100 Days of Leaf Art - Week 4

 

Week 4: Adding mark-making to Leaves

Incorporating mark-making onto the leaves adds texture and contrast. 

I experiment with different materials, such as using the wood burning tool, attaching stitched and decorated leaves together or simply adding embroidery techniques and creating leaf clusters with slow stitching.

Adding textiles also brings an exciting dimension to leaf art. The softness of fabric  with the organic fragility of leaves creates a beautiful contrast.

Creative Tip: Don't be afraid to try new techniques and experiment to get your desired look.

Encouragement: Small creative risks lead to big breakthroughs—try a new technique and see where it takes you.  You could practice on say fabric to begin with and then move onto the leaves. If something doesn’t work, repurpose it into another piece.

Want to learn more?

Join me in my Leaf Arts - Transforming Nature into Art course for guided lessons on leaf art techniques! 

Come and join us on the course and learn to create your own beautifully designed leaves!

Arts and Wellness Cafe - Garden Edition

 

Welcome to this episode of the Arts and Wellness Cafe, where we look at how being in a green plant-filled environment can help with your health and wellbeing.

It is my second favorite space next to my art studio and I love spending time tending to the plants an seeing new things come to life.

It is not an easy activity but it is very rewarding and the benfits are multiple - from harvesting the food, seeing plants spring to life or the addition of birds building their nests, feeling so comfortable in the space that they dwell awhile.

We also talk about being stewards for all the places that we find ourselves in and the legacy we will leave behind for the next generation.  

It would be great to know what you want your legacy to be that will inspire and motivate others. 

Come and join us and leave a comment.

Before you go:

Check out the Diamond Painting video - is it something that you have tried before?

100 Days of Leaf Art - Week 3

 

Welcome to Week 3 of the 100 Days of Leaf Arts.

Week 3: Building a Daily Creative Habit

Consistency is key to creative growth. Showing up every day - even for 10 minutes -keeps your ideas flowing and strengthens your skills. With each day over the challenge, I attempt to refine my techniques, try new stitches, and explore layering with fabric or other materials.

Weaving and Burning Dried leaf

One of the biggest challenges in any long-term project is overcoming the inner critic. Some days, it might feel like nothing is working or you don't know what to try. Other days, everything clicks into place. The key is to keep going, no matter what. I set a simple daily goal: create one small design, even if it’s just a single stitch or a minimal burned mark.

Creative Tip: Set up a simple workspace so you can create without distractions. Having materials ready makes the process smoother. Create a daily ritual around your project, light a candle, play calming music, or sip tea while working.

Encouragement: Keep going, even if your pieces don’t turn out exactly as planned. Creativity is a journey, not a destination. Your skills will improve with practice, and each piece adds to your growing body of work.

Want step-by-step guidance? My Leaf Arts course walks you through different mixed media techniques.

Want to learn more?

Join me in my Leaf Arts - Transforming Nature into Art course for guided lessons on leaf art techniques! 

Come and join us on the course and learn to create your own beautifully designed leaves!

Fabric Embellishments - Material Musings

 

Check out the video HERE

Welcome to Material Musings where we look at some of the fabric embellishments that you can get to use in your work.

I source mine from a variety of sources, around the home, thrift stores, or swaps that you can do with other creatives - especially those who stitch, they will always have some unusual and interesting trims that you may be able to use in your work.

In this video I share some of the ones that I have and how I use them.  Join me on this Material musings slow stitched journey.

Check out the previous video and you will be able to see some of the fabric in a project.

Material Musings - Slow Stitched Projects

Before You Go

Come and join us for FREE on Patreon and see behind the scene and dive into a creative oasis!  Learn more HERE!

Diamond Painting - Trying something new

 

Check out the latest video where I share my latest Diamond Painting Project.  I thought I would try something new, it was fun - similar to 'painting by numbers'  There was enough left over to create a mini project that I can use in one of my creative projects.

Before You Go:

100 Days of Leaf Art - Week 2 - Finding Inspiration in Nature

Week 2: Finding Inspiration in Nature

Welcome to Week 2 of the 100 Days of Leaf Arts.  Nature is an endless source of inspiration. The veins of a leaf, the curves of a petal, and the textures of bark all hold artistic potential. As I continue this project, I let nature be my guide - observing patterns and translating them into designs burned, stitched and woven onto leaves.

I spend time daily in nature observing the changes, and seeing what inspires me. The natural world offers limitless motifs, from the flowing lines of vines to the intricate spirals found in flower centers. Even shadows and light filtering through trees provide inspiration for contrast and depth in my designs.

Creative Tip: Take a sketchbook outside and draw the natural patterns you see. These can become references for future designs. Try rubbing leaves with charcoal or pencils to create imprints you can use later.

Encouragement: When in doubt, look around you. Nature is the best teacher! Trust that creativity will emerge naturally when you engage with your environment.

Join the journey: The Leaf Arts course teaches techniques to bring nature’s patterns to life on dried leaves and so much more.

Want to learn more?

Join me in my Leaf Arts - Transforming Nature into Art course for guided lessons on leaf art techniques! 

Come and join us on the course and learn to create your own beautifully designed leaves!

Exhibition and Art in Barbados - Queens Park Gallery

I recently had the opportunity of having my art in an exhibition at the Queens Park Gallery for the exhibition Reparations Now and had two pieces of work on display. 

Both pieces speak to the importance of identity - knowing who you are, your purpose and what is driving you.

My Sculpture is called - Disconnect, Gather Together in Thy Name

Photo - Cornerstone Creatives

The second piece is called Remembrance

You can catch more of my work on my website HERE

Making a Kawandi - Material Musings

 

I managed to get my first Kawandi completed.  I decided to use all the fabric that I had been hand dyeing or creating batik and wax resist pieces with.

It was lovely to reconnect with all the fabric that I had been working on over time.  It was slightly challenging with the more heavier cotton fabrics as they were so thick, and the needle kept finding ways to maneuver into my finger. 😂

You can check out the video above for Material Musings to get a closer look at the Kawandi so far.

What is a Kawandi?

A Kawandi is a type of hand-stitched quilt traditionally made by the Siddi women, who are descendants of African enslaved women taken to India. Kawandi are distinctive because of their vibrant, designs and the way they are constructed. They are made from layers of Saris, fabric scraps, often brightly colored, and sewn together with running stitches. 

Key Features of Kawandi's

• Kawandi are typically sewn from the outer edges toward the center, unlike many traditional quilts made from blocks or panels.  The stitching is done in a spiral pattern, with all layers securely held together.

• They are made using recycled fabrics, including old saris or other discarded textiles.
• The use of fabric scraps gives the quilts a rich texture and unique, look.

• The quilts are often colorful and feature bold patterns, with an emphasis on spontaneity and personal expression.

• Small decorative touches, like folded fabric triangles called phulas (flowers), are added to the corners.

Kawandi's are made for practical purposes, such as providing warmth, but they also reflect the Siddi community's history and artistry.  

Check out these Fiber Artists on Instagram

Sherry Whetstone

Kianga Jinaki

Creating Clusters and Layering Technique - Day 6 - Exploring Sea Grape Leaf Art

 

Day 6: Layering Techniques 

Layering multiple techniques—stitching, painting, and burning—allows each element to shine while complementing the others. 

There are some fun ways to bring the small leaf clusters together to create some interesting designs.

Today’s piece show how using some of the skills taught can help you create a rich and dimensional work of art. 

Tomorrow, we wrap up the series by reflecting on the process and encouraging you to experiment with your own leaf art creations.

Exploring Sea Grape Leaf Art

Want to Learn How to Create with Leaves?

If you’re curious about working with dried leaves as an artistic surface, I teach techniques that allow you to incorporate them into your own projects. My Leaf Art Course covers everything from preparation to design, giving you the tools to explore this unique medium with confidence.

Learn More and Enroll Today!

Be sure to check back tomorrow for the next featured design in this exciting week of leaf art exploration!

CHECK OUT THE LEAF ARTS COURSE HERE

Woodburning Designs onto Leaves: Day 4 Exploring Sea Grape Leaf Art

 

Day 4: Woodburning Designs onto Leaves

Woodburning on leaves is an intricate process that requires a gentle touch. By etching fine lines and patterns into the surface, I create a beautifully rustic effect that highlights the leaf’s organic qualities. 

You can get a range of patterns and designs by using the different heads that you get with the wood burning tool, but you also need to know how to adapt the tool so you can use it to the maximum and achieve different looks.

Tomorrow, I’ll share how painting and mixed media techniques can further enhance these natural canvases.

Exploring Sea Grape Leaf Art

Want to Learn How to Create with Leaves?

If you’re curious about working with dried leaves as an artistic surface, I teach techniques that allow you to incorporate them into your own projects. My Leaf Art Course covers everything from preparation to design, giving you the tools to explore this unique medium with confidence.

Learn More and Enroll Today!

Be sure to check back tomorrow for the next featured design in this exciting week of leaf art exploration!

CHECK OUT THE LEAF ARTS COURSE HERE