Uncovering Hidden Creativity: Exploring Art Through Backgrounds

Uncovering Hidden Creativity: Exploring Art Through Backgrounds

One of my favorite creative exercises is exploring mixed media art backgrounds.  If you have watched any of the projects on Patreon you will see how I create and searching for hidden shapes and figures within them. It’s a process of discovery—letting the background guide the direction of the artwork rather than forcing a specific idea.

This approach brings a sense of playfulness to my work, allowing unexpected elements to emerge. I’ve found it especially rewarding with my digital art floral background pages, as they offer endless possibilities for layering, highlighting, and transforming abstract patterns into something entirely new.

If you’re looking for a way to spark fresh ideas and deepen your creative practice, here are some ways you can experiment with background exploration:

Creative Activities Using Digital Art Floral Backgrounds

Shape Discovery – Print out your background and study it for a few moments. Do you see faces, animals, or abstract figures? Lightly sketch around the shapes you find, then enhance them with paint, ink, or stitching.

Cut & Rearrange – Print your background and cut it into different shapes. Rearrange the pieces into a collage or use them to build layers in an art journal. Try mixing different floral backgrounds for a dynamic effect.

Layer with Mixed Media – Use your floral background as a base for stamping, stenciling, or mark-making. Acrylics, watercolors, and even embroidery can add beautiful depth to the design.

Interactive Journaling – Glue a background page into your art journal and write or doodle over it. The soft floral elements create a unique backdrop for personal reflections or poetry.

Highlighting Hidden Elements – Use a fine liner or white gel pen to outline patterns that stand out to you. Maybe a petal looks like a bird’s wing, or a swirl resembles a dancer in motion—enhance what you see and let the artwork evolve.

Embracing the Creative Process

Letting go of strict expectations and simply exploring what appears on the page can be incredibly freeing. Sometimes, the most intriguing discoveries happen when we step back and allow the art to reveal itself.

If you try any of these techniques, I’d love to see what you create! Share your work or let me know what hidden gems you find in your backgrounds.

What unexpected shapes or patterns have you uncovered in your art? Leave a comment below!

This practice can lead to unexpected and intriguing discoveries, adding another layer of fun to the creative process.  Most of my work now takes on this form especially with the digital art papers I create.

You can access the papers for Free on my Patreon - Check them out HERE

Transforming Nature into Art - Leaf Arts Course

 Transforming Nature into Art - Leaf Arts Online Course

I am pleased to share my latest online course working creatively on dried leaves.

Leaf Arts - Transforming Nature into Art is a course that takes you through all the creative stages of working on your dried leaves.

Weaving on leaves

We take our time to slow stitch, weave, crochet, paint and create some amazing wood burning effects on the surface of the leaves. It is available at a discounted price until the 15th February, check out the course and see what you think. 

Slow Stitching on Leaves

There are also a range of bonuses for you to access on the course.

Burning Designs onto leaves

I am looking forward to welcoming you into the course community.

Check out the course HERE

The Fun Continues: Create Your Own Cardboard Bookcases!

 

The Creating with Cardboard Course has been an absolute joy so far! Watching participants transform simple, everyday cardboard into beautiful, functional bookshelves has been nothing short of inspiring. Each creation is unique, filled with personality, and showcases just how much fun recycling can be when combined with creativity!

The Early Bird Special has been extended to the 15th February!

If you haven’t joined yet, great news—the early bird special has been extended to 15th February! Now’s the perfect time to jump in and start crafting your own custom bookshelf. Whether you want a miniature bookshelf a whimsical storage space, or a decorative shelf for your favorite trinkets, this course will teach you what you need to know.

Why Not Gift a Creative Experience? 

Looking for a unique and meaningful gift? Instead of another store-bought item, why not give the gift of creativity? A gifted spot in this course is perfect for anyone who loves hands-on projects, sustainability, or exploring new art techniques. Whether it’s for a crafty friend, a family member, or even yourself (because self-care through creativity is important too!), this class is a wonderful way to spark inspiration.

What’s Inside the Course?

• Step-by-step tutorials to create and decorate your own cardboard bookshelf
• Creative techniques using paint, collage, and other mixed media elements
• Sustainable crafting tips—learn how to repurpose materials in fun and artistic ways
• Bonus content! Extra videos and ideas to personalize your bookshelf, create miniature art journals and more.

Sign up before 15th February to take advantage of the early bird price and start creating today!

Join the Creative with Cardboard Course Now!  Sign Up Here

Art Journals that now have a new home!

Mixed Media Art - Digital Papers Available for February

 

The Free digital art papers for the month has been released and you can access them HERE and use them in your art journals and creative projects.

You can check out what I did with the papers from January below and also get a copy of the original papers for your projects

These are the papers for January if you missed them, join us on the Free tier of Patreon

This was a really fun page to create

Transform Cardboard into Stunning Bookcase: Join the Fun!

The Joy of Cardboard

Have you ever looked at a pile of cardboard and wondered what creative potential it holds? In today’s fast-paced world, finding ways to recycle and create something practical and beautiful is a rewarding challenge. 

My latest course Creating Cardboard Bookshelves shows you how to turn everyday cardboard into a functional and stylish bookcase that’s is fun to create and is useful. You can join for an early bird special of just $37 before the price returns to $47 on January 11th!

Join the Course HERE

Why Cardboard? The Power of Recycling:
Cardboard is one of the most widely available and versatile materials. By repurposing cardboard, you’re not only reducing waste but also giving new life to something that would otherwise be discarded. Here are some benefits of recycling cardboard:

• Eco-Friendly Impact: Recycling cardboard reduces the demand for new materials, saves energy, and minimizes landfill waste. Every small step helps create a healthier planet.

• Cost-Effective: Why buy expensive shelving when you can make something equally functional and unique at a fraction of the cost?

• Creative Opportunities: Cardboard is lightweight, easy to cut and shape, and surprisingly strong when assembled. It’s a blank canvas waiting for your imagination.

What to Expect in the Course:
This course is designed to make creating with cardboard accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of your crafting experience. Here’s what you’ll get:

• Step-by-Step Guidance: Learn how to construct a sturdy bookshelf that can you art journals, decorations, or art supplies. 

• Bonus Videos: Gain extra inspiration with additional tutorials on painting, decorating, and enhancing your cardboard creation.

• Customization Tips: Discover how to personalize your bookcase to fit your style and needs. Whether you love vibrant colors or a minimalist look, you’ll find ways to make it your own.  You can make it to a size that suits you.

Take a look at our first project

Create your own mini Bookshelves

Unleash Your Creativity:
Crafting with recycled materials is more than just a sustainable choice; it’s an opportunity to explore your creativity. With this course, you’ll learn how to:

• Transform a simple material into a functional and decorative piece for your home.

• Experiment with different designs, textures, and finishes to create something truly unique.

• Gain confidence in your ability to craft and upcycle, sparking ideas for future projects.

Your Favorite Project - Once you start you won't be able to stop:
Imagine having a practical and attractive bookcase that you designed and built yourself. Every time you use it, you’ll be reminded of your resourcefulness and creativity. Plus, it’s a conversation starter—people will love hearing about how you turned cardboard into a piece of furniture!

Sign Up Today and Save:
Take advantage of the early bird special and join the course for just $37. But hurry—this offer ends on January 11th!

Sign Up Now

Let’s make something amazing together. I can’t wait to see the unique bookshelves you create!

Happy New Year - Fodder School and Creative Activities

Wishing you an amazing and fruitful New Year!!

Had an amazing time with the Artsy Meetup Marathon where we saw the New Year in with an wonderful array of creative activities and lessons.  In my lesson we worked with alcohol inks and acetates.  I love the way they turned out.  If you would like to see how I use it on laminating pouches you can join me on my Patreon platform HERE

I have now finished the project for December and Fodder School with the artist Sally Hirst and I have made the projects from the Make Fodder part of the lesson.

It was great creating all the different textures to use with our Gelli plates which was so much fun.

Here are some of the papers that I created using my gelli plate

Working with a gelli plate can be quite an addictive activity, and so enjoyable seeing what you can create using additional things like stencils, masks and probably all the things sitting on your shelves or draws that you forgot that you had.  These can create some really lovely textures.

For the main projects we made coasters and Frames from our papers and here are mine.  And of course there are so many other ways in which you can use what you create with all the fodder that I have left over after these projects.

The frames came out really well and I think I will be making more.   I also made my coasters from cardboard instead of wood. It is great to be able to recycle and make use of all the materials we have at our disposal, instead of seeing them go into landfill.

For January in Fodder School we will be working on making more fodder with Liz Constable and there will be an equally exciting project to make with Liz in the 'Use Fodder' lessons that will be available around the middle of the month.  Check out Fodder School HERE

Before You Go

Check out my website

Give the Gift of Creativity: Why a Patreon Membership is the Perfect Gift

 

Are you looking for a meaningful and unique gift that inspires creativity? You can now gift my Patreon membership to friends, family, or anyone you'd like to invite into our creative space! By gifting a membership, you're opening the door to nearly 600 posts packed with art inspiration, technique videos, exclusive digital downloads, member discounts, and more.

A Patreon membership isn’t just a gift—it's an experience. It offers connection, inspiration, and hands-on creative learning, all without worrying about shipping or wrapping. You’re not just giving "something"; you’re giving tools for growth, joy, and endless creative conversations.

What Else do you Gain?

1. Learn New Techniques & Tools
Members gain access to a treasure trove of technique videos, tutorials, and behind-the-scenes content that spark fresh ideas and confidence. Whether they’re beginners or experienced artists, there’s always something to explore.

2. Enjoy Exclusive Creative Resources
From beautiful digital downloads like tags, floral designs, and embellishments to printable art fodder, the membership equips members with resources they can use in their own creative projects.

3. Connect to a Creative Community
Gifting a membership also means gifting a sense of community—where fellow artists and creatives gather, share, and celebrate each other’s work. It’s the perfect way to support creativity while sparking deeper conversations with other members who share your passion.

Your Gift Makes a Difference

By gifting a membership, you’re not only giving someone a world of creative inspiration, but you’re also helping to support my work and grow our thriving community of artists. It’s a win-win that keeps on giving.

Ready to gift creativity? Click here to gift a Patreon membership today!

No shipping. No stress. Just creativity, connection, and joy.

Blessings

3 Tips - Creative Community

 

Creativity often feels like a solitary journey, but connecting with others can transform our practice in surprising ways. Sharing your challenges, celebrating your wins, and exchanging ideas with fellow artists can spark inspiration and provide fresh perspectives.  I will share with you 3 tips for connecting with your creative community as you navigate your creative adventure.

Find out the tips on our FREE Patreon platform - Read More Here

Making Zen - Get the VIP Experience! -- Closes 25th November 11.59pm AST!

 

Making Zen has come to an end and we are on our last week of Gratitude Junk Journal, we have had such a lovely time. 

It was great to connect with some of you and see all the work produced in the retreat. I hope if you are doing the bonus session of Embellished and Stitched, you will share your take on the lesson with me on Instagram - @realityarts.

For some the 5 days of the retreat fitted their schedules, but If 24 hours of access seems like it’s just not enough, the VIP Pass, which gives you lifetime access to the workshops, as well as some other special bonuses from each of the presenting artists, is available until Monday 25th November 11.59pm AST. 

If you want to join in on the fun, you can get all the details for the free ticket and for the VIP Pass HERE.

It is really great to see what you are creating too.  I have been completing the projects from the other teachers as well and will be sharing soon.  

Gratitude Junk Journal

My lesson went live for the Gratitude Junk journal, and I created a series of tags that can be added to the art journal.  The creation of the tags is about reflecting on the time spent, in the past, present and what you would want for your life in the future.   Here are the tags

You can find out further information about the course Here.  I hope you are able to join us for an amazing creative journey.

Creative art journal Papers - FREE on Realityarts Patreon

Check out some of the creative papers I have created which are available on Patreon.  Some are available on their respective tiers, but do check out the Free Tier and papers available for you to use each month.

You can access the current one for November and also see some behind the scene projects.  

Next month I will be sharing all the papers I have produced for 2024 with some additional visual elements which you can purchase, and you will be able to download them for use in your art journals and creative projects.

Check out the Papers HERE

Early Birds and Giveaway's

 

Art Bundle for Good

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.

Enter the Giveaway HERE

Gratitude Art Journal

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.

Remember to unlock the EARLY BIRD SPECIAL which ends 31st October 2024 at 11:59pm Eastern:

Just enter code: AMOR24 at checkout AND GET 20% OFF HERE!

CHECK OUT THE GRATITUDE JUNK JOURNAL HERE

Before you go...

Did you get your FREE Papers - check out Octobers papers and see what you can come up with.

Get your papers here

Mixed Media Art Leaves - Fodder Challenge

I am excited to share that Monday 7th October is my day for sharing my lesson on Fodder Challenge. I am working with dried leaves, and I share how you can alter them and create mini pieces of art.

You will see how I paint, stitch, stamp and use a range of different supplies on the leaves.

Here are some of my painted leaves.  I will be sharing on Instagram over the next few days the work that the students create, so be prepared to be inspired.  Join us HERE or check out the #fodderchallenge 

Here are leaves that have been painting and circles cut in them as decoration.

If you are not part of the Fodder challenge, why not do some experimenting on some leaves and see how you get on. I do love slow stitching on the leaves and depending on the kind of leaf you select you will find that some are thicker than others, so they are sturdier and handle better, see what you can find, there is a wide selection to choose from.

You can also check out my new course that is available at the Early Bird price, all about Leaf Arts and what you can do on them. We go into detail about working with them and I share additional techniques for working with them. 

Check out the Leaf Arts Course HERE

Before You Go

Get your FREE Art Papers in the Arts Resource Hub for October

Material Musings - Fabric Books

Join me for Material Musings this week.  Here are an additional 3 fabric art journals that I have been playing with. It is always nice to revisit previous journals. I did some painting in a couple and plan to do some stitching and maybe add beading.

Here are the three fabric art journals that I work on, made from recycled materials.

You will also see a page in progress and ways that you can add stenciling to a page.  I will be spending a bit more time on the pages and adding some additional embellishments.