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

Make a Start! It is Not a Dress Rehearsal

 

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

100 Days of Art - with Amanda Trought (Day 1-7) - #100dayproject

What would happen if you shared what you do for the next 100 days?

I'm excited to announce that I'm joining the 100 Day Project! For the next 100 days, I'll be sharing 100 pieces of my art, from mixed media and sculptures to fabric creations and jewelry.

I plan to share a diverse mix of styles and inspirations! Each piece comes with a little story, and I hope it sparks your own creativity, whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out.

Catch all the daily updates on my Instagram account, where some of the art will even be available for purchase! For a weekly recap come back here to my blog every Saturday.

Join me on Instagram

If you are still on the fence about joining the 100 Day Project, there's still time! Jump in for any number of days, leave encouraging comments on others' posts, and most importantly, enjoy the creative journey! Remember, progress over perfection – you'll be surprised where you end up.

Staying Stress-Free During a 100 Day Project - 

1. Be Flexible: Don't pressure yourself to create, you can share tips, your work, process, behind the scenes - it is totally up to you. Some days will be easier than others, so allow for flexibility in your approach and output. 
2. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: This project is about exploring your creativity, not achieving instant perfection. Embrace the journey, celebrate small wins, and learn from every step along the way.
3. Supportive Community: Connect with other participants online or in person. Share your work, offer encouragement, and draw inspiration from each other's experiences. Remember, you're not alone in this!

I hope this helps! Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the creative process. 

Here are the first 7 days of the artwork that I have shared:

Day 1 of 100 Days of Art

Day 2 of 100 Days of Art

Day 3 of 100 Days of Art

Day 4 of 100 Days of Art

Day 5 of 100 Days of Art

Day 6 of 100 Days of Art

Day 7 of 100 Days of Art

Before you go - Come and join us in the Art Resource Hub

Fabric Stitched Projects - Material Mondays

 

Welcome to Material Mondays! I'm Amanda, if this is your first time here, and I'm thrilled to have you join me today. Whether you're new here or a regular viewer, thank you for stopping by. In today's session, we'll explore fabric art panels and delve into the creative process behind their creation. I'll share some of the fabric pieces I've been working on lately and guide you on how to incorporate similar ideas into your own projects. So, let's dive right in!

If you've been following my recent videos, you might have noticed that I've been focusing on various projects like stitching leaves and other ways to embellish them.

I have now moved back to working on some of the stitched projects that have been calling me. I've incorporated stitched words onto the fabric pieces. Initially, I sewed the words onto a large piece of fabric, and when I'm ready for a new word, I simply cut it out and attach it to the project. The contrast created by these stitched words adds a beautiful touch to the overall composition.  I can always go back and add details with different color threads and I can either use a sewing machine or hand stitch.

With some of the other fabric pieces that are currently in progress, each of them consists of separate fabric panels, each undergoing different techniques. Some are dyed, while others are stenciled, painted, or written on. They are now waiting to be attached to larger fabric backing. One piece that stands out is the one called "Vision." I love the combination of colors and the circular motion created by the stitching, evoking a sense of movement. Consider adding seed beads to create dimension and texture in certain areas. The possibilities are endless when it comes to infusing your fabric art with different materials and techniques.

I always have a few projects going at the same time, and I have found that this allows me to continuously engage in the creative process and stay inspired.

If you're interested in seeing some of these pieces check out the video. 

I want to emphasize the importance of gathering fabric pieces and engaging in stitching as a meditative activity. Spending just 20 minutes on a project can be incredibly therapeutic, If you're feeling inspired, consider creating a fabric word sheet like the one I've shown you. These fabric words can be stitched onto your panels, adding a personalized touch to your artwork. It's all about finding joy in the process and allowing your creativity to flourish.

Remember, don't be afraid to change your mind about a piece or experiment with different elements. Artistic expression is all about exploration and embracing the development of your ideas. 

Check out The Free Summit - The Art of The Intuitive Mind

Sign up for this FREE Event HERE

The Art of the Intuitive Mind - Listen to Your Intuition - FREE Summit 25th - 31st May

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.

Find out more and register for free HERE.

Sometimes I Write Poetry - Look inside

I am going to take you on a little journey through the book what I wanted to show you is the color the paintings that are included in the book from paintings that I have created.

Sometimes I write poetry is a collection of words expressing emotions it has been in the process of development over the years and I finally gathered the courage to share it with you.  I'm really proud of the way that it came out I really love the feel of the cover, it's a matte finish and very soft.  The book is split into eight chapters the chapters, which are love, decisions, thoughts, calling, memories, loneliness, loss and death and community and soul and with each chapter there is a color painting that goes with it, and over a hundred poems.

If you would like to purchase a copy you can do so HERE  

Cyber Week Sale!! Extended

You should also check out the Cyber Week Sale that I have going on my Course platform - get 50% off all courses using the code CREATE50 

To be taken to the course selection - Click on the image or HERE 

I also have up to 40% off my digital stamps, there are a range of designs to choose from.  The Etsy code is ORDER20 and you can click on the image to see the designs or HERE

Arts and Wellness Cafe - Nurture and Unleash your Creativity

Come and join me in the most recent Arts and Wellness Cafe where you are encouraged to unleash your creativity.  Start trying new things, revive some of those art supplies that are just sitting down doing nothing.  If you are not familiar with the way they work then ask, take a course - you can even connect with me and I will show you how - you can take a look through my YouTube videos and you may find the answers there, above all, just don't give up.

Another thing that you need to be mindful of is 'self nurture' - it is alright not to have everything planned out all the time.  Sometimes you need to take stock, take a break, really look at where it is that you are going creatively and in other areas of your life.

Looking after yourself using creative activities have an amazing effect, and you have to also look after your supplies and where your creative practice takes place.

I also mention Life Book Taster Sessions, I hope that you have signed up and making the most of the art activities and free gifts and who knows you may be one of the ones who win one of the 40 places that are being given away.  My session is going live on Tuesday 6th October and I hope you can join me and let me know how you get on.  You can sign up HERE if you haven't already.

On Monday I will be starting my Podcast series again and Mondays is Creating in Faith where we look at a word and spend time reflecting You can check it out HERE

Creating in Faith - Pots of Clay

Pots made of clay don’t always look that spectacular until they have been through the glazing and firing process.  When they are first molded and shaped they are dull in colour, still quite fragile.  Each pot is made for a different purpose, some that are filled with water, others filled with wine, some go to be filled with compost to hold plants and there are still a variety of other uses, each with its own purpose and plan for its’ existence.

We too are like these pots of clay that God has formed, molded, pressed in at the sides and fashioned to be fit for a particular purpose, having then His love, grace and wisdom poured into us. We are not to be afraid of what God has called us to do as his children because the purpose he has instilled within us is to bring life, be a blessing, minister to others and show others his love and grace through our thoughts, words and actions.

Once the pots have been fired at exceedingly high temperatures and come out of the kiln they are ready to go and do what they have been called to do, and so must we whatever processes, experiences that we are going through it is to equip us, strengthen us, show us our purpose and beauty and, seeing the richness that lay within us all we have to – as the clay is molded let our lives be molded to his will.

What aspects of your life do you take for granted?  How can you shine a spotlight on those areas of your life that have been overlooked, - journal, write, create some art as your response.

Here are some of the links I mentioned.  My Cousins daughter Melissa's company called Grey Remedy check out her link HERE  You can also check her out on her Instagram Page

Part of Melissa's Range of potter

I love the Raku style of pottery and I have put together a Pinterest board for you to check out, there are some beautiful designs for you to appreciate.  I covered a workshop that artist Juliana Inniss did building coil pots below.  

She is part of a collective of Ceramic artists who exhibited together recently at the Form and Function exhibition below at the Argentina Embassy in Barbados, who have also by the way promised to host a monthly exhibition of local artists.

You can check out some of the sculptures I create HERE, I would love to see how I could incorporate the Raku effect, so a lot of experimenting is needed as my pieces are not fired in a kiln.  

Island Keeper - Mixed Media Art Sculpture, Manifesto Exhibition at Parliament

Disconnect - Mixed Media Art Sculpture, Manifesto Exhibition at Parliament

Amazon have a selection of books on Raku if you are interested in trying yourself  I have compiled list on my Amazon Storefront and check out some of the other books and resources available

Stay blessed and be a blessing!

Realityarts Podcast - Inspirational Shorts - Creativity

Welcome to the Podcast today, where I give a brief insight to Creativity and spending time in a creative activity.  We all have the ability to use creativity in our day to day, and I hope that you will be able to find time to yourself to uncover what type of things you are drawn to.  I hope you enjoy the recording below and notes for your information

Can you see the gifts that you have within you, all that creativity in all its glorious forms within you. When we spend time in creative play and have some understanding of what our purpose is we often see glimpses of the gifts that we have waiting to be birthed. 

They can often be disguised and it isn’t until something happens that we realize that the strength, skill, or gift we needed was right there all along. You don’t have to be an artist to be creative, it is within each of us. You have to find the right tools to enable you to use your creativity in the way that will work for you. 

Do not settle for less than you know you are worth, spend some time in a creative pursuit and allow your gifts to surface.

If you are interested in a creative activity check out my YouTube Channel for creative projects and videos.

Creativity, and Mixed Media Art

Also check out some of Creative Live Courses, they have free live videos on a variety of subjects that may wet your taste appetite!

Mixed Media Play Date

Come and join us, you can now get $25

Sign up HERE

So with that take the time to see what kind of things that you might enjoy.  The posts and podcasts over the past few weeks all seem to have flown together.  I look forward to sharing more with you over the coming week.

Stay blessed and be a blessing.

100 Day Project Challenge - Time for a Change

I decided to do the 100 Day Project, which officially started on the 2nd April, but I started slightly late, but will not stress over it, just carry on and get my 100 posts complete.  What I probably will do is do an extra sketch at the end of each week and catch up and the last week of my challenge I will create some videos sharing some techniques learnt while I was doing the challenge.

I decided to work with pastels for my challenge, and use some of the ones I have sitting in my studio.

So I took them all out so that I could get a better look, and I was pleasantly surprised when I saw what I would be working with.  I found the Conte Pastels which I totally forgot that I had, and allows you to use them without getting your hands dirty.  These are a had pastel

Rembrant soft pastels

Rembrant Soft Pastels, and a box of 60 half pastels.  I brought them along with pastel paper when I decided years back these have some very vivid colours and as you can see break really easily

Royal Langnickel

The Royal Langnickel are hard pastels and will definitely take some getting used to

Rowney and Nouvel Carre

I also have a set of Rowney soft pastels and Nouvel Carre hard pastels, so I think I have a good variety to be getting on with.  

I think that it is a good idea every once in a while to see what supplies you have sitting in your studio/creative space so that you don't have supplies sitting unused for years, and depending on the supply can get hard and unusable before you get to them.

I encourage you to get your materials out and play, that is what I will be doing with these pastels and see just how well they work on their own as well as with other mixed media supplies.

Here are the sketches that I did for my first 3 days

1/100

2/100

3/100

I will be sharing the images on the blog and on Facebook weekly and daily on Instagram

If you would like to purchase any of the supplies you can check then out on my Amazon Supplies list

I hope that you can join the challenge and do something that you have always been putting off