5 Ways to Prepare your Art Journal for Creative Play

Arts Journal play, 5 Ways to Prepare your Art Journal for Creative Play

One of the most exciting things that I have found when using an art journaling is the creative play that it encourages. There are many different ways that you can use your art journal and a few ways to prepare your journal that will help you to avoid the roadblocks that can often come when doing anything creative. I cover some of the ways in the video and here are a few additional suggestions to help you get started:

Gather Your Materials
Before you begin, gather all the art supplies you might want to use - and use what you have (you don't have to have specialist equipment, or journals - if a composition notebook is what you have, then use that, or make your own)  Check out my YouTube Playlist on creating a variety of different Art Journal and pages.  

You can also include paints, markers, pens, collage materials, stamps, stencils, and anything else that inspires you. Having everything within reach will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.  I have a monthly free digital download that you can use for collage material in your Art Journal, you can access it in my Art Resource Hub.

Set the Mood
Create a comfortable and inspiring space to work in. Play your favorite music, light some candles, or surround yourself with plants and artwork that uplift you. The right atmosphere can help get your creative juices flowing.

Prep Your Pages
Consider prepping some of your journal pages in advance. You could paint backgrounds with different colors, textures, or patterns, or even add a layer of gesso to prime the pages for mixed media. Having a variety of backgrounds ready to go can jumpstart your creativity.  If I have extra paint on my pallet from doing a particular project, I will apply the excess to the pages of my art journal.

Embrace Mistakes
Remember that your art journal is a space for experimentation and self-expression. Don't be afraid to try new techniques, and don't compare yourself to anyone else. Embrace the imperfections and let them guide you towards unexpected artistic discoveries.

Start with a Prompt
If you're feeling stuck, consider starting with a prompt to kickstart your creativity. This could be a word, a quote, a color scheme, or a theme that speaks to you. Let the prompt guide your artistic exploration and see where it takes you.  CLICK HERE  and join me in the Art Resource Hub on the 'Realityarts Academy' for a series of free downloads to get you started. 

By preparing your art journal for creative play in these ways, you'll be ready to dive into a world of endless possibilities and artistic freedom. Join our online art community and share what you have been doing in your art journal

Enjoy the process and let your imagination soar!

Before You Go...

Join us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content, see behind the scenes and get more insights and inspiration, and I share more on creative play and tips for working in your art journal.

Neurgraphic Inspired, Art Coloring Pages, & Your Creative Practice

Neurographic Art Inspired

I have been on a creative journey - I still am where I have been exploring the creative practice call 'Neurographic Art'  If you would like more information about it I put several links in the video I created below.

You can check out the video I created HERE

I have been finding the whole process very therapeutic and have been almost compelled every day to do something in my art journals either with color on the page or starting with a figure and working around it.  I have 3 art journals that I work in at the moment.  I think I am drawn to it because you have to to slow down and take your time creating the marks, and it is a welcomed break to the busy social media and online world.

The marks that I am doing in my art journals and have been developing is no longer done in the neurographic art parameters, but include lines and rounded shapes on the page and I have brought in my mark making on the page.  I also have been working with a lot of figures and creating the lines and shapes around them.  I have always felt that it is important for us to spend time on a daily basis doing something creative and making marks and patterns in my art journal enables me to reflect, be still and bring my thoughts back to a place filled with encouragement and nurturing.

I started working on a canvas that I had left for quite some time, and I added the lines and rounded shapes and I feels as if it went into the direction that was needed.  It is called Voyage.  The shapes and the patterns on their faces have developed with each painting I complete.

I took elements recently of creating on the face and used it in one of the download tutorials that I was sharing with my Patreons this month. 

Patreon

 Each month on the $3 Tier one of the things that the Patrons receive is a set of digital downloads papers - a pattern that I have designed and I do a video tutorial on how I am using it and give some suggestions of additional ways in which it can be used.  This is the page they received this month along with a set of tags with the same design.

I think that it is great to see it as a challenge, some of the ways that it can be used and helps with your creative process, stretches you and maybe help you to express yourself using your creativity.

This is the image I came up with as I played with the shapes with color and the figure appeared.  I couldn't resist adding the marks and the shapes and it was a lovely way again to take time out of a busy day to touch base with myself.  I encourage my patrons to use the exercises as a way to develop their own creative practice.  The other thing created with the sheet was a set of matchbox mini art journals.

Love is like a Butterfly

Today with the 100 Days of Handmade Foam Stamps I shared this Butterfly foam stamp.  I have been creating with precut foam and ones that I have to cut myself.  The foam is varied in thickness and you get some lovely results depending on the tools that you use to create the designs on the foam.

This stamp shape had been machine cut and it is firm to work on so when you cut it with that craft knife you get some clean lines.

Thank you for joining me on the blog today, stay blessed and be a blessing

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If you would like to see the handmade foam 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 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

Arts and Wellness Cafe - Stillness Revisited

Thank you for joining me today in the Arts and Wellness Café, in todays video we revisit the topic stillness and have a chat, I will also be sharing some of the fabric experimenting that I have been doing, alongside a meditation.  

One of the things that we can forget to do for ourselves is have a time where we can be still and reflect, we live in an ever increasingly busy world with social media on top of life and there needs to be a time where we can reflect and take stock of things.

I also review this book on African Textiles as I have been experimenting with wax and dyes and would love to create more traditional cloths to use in my art  

You can check out the review video HERE

Here are some of the pieces I have been experimenting with, I have laid down a pattern with clay, then applied wax to the spaces.  When the wax is removed you get this finish.

This one is my favourite so far

I am still experimenting so watch this space!

It would be great to know how you go about giving yourself some time to 'catch up' with yourself and how often you do it.

Hope you enjoy,  Stay blessed and be a blessing.

Arts and Wellness Wednesday - Chat Episode 216

Arts and Wellness

Arts  and Wellness Wednesday

Welcome to the show notes for the Arts and Wellness Episode - 216, so glad to have you here.  If you have not yet seen the video you can catch it down below

You can listen to the podcast below

Part of my normal routine starts the day with herbal tea made from Moringa, Broad leaf Thyme and on occasion another blend, alongside a cup or ordinary tea as I head my way over to my studio.

Frangipani flowers from the garden and Scaevola cutting.

In the recording I share information about my art journals.  This is my Restoration journal, one among many.  An art journal is a great place to put your thoughts in images and words.  I work in several art journals depending on how I am feeling at the time.  I love making journals.

Art Journal - Restoration, Amanda Trought

Pages can be prepped before hand, and I usually see the process in 3 stages, depending on how much time I have to work on a page.  The page below has lots of texture, colour, and I have journalled on the pages.  I initially layered the background colours on the pages, then went back at a later date and added the images.  

When I felt in the mood to do some written journalling I looked through the pages to see which one was speaking to me then added the written text.

This is usually how the page starts out on the left, with layers of colour on the page

This is another activity that I have enjoyed doing, creating pieces to slow stitch.  These are quilted painted pieces that I then have been adding stitching to.  There are many more to start working on.

Slow stitch fabric

The pieces also have stencils gessoed on and I often add an image to them.

Closer Detail, painted fabric and stitch - Amanda Trought

What are you finding speaks to you creatively at the moment.  I would love to hear what you are working on.

You can also join me if you want to have a chat about what you are doing creatively where you want to take it.  You can book two free telephone calls were we can explore where you would like to go to next.  Check it out HERE

CHECK IT OUT HERE

I look forward to catching up with you soon, stay blessed and be a blessing!

CHECK IT OUT HERE

Creating in Faith - Word for the Week - Known

Welcome to Creating in Faith episode 215 for the Podcast, where I discuss a word and how it can be related to a creative practice.  The word for this week is Known.

Listen to the Podcast 

What do you want to be known for, by?  What do you know about yourself and your creativity?  Do you know why you create and what gets you going each and every day in your studio or creative space.  

Spend some time exploring the idea in your art journal and you never know where it will eventually lead to - maybe a new body of work, new art supply or tool, and a deeper understanding of your creative practice.

Thank you for listening, stay blessed and be a blessing!

Art Prints

The art in this piece is available as a framed print HERE and also as a variety of products.

Amanda Trought - Framed Pastel Painting

The framed prints come in a variety of sizes and styles.  The image is also available on cushion covers as seen below.  I would love you to check out some of the other designs available for purchase.

Amanda Trought Designs - Cushions covers -  40x40cm

Amanda Trought Cushion Cover detail - 40x40cm

Join me on Patreon

Click HERE

Restoration - Episode 174 - Creating in Faith - You can create

Welcome to Season 2 of Creating in Faith

Welcome to Episode 174 - Today's word is Restoration

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.

When was the last time you gave yourself a make over and really pampered and treated yourself.  if you haven't done anything in the last month then you could be heading for trouble.

We have to make our care a regular practice for our who bod, mentally, physically and spiritually and it means that you have got to  care about how you feel how you've felt and what you are currently feeling.

The idea of restoration for me means bringing back into balance taking note of how I am treating my body, and overall health.  Am I getting enough rest, doing the things that make me feel good.  You might have to plan these things into your schedule and show up for 'you' each and every time.  It can be easy to say that you don't have time today and leave it to tomorrow, but as the saying goes 'tomorrow never comes' and you are telling yourself that you don't matter.

Make a list of the things that you like to do that makes you laugh, makes you feel special, it could be taking 5 minutes just for you.  What I sometimes do especially if i have spent a lot of focused time on the computer is set my timer on my phone for 10 minutes and have a power nap, when the alarm goes off it plays disco music that I have to jump up and dance to it works for me, I am rested, refreshed and ready to go.  You can have large and several small things on your list that you put in place and will help you maintain balance in your life - You are worth it!!

Stay blessed and be a blessing

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Creating in Faith

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

Art Journal Page - Dream, Create, Enjoy!

Mixed Media Art Journal Page - Amanda Trought

I created this Art Journal page in my Gratitude's and Celebration Journal, a journal that I spent time in weekly creating a page and writing out the things I was grateful for that week. It is so important to spend time in reflection, thinking about where you are going, where you are and where you have come from. 

Check out the Video below:

It is important to focus on the things you are grateful for and appreciate, the very things we sometimes take for granted helps lift our spirits and encourage us to move forward in many different ways.

The page was created from that 'dreaded blank page' and we can often get hung up about not knowing what to create, and then allow the 'blank page syndrome, to take hold of us. How do you approach your blank pages? With Fear? or with delight in a new adventure?

Playing with the page meant that applying colour and washi tape and not over think it, the only thing you need to focus on is applying something to the page.

I then added additional layers including stencils, stamps, again just playing on the page with supplies - you will never look at the blank page again in the same way!

I approach each and every surface as an adventure! It is alright to walk away from the page and you don't have to do everything in one sitting.  I came back and then added the image and additional stamps.

Go find your blank page and take some time to play.

Stay blessed and be a blessing!

Creativity - 5 Minutes Every Day

Is Being Creative Every Day achievable?

When you look at the time that you have to be creative, what is it that you constantly find yourself saying.  My words would be I don't have enough time, or I want to create for a whole day, but I will never get a whole day so what is the point!.  When I started Caring for my mother who is living with Dementia I didn't think there was any chance of me finding the time to be creative, but I was wrong.  I realized that I needed to see my creativity from a different perspective. 

 It is important to keep creating every day, especially if you have limited time.  When you say 'oh I will do something tomorrow', it never comes  so you need to find ways to  create some quick activities that are your 'go to' ones, that enable you to spend some valuable creative time on yourself.

Those 5/10 minute slots that come up need to be looked at as valuable resources that can add to your health and well-being, and over time make up those hour slots that you want so badly - just broken up.  Think - if you took two 10 minute slots a day to be creative over 7 days that is 2.5 hours of creating!!  Think about the other things that you do with that time say when you are flicking the channels to find something to watch, why not have a art journal beside you to do some sketching, papers to create a collage - or sort through your collage papers - that's being creative, and you can do longer activities when you have more time.

What I have found is useful is to have a selection of activities that I can do, don't think about activities that you have to finish but ones that you can dip into when you get the chance.

Here are some of my 'go to' activities that I can do when time is limited.

You can also check out some of the videos below that may help spark your creativity and give you some ideas for what you can do with your limited time.

Creating with your Non-Dominant Hand

I always have an art journal handy, and I do a range of activities depending on the time - A great exercise is also to create with your non-dominant hand, doing everything with your non dominant hand gets you to just focus on play and will take your mind off things if only for a moment.  

If you need to break it down you might decide to create the background with the time just laying down colours, another activity might be creating a figure, finding words or encouraging phrases to add to the journal, and just spend 10 minutes at a time.

Creating a Mini Art Journal

Having a mini art journal means that you don't have to worry about filling a large page, but you can do a series of mini pages in 10 minutes, these really do lend themselves to working with limited time.

Doodling

Who doesn't like doodling, OK I guess there are a few, but this is also another great way to spend some time being creative.  In this Video I broke this activity down, I had spent the initial time creating the bird and using the bird to add some journalling.  I then added some paint and colours in my session of the video, and I still left room to be able to come back and do some more work.

I hope that you will have found some ideas to get you going on your creative journey, remember treat those minutes as precious and see how you can take a creative activity to fill them for nurturing yourself.

Check out some of the classes on CreativeLive they have a series of Free online and on air classes that will spark your creativity and give you even more tips to get going!  Let me know how you get on with your time

Stay blessed and be a blessing.