3 Reasons to Spend Time Being Creative

3 Reasons to Spend Time Being Creative

Finding moments to express our creativity can be so refreshing and rewarding especially when we are bombarded on all sides for our attention. Here are three reasons why spending time with art supplies is a great way to enhance your life:

Boosts Mental Health and Well-being

Engaging in creative activities like drawing, painting, or sculpting can significantly improve your mental health. It provides a therapeutic outlet to release stress and express emotions. Studies have shown that art can reduce anxiety and depression, promoting a sense of calm and well-being. 

Enhances Cognitive Abilities

Using art supplies stimulates the brain. Whether you're sketching a landscape or assembling a collage, the process challenges your mind to think creatively and explore new perspectives. This mental exercise can improve your overall cognitive flexibility, making you better able to tackle your everyday challenges with creative solutions.

Encourages Self-Expression and Personal Growth

Art is a powerful form of self-expression that allows you to express your thoughts, feelings, and ideas that might be difficult to articulate with words. It enables self-discovery and personal growth, helping you understand yourself better and communicate more authentically. As you experiment with different mediums and techniques, you also build confidence in your abilities and develop a unique artistic voice.

When you incorporate creative activities into your routine with your art supplies it not only enriches your life but also nurtures your mind and spirit. So, pick up those brushes, markers, or clay, and let your imagination soar!

Check out some of Artezas Art Supplies, and discounts on Amazon HERE

Arteza's Art Supplies

Join us HERE on Realityarts Academy for FREE art courses and resources. 

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

Creative Weekend - Starts Here

What creative activities are you planning for this weekend.

If you would like a few hints and tips, I will provide you with 5 creative activities that you can do in a weekend. You can get all the family involved, or this might be something you do for a quiet moment.

Here Are 5 Creative ideas that you can think about doing:

1. DIY Studio Decor

Spend the weekend revamping your creative space with a few DIY projects. From creating your own art mood board for inspiration or upcycling old furniture that will help with your materials/tool storage, think about projects that you can do in a couple of hours or an afternoon.

2. Nature Inspired

Cole my dog loves being in the garden

Take your creative endeavors outside and set up an easel in a nearby park or your own garden. Let the beauty of nature inspire your artwork as you paint landscapes, flowers, or any other scene that catches your eye. Take a look at the colors and the subtle differences in shade. See if you can recreate this using your art supplies.  Come and join me in the garden for additional inspiration HERE

3. Free Art Courses

Take a look at the selection of FREE courses on my course platform and why not try them out using different supplies, and see how you can vary the results.  Courses can be found HERE

4. DIY Craft Projects

Unleash your artistic side with DIY craft projects - these are small projects that you can personalize and create small batches that can be given as gifts or when you are sending out one of your art pieces. You could try making handmade cards, or creating your own jewelry. These hands-on activities are not only enjoyable but also allow you to express your creativity in unique ways.

5. Photography Expedition

Grab your camera or your phone and set out on a photography expedition in your city or a nearby scenic spot, or again wander around your garden seeing what amazing animals or plants you can capture.

These creative ideas offer a mix of artistic, culinary, and outdoor activities to make your weekend both enjoyable and creatively fulfilling. Whether you choose to work on these projects alone or involve your family, exploring your creative side can lead to a weekend full of inspiration and self-expression.

Come and check out some of the FREE Mixed Media courses on my Course platform. You can check them out HERE

Art Bundle for Good - 2 Days left!

Art Bundles for Good #8 is only here for 2 more days. If you didn’t purchase the Art Bundle last November, this is your last chance. This bundle of over 100 art classes will not be offered again.

There are over $5400 worth of courses and resources on on topics like watercolour painting, art journaling, sketching, mixed media, drawing, abstract art, acrylic painting, collage, pastel pencils, colored pencils, creativity and much more all bundled together for one low price. 

GO TO THE ART BUNDLE

You’re not going to want to miss this fantastic deal. The sale will end on Monday at midnight, New York Time, so don’t miss out.

GO TO THE ART BUNDLE

Art Resource Hub - Free Digital Downloads (Available Now!)

 

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

Artsy Meetup Marathon - 2 Days to Go!

 

Only 2 Days to go - the Artsy Meetup Marathon

December 31, 2023 - January 1, 2024

Artsy Meetup Marathon

We only have a few days left before we see in the New Year.  When I think about what I want to spend time doing next year, creativity is at the top of the list!  and so I will be joining Kiala Givehand in the 3rd Annual New Year’s Eve Artsy Marathon.
​
We are going to bring in the New Year being creative with amazing people surrounded by our art supplies. 

Here are the artists that will be taking part

We would love you to join us?

This year's Artsy Meetup Marathon is:

• 24 Hours of Creative Lessons from a variety of guest teachers (names below).  You don't need to be there all 24 hours, the recordings will be available a few days after the event.
• The Scedule will be live on the website
• an opportunity to learn, play, and explore with other creative souls.
• a list of techniques, tips, and tutorials for your visual journaling and documented days. 
• There will be several GIVEAWAYS throughout the night
• a powerfully creative way to bring in 2024 with intention.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

The Teachers

Kiala Givehand - mixed media bookbinder, storyteller, printmaker, & wisdom keeper -- @kialagives

Tiffany Goff-Smith - mixed media artist -- @SouthernGals_Designs

Kristen Radden - creative divination junkie -- @otm_academy

Rachel Torda - artist, writer, seeker, & watercolor mermaid -- @thedreaminglotus

Meghann Early - intuitive art journaler & junk journler -- @meghandthemoon

Amanda Trought - mixed media artist & blogger -- @realityarts

Shemi Dixon - mixed media artist & youtuber -- @shemidixon

Leaca Young - artist & reiki practicioner -- @leacayoungart

Tina Riley - art & heART journaler -- @tinarileyimaginariums

Kristi Nazzaro - mixed media artist -- @soul_positive

Suzanne Earley - mixed media artist, quilter, and founder of strawberry moon magazine -- @suzanne_earley

Liz Constable - book artist, teacher, & author -- @bookartstudios

Dee Dee Catron - mixed media artist & mark maker -- @deedeecatron

Aly Million - mixed media artist and journaler -- @alycadabra

Brooke Henry - maker, teacher, art journaler -- @bbhenry_art

​Susanne Randers - paper lover, eco dyer, and bookbinder -- @mitkrearum

Vanessa Oliver-Lloyd - art witch & collage fanatic -- @dansmoncrane

Misty Granade - abstract mixed media artist -- @misty.granade

Cindy Gilstrap - mixed media & journaling artist -- @junqueart

Kristin Peterson - mixed media & collage artist -- @alteredstatesstudio

Joyce Van Der Lely - artist & empowerment guide -- @joycevanderlely

​

We are going to have so much fun at the Artsy Meetup Marathon, and you will have so many hints and creative tips to see you into the New Year.  JOIN THE PARTY!

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Before You Go

Check out Filling the Creative Well Mixed Media Course - LEARN MORE

Join us for the Artsy Meetup Marathon - See in 2024 with Us

Introducing the Artsy Meetup Marathon

December 31, 2023 - January 1, 2024

Artsy Meetup Marathon

When I think about what I want to spend time doing next year, creativity is at the top of the list. And that’s why I said YES to Kiala Givehand when she invited me to teach in the 3rd Annual New Year’s Eve Artsy Marathon.
​
We are going to bring in the New Year being creative with amazing people surrounded by our art supplies. 

We would love you to join us?

This year's Artsy Meetup Marathon is:

• 24 Hours of Creative Lessons from a variety of guest teachers (names below).  You don't need to be there all 24 hours, the recordings will be available a few days after the event.
• The Scedule will be live on the website
• an opportunity to learn, play, and explore with other creative souls.
• a list of techniques, tips, and tutorials for your visual journaling and documented days. 
• There will be several GIVEAWAYS throughout the night
• a powerfully creative way to bring in 2024 with intention.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

The Teachers

Kiala Givehand - mixed media bookbinder, storyteller, printmaker, & wisdom keeper -- @kialagives

Tiffany Goff-Smith - mixed media artist -- @SouthernGals_Designs

Kristen Radden - creative divination junkie -- @otm_academy

Rachel Torda - artist, writer, seeker, & watercolor mermaid -- @thedreaminglotus

Meghann Early - intuitive art journaler & junk journler -- @meghandthemoon

Amanda Trought - mixed media artist & blogger -- @realityarts

Shemi Dixon - mixed media artist & youtuber -- @shemidixon

Leaca Young - artist & reiki practicioner -- @leacayoungart

Tina Riley - art & heART journaler -- @tinarileyimaginariums

Kristi Nazzaro - mixed media artist -- @soul_positive

Suzanne Earley - mixed media artist, quilter, and founder of strawberry moon magazine -- @suzanne_earley

Liz Constable - book artist, teacher, & author -- @bookartstudios

Dee Dee Catron - mixed media artist & mark maker -- @deedeecatron

Aly Million - mixed media artist and journaler -- @alycadabra

Brooke Henry - maker, teacher, art journaler -- @bbhenry_art

​Susanne Randers - paper lover, eco dyer, and bookbinder -- @mitkrearum

Vanessa Oliver-Lloyd - art witch & collage fanatic -- @dansmoncrane

Misty Granade - abstract mixed media artist -- @misty.granade

Cindy Gilstrap - mixed media & journaling artist -- @junqueart

Kristin Peterson - mixed media & collage artist -- @alteredstatesstudio

Joyce Van Der Lely - artist & empowerment guide -- @joycevanderlely

​

We are going to have so much fun at the Artsy Meetup Marathon, and you will have so many hints and creative tips to see you into the New Year.  JOIN THE PARTY!

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Before You Go

Check out Filling the Creative Well Mixed Media Course - LEARN MORE

Creating Fabric Beads: Material Mondays

 

Creating Fabric Beads: A Sustainable and Creative Project

Ever wished you could transform your leftover fabric scraps into something beautiful and useful? Look no further than fabric beads! They are surprisingly easy to make and offer a fantastic way to recycle unwanted materials, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.

Scraps into Treasure:

This project starts with a simple base, like a recycled plastic tube, or check if you have any plastic drinking straws in one of those draws in the kitchen. They offer a sturdy core for your fabric bead. Wrapping thin strips of fabric around the tube with glue or stitching creates the foundation of your bead.


Working with Embellishments

Here's where you can go to town in your art supplies! Grab those forgotten seed beads, ribbons, and any other embellishments you have lying around. Each bead becomes a canvas, waiting to be shaped with contrasting threads, seed beads, or even bits of wool, the possibilities are endless!

Benefits of Creating your Beads:

• Creating fabric beads offers more than just artistic satisfaction. It's a fantastic way to:Reduce waste: By repurposing scraps, you give new life to materials that might otherwise end up in landfills.
• Develop crafting skills: Learn basic sewing and beading techniques, perfect for future projects.
• Enjoy a mindful activity: The repetitive nature of beading can be quite therapeutic, offering a moment of calm.
• Create unique pieces: With endless combinations of fabrics and embellishments, every bead is a one-of-a-kind treasure.

Getting Started: Check out the video to see how I created them.  Here are some of the supplies that you will need.

• Fabric scraps: Any fabric will do, from cotton to silk.
• Embellishments: Beads, buttons, yarn, ribbons, the possibilities are endless!
• Needle and thread: For stitching the fabric and securing embellishments.
• Glue gun (optional): Offers a quicker alternative to stitching for some steps.
• Recycled base: Plastic tubes, paper or plastic straws

Your finished fabric beads can be used in countless ways stringing them together to create necklaces, bracelets, or earrings.  You can also use them as embellishments and sew them onto clothing, bags, or pillows for a unique and personalized touch.

Creating fabric beads is a fun, sustainable, and rewarding activity, it is a great time to express your creativity, so, gather your materials, unleash your imagination, and let the joy of fabric bead making take over!

Stay blessed and be a blessing.

Before You Go

1000 Dog Portraits - Work Published

In keeping with the post I shared a while back about celebrating your achievements, I thought I would share some of my artwork that got published in a book some time ago, but we can still celebrate!  In fact I have a journal dedicated for things that I have achieved, so that I can look back as a reminder and see how far I have come.  It is important that you write down all your achievements, not matter how small.

The Book that my work was published in was published in 2014 and is called 1000 Dog portraits, curated by Robynne Raye. I created 2 playful paintings which were selected.  It was a reminder to me to 'go for it' and not hold back and allow the critic to voice their untruths.

On the Run - Amanda Trought, 1000 Dog Portraits

My main focus was to have fun and bring out the colors in each of the paintings, and I like the cartoon like feel of my dogs, and they may one day feature in a children's book of their own.

Amanda Trought Art - Dog Portraits

It was great to see the diversity of work from both artists and designers from around the world, and to have my work published alongside them.

I think I might spend some more time playing about with colors and shapes, and see what other playful characters that I can come up with. Why not try it out yourself.

Cole my dog is wondering when I am going to do a painting of him, he loves posing for the camera, and makes sure we only get his best side!

Cole, Such a majestic looking dog

Hanging out with Cole

Stay blessed and be a blessing and keep your eyes out for many other creative goodies that will be coming your way.

You can check out the book  HERE on Amazon 

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Free Trial on Patreon - Join Us

Weekly Art Journals & Exhibition News

 

In this weeks video I shares how you can add crochet to your art journals and create different effects.  I really enjoyed adding this element to my art journals and you can add different color wool to your piece.  I used a different color wool at the end of the pages, and I will be coming back to add journaling and some embellishments to the page.

I have one of my paintings in the exhibition - A Seat at the Table, and today there is a 'meet the artists' organized so I will be sharing a bit about some of the work that I do, and what inspires my pieces.

I love the vibrancy of colors and the painting was a very therapeutic piece to complete.  The painting is for sale so if you are interested do get in touch.

Join us on Sunday where we share our video collaboration for Artsy Second Sunday.  A group of us meet and share a video based on a prompt for the month.  It is loads of fun and you can join us in the live chat on YouTube and see how my art journal page was created.  It starts at 12pm EST  I am scheduled for 1.48 EST You can schedule a notification HERE

If you can join us it would be great!  Check out all the videos in the hop which will be listed in the description of the video. 

Hope you are having a lovely time this Easter Weekend.

Blessings.

52 Art Journals - Mixed Media Mini Art Journal

 

This Art Journal uses digital papers I created for my patrons.  They also get to see how to put the art Journal together. It's made from one sheet of paper or card. I have used the digital paper and collaged additional onto the covers of the mini journal.

We have on the front card cutouts which was originally from a greetings card with a butterfly and some flowers and flourishes and then we've just got some other elements using ribbon.  I have used background paper and painted paper as well underneath and altered ribbons on the side. 

On the pages I also use old artwork, collaged and stamped tags and embellished handmade paper. I have left space in the journal for additional writing or doodling 

You can check out the video above to see more details

If you are interested in some of the resources, you can check these out - 

Ribbons

Background Papers

Encouraging words - Free downloads check out Creative Fabrica

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Check out some of these offers

Creative Awakenings - Book Review & What If?

 

I will be resuming my twice monthly book reviews of the books that I have brought over the years and have had a chance to work through them and see how I liked their lessons.  I think it is important for us to be continually learning and expanding the mind, especially creatively, there are so many tools, supplies and techniques that you can learn that might add something to your own creative practice.

Todays book is Creative Awakenings by Sherry Gainer 

The back reads - what if you could unlatch the doors to your heart and allow yourself to explore hopes and dreams that you haven't visited for a very long time?

Creative awakenings is the key to opening those doors showing you how to use art making to set your intentions creativity coach sherry gainer will guide you through the mile posts of this exciting journey.  Creative Awakenings envisioning a life of your dreams through art which is such a lovely way to look at things. 

It has got several chapters and in between each chapter a mile mile markers.  In the first chapter she talks about how it all came about and connecting with other artists and how she how she contacted with them and building your dream journal.  She's also got examples of supplies that you can use and setting yourself up for the journey so the envision process is a specific process that she walks you through step by step.

Check out the video on Amazon for more details HERE

Creative Jumpstart Join Amanda Trought

 

My Video for Creative Jumpstart 2022 goes live today and you can watch it in the Classroom.  I had great fun making my Cards.

And they are a great resource for getting you started quickly in a creative project and can be done with most supplies.  They can be added to art journals, sent as gift cards or used as tags.

If you want to come and join us there are over 30 artists all sharing their creative ideas, you can check it out HERE

We would love to see you!

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.

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