Join us in the studio and come and see what new projects we are working on in Material Musings, some new projects using faces and figures and completing some of the smaller stitched projects.
Here are some ways in which you can make the most of your stitched projects:
Display Creatively: Showcase your finished projects in unique and creative ways. Frame them, hang them on a decorative embroidery hoop, or hang them on wooden dowels or branches for a natural effect.
Personalize Gifts: You can use your stitched projects to create personalized gifts for your loved ones. Whether it's a custom-designed piece of embroidery or a hand-stitched card, adding a personal touch makes the gift extra special.
Experiment with Techniques: Don't be afraid to try new stitching techniques and explore different styles. Mix and match colors, stitches, and patterns to create one-of-a-kind projects that reflect your creativity.
Welcome to this weeks Material Musings, I'll be sharing some of my projects that feature stitched faces, These pieces reminder us of the possibilities that slow stitching and fabric art offer.
As you check out the video, also take a look at 4 ways that you can paint and stitch on fabric and tell your story:
1. Embrace the Storytelling Aspect
Each face stitched onto fabric tells a unique story, capturing moments, emotions, and memories. Slow stitching and creativity allows you to express those things that words might not be able to express. Using needle and thread enables you to weave tales of love, loss, joy, and resilience. As you bring your stories to life through fabric art. let the storytelling aspect of slow stitching fuel your creativity and expression.
2. Experiment with Texture and Depth
Explore possibilities of texture and depth with wax resist hand-dyed fabric, you can get some amazing effects. This technique adds a layer interest to your fabric art. Play with different colors, patterns, and resist techniques to achieve unique effects. Experimenting with texture and depth opens up a world of creative possibilities that will keep you inspired and engaged.
3. Add Beading
The addition of beads not only adds visual interest but also infuses your creations with additional pops of color. Experiment with bead placement, size, and color to enhance the beauty of your stitched pieces and bring them to life.
4. Therapeutic effects
There is also the therapeutic effects of slow stitching and creating on fabric to consider. The repetitive motion of stitches brings about a calmness that you can dip into whenever the mood takes you.
As you step into your own fabric art journey, remember to embrace the storytelling aspect and experiment with texture and depth. Let your creativity flow freely as you explore the endless possibilities of slow stitching and fabric art and watch as your imagination takes flight. So, grab your needles, threads, and fabrics, and let's dive into a world of creativity, inspiration, and endless possibilities together.
You can check out my Fabric Fragments kit which includes a selection of fabric both hand painted, dyed and pre printed. It has also included one of my painted and stitched pieces and videos on working with your fabric. Patrons get a discount on all courses and digital products on my course platform.
I would love to see what you create, let me know what you are working on. Blessings!
Welcome to the second episode of the Arts and Wellness Cafe. In this episode, we are diving into our creativity, unlocking the potential of your creative journey. Have you ever wondered when that spark of creativity ignited within you? Creativity is not just a privilege reserved for artists; it's a tool that can enhance everyone's overall health and well-being in a number of ways. Check out the video for more details.
Benefits of Engaging in the Arts on Health and Well-Being
Here are a few benefits for engaging in a creative activity:
Stress Reduction: Engaging in creative activities such as painting, drawing, or crafting can act as a form of mindfulness, allowing you to focus on the present moment, reducing stress and anxiety.
Emotional Expression: Art provides a safe space for emotional expression. where you can explore and communicate your feelings.
Self-esteem: Completing a creative project can give you a sense of accomplishment and boost your self-esteem.
Increased Brain Function: Engaging in creative activities stimulates various areas of the brain, promoting memory retention, and overall mental acuity.
Social Connection: Participating in group creative activities, such as joining an art class or theater group, fosters social interactions and reduces feelings of isolation. Join our arts Community on my course platform HERE
When we explore some ways to kickstart your creative journey:
There are a variety of ways you can start your Creative Journey and here are a few ideas to try:
Art Journaling: Begin by keeping an art journal. It can be a mix of sketches, writing, collage, or any other medium that resonates with you. Use it as a space to document your thoughts, feelings, and ideas visually.
Creative Writing: If you enjoy writing, start a personal blog, write short stories, or even attempt poetry. Writing allows you to explore your imagination and express your inner thoughts.
Crafting: There is so much joy to be found in crafting - trying activities like slow stitching, woodworking, or jewelry making or other crafts can offer a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
Visual Arts: Experiment with painting, drawing, or sculpting. You don't need to be a professional artist; just pick up some supplies and start creating. The process is often more rewarding than the end result.
Music and Dance: Learn to play a musical instrument or enroll in dance classes. Music and dance are excellent outlets for self-expression and emotional release.
Photography: Capture the world through the lens of a camera. Photography allows you to find beauty in everyday moments and share your unique perspective.
Cooking and Culinary Arts: Get creative in the kitchen. Experiment with new recipes, flavors, cooking is a delicious form of artistry.
Gardening: Cultivate a garden or tend to indoor plants. Gardening connects you with nature and allows you to create a living work of art.
Incorporate art into your mindfulness or meditation practice. Coloring books designed for adults or mandala drawing can be particularly soothing, and check out some cool FREE courses, there are free courses and digital downloads that you can try out.
Remember that creativity is a personal journey, and there are no right or wrong ways to explore it. The key is to start, enjoy the process, and embrace the positive impact it can have on your health and well-being.
When did you realize you wanted to do something creative?
It's never too late to embark on this creative journey, and the benefits to your overall wellness will be worth every stroke of the brush or stitch made.
Welcome to Material Mondays, we are nearly at the end of this project and it will be great to see how if feels once it is completed.
As a mixed media artist, I have found great solace in slow stitching and textile creativity, and I love the whole process from start to finish, finding the fabrics, painting and creating designs to the gentle rhythm of the needle weaving through the fabric, the soft touch of the threads, and the meditative state it brings have become a cherished part of my artistic journey.
You can start with any sized fabric, but you might want to take it slow with a small piece and grow into a larger more complex fabric.
If you're seeking a creative outlet that allows you to unwind and connect with your inner artist, slow stitching might just be the perfect match. This art form is not about rushing to finish but about savoring each moment of creation. Take a moment to breathe, let go of the stresses of the day, and immerse yourself in the world of slow stitching.
Adding the beading and other creative stitches is definitely a part of the process that goes hand in hand with slow stitching and brings a great deal of satisfaction when you step back and look at your piece.
If you have missed the previous posts where you see me first working on this project you can do so below
Part 2
Part 1
I hope you managed to check out some of the other videos in this series. I thought that I would share a creative task with you, for you to consider:
Creative Task:Find a quiet corner, gather some fabric scraps, threads, and a needle. Take your time, create a small slow stitching piece, and let the process guide you. Do let me know how you get on.
Welcome to the second installment of my stitched project. In case you missed the first part, you can catch up by clicking - HERE.
There is joy in sifting through a selection of beads, hunting for that perfect piece that will complement your work. Over time, I have curated an gorgeous collection of beads and jewelry, each with its own story and charm.
As I work on a project, I often rediscover hidden treasures from my collection, and it's such a delight to find just the right ones that resonate with my current creation.
The joy doesn't stop at beading and slow stitching. Painting on fabric opens up a world of vibrant possibilities, bringing each piece to life with color and texture. Every brushstroke and dyed elements add a unique touch, making the fabric tell its own tale.
I've learned to give myself time when making decisions about which beads to incorporate. Sometimes, I step away from my work temporarily, and return with fresh eyes that reveal what's truly working harmoniously within the project's overall aesthetic.
My wish for you is that you, discover materials that resonate with your creative spirit and rediscover forgotten gems in your supply stash. There's a thrill in unearthing hidden treasures that can add a touch of magic to your artistic projects.
I am excited to share that later this month I will be speaking at an event called The Art of The Intuitive Mind and I’d like to invite you to come along.
It’s a gathering of creative souls who will share the practices and rituals that they use to connect to their intuition and to create from a place of infinite potential.
When you follow your intuition you are listening to the whispers of your soul, the Holy Spirit rather than the noise of the world around you. Letting go of what everyone else is doing, how they are doing it, or how you think they think you should be doing it and the limits of what seems possible, instead you follow what feels right in your heart, you sense it, you know it.
When you take action from this place of alignment you get more of what you want in your life, rather than more of what you don’t want. There are 14 amazing speakers, including myself and we all share our point of view and guide you in an exercise to tap into that place using creativity as the expression.
Following your intuition takes practice, but you can learn to listen to that still small voice, see the spark, or that glimmer that catches your eye, and learn to discern between being led by fear and lack and being guided by peace, being enough, limitless abundance, knowing and trust. I hope you join us.
Realityarts - Creativity Book Shop - Some really great titles for you to dive in
Creative Resources
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