Welcome October - Material Musings - Small Projects - A busy month!!

 

Well October is here, and it has brought with it a lot of creative projects that I hope you will be able to take part in some.  You can dip in and out as you choose with the main focus of doing something creative each and every day.  Check out the most recent Material Musings, we will be sharing a new one in the next few days, an update of the stitched project.

Fodder Challenge

Today also kicked off the start of the Fodder Challenge - With a lesson given by Tracey Wozniak, you can get all the information about joining Fodder School HERE

I had great fun creating the watercolor mushrooms and made quite a few varieties of mushrooms, will need to add them to my creative projects.  The techniques learnt were also fun.

I will be sharing as many projects that I can do for the month and I am also excited to share the project that I created which you will be able to catch next week.

Creative Gardener

As it is Tuesday my Creative Gardening post normally comes out and I recently did an update on my Aloe plants, that seem to be growing at an alarming rate.  You can check out the video below.

There has been a lot of other growth in the garden, and I will do a garden tour towards the end of the month.

Gratitude Junk Journal - Early Bird

We have an early bird rate on our Gratitude Junk Journal, which I am teaching in.  If you would like to get 20% off then enter the code AMORE24  at the checkout.

Learn More About Gratitude Journal HERE

Art Resource Hub

Every month in the Art Resource Hub I share a FREE digital Download, for your creative projects, here is the one for October:

Blog Challenge

Finally, I am part of the Ultimate Blog Challenge, and so will be sharing with you about all the wonderful creative adventures I find myself on for the month of October (just what have I let myself in for I ask myself) We are going to be pushed to another creative level, I think.

Make a Start! It is Not a Dress Rehearsal

 

3 Ways to Move Forward as a Creative: Embracing Personal Growth and Innovation

Creativity is a journey, not a destination. As creatives, we constantly seek ways to push our boundaries, discover new horizons, and bring our unique visions to life. Moving forward as a creative involves a blend of reflection, resourcefulness, and the courage to venture into unknown waters. Here are three ways to move yourself forward on your creative journey:

1. Embrace What You Have and See How Far You Can Go

Often, we underestimate the potential of the resources at our disposal. Whether it's a limited set of tools, a small budget, or even time constraints, these limitations can actually foster creativity. By fully embracing what you have, you can push yourself to innovate within those confines, often leading to surprising and unique outcomes.

Practical Tip: Take inventory of your current resources—skills, tools, and time. Challenge yourself to create something using only what you already have. This helps sharpen your problem-solving skills and shows how creativity can thrive under constraints.

2. Create Things You Never Thought of Before

Stepping out of your comfort zone is essential for growth. This involves experimenting with new mediums, techniques, or even genres that you haven’t explored before, you open doors to endless possibilities and new perspectives.

Practical Tip: Set a regular time for experimentation in your creative schedule. Dedicate this time solely to trying out new ideas without worrying about the outcome.

3. Bring It All Together with a Personal Touch

Your creative journey is deeply personal. It’s shaped by your experiences, beliefs, and aspirations. Bringing your personal touch into your work not only makes it unique but also resonates more deeply with your audience. Reflect on what ‘personal’ means to you and how you want to express that in your work. Also check out post - Arts and Wellness Cafe

Practical Tip: Reflect on your personal story and values. Consider how these elements can influence your creative projects. Are there specific themes or messages you want to convey? Integrate these into your work to create pieces that are truly reflective of who you are.

Moving Forward: This Is Not a Dress Rehearsal

Remember, this is not a dress rehearsal—this is your life, your creative journey. Every moment is an opportunity to create, learn, and grow. By focusing on utilizing what you have, exploring new creative environments, and infusing your personal essence into your work, you can move forward with confidence and purpose. Embrace the process, trust in your creativity, and watch as your artistic path unfolds in ways you never imagined. Stay Blessed and be a Blessing.

Before You Go.....

Remember to pick up your FREE digital download for the month on my free Patron Members link or CLICK HERE

Meet the Artist - Sir Karni - Musician!!

Meet the Artist

Happy Friday, in 'Meet the Artist' I share with the the work of Sekani Springer - known as Sir.Karni.

You can connect with his music HERE

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Fabric Art Journal

You can also check out this weeks Fabric Art Journal Video

Also make sure you check out the Art Resource Hub to see some of the current offers for July.  You can check it out HERE

Realityarts Podcast - New Episode for Creating in Faith

 

Welcome to a new week of creativity.  The word that starts us off this week in Creating in Faith is 'Quiet'.  I started the Creating in Faith series as a reminder first to myself that each and every day I need to show up and do something creative.

When we show up in faith, we are met with ideas, strategies, revelations, answers and more!

When was the last time you actually had a moment of quiet to gather your thoughts?  Are you able to take time out of your day just to think or are you one of those people who say they think better when there is stuff going on around them?

Join me on Wednesday for the Arts and Wellness Café where we will look at the idea of quiet in the art studio and in our creative walk.

Creating in Faith Encouraging Word - Excited

Happy Monday, hope you are having a blessed day where ever you are in the world.  The weeks are flying by so quickly and we are nearly at the end of the month.  So many things have happened over the course of the months that is changing the course of history and life as we know it.

What does change make you feel?  Do you get excited about change or feel stressed.  I know that the changes that have taken place over the months including Covid, the murder of George Floyd and so many other black men women and children at the hands of the police have left people feeling numb, angry, sad, helpless, hopeless, ashamed and so many other emotions we can think of.

As we move forward in a fight to ensure that no one will be discriminated against, that we step up in raising our voices, that we face the issues head on and recognize the injustices of the world and each do our part to stop it from happening.  We all have a voice from the very youngest to the oldest.

In the podcast today I look at the word Excited - what can you think of however small to get excited about in your life around you that you can hold on to and build on.

Listen to the Podcast

You can see more of the art work used for the podcast images, used from my 100 Days of Pastel Series.  Prints and art on merchandise is available HERE

Pastel Paintings part of the 100 Days of Pastels

Creating in Faith - Sentiments - Episode 177

Listen to the Recording

There are certain things that we can hold on to because it reminds us of another time, or brings back memories of when we used to, could do and that warm fuzzy feeling as you go down memory lane recalling the incident.  There are those memories that you also maybe don't want to bring back into the present day.

How often do you think of something you have done and remembered some of the amazing things that you have done to get you to the exact point that you are now.  You are amazing and It brings a smile to my face when I remember those times you used to do those amazing things all those years ago.

You remember, you could and did light up the room with your energy and laughter, your fantastic sense of humor and you would make everyone feel so special, though you didn't realise it.

It is easy to remember the times other people impacted on our lives, now think about the impact you have on other peoples lives, think about your gifts and talents, and how you have made use of them.

As you go about your day be reminded of how special you are and when people think about you they hold you in high regard!  So from time to time, begin to think about yourself in the same way.  

Have a blessed New Year - I hope that you have been working on your focus for 2020.

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Creating In Faith Encouraging Recordings are to bless and inspire you to be the best of yourself. It can be really great to pull out your art journal/Journal and express what comes up for you either with images and colour, with words or with both. Check out the weekly and monthly videos to help you spend more time in your art journal.

If you would like to see some behind the scenes, images and additional tips HERE

You will find the 2 art journal videos available to consume at your leisure - the Making of the art journal for the month and an art journal page process - Check these out HERE

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There are so many FREE ways in which you can support the podcast and the work that I do on some of the other channels and it is always a blessing when you connect -

• listening each week and leave a comment,
• Subscribe to any or all of my channels, visit the
• YouTube channel (remember to hit the notification bell)
• Let me know how the content impacted you and if you were inspired to make changes/additions to your work or life.

YouTube www.youtube.com/amandatrought

Blog - http://realityarts-creativity.blogspot.com

Patreon Blog - http://www.patreon.com/realityarts

Twitter - www.twitter.com/Realityarts

Instagram www.instagram.com/realityarts/

Facebook www.facebook.com/realityartss/

Check out some encouraging boards on Pinterest

Artwork available from the title image HERE

I also have an Arts and Health NHS Network for information on activities and organisations working in the field. You are welcome to join, it is a FREE resource and if you have any activities or want to talk about your work you are welcome to send me the information and I will see that it gets uploaded. You can create your own profile on the network and connect with others who are passionate about the arts in health too.

Creative Encourager - If you want to talk about creativity and the direction you are going and need a listening ear, sign up for a FREE 30 minute call http://bit.ly/Encoura

Stay blessed and be a blessing.

New Post Podcast - Creating in Faith - Space Episode - 156

Welcome to Episode 156 of the Creating in Faith Episode on Realityarts podcast. Today's word is Space.

When I look at the valley, mountain, and forests and sea I know there is a God - you can look at the vastness of the universe or your home surroundings. While I don't have the mountains, or valleys near my home we can find the joy in other things that those environments can bring to us. What does the idea of space mean to you both mentally and physically? Check out the Podcast HERE and let me know what you think.

Creating In Faith Weekly Encouraging Recordings are to bless and inspire you to be the best of yourself. It can be really great to pull out your art journal/Journal and express what comes up for you either with images and colour, with words or with both.

_____________________

There are so many FREE ways in which you can support the podcast and the work that I do on some of the other channels and it is always a blessing when you connect -

• listening each week and leave a comment,
• Subscribe to any or all of my channels, visit the
• YouTube channel (remember to hit the notification bell)
• Let me know how the content impacted you and if you were inspired to make changes/additions to your work or life.

YouTube www.youtube.com/amandatrought

Blog - http://realityarts-creativity.blogspot.com

Twitter - www.twitter.com/Realityarts

Instagram www.instagram.com/realityarts/

Facebook www.facebook.com/realityartss/

Check out some encouraging boards on Pinterest

I also have an Arts and Health NHS Network for information on activities and organisations working in the field. You are welcome to join, it is a FREE resource and if you have any activities or want to talk about your work you are welcome to send me the information and I will see that it gets uploaded. You can create your own profile on the network and connect with others who are passionate about the arts in health too.

Creative Encourager - If you want to talk about creativity and the direction your going and need an ear, sign up for a FREE 30 minute call http://bit.ly/Encoura

Stay blessed and be a blessing

Survival and Triumph Art - Its HERE!

The Survival and Triumph Online Auction begins tomorrow and run until 2nd October, there will be a closing party, giveaways and more, and it has been great sharing some of the pieces that I have in the auction.

Each piece that I create comes from an emotion, experience, memory or something that I am using the art to express and it is a blessing to know that art can be used in this way.

I thought that I would share a bit of the background to the pieces that I created that are in the Survival and Triumph Online Auction.  I shared some of my pieces Here  Each artist has around 15 - 20 pieces in the Auction.

Over the 8 days you will have the opportunity to purchase work by 14 amazing artists that include Annie Hamman, Jennifer Bonneteau, Katrina Koltes, Lara Provost, Renata Loree, Jennifer Albin, Lynda Fortin King, Donna Davies Timm, Lauren Rudolph, Mystele Kirkeeng, Donna L. Martin, Jenny Doh, Dana Primrose Bloede, and myself!

This event is hosted by Stephanie Gagos once a year in honor of the very important film she is creating called

“Letter to my abusers: What I couldn’t say then”.

You can read more about Stephanie Gagos’ project HERE.

Here is a selection of my art that will be in the auction:-

Ancestors Remembered 

Ancestors Remembered - How many of you have done a family tree and really thought about the men and women who lived before you and share your history.  I have been thinking a lot lately about those family members that are no longer with us and the impact they made on my life.

Dance

Dance, this piece was inspired by the child impressed by the women in the old time films who would dance in those flowing dresses.

Dreamer

Dreamer, having so many dreams and seeing those dreams become reality, not being afraid to dream big, and through your walk encouraging others to dream.

In Search for Identity

In search for Identity - how do you make your way in the world, we are told how we should look, feel, what beauty is and what the world thinks of us, and more, but what do you think about yourself.  We can stop ourselves from achieving, travelling and being who we were called to be when we allow the world to define us. 

You can also see some of my work on my Website - https://www.realityarts.co.uk

I will be sharing more of the art on my Realityarts Facebook  page, do stop by and join us for the auction, even if it is just to leave an encouraging comment, we appreciate it!

Mixed Media Art Painting Giveaway - We all need someone to lean on

Art Giveaway - We all need a friend to lean on

 Ok I am part of the #1min1take Video Challenge and I have decided to do an Art giveaway.  My target for the challenge is to complete at least 60 videos of 1 minute to encourage you, inspire you and hopefully bless you in the process with different conversations.  

#1min1take video challenge

Some of the videos call you to answer some tough questions, others to think about your creativity and life.  In a few of the videos I will be sharing what I am doing either in the studio or on my travels in Barbados.

I created this piece of art recently and it was so much fun.  I thought I would share the process with you below.

It began its life as a piece of cardboard I had recycled and added collage and layers of paint.  It has some great texture on it with modelling paste and stencils.

Once I had decided on the base image I start filling in with gesso

And then adding some of the colors to give me a general ideas of the overall color of the painting.

I start to add some background and continue to work on the images,  You can see some of the modelling paste highlighted by gold on the painting.

A bird friend comes along and makes home with our two ladies.  Up until this point our main character is day dreaming lost in her own world.

And then she opens her eyes to the birdsong with a knowing look in her eye.

Mixed Media Art on Card 6 x 8 inches  - We all need a shoulder to lean on - 

Do you want to win this painting? then hop over to my YouTube Channel and leave a comment on the video above. 

Check out some of the other videos in the #1min1take challenge as I will be doing additional Art giveaways, and showing you art techniques and tutorials, why not subscribe while your there and click notifications so that you will know when a new video comes out.

Toilet Roll Journal 2 - 31 Creative things to do with Recycled materials

So you got some more toilet rolls hanging around, lets see what else you can do with them.....simple...create another journal, a bigger one this time!

Toilet Roll Journal 2

Recycled Journal

In 31 Creative things to do with Recycled materials I have been showing you different things that I have made that you can try for yourself or a project with children, as a gift, that can impact where you live, your environment and more - you know it!

This journal came about in a very similar way to the Journal I showed you yesterday and you can see just how I put it together HERE.

On the front of the journal you can see that I used Quinoa to decorate the front, again using something that you may have in your home supplies that you might ordinarily throw away. Think about the different things that you have that can create texture or add something different to your project.

Front Detail - Toilet roll journal

back detail - Toilet Roll Journal

These pages were constructed differently to yesterdays one and I made it slightly bigger, and enabling me to increase the size of the tags that I made.  If you want to see how this one was made you can check out the post HERE

I think that these journals are so cute, remember if you are using foodstuffs to varnish it and seal it in well.  If you can come up with alternative uses why not leave a comment, let me know how you get on.

I will doing an ‘All About Journals’ Challenge on my YouTube channel where I show you how you can make your own journals from recycled materials such as catalogs - you can see what I did with a John Lewis Catalog, old books, and more – whether you are re-purposing, reusing or altering, you can make something that is unique to you. Sign up to my mailing list HERE and you will be notified when the videos go live.

Art Journal - 31 Things to Create with Recycled Materials -

John Lewis Journal

I picked up a while ago a John Lewis catalog after a visit to the store with my sister. I had also joined their loyalty program and received my complimentary tea and cake voucher, which they send out I think 4 times a year – which was yummy by the way (everything in moderation)!

Recycling can come in all shapes and forms and as you would have seen over the last few weeks if you can think of a creative problem or something you need to make you can probably use a majority of the things you have around you.

After looking through the catalog it sat around my house for over a week. I thought of some of the things that I could do with it and making a journal was what I really wanted to do, but I wanted the kind that you could use the background images as a place to start, and you could also completely go over the page with gesso and create your own image. 

John Lewis Journal - Recycled creatively

What I liked about the pages was the feel and the thickness, it holds gesso well, and it had some interesting images, and this allowed you to add to the image using art supplies. 

Page to add gesso to

So where you say have an image of a bed,

Were you allowed to jump on your parents bed?

I added to it and drew in children jumping on the bed, something we were never allowed to do as kids.  With each stage a part of the process you can enjoy the separate parts or the whole.  An enjoyable exercise was to block out some of the picture for the next stage, adding gesso and a bit of colour and then adding a figure

Here are some other ways in which I altered the pages, I enjoyed placing the characters within the picture and thinking about what their story was.

Some stories tell of hope and looking to the future.....

thinking about the past, and being present.......

So now I have a set of great pages at different stages that I can use when I have time to spend finishing off a piece

Why don't you check out your local store and their catalogs, you might find one that you will be able to use as your own journal. Here is my original post that will give you a closer look at some of the pages.