This month in Material Musings, creativity thrived in unexpected ways. I have really been inspired by the students take of my lesson on Fodder School. Some experimented with turning their 'make fodder' into brooches, journals, and coasters - it was inspiring to see ideas all the ideas take shape.
As I played around with the solar dyed fabric, I used some of my handmade stamps to enhance the designs. I had to stay flexible with my unexpected results.
Solar dyeing with flowers produced surprising colors, turning “mistakes” into unique textures. Fabric scraps found new life in stitched clusters, pockets, and homemade stamps featuring birds, abstract shapes, and dandelions.
I also launched Stitched Folk, exploring stitched figures on canvas, the course is fun and you get to create your own stitched canvas piece.
Introducing My ArtFoamies Collection — Creative Companions for Your Art Practice
I’m thrilled to finally share something very special with you, a selection of my hand-drawn illustrations have been transformed into foam stamps in a beautiful collaboration between Fodder School and ArtFoamies. Click on the images to purchase.
Bantu Knots - Set 1
The collection includes three unique sets, each featuring two illustrated figures — six muses in total and I hope you will get to know and use them in your creative activities. I think of them as creative companions, figures who carry presence, power, and story. They are part of a wider lineage of muses I’ve developed, each one rooted in heritage and embodied creativity.
Nkosi - Set 1
These designs are inspired by the adornment traditions of African women and the vibrant spiritual memory seen in natural and traditional hairstyles across the African continent, the Caribbean, and the global African diaspora. There is something deeply regal and grounded about each of these figures. They hold stillness, beauty, and grace and I hope you enjoy creating with them.
Uplift - Set 3
They are designed to be more than just stamps. Use them on paper, fabric, canvas, or journal pages. Print, paint, embellish, stitch and let them join you on your creative adventures. Explore them and their variations as you create.
Check out Kae Pea from ArtFoamies and her video using the stamps on acetate on YouTube HERE she shared various ways you could use them with magazines.
Wrapped - Set 2
Beacon - Set 2
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing more about the stories behind these muses, how I use them in my own work, and inspiration to help you make them your own. Our FREE Tier Patrons get early access, so why not come and join us!
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.
Do you want a chance to win the new Art Bundles for Good #9?
Three lucky winners will have a chance to win the latest Art Bundles for Good including $4000 worth of art courses and other great resources. There are over 90 art resources from more than 80 of your favorite artists, including one of my courses.
It doesn’t cost anything to enter, so don’t miss out.
The Art Bundle Giveaway only lasts for 1 week, starting today! Earn more chances to win by sharing with the link provided.
I am so looking forward to sharing my lesson, here is another sneak peek of what we will be creating to fit into your junk journal:
We will start our journey together making an altered book journal, using what we have on hand to create something wonderful and fun to hold our thoughts, our ephemera, our joy and gratitude!
Each day you'll be challenged to dig into your own gratitude with a question to answer, something to think about or do and/or something to create. You'll find a little joy in each day. You'll leave this workshop with a warm smile, some extra love and a JOY-filled heart.
3 Ways to Move Forward as a Creative: Embracing Personal Growth and Innovation
Creativity is a journey, not a destination. As creatives, we constantly seek ways to push our boundaries, discover new horizons, and bring our unique visions to life. Moving forward as a creative involves a blend of reflection, resourcefulness, and the courage to venture into unknown waters. Here are three ways to move yourself forward on your creative journey:
1. Embrace What You Have and See How Far You Can Go
Often, we underestimate the potential of the resources at our disposal. Whether it's a limited set of tools, a small budget, or even time constraints, these limitations can actually foster creativity. By fully embracing what you have, you can push yourself to innovate within those confines, often leading to surprising and unique outcomes.
Practical Tip: Take inventory of your current resources—skills, tools, and time. Challenge yourself to create something using only what you already have. This helps sharpen your problem-solving skills and shows how creativity can thrive under constraints.
2. Create Things You Never Thought of Before
Stepping out of your comfort zone is essential for growth. This involves experimenting with new mediums, techniques, or even genres that you haven’t explored before, you open doors to endless possibilities and new perspectives.
Practical Tip: Set a regular time for experimentation in your creative schedule. Dedicate this time solely to trying out new ideas without worrying about the outcome.
3. Bring It All Together with a Personal Touch
Your creative journey is deeply personal. It’s shaped by your experiences, beliefs, and aspirations. Bringing your personal touch into your work not only makes it unique but also resonates more deeply with your audience. Reflect on what ‘personal’ means to you and how you want to express that in your work. Also check out post - Arts and Wellness Cafe
Practical Tip: Reflect on your personal story and values. Consider how these elements can influence your creative projects. Are there specific themes or messages you want to convey? Integrate these into your work to create pieces that are truly reflective of who you are.
Moving Forward: This Is Not a Dress Rehearsal
Remember, this is not a dress rehearsal—this is your life, your creative journey. Every moment is an opportunity to create, learn, and grow. By focusing on utilizing what you have, exploring new creative environments, and infusing your personal essence into your work, you can move forward with confidence and purpose. Embrace the process, trust in your creativity, and watch as your artistic path unfolds in ways you never imagined. Stay Blessed and be a Blessing.
Before You Go.....
Remember to pick up your FREE digital download for the month on my free Patron Members link or CLICK HERE
In Material Musings I share several projects that use combination of wax resist dyeing, clay baths, and tea solutions! The results were gorgeous and I show some of the designs that are my favorite. There are endless possibilities when you take the time to experiment with your supplies.
Here are some suggestions for using your wax resist creations:
Wall Hangings - I hope to use some of the larger fabric pieces as wall hangings, adding to their backing and maybe adding some beading or other embellishments.
Quilting - You could incorporate the wax resist dyed fabric as part of the fabric for your quilt
Make one-of-a-kind clothes using your dyed fabric.
Collage - Layering, using different dyed pieces to create a fabric collage. You could add additional elements such as paints, paper, or found objects.
Slow Stitching - This is such a peaceful activity. You could use your wax resist dyed fabric as a base or cut out shapes and stitch them onto the chosen fabric
I worked on the woven piece and will take a break from it while I think about the next steps, and maybe add beading and other embellishments.
Fabric Fragments - I am putting together a series of fabric bags that showcase a mix of wax resist, avocado-dyed, and hand-painted fabrics. In another accompanying bag, I have placed a selection of printed fabrics The bag holds a special stitched art piece, making it a collector's item.
Keep an eye out! These fragment bags will soon be available for purchase on my course platform HERE. Don't miss your chance to own a piece of this artistic adventure!
We only have a few days left before we see in the New Year. When I think about what I want to spend time doing next year, creativity is at the top of the list! and so I will be joining Kiala Givehand in the 3rd Annual New Year’s Eve Artsy Marathon. We are going to bring in the New Year being creative with amazing people surrounded by our art supplies.
Here are the artists that will be taking part
We would love you to join us?
This year's Artsy Meetup Marathon is:
24 Hours of Creative Lessons from a variety of guest teachers (names below). You don't need to be there all 24 hours, the recordings will be available a few days after the event.
The Scedule will be live on the website
an opportunity to learn, play, and explore with other creative souls.
a list of techniques, tips, and tutorials for your visual journaling and documented days.
There will be several GIVEAWAYS throughout the night
a powerfully creative way to bring in 2024 with intention.
Joyce Van Der Lely - artist & empowerment guide -- @joycevanderlely
We are going to have so much fun at the Artsy Meetup Marathon, and you will have so many hints and creative tips to see you into the New Year.JOIN THE PARTY!
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Before You Go
Check out Filling the Creative Well Mixed Media Course - LEARN MORE
Welcome to Material Mondays, today we get to look at a few projects and we start a new fabric panel with hand dyed and wax resist material.
I previously shared a review of the book Intertwined which looks at how you can spin your own yarn and also gives examples of things that you can make. I have been collecting wool over time and wanted to look at ways I could use them more in my stitched projects.
I will be showing you some of the mini looms that I have created and some of the sculptural looms that have been further embellished. There are many ways that the woven projects can be used and you will be shown a few examples to encourage you in your creative projects.
Sculptural Loom and Slow Stitched Project
Check out the video and think about some of the supplies you have in your creative space and the ways in which some of them can be used.
Do you want a chance to win the all-new Art Bundles for Good #8?
Three lucky winners will have a chance to win the entire Art Bundles for Good #8 including $5400 worth of art courses and other great resources. There are over 100 art resources from more than 85 of your favorite artists this year. I am contributing one of my courses - Mixed Media Art Bundle
It doesn’t cost anything to enter the giveaway, so don’t miss out. and see if you can be one of the ones who win the whole bundle. The Art Bundle Giveaway only lasts for 1 week, starting today! The more you share, the more chances you have to win.
Art Bundle #8 Sale is Coming on November 2nd for 5 Days!
The all new Art Bundles of Good #8 is coming next week. This is the best deal in online art classes you will find. There are more than 85 artists contributing 100+ art courses and resources with a value of over $5400 at a low price, a great time to treat yourself for Christmas!
25% of the profits from the sale are going to Courageous Kitchen, a Bangkok based charity helping refugees. We’ve raised US$118,950 for charity so far.
Visit the website to enter the Art Giveaway. Three lucky people will win the entire bundle of art resources!
Realityarts - Creativity Book Shop - Some really great titles for you to dive in
Creative Resources
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