Reconnect - What Nourishes You? Arts and Wellness Cafe

Welcome to the Arts and Wellness Cafe - Come stay a while and enjoy. The word for the week is reconnect and this word can take a variety of forms which can be explored. 

I have been tempted to eat all the things that I wouldn't normally - like cake.  It always begins with something simple and then there is a slippery slope of indulgence and the consequences that are waiting on the other side.

As we move through different seasons of life, the things we once enjoyed without a second thought can start to affect us differently - we are getting older. 

Our bodies speak more clearly now and the words 'if you can't hear you must feel' whispers, and when we pause long enough to listen, they offer gentle guidance of the consequences of having 'just one more slice'.

There was comfort food, too, bread pudding, cake, and the memories they carry. These foods weren’t just about taste; they were about longing for a time when life was slower, less stress on our then child size shoulders - without a care in the world it seemed.  Food has a way of holding memory, and sometimes we reach for it not out of hunger, but out of a desire to feel held.

But our bodies remember everything - A restless night became a reminder that reconnection isn’t about denial it’s about awareness. About choosing what supports our health and well-being now, not what used to work years ago.

That sense of reconnection continued in the garden. Standing among the trees, listening to birds call and watching plants grow - it is one of my favorite places and brings calm.  I have watched it develop and grow over the years, the garden doesn’t rush, it responds to being tended - daily, gently, consistently. It reflects what happens when we show up for ourselves in small ways over time.

Creativity can be found in these moments too, in the color and shape of leaves, textures waiting to be stitched, or painted. Nature becomes both our inspiration and space of calm

This is your invitation to reconnect creatively - in your mind, body and the spaces that bring you peace, come and join me in the Arts and Wellness Cafe!

Blessings for Christmas and the New Year

Making Zen - Get Your FREE Ticket 27th - 31st November 2025

 

 

What to Do with All Those Scraps? Join Me at Making Zen Online Retreat!

Do you have piles of scrap fabric, loose beads, and leftover threads that you just can’t bring yourself to throw away? You’re not alone! The good news is, I’ll be showing you a fun way to recycle them into something truly magical, a gorgeous stitched creature on canvas - An owl to be exact.

And here’s the best part: this project will be part of the Making Zen Online Retreat, happening 27th–31st October 2025.

LEARN MORE

If you’ve never joined before, Making Zen is a textile/arts focused retreat that brings together nearly 30 talented artists, each offering a unique workshop over five creative filled days. The workshops are free to watch for 24 hours, and is plenty of time to dive in, experiment, and connect with other creatives around the world.

If you don't have your ticket yet, don't worry, it is completely free to sign up on the Making Zen website!  My session will be live for 24 hours, and you’ll also have access to a whole lineup workshops. If you’d like extended access, there’s a VIP Pass available too.

While we’re on the topic, here are just a few reasons why textile activities are so beneficial: 

• Boosts mindfulness – Focusing on textures and stitches calms the mind and reduces stress.
• Enhances creativity – Textiles let you play with colors, patterns, and layers in new and exciting ways.
• Improves fine motor skills – Repetitive actions like stitching and weaving strengthen hand-eye coordination.

So gather up those scraps, save the date, and come stitch with me! I can’t wait to share this beautiful process with you at the retreat.

Sign up for you spot for FREE HERE

Creating with Fabric in Fodder School 4 - My Lesson Approaches!!

 

What will you be doing in September?  Have you heard of Fodder School, why not come and check it out and I will share what I am doing as a teacher in Septembers Fodder School 4.

As the final teacher for Fodder School 4 you can come and join us for the whole of September watch the lessons and come away with an amazing aray of Fabric embellishments that you can use in your creative projects and we are going to have a fun time in the lessons that will last from the 1st until 30th September.

You will learn a range of different techniques that you can apply to Fabric. No previous experience is necessary but if you do have experience you can include your own spice to the fabric fodder we create.  We will be going through all the different techniques in the first part of the month to create our fodder - which will consist of painting on fabric, stamping & stenciling, doodling, layering, sewing and more - all that good stuff.

I will show you how I use my stamps and stencil on fabric, and we will create a small handmade stamp that you can use in all your future projects. 

I have also just collaborated with Fodder School and ArtFoamies and we have bought out my own set of ArtFoamies and I will be sharing some of the ways that I have used them.  You can check out my sets of Digital stamps on my Etsy Store

In the second part of September in Fodder School we will be taking all the Fodder we have created and use them to create mini wall hangings that you can hang or frame the choice is yours.  You will also have so much created fabric fodder that you will be able to use them on other projects as well.

Join us in Fodder School 4, all the lessons are self-contained and complete in themselves, and you will join a very supportive and encouraging group of creatives!

Before You go:

Check us out on Patreon for FREE

International Soul Art Day - Make a date with your Inner Artist

I have some exciting news to share - I have been asked to be one of the guests on the International Soul Art Day Livestream.  

Soul Art Day is a whole day set aside to honor your creativity, your inner wisdom, and your curious imagination.

So, why should you tap into your creativity right now, especially when life is busy or overwhelming?

1. Creativity is medicine for the soul.

When you create, you access a part of yourself that doesn't need words. It’s where healing happens. Where stuck energy shifts. Where you remember who you really are underneath all the noise.

2. Creativity gives you clarity.

Sometimes you don’t know what you're feeling until your hands start moving, whether it's through stitching, painting, collaging, or even doodling in the margins. Creativity clears the fog and helps you listen inward.

Soul Art Day is the perfect excuse to press pause and come back to that nurturing creative space inside you. No pressure, no perfection - just you, your materials, and a world of others making art around the globe on the very same day.

Laura Hollick, the heart behind this event, gently guides us through a simple creative process. You don’t need any special skills—just the desire to explore.

You can join for five minutes, a few hours, or stay all day. I’ll be creating live with Laura and other artists on the Livestream—come watch, create with us, or simply soak in the inspiration.

Make a date with your inner artist. You’ll be so glad you did..... Your welcome!! 

Before you go! 

Digital Art Background for Creative Projects Available!!

What are you doing in your creative projects for March?  Looking for some digital art backgrounds to spice-up your creative projects?

The digital art background papers for the month of March are available.  You can join us on my Patreon to get hold of the ones on the FREE Tier

You can also access our $10 Tier and to get access to the digital art, videos and posts (over 700) that is currently on the platform. 

Available on our FREE Tier

Here are just a few things that you can do with the digital art papers once you have printed them out:

Cut & Rearrange – Print your background and cut it into different shapes. - try creating a collage, or mixing different backgrounds together.  

Layer with Mixed Media – Use your floral background as a base for stamping, stenciling, or mark-making. Add paint to mute some areas, then go in and add your favorite stamps.

Available on our $3 Tier

Interactive Journaling – Glue a background page into your art journal and write or doodle over it. You can also cut out some of the shapes and then create spaces that you can write over.

Available on our $10 Tier

Highlighting Hidden Elements – Use a fine liner or white gel pen to outline patterns that stand out to you. Find some of the hidden images within the backgrounds, enhance what you see and let the artwork evolve.

Come and join us and explore all the different ways you can use the digital downloads in your art journal or creative work.

Creating Faces - Mixed Media Art, FREE Background papers

Creating a Face: Transforming Free Papers into Unique Art

I had so much fun working on this page! There’s something special about taking existing materials and making them entirely your own.

For this piece, I started with the papers from the FREE Tier and reworked them.

These papers are designed to be versatile -you can use them as they are, or you can completely transform them by layering, painting, or experimenting with mixed media techniques.

Ways to Make These Papers Your Own

If you're looking for ways to customize them, here are some ideas to spark your creativity:

Paint Over It – Add washes of color, bold brushstrokes, or subtle shading to shift the mood and texture of the paper.  You can also do some mark making on the papers as well - or even some stitching.

Working with Background Papers

One of the things I love about working with the background papers is that they serve as a great starting point for your creativity. Whether you follow their existing designs or completely change them, the creative process is all about making it your own.

If you’ve used the free papers in your work, I’d love to see what you’ve created! Let me know in the comments - how do you like to alter and personalize your materials?

Access the papers for FREE on my Patron Page.  

If you would like to see the video process for these papers you can sign up for the 7 Day FREE Trial on my $3 Tier.  While you are there you can check out some of the other posts and digital downloads.

 

Artsy Meetup Marathon 2024 - Join Us!!

Come and join us for the Artsy Meetup Marathon!!

The fun starts at 10AM Central Time Dec. 31st. We will keep the room open until 7AM Central on January 1, 2025. 

Every hour or so we will have a new lesson, tutorial, or demo. EVERYTHING will be recorded and available to you for the first three months of 2025 (replays + a private group on Kiala Givehand's Mighty Network + select replays from previous Marathons + there are already bookbinding tutorials to get your creative juices flowing).

It’s going to be a fun time. You don’t have to be on for the entire time, just show up when you can & create. The schedule is live see the link below.  Get some rest, gather your supplies and come have fun with us!!

You can check out the teachers on their Instagram profile.  The Teachers are:

@southerngals_designs @thedreaminglotus @realityarts @shemidixon @leacayoungart @tinarileyimaginariums @soul_positive @suzanne_earley  @bookartstudios @deedeecatron @alycadabra @dansmoncrane @alteredstatesstudio @iamjoosjevdlely @claudette_hasenjager @sjrondon @raspberrybluesky

Register HERE 

Come and join us - LEARN MORE HERE

Developing your Creative Practice and Dealing with the Critic

Developing a creative routine and managing the critic are integral aspects of nurturing your artistic practice. We don't always have the hours we crave to be creative, but you can look at ways that can help you identify areas that you can incorporate into your routine.

Here are a few things you can do to develop your creative routine - 

Developing Your Creative Routine:

1. Allocate time for play: Make sure to dedicate time to indulge in activities without any specific end goal. This helps you enjoy the creative process and explore without restrictions.
2. Create a schedule: Establish a morning routine that sets the tone for your creative day. Consider incorporating elements like gratitude exercises and spending time in nature to stimulate inspiration and mental well-being.
3. Be Flexible: While having a routine is essential, remain open to adjusting it based on your needs. Allow yourself the freedom to spend more time on certain activities or projects when necessary.

You can find additional tips on my Patreon platform.  

Why not check out the 7 Day FREE Trial to take a look at some of the informative videos and digital downloads that you can have access to.

Learn More HERE

Unlocking The Magic of Stitching in Nature

 

I am constantly fascinated by the intricate and unique designs that can be achieved working on the leaves. It's incredible to see how the texture and color of a dried leaf can be transformed into a beautiful work of art with just a few simple stitches and other creative techniques.

Out of the leaves I have tried so far I particularly enjoy working with the Sea Grape leaf, which dries into a rich, deep tan or reddy-brown color. Using this leaf as my canvas, I began my slow stitching process by adding some basic stitches around the leaf.

As I progressed with my stitching, I felt inspired to add more details to the piece. I used a wood burning tool to create a series of intricate holes that would serve as decorative elements. The combination of the stitches and the burn holes created a stunning visual effect that really brings the piece to life.

What I love about this process is that it allows me to create art out of resources that I have readily available in my garden. The final result is a beautiful and unique piece that showcases the natural beauty of the dried leaf.

I invite you to watch the video of the process and take a look at the images of the completed piece. You'll be amazed at how something as simple as slow stitching on a dried leaf can create such a stunning work of art.

Thank you for joining me for Material Mondays.  Check out some of the other designs that I have done on leaves.

Weaving a design into the leaf

Working with leaves and Fabric

Material Mondays - Textile Art Project - Week 12

Welcome to Material Mondays, this week we are working on a lovely art piece that I had started a while back and it was calling to be complete. I managed to get it a bit further along.  You can check out the video below.

I had got the piece to this stage and checking what kind of beading that I want to have attached to the piece.

I added some seed beads and will see how I feel about them as to whether I will add some more.  It is great to be able to use the supplies, some of the beads have come from clothing, charity or thrift store and other I have brought over time.

I was contemplating whether to turn it into a journal cover

Check out the video below to see how it went.

Let me know if you are working on any textile pieces or would like to incorporate it into your mixed media work.

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A reminder to Enter the Giveaway below

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Check out some courses while you are at it!

Click HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

Ultimate Blog Challenge - Last Day of 30 Days!!

 

The 30 Day Ultimate Blog Challenge has come to an end with this being the last post. It has been great being part of the challenge, I did it alongside the current 100 Days of Foam Stamps challenge that you can see the daily or weekly stamps.

What I Learned From the Blog Challenge

Pace - I think that I learn to pace myself better, half way through the challenge I became stuck, I had wanted to plan my posts ahead of time but things got in the way and there were quite a few days where I had decided that I didn't want to do it any more.  

Self Care - After taking a week off I decided that I would just show up and share what I was doing at the time and if any other gems of inspiration came forth that would also be shared. - I have linked to other interesting posts for the days that I missed.

Meeting other Bloggers - I was glad I decided to go for it again and came out the other end having connected with some other interesting and inspiring bloggers, there was so much to learn from others and I will be spending time going over some of the posts that I didn't get a chance to read over the 30 days.

Celebrate Each Step - The other thing I learnt was to celebrate each and every step, writing blog posts can become overwhelming and when you celebrate the steps that you have taken you encourage yourself even more.

I Missed blogging - I also realized how much I missed blogging, I had let my posts generally slip, posting sporadically, and after the challenge I will be posting on a more regular basis about some of the creative projects I am really looking forward to it!

You can catch the rest of the Ultimate Blog Challenge posts that I did HERE

In conclusion - Overall, taking part in the challenge and sharing all my posts reminded me that I love creating, and sharing what I have been doing, teaching techniques and connecting with others.  I hope you have enjoyed visiting my blog and I hope you come back and see what other things I will be sharing over the course of the week.

Do come and join me on some of my other channels

Let me know what has inspired you on your visit to the blog and if you have been tempted to do a challenge of your own.  

Stay Blessed and Be a Blessing,

Amandax

Mixed Media Art Collaborations, Textile Love and Courses Offers!

 

I am taking part in a monthly art collaboration and will be painting this image.  The video goes live tomorrow, and you can set a reminder - if you do join I will be in the chat answering any questions that may pop up as we see how the painting takes shape.

  

The monthly collaboration is a great way to get together virtually with other artists and share the love we have for creativity.  In this collaboration we do not have any prompts you just create what you are inspired to do.  One of the things that I would like to share over time is my love for creating sculptural art and working with recycled materials.  

As a mixed media artist I love creating full stop, and I always have a million and one ideas of things I want to work on, or experiment with - and I give myself the time each and every day.  I schedule the time for myself and show up even if I don't have a particular project in mind.

I also do a lot of work with fabric - painting my fabric, creating sculptural elements in the art and the stitching of these pieces are very therapeutic.

The arts (across the board) have a very positive effect on health and wellbeing and it is important that you try and do something every day.  The arts have been used in may medical environments - hospital waiting rooms, recovery rooms, corridors, my dentist has a nature scene on his ceiling which has a relaxing affect as you try and drown out the sound of the drill.

What ever you do I hope you are able to take the time to do something creative this week, and I would love to know what creative activities you find the time to do.

Stay blessed and be a blessing

If you would like to see the stamps daily you can check out my Instagram HERE

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 I am taking part in the Ultimate Blog Challenge and you can check out the previous posts HERE

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Mixed Media Art Courses to Check out

SALE - Enjoy $10 OFF all courses until 30th April Click on the image to see the course.

Use the Code at the checkout - create2