Happy New Year - Fodder School and Creative Activities

Wishing you an amazing and fruitful New Year!!

Had an amazing time with the Artsy Meetup Marathon where we saw the New Year in with an wonderful array of creative activities and lessons.  In my lesson we worked with alcohol inks and acetates.  I love the way they turned out.  If you would like to see how I use it on laminating pouches you can join me on my Patreon platform HERE

I have now finished the project for December and Fodder School with the artist Sally Hirst and I have made the projects from the Make Fodder part of the lesson.

It was great creating all the different textures to use with our Gelli plates which was so much fun.

Here are some of the papers that I created using my gelli plate

Working with a gelli plate can be quite an addictive activity, and so enjoyable seeing what you can create using additional things like stencils, masks and probably all the things sitting on your shelves or draws that you forgot that you had.  These can create some really lovely textures.

For the main projects we made coasters and Frames from our papers and here are mine.  And of course there are so many other ways in which you can use what you create with all the fodder that I have left over after these projects.

The frames came out really well and I think I will be making more.   I also made my coasters from cardboard instead of wood. It is great to be able to recycle and make use of all the materials we have at our disposal, instead of seeing them go into landfill.

For January in Fodder School we will be working on making more fodder with Liz Constable and there will be an equally exciting project to make with Liz in the 'Use Fodder' lessons that will be available around the middle of the month.  Check out Fodder School HERE

Before You Go

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Material Musings - Fabric Art Cards

 

Check out the Video

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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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!

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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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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.

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

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 

Stencils - https://amzn.to/3Gvswpf 

Fine Brush - https://amzn.to/3UNiOCR 

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:

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

Tulip Paints

Fabric Glue

Glitter

Pallet knife

Dimensional Paints

Permanent Ink

Other Resources

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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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

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.

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.

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