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

The Benefits of Being Creative - Art Journals

Art Journal Page - Sing Your Song 

Have you ever taken the time to engage in a creative activity? Maybe you've painted a picture, written a poem, or simply doodled in a journal. Regardless of the activity, there are numerous benefits to spending time being creative, and research has shown that regularly engaging in creative activities can have a positive impact on your overall wellbeing.

One way to incorporate creativity into your daily routine is through art journaling. Art journaling is a form of self-expression that combines words, images, and artistic techniques in a journal. It is a way to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a visual and creative way. 

In today's Art Journal video, we will be taking a journal page and transforming it using a variety of supplies. The page starts with some collage paper and then using stamps and stickable letters, a message and an image are created to accompany it. The bird is a stamped image that is stuck on to the page, then incorporated into it by using paints, and ink to decorate its body. This process can be easily adapted to your own supplies and preferences, making it a flexible and enjoyable activity.

One of the great things about working in your art journal is that you can work with the supplies you have and substitute as you go along. If you don't have stickable letters, then write your message by hand. If you don't have a stamp of a bird, you can substitute a photo or draw the bird yourself. 

With creativity, it's important to experiment on a regular basis in your art journal and play around with ideas, seeing which ones resonate with you more. It doesn't have to be perfect, and it can be whatever you choose it to be. The act of creating and expressing yourself is what's important, not the end result.

Here are some reasons being creative is beneficial.

• It can help reduce stress and anxiety;
• Engaging in a creative activity can help you shift your focus away from negative thoughts and feelings, allowing you to relax and unwind;
• It can also boost your mood;
• It can increase self-esteem;
• It promotes feelings of accomplishment.
• Creativity has been shown to enhance problem-solving skills and improve memory. 

Spending time being creative can have many benefits for your mental and emotional wellbeing. Whether it's through art journaling or another form of creative expression, taking the time to explore your creativity can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. and you might discover a new passion or uncover a hidden talent!

Check out the Art Resource Hub and other courses such as Mixed Media Art Tags on my platform to help you make the most of being creative.

Free Mixed Media Art Resources

 

Check out the Free resource - see a host of Free Resources and information for you to access, including digital and audio downloads, course information, book, product reviews, discounts and offers. You can check it out on my course platform - Click on the link HERE

Art Tags FREE Mini Course

A set of 7 art tags designs that you can add your own flair to. In the videos I share with you some hints and tips More information HERE

Recycled Stamps and Stencils Course

Do you want ideas for creating your own stamps and stencils from recycled materials, in this mini course I show you a series of examples using recycled materials and create a couple of art pages.  More information HERE

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Mixed Media Art Courses to Check out

Digital Art Papers for your Art Journals

I have shared my mixed media art taster pack and tag set which is free when you sign up to my mailing list, and is a way of saying thanks for joining me on the creative adventure..  

You can sign up for the mailing list HERE 

Having extra backgrounds can be so useful when preparing your art journal pages, creating your own tags and other creative activities.

As part of the digital kit you will receive the following:

as well as:

Would love to see how you get on with them, share them here or on Instagram and tag me @realityarts