Showing posts with label creative recycling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label creative recycling. Show all posts

Monday, 12 August 2024

Material Musings - Fabric Art Cards

 


Welcome to Material Musings, In todays episode we look at ways that you can use your fabric scraps and create a series of fabric cards.  

By stitching your scraps of a base fabric, adding decoration and stitched words you can make use of the scraps and turn them into something useful.  You could also make things like placemats, coasters, covers for art journal and more.


With the addition of stitched words you can further add to your pieces.  You can also add a small woven piece to add to your fabric cards.  All of the additional fabric has either been painted, stamped, stenciled or wax resisted. 

Try and experiment and see what combinations you can come up with.


Before You Go check out - Bag Envy

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Thursday, 21 March 2024

Material Musings - Tips for your scrap fabrics

 

Welcome to Material Musings, in this video I share some ways that I use fabric scraps and create mini projects.  I show you some of the panels and wall hangings in progress, waiting for either some stitching, beading or to be added to another project.



I also share how I create these fun badges, they will either be placed on another project or can be used as a tag or in an art journal spread. I will be adding some more stitching to the pieces and maybe some beading to each of them.

How are you using your fabric scraps, or your supplies that you have neglected?

If you decide to create them, remember to share on IG and tag me @realityarts


Check in your own supplies to see what you have.  Here are some of the additional supplies that I used:

  • Brads - https://amzn.to/3VsNA7c
  • Hot Glue Gun - https://amzn.to/3vtsb32
  • Embroidery Thead - https://amzn.to/3VsATJr
  • Ribbon - https://amzn.to/3PvE3Zh
  • Fabric panels (available in different colors) - https://amzn.to/495SutS and check out - https://amzn.to/3Tq9ghM

Have fun!


Before you go

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Monday, 7 August 2023

Slow Stitching: Completing Textile and Fabric Artwork

Welcome to Material Mondays! Today, we are delving into the world of slow stitching and completing textile and fabric artwork. You can check out the accompanying video below, I'm excited to share with you the process of working with different materials and adding intricate stitches to create textile art pieces.


Last week, we looked at an incomplete piece that I've been working on, in this video and I'm happy to say that it's now complete! I added additional stitching along the figure's body and clothes, defining the edges and creating shadows with darker threads. The completed piece measures nine inches by nine and is titled "Rest A While."


I'm considering framing it, but it will also be available for purchase unframed on my Etsy shop or website.

Here is last weeks video if you missed it

New Textile Art


Working on small stitches, is something I find incredibly enjoyable. It allows me to add intricate details and textures to my artwork, giving it a unique look and also enables me to experiment with various stitches, threads, and materials.



I enjoy working on multiple projects and I find that when I come back to these unfinished pieces, that I am able to look from a new perspective. Stepping away from a piece can be a refreshing way to gain new insights and inspiration.

Slow stitching and completing textile and fabric artwork is a journey and It's about finding joy in small details, experimenting with materials, and letting inspiration guide your hand. I hope this glimpse into my artistic process has inspired you to pick up your needle and thread and embark on your own creative adventure.


Join me next time on Material Mondays as I continue working on this piece and explore more stitching techniques. Until then, stay inspired and keep crafting!

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Saturday, 1 July 2023

Transforming Tetra Pak Cartons into Art Journals: Embracing Recycling and Creativity

In today's art journal video, I am thrilled to share with you a unique and eco-friendly approach to creating art journals using recycled materials, specifically Tetra Pak cartons. These cartons, commonly used for packaging beverages, pose a recycling challenge in many areas. However, instead of letting them go to waste, we can repurpose them into beautiful and functional art journals that provide endless creative fun.

The Need for Recycling and Repurposing

Recycling has become increasingly important in our efforts to protect the environment and preserve valuable resources. By recycling and repurposing, we can reduce waste, conserve energy, and reduce the harmful effects of pollution. Tetra Pak cartons, due to their complex composition, often present a challenge for local recycling centers, and this led me to explore alternative ways to reuse these cartons and turn them into something meaningful.

Creating Art Journals

Art journals are a great way to express our creativity, capture our thoughts, and document our experiences. They serve as a personal sanctuary for self-expression and reflection. By repurposing Tetra Pak cartons into art journals, we not only divert them from landfills but also breathe new life into these everyday objects.

The Creative Process:

In future videos, I will be sharing the step-by-step process of creating these art journals with my patrons. From preparing the cartons to binding the pages, each stage offers opportunities for customization and personalization. You can choose to leave the carton's original design intact or transform it with paints, collages, or other mixed-media techniques. I have also reused the cartons as temporary plant pots in the garden and there are a range of other creative projects that you can use them for.


I would love to know how you use yours, and whether you have tried using them for a creative project, by transforming Tetra Pak cartons into art journals it provides a unique way to express your creativity while making a positive impact on the environment.

Join us on Patreon if you would like to see how I put the art journal together, and remember you can sign up for a 7 day FREE trial and view over 90 Patron only posts.

Wednesday, 18 January 2023

Creating a Recycled Art Journal - Use those Catalogues!

Welcome to my latest art project where we will be creating a recycled art journal using an old catalog. 



This project is quick, easy and affordable, and the best part is that nothing will be wasted!  You get to use some of those store catalogues that you have been collecting and create some wonderful projects.




To start, find yourself an old catalog, like this Tesco's home catalog that I'm using. The first thing you need to do is rip out about half of the pages. This is because we'll be adding collage and texture to the pages, so you want to make sure you have enough space to work with. Go through the catalog and rip out every 2-3 pages.  I save the ripped out pages to use later.



Once you have removed the pages, stick together sets of 2 or 3 pages depending on where you ripped them out. Allow the pages to dry and then reinforce the spine with some masking tape on the inside.  If you are going to be adding paint it stops any bleed through on the other pages.

I also add masking tape to the edge of the pages that I have stuck together This will also make it easy to turn the pages.



With the pages left over, look through them and cut out images or words that speak to you. I select colorful patterns and shapes and these will form part of your collage. This is a great way to still create something without having to have a lot of art supplies or anything fancy. All you need is a catalog, glue, and some basic tools.



Come and join me in the next video, I'll show you how to work on some of your pages, and ideas from other recycled journals that I have created. This art journal will be a space for you to fill up over time, write down your thoughts, and enjoy the creative process. It's all about play, so have fun with it!

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If you would like to take it a step further and make your own stamps and stencils, then check out my FREE online course Recycled Stamps and Stencils where I show you how you can take items that you may have around the home and turn it into something that you can use in your art journals. 

You get a video on how to create the stamps and stencils, a digital download of the stamps and stencils that I created, background papers and more!  Check it out HERE



Thursday, 24 November 2022

Material Mondays - Painted Fabric - Vase

 


In Material Mondays this week I share working on a painted fabric.  The surface was prepared previously and I took the time to work on a few images which included this vase with flowers and some figures.

This is a great way to prepare your fabric for stitching projects and can also be a standalone project.

Supplies used include the following:

Homemade stencils - check out my free course for making your own - https://bit.ly/messyhabit 




Tea Towel for crafts - https://amzn.to/3gutIOR 
Tulip Paints - https://amzn.to/3EuCZQm 
Dimensional Paints - https://amzn.to/3UZ0XbA 
Permanent Ink - https://amzn.to/3hH926F


Join me each week for Material Mondays, check out the last two episodes:










Monday, 14 November 2022

Material Mondays - Week 14 - Painting on Fabric

Material Mondays Painted Fabric Art

In the video this week, we're going to be painting on fabric before stitching! This is a great way to add some extra interest to your fabric project and make it look more unique.

Painted art journal page with glitter


You can use a variety of creative supplies and paints. I am using the brand called Tulip and I have listed the supplies below that I use to paint on fabric.

I usually use recycled fabric, cottons etc where I need them for specific projects I will order them online.
By painting on fabric before stitching, you'll be able to create some really beautiful and unique pieces. You can see the other videos in the Material Monday's series.
Preparing the fabric with paint


Check out the video to see how the fabric progressed:


Supplies used

I am teaching - Check out my FREE Courses HERE

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Check out my Art Supplies on Kit: https://kit.co/Realityarts

Thank you for joining me in my art studio. We all have 5 minutes that we can give to creative play, why not see how you can fit creativity into your every day
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Monday, 10 October 2022

Material Mondays - Creating a Stitched word Sheet


 


Today in Material Mondays I show you how you can create a stitched word sheet with some encouraging words and inspiring phrases.



I took a selection of embroidery threads


Selected a white tea towel to write the words on.  This was quite thin cotton, and so I doubled the thread, check out the video to see how it progressed.

If you want to try it yourself, you can see the links for supplies below:

Embroidery threads - https://amzn.to/3EyxKQ8
Embroidery Kit for beginners - https://amzn.to/3fZ00kF
Embroidery hoops - https://amzn.to/3CuoFoS
Cotton fabric - https://amzn.to/3MoJ82Y




Monday, 11 July 2022

Material Mondays - Working with Fabric Pens

 


Welcome to Material Mondays this week where we look at working with Fabric pens to create designs on our fabric pieces.

You can use them as a layer on your fabric or as a finishing touch.  I like to add stitching as well as other elements.


I share with the a selection of fabric pens that I use, they come with different nip sizes for different effects that you may want to create on the fabric.


Amazon has a wide selection of fabric pens that have dual uses - you can check some of them out here - https://a.co/bNs0Iya

Material Mondays

You can also check out some of the other videos in the Material Mondays Series below.

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4


Check out the free resources listing in the side bar of the Blog and sign up for one of the FREE courses.


Monday, 13 June 2022

Material Mondays - Play with Textiles is Back!

Join me for Material Mondays, a weekly look at stitched project, painted and dyed fabric and more


Check out the video below



What kind of fabric or textile projects are you working on at the moment?  leave a comment and let me know.  I like having at least a few on the go at the same time or have them at different stages, adding variety.

Monday, 18 April 2022

Mixed Media Art Projects - Recycled Phone Case

Recycled Phone Case Art Journal



I love using recycled materials and had gone to my charity store and picked up a phone case.  It was slightly too big for my phone so I thought I would make use of it and create a mini art journal.

I talk about the journal in the video below, and I have included some close up images of the pages as well.



On the front of the art journal I used some of my favorite handmade paper infused with gold, looks lovely doesn't it, one of my favorite colors which I use a lot when painting too.  


One of the motivations for the journal was to use the elements that I had been holding on to for what we call 'best' or 'one day' but that day never comes.  It is important to use your supplies rather than holding onto them for that one special day.  Allow yourself to be included in the special day and use it on yourself.



The journal is made up of handmade paper and I have included making use of space where I can add additional elements If I were travelling with the journal - a water brush and some water colors always travel well and have minimum cleanup.


I added sentiments that are reminders 'You are beautiful - Shine your Light' reminds us that we all have something to offer and that we need to not only shine our light for ourselves, but for others who you are impacting and helping them to be brave or step out and shine their own light.


How many times have you been self conscious about what you are doing, not because you can't do it, but you are listening to the negative talk of others.  Sometimes it is that throw away statement that can do the most damage - but you have to 'Dance like no one is watching' again, your being who you want to be will encourage others to keep going.


Each page has either an encouraging word or scripture, and also space for adding doodles or mark making.


Every page is a constant reminder to dream big, follow your heart and do the things that bring you closer to your goals.


Some of the sentiments I use especially when working on a challenge and I am working on two at the same time, the 100 Days of Handmade Foam and the Ultimate Blog challenge.  There are some days that I have not felt like posting, and sometimes you don't, and you find a way of dealing with it and then getting back on course.  I take the necessary breaks that I need, all the time reminding myself of my overall goal.


Explore, Imagine, Dream is the title of this page.  I recommitted myself to share as part of the blog challenge, to not only encourage myself but others as well - I am sharing what I love, creativity and the process.


This pages sentiments - You are unique, a miracle, don't ever compare yourself with anyone else.  Take a look back, you have come a long way, this is not your destination.

I hope you find the things that motivate and encourage you and that you take one step in front of the other to reach the goals you desire.

Blessings!


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100 Days of Handmade Foam Stamps


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



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I am also taking part in the Ultimate Blog Challenge and you can check out the 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






Thursday, 25 February 2021

Recycling a Phone Case - Art Journal

 What do you do when you have a phone case that is too big for your phone?  Make an Art Journal!!



Phone Case waiting for the magic!

Check out the video to see what I did to transform it


Here are the finished details with a lot of pattern and mark making at the front and back



The interior has been created with water color paper cut to size and then glue bound.


It is always great to have a new art journal on the go and this one fits quite tidily in my bag.  I shall be sharing some of the pages in the coming weeks and showing a few processes using both collage material and acrylic paints, so would love you to join me.

Let me know if you have recycled and repurposed an unusual journal.  

Stay blessed and be a blessing!





Tuesday, 13 October 2020

Creating a Sculptural Loom - Recycled Materials

Sculptural Looms 



One of the things that I have always done is make something out of the things that I have, looking at things with new eyes and seeing what else I can do with them.

Sculptural Loom made with Paint Brushes


In this video I will be sharing with you how I alter old paint brushes and marker pens to use in another creative project. I will be showing you how the sculptural looms came about for me. It is essentially a loom that you create a woven piece on then you decorate with beading and jewelry and create a mini wall hanging.


In the next video in this series I will share with you how I weave on the looms.

Thank you for joining me on this creative journey.  One of the things that I want you to leave with is that you can try any creative activity that you would like.  You don't have to stick to one thing you can see what it is like and make your mind up from there - life is too short to be holding yourself back!!!

Other Great News!!

Life Book Taster session have been EXTENDED until 18th October, so you have a bit more time to go through all the FREE sessions.  Let me know how you get on with mine, and there is a question about the critic that it would be great to get your perspective on.  If you haven't yet had a chance to sign up you can do so HERE





Registration has opened for Life Book 2021 if you are considering Signing Up you can get 20% discount using the code FEELHAPPY20

I have two great sessions to share (we will be working with a clay project and a slow stitched project)


When you get a chance subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven't already.  I have lots of tutorials and art videos coming up for you to continue to wet your feet and enjoy.  Tomorrow I will be sharing in the Arts and Wellness Cafe, you can see back recordings HERE



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