arts and Wellness Cafe, where I share insights about the power and purpose of creativity, and knowing who we are creating for - without our own needs getting lost in the mix.  

Creativity is not only just a creative pastime but also a vital tool for personal expression, healing, and inspiration. 

We have to remember that creativity is not a solitary act, but a shared journey that can uplift, inspire and create connection. 

I would love to have your perspective, join us in the discussion.

Arts and Wellness Cafe - Garden Edition

 

Welcome to this episode of the Arts and Wellness Cafe, where we look at how being in a green plant-filled environment can help with your health and wellbeing.

It is my second favorite space next to my art studio and I love spending time tending to the plants an seeing new things come to life.

It is not an easy activity but it is very rewarding and the benfits are multiple - from harvesting the food, seeing plants spring to life or the addition of birds building their nests, feeling so comfortable in the space that they dwell awhile.

We also talk about being stewards for all the places that we find ourselves in and the legacy we will leave behind for the next generation.  

It would be great to know what you want your legacy to be that will inspire and motivate others. 

Come and join us and leave a comment.

Before you go:

Check out the Diamond Painting video - is it something that you have tried before?

Arts and Wellness Cafe - Creative Living

Arts and Wellness Cafe 

Welcome to the first of many Arts and Wellness Cafe.  It has been a minute and I wanted to share with you for the end of February.  Well here we are now in March and time has already passed so quickly.

In this Arts and Wellness Cafe, it truly is as if you passed by with none the frills and bells that editing can sometimes offer you.  

In this episode I share some of the projects that I have been working on and what I hope to get to over the course of the month.

I hope you are blessed and that you come back next time and spend some time in the Arts and Wellness Cafe.

What is Inspiring You - Join us in the Arts and Wellness Cafe

Come and join me in the Arts and Wellness Cafe as we look at the things that inspire and encourage you to be your creative self.

We reflect and ask questions, as it is important for us to be able to dive into our resources and encourage ourselves in those 'off times'.

We look at the latest Journal that I am playing with which is the Junk Journal July, having fun playing with the supplies I have and interpreting the quotes to suit my needs as a creative.

I share my stitched project and some projects that are waiting to be worked on.

Looking forward to seeing all the things that inspire you. 

Get This Months Free Papers 

when you join us as a FREE member on Patreon.

Get your FREE 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

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

Arts and Wellness Cafe - More

Come and join us in the Arts and Wellness Cafe where the word for the session is 'More'

What do you need to do more of in your life, your creative journey?

In order to enhance your creative journey and enrich your life, it's important to make time for activities that inspire and motivate you. Consider incorporating more moments of reflection into your daily routine. Engage in activities that stimulate your imagination and creativity, such as:

• working in your art journal;
• taking long walks in nature;
• exploring new hobbies - take an online course;
• or practicing mindfulness and meditation - try out one of my digital coloring pages. HERE

Surround yourself with sources of inspiration, whether it's through art, music, literature, or connecting with like-minded individuals who share your passion for creativity. Remember to be kind to yourself throughout this journey and embrace the process of growth and self-discovery. 

In the video I share a way that I work in my art journal, making space for creativity and the time that you may or may not have.  This gives you pockets of time to be creative.  

We also look at a tip for the week and an important question that you should be asking yourself - intrigued, check out the video for more information. 

Before You Go:

Come and join me in the Creative Garden - HERE

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

Ignite Your Motivation and Creative Spark

Welcome to the Arts and Wellness Cafe! What's in your cup today? As you sip your favorite drink to unwind, we're about to embark on a journey of motivation and creativity. I have been growing herbs and medicinal plants, like fresh bay leaves, right in my garden for a while now and I make sure that I use them in my tea and cooking, and it makes such a difference to my overall well-being. In today's video we look at ways in which we can stay motivated using our creativity, and today, I want to explore these themes with you in this post as well.

Cultivating Motivation

Motivation is the driving force behind our creative endeavors. It's what keeps us going even when we face doubts or creative blocks. I've found that motivation isn't just about pushing through challenging times but also about setting up your own toolkit for those moments when you need a creative boost.

Creating Your Toolkit for Motivation

Think of your creative journey and be prepared to create a toolkit for yourself.  It filled with inspiring ideas and activities. Here are some tips to consider:

• Variety is Key - Have a range of creative activities at your disposal. Whether it's painting, writing, or crafting, having options allows you to choose what resonates with you in the moment.

• Journaling - A journal can be a powerful tool for reflection and motivation. You can use it to jot down your thoughts, set goals, and even draw or paint when words fail you.

• Playlists of Inspiration - Music has a profound impact on our emotions. Create playlists of songs that lift your spirits and help you get back into the creative flow.

• Creative Breaks - Sometimes, all you need is a change of scenery or a short, creative activity to refresh your mind. Carry a portable project with you, like a small art journal, to seize those spare moments for creativity.

• Self-Made Cards - Craft encouraging cards for yourself. Fill them with inspirational quotes, messages, or simple words of motivation. Keep these cards handy for when you need a boost.

Fueling Your Creative Fire

The Art of Doodling and Mini Projects

I've found that breaking down creative activities into smaller, more manageable tasks can be immensely motivating. For example, I create small squares of art that I can work on when I have a few minutes to spare. These squares can be filled with doodles, drawings, or patterns. They serve as an excellent way to keep the creative juices flowing and give you a sense of accomplishment, even in short bursts of time. 

Challenges and Overcoming Creative Blocks

Creative challenges are a natural part of the artistic journey. They can manifest as moments of self-doubt, lack of inspiration, or feeling lost in a creative fog. During these times, it's crucial to fall back on your creative toolkit . Take time to reflect, relax, and rekindle your creative spark. Remember, challenges are opportunities to grow and discover new aspects of your creativity.

Creating for Yourself

While sharing your creations with the world is wonderful, don't forget to make art just for yourself. I create wearable art and art journals that are just for my use to play in. They are a space where you can explore and experiment without any external expectations.

Recycling and Repurposing

Don't underestimate the power of recycling and repurposing materials - you probably have a lot of the supplies you need take a good look around, you just have to change your perspective and have an inquisitive mind.   You can check out the video HERE

Before you go

Motivation and creativity go hand in hand. Your toolkit should be filled with activities and practices that fuel your creative fire. Embrace the power of mini projects, altering them where necessary to keep your creative juices flowing even in the busiest of times. Challenges are part of the journey, and they offer opportunities for growth. Remember to create for yourself, enjoy the process, and let your creativity shine.  Thank you for joining me, and I look forward to sharing more creative adventures with you.  Stay blessed and be a blessing!

What are You doing on Wednesday 18th October 10am EST - Join us and be part of an international 'Art In'

Sign up to my Mailing list for further details HERE

Time for another Pause - Limitless possibilities

 

Come and join me in the studio - we remind ourselves how many things that we are able to do to push our creativity forward.  The word limitless for me has been a word that I have taken through year after year.

What has been your word for the year - have you started to think about next year yet?

Check out some courses while you are at it!

Click HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

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 Café - Knowledge and Creativity

Welcome to the Arts and Wellness Café, thank you for joining me.  Take a look at some of the things that I discuss in the video below.

One of the things that I make sure that I do every year is invest in myself and consider what additional learning I will be doing, whether it is signing on for a course, or finding a book that will teach me specific skills.

It is always a great idea to keep growing and you do that by learning new things as it can only enhance what you already do.

That said I review a fantastic book called Enchanted Adornments by Cynthia Thornton.  The author weaves her love for story telling into creating 20 pieces of jewelry from polymer clay and lots of other embellishments.  There are also contributions from other artists and their work and it is lovely to see

I also share details of the new course that I am teaching called 'How Does Your Garden Grow'  it is filled with over an hours teaching and is accompanied by some fantastic downloads for you to keep.

The Early Bird Special lasts until 8th August

Check it out HERE

If you join me on Patreon for any of the available tiers, you will also be able to get 2 further bonuses as part of the 'How Does Your Garden Grow' Course.

It would be great to have you join us!  

Stay blessed and be a blessing

Arts and Wellness Café - Word for the Week - Confident, Art Journal Process Page and New Art!

In the Arts and Wellness Café the word for the week is confident and I share with you some new art work, it is a sculptural piece made with lots of yummy texture.

I loved working on it as it also uses a lot of different supplies and you get to use some of the things that you have in a different way.

I also share with you an art journal page process - This is especially great if you want to keep it simple and just want to create an image, but you can also do it if you just want to add marks to the page.

Art Journals

I wanted to work on a background page that already had paint, and just wanted to create an image, this young lady came up and I will be working on the page more and add additional details. You have to be able to step away from work and then revisit it - you come with fresh eyes to then add to the work.

Amanda Trought - Art Journal Page

I look at the need to be confident in your approach to the materials that you use and in turn you will be confident about the work that you are producing. I hope you can join me and let me know what tips you use to stay confident.

Let me know what tips you have for remaining confident and some of the strategies that you might use to get you back on track if you come off.

Hope you are having a blessed week so far.

Join me on Patreon

Word for the Week - Perceptive - Arts and Wellness Café

Welcome to this week, the word has been so far 'Perceptive' and it is great to think about how the word relates to our creativity.  When you think about what you do creatively how much of it would you say you get a sense that there is more to it than you yourself put in - in regards to effort?  Do things click, work out and often give you goosebumps or chills.  

It matters not if that is not the case for you at the moment, as there are areas of what you do that you just can't quite explain, and you don't need to (smile).

I started the week off with the podcast and you can listen to the episode HERE or below

In Arts and Wellness Café I continue the theme and you can watch the video HERE or below

I share some of the work that I have been doing in the studio along with some of my stitched pieces.

Textile Wall Hanging - Amanda Trought

For more behind the scenes and exclusive content you can check me out on Patreon