Material Musings - Nurture and Self Care

 

Join us in the studio for creative reflection and self-care for Material Musings.

Before You Go:

Check out the papers on Patreon

Sculptural Loom Art - Material Musings

 

Come and join us on Material Musings where we look at a selection of Sculptural Looms and woven projects.

We also look at some alternative ways to create the structures with recycled materials, different yarn and ways that I have been able to embellish with jewelry and beading.

We will also look at a variety of projects, and DIY looms for beginners to get started.  Do let me know how you get on this week.

Before You to check out the free resources on:

Using your Fabric to Uplift - Material Musings

 

In Material Musings I look at some of the ways that I use my fabrics and projects both finished and unfinished to lift my spirits or encourage myself.  We know that art heals and encourages and enables you to express yourself when you do not have the words.  I find that even if you are not able to do a creative project then even sitting with your supplies can help.

What are the things that you do when you need to give yourself a lift?

What about those Fabric Scraps? Material Musings

 

Welcome to Material Musings, in this episode we are talking about the scraps we often amass in our fabric or paper stash.

I also touch on the broader issues of fast fashion and waste management and the impact on developing countries that deal with the fabric waste of so called 'developed countries' and what impact can we make on a local level.

I share a lot of the projects that used a lot of these scraps and I am looking at many of the ways in which I can make the most of the supplies I currently have. There are time stamps in the description of the video for reference.

Before You Go

Creative Vision Retreat Summit

Art Journals for your Visions and Goals

My lesson airs today for 24 hours

Sign Up HERE

Shopping in your Stash - Material Musings and Creative Retreats

 

Time to go shopping but this time in your own supplies for Material Musings and look at the projects that you have made that might spark your interest again.

Before You Go

The Creative Vision Summit Starts on Tuesday 20th January and is Free to sign up

We have quite a packed 3 days of sessions.  If you can't make it to all of them and would like to go through each of the sessions at a slower calmer pace then consider buying the VIP All Access Pass and you will have all of the summit sessions and bonus resources by each Speaker

Here is a selection of the VIP All Access Pass resources

My VIP Resource is my new course Creative Self Care Kit which is a full course valued at $67 and has over 30 lessons.  It is also a standalone course currently available at the Early Bird Price of $47!

Buy purchasing the VIP Pass you will receive my course and other Speaker resources and additional resources valued at over $1,000 so come and join us and shape 2026 the way you want.

Click her to Register for the Summit for FREE

If you Want to keep the workshops forever? After you register, check out the VIP All-Access Pass — lifetime replays + $688+ in creative bonuses. Use code CREATIVE for 30% off

Material Musings - Finishing Projects

What creative projects do you have left to complete in your creative space, we think about some of the fabric projects that are crying out to be completed or taken a bit further in their journey.

I share with you some of the things that I am currently working on, and some of the ideas that still need some tender care before they can go out into the world.

For the rest of the month, we shall be focusing on moving the projects on and see where we are at the other end - no pressure!!

Before you go

The FREE papers are now available on my Patreon, You can use them in your art journals and creative projects, along with the digital art papers for the other tiers, check them out HERE

Material Musings - Cardboard projects and slow stitching

In today's video we explore the use of cardboard in mixed media art.  In one of my pieces, I combine fabric, cardboard and clay.

Let me know if you use cardboard in your creative projects

If you would like to see some additional ways you can join us on Patreon for behind the scenes and early release content.

Explore, Stamp and Play - Material Musings

 

Come and dive into the world of mixed media art, and stamping.


Material Musings: Exploring Stamps, Stories, and Surfaces

Welcome to October’s Material Musings! This month, we’re diving into the wonderful world of stamps, from foam and homemade to digital and store-bought. I’ve gathered a whole collection from my studio shelves, many I haven’t used in years, and it feels like rediscovering old creative friends.

I first started experimenting with foam stamps made from a roll of camping mat my son once used for outdoor adventures. That same foam became the base for countless shapes and textures which shows that creativity can come from the most unexpected places!

Throughout October on my channel, I’ll be exploring how to use these different kinds of stamps on fabric and paper, sharing techniques for layering, mark making, and breathing new life into forgotten materials. We’ll also play with office stamps, sentiment stamps, and those mysterious supplies tucked away in drawers — turning them into textured surfaces ready for slow stitching or mixed media projects.

By the end of the month, I’ll gather the fabrics and papers we’ve created and transform them into a final stitched project. So gather your scraps, pull out your stamps, and join me in making something beautifully imperfect — one impression at a time.

Before You go:

Join us on Making Zen - the VIP Pass is now available and will give you access to the courses and bonuses

Sign Up for FREE HERE

Making Zen Teachers

Learn about the Teachers

Stitched Folk, Side Kicks and Solar Dyeing - Material Musings

   

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. 

I managed to create a fabric cover for my 'Side Kick' journal shared by Wendy from Fodder School - you can check out the projects HERE 

Join us on Material Musings below

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. 

 Looking forward to seeing you!

Reflective Fabric Adventures - Material Musings

 

Come and join me on Material Musings today as we get reflective over the work we have done on the eco dyeing at the moment.

Textile Art Adventures - Material Musings

 

Welcome to Material Musings where we look at a range of fabric projects, see what is inspiring us and elements that we can add to enhance our projects each week.

I also share some of the new items that have made their way into the studio - I found a felt kit supplier.  I share in my Amazon Store other felting products which you can check out - get it online HERE

Experimenting with Felt

Here are the artfoamies on fabric, I have created a variety of looks with the foam stamps.  Check out some of my Digital Art downloadable files here

ArtFoamies by Amanda Trought

Every week I share on Material Musings different projects and creations made with fabric, you can get early access for FREE on my Free Tier on Patreon - Check it out HERE

Working with Beads, Felts - Visual Feast

 

Welcome to this weeks Material Musings take out your fabric and beads and lets have some fun on our projects!

I love collecting beads and have done so for many years, so much so that some of the beads would be considered 'Vintage'.  Come and join me and see just a fraction of the collection - a visual feast for the eyes!

Here are some of the collection - all different sizes and colors

I love using the beads on my fabric projects especially the ones with figures.

Before you Go

Material Musings - August Projects

 Welcome to this week's Material Musings

Here are some of the projects that I will be working on over the coming weeks.  I am going to do a larger Kawandi and I will show you my progress in the next episode.  I also have a few creative projects and lessons that I am creating and will share in a few weeks.

I have also stitched more of the encouraging words to go on completed projects, they always come in handy and it is great to be stitching things that will encourage and motivate.

Come and join us next time in Material Musings and bring what you are working on.  I would love to see!

Before you go

Check out the FREE papers for this month in Patreon

Managing Waste for Creative - Projects Material Musings

In this week’s Material Musings, I share some of the ways of incorporating fabric into mixed-media artwork. I use natural fibers alongside paper clay to create 3D sculptures and share some of the figures like “Stilt Walker’s Treasure” and “And Still I Rise.” Alongside experimenting with a self-made fibrous pulp, 

I also use natural dyes (henna, avocado, tea), and techniques include wax resist, stenciling, and bead embellishments. 

It has become increasingly important for me to consider sustainable sourcing for my supplies, and I experiment with techniques and recycling materials either from my own supplies or thrift stores and also revisit unfinished projects for renewed inspiration.

Before You Go....

Check out the FREE Mixed Media Art Tags Course

Abandoned Fabric Projects? - Material Musings

 Abandoned Fabric Projects? - Material Musings

Do you have any abandoned creative projects that need to be given a new lease of life?  Join us on Material Musings today!

Here are some of the projects 

Sometimes all it takes is for you to go through them, see what supplies you are using now, and you may get that spark to revisit and maybe even finish the project.  It works with any type of creative project!

Fabric Art Journals - Material Musings

 

Here is Material Musings for this week. I have been slightly snowed under, but I wanted to get a start on the topic this month.

For May we will be looking at additional ways that you can work on the fabric in your journals if you make them and use some of the supplies that you may already have.

I will be sharing over the coming weeks the following, and anything else that I may have that can make marks on the fabric and create some unique and individual pieces for stitched projects:

• The use of Glitter on Fabric - Most of us have used glitter in the past, I am sure you have some lurking in one of those draws

• Derwent Inktense Pencils and Inktense Bars - these are two of my favorite supplies, they are highly pigmented and permanent once dry

• Neo Colors

• Gesso

If you would like to know more about the supplies, I have linked them so you can check them out. Essentially, I want you to try some of the supplies that you may not have thought of using and that you already have - experimenting and playing.

Did you miss last weeks Material Musings - check it out below:

Before You Go - Check out the Art Resource Hub and the FREE online classes we have available. Learn more HERE

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!

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

Material Musings - Fabric Inspirations and Kawandi

 

Come and check out this weeks Material Musings. We look at lots of lovely dyed and hand printed fabric, and we start a Kawandi!

A Kawandi is a type of hand-stitched quilt traditionally made by the Siddi women who are descendants of enslaved Africans who were bought to India. 

Kawandi quilts are distinctive because of their vibrant, improvisational designs and the way they are constructed. They are made from layers of fabric scraps, often brightly colored, and sewn together with running stitches. Here's a closer look at their key characteristics:

Key Features of Kawandi Quilts

1. Construction Style:

   • Kawandi quilts 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, ensuring all layers stay securely held together.

2. Materials:

   • 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.

3. Aesthetic and Design:

   • 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 or edges.

4. Practical and Cultural Significance:

• Kawandi quilts are made for practical purposes, such as providing warmth, but they also reflect the Siddi community's history and artistry.
• The improvisational process mirrors storytelling and a connection to cultural heritage.

Let me know if you have made one and how it turned out.  Looking forward to sharing my progress with you.

Material Musings - Slow Stitching and Bargello

 

In today's video I share my most recent Material Musings video, where I look to continue working on the 'Choices' Slow stitched project.  If you want to see what the project looked like before you can check out the previous video below:

It is nice to have a smaller project to work on in-between larger projects as it enables you to take a breather, but still keep your hand in.  I also worked on a new project known as Bargello.  I had all the supplies, but had used them for other things.  I check out Kiala Givehands monthly meetups and saw a presentation by Bonnie Natko and was able to create with it.

This is how the projects eventually turned out which was quite pleasing.  I just have a few other things to do with the stitched project and also decide how I want to use the completed Bargello - who knows maybe try some others.

Before You Go....

Creative Gardener Today

Here is what I share in the garden today.  You can check out the video below.

There has been a lot of other growth in the garden, and I will do a garden tour towards the end of the month.

Gratitude Junk Journal - Early Bird 20% Off

We have an early bird rate (until 31st October) on our Gratitude Junk Journal, which I am teaching in.  If you would like to get 20% off then enter the code AMORE24 at the checkout.

Learn More About Gratitude Journal HERE

Art Resource Hub

Every month in the Art Resource Hub I share a FREE digital Download, for your creative projects, here is the one for October: