Courageous in your Creativity - Get Messy Art Interview

 

I recently did an interview with Claudette from Get Messy Art about my work, creativity, showing up and the messy middle.  Come and join us and join in the conversation!

Before you go - Check out my Free Digital Art papers for December:

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

Digital Art Papers - July - Patreon

 

Here are the selection of papers for July's Digital Download on Patreon for the $3 Tier.   If you join us on the $3 Tier you will have access to all the previously posted content which spans 3 years and includes digital and video resources for your creative project.

  

We have a Free Tier and a set of papers for you to access for the month and a series of exclusive posts and videos on the tier so that you can wet your feet and see how you like it.   

Free Tier Papers 

 

$10 Tier Papers

The aim for the papers are to encourage you to do something creative with what you have and provide you with beautiful imagery that you can play around with.

$15 Tier Papers  

It is very important to find ways in which you can motivate and encourage yourself, especially in those times where you are feeling off or if you want a low energy project or even only have a short time.

The digital downloads are available on Patreon for you to enjoy, why not come and check it out and have a play with the papers.

Find out more HERE

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

Celebrating Mother's Day: The Importance of Self-Care and Nurturing

 

Happy Mothers Day, It’s a time of reflection and appreciation for the incredible women who have shaped our lives. 

From the mothers who raised us to the maternal figures who have guided and supported us along the way, Mother's Day is an opportunity to celebrate their love, sacrifice, and unwavering presence. As we spend time honoring those in our lives, we also take time to think about our own self-care and nurturing our well-being.

Self-Care Matters

Self-care is a fundamental aspect of maintaining balance, and overall well-being in our lives. Taking time to showing ourselves love and carving out moments of solitude, indulging in a favorite hobby, or simply giving ourselves permission to rest, self-care empowers us to recharge and replenish our energy.

Sometimes prioritizing self-care can often feel like a as meeting the needs of others can leave little time or energy for self-nurturing. However, practicing self-care is essential.

Celebrating Self-Care

I encourage mothers and maternal figures to take time for themselves, engage in activities that bring them joy, and honor their own needs and desires – whatever that may be, whether it's enjoying a leisurely morning, taking a peaceful nature walk, or indulging in a creative pursuit, let's celebrate each and every day in a way that nurtures the mind, body, and soul.

For More Ideas for Self Care - Join us HERE

Second Saturday Art Journal Page - Tulips

 

If you didn't catch us in the live premier this afternoon you can take a look at how I created this page here which was part of a collaboration for #secondsaturdayart.  Click on the video above or HERE

It started out with the digital download page I created of the tulips, which is part of a kit that I created on my Patreon platform you can check it out HERE.

For $3 each month they have access to a new set of digital download background papers, tags and videos giving ideas for how they can be used. 

I had fun creating the image and incorporating the tulips with the figure.

It is all about creative play and experimenting with the supplies that you have.  These papers will be then added to my art journal.  There are tags and other elements that can be added when the digital download pages are cut up.

If you want to check out the FREE members page of my Patreon you will see early release and posts there first.  If you want to access the digital papers and others in the series you can check them out using the 7 Day FREE trial which will give you access at the $3 tier, and you have over 400 posts, videos and downloads to check out in the meantime.

The page was great fun to create, and I look forward to creating more using this technique.

Art Journal Play - Mark Making and Doodling

In this video I show you how I take a background page, that has leftover paint on it and turn it into a page full of detail, doodles and mark making.  I had shared in an online collaboration called Second Saturday Art.  You can check some of my other videos in my Playlist Here.

When I work in my art journals, I always have a spare page that I can put all the excess paint that you are sometimes left with in your pallet and rather than wash it off I will add it to a random page in the journal.

I was able to come back to the page and started to add doodles, marks and a figure emerged.  I went with the flow and had fun.  Check out the video to see the finished page, and take a look at the process as it unfolds.

Before You Go

Come and join us on Patreon.  You can now join as a FREE member and get access to posts before they appear here on Realityarts-Inspiration.  I also have a 7 Day Free trial on the $3 Tier You can get access to over 400 posts, videos, and digital downloads.  Learn More HERE

Material Musings - Tips for your scrap fabrics

 

Welcome to Material Musings, in this video I share some ways that I use fabric scraps and create mini projects.  I show you some of the panels and wall hangings in progress, waiting for either some stitching, beading or to be added to another project.

I also share how I create these fun badges, they will either be placed on another project or can be used as a tag or in an art journal spread. I will be adding some more stitching to the pieces and maybe some beading to each of them.

How are you using your fabric scraps, or your supplies that you have neglected?

If you decide to create them, remember to share on IG and tag me @realityarts

Check in your own supplies to see what you have.  Here are some of the additional supplies that I used:

• Brads - https://amzn.to/3VsNA7c
• Hot Glue Gun - https://amzn.to/3vtsb32
• Embroidery Thead - https://amzn.to/3VsATJr
• Ribbon - https://amzn.to/3PvE3Zh
• Fabric panels (available in different colors) - https://amzn.to/495SutS and check out - https://amzn.to/3Tq9ghM

Have fun!

Before you go

Join us for FREE on Patreon or try out one of the Tiers on the 7 day free trial:

Slow Stitching: Completing Textile and Fabric Artwork

Welcome to Material Mondays! Today, we are delving into the world of slow stitching and completing textile and fabric artwork. You can check out the accompanying video below, I'm excited to share with you the process of working with different materials and adding intricate stitches to create textile art pieces.

Last week, we looked at an incomplete piece that I've been working on, in this video and I'm happy to say that it's now complete! I added additional stitching along the figure's body and clothes, defining the edges and creating shadows with darker threads. The completed piece measures nine inches by nine and is titled "Rest A While."

I'm considering framing it, but it will also be available for purchase unframed on my Etsy shop or website.

Here is last weeks video if you missed it

New Textile Art

Working on small stitches, is something I find incredibly enjoyable. It allows me to add intricate details and textures to my artwork, giving it a unique look and also enables me to experiment with various stitches, threads, and materials.

I enjoy working on multiple projects and I find that when I come back to these unfinished pieces, that I am able to look from a new perspective. Stepping away from a piece can be a refreshing way to gain new insights and inspiration.

Slow stitching and completing textile and fabric artwork is a journey and It's about finding joy in small details, experimenting with materials, and letting inspiration guide your hand. I hope this glimpse into my artistic process has inspired you to pick up your needle and thread and embark on your own creative adventure.

Join me next time on Material Mondays as I continue working on this piece and explore more stitching techniques. Until then, stay inspired and keep crafting!

Join me on Patreon!

Check out exclusive content on Patreon - sign up for the 7 day FREE trial and get access to over 300 'Patron Only' content.  

The 100 Day Project - Collage Art - Reflections

 100 Days of Collage

The 100-day project has come to an end, and it's an exhilarating feeling to look back and admire the collection of 100 unique collage art pieces I have created.

Each artwork, crafted on a book page or card, incorporates a selection of collage ephemera and uplifting words or phrases. Throughout this creative journey, I have not only discovered the joy of creating collages but also explored various other ways in which collage can be used in my creative practice.

It was a real joy creating the pieces, I selected all the ephemera that I had, all the handmade paper, painted paper, paint, stencils, doodling and much more and had fun putting them together.

Collage is fun and spoke to the multipotentialite in me that loves working in on different pieces of art, 100 to be exact. I was able to explore all the different combinations of materials such as paper, photographs, fabrics, and found objects. The tactile experience of gathering and arranging these elements added an extra layer of excitement and creativity to the artistic process.

Creative Expression

Collage art provides an opportunity to express one's personal narrative.  I love providing encouragement in my work and telling a story. By incorporating meaningful imagery, symbols, and words, each piece can tell a story or evoke specific emotions, allowing for a deeper connection between the artwork and the viewer.

Experimenting and Play

Collage art encourages experimenting with your supplies and spending time playing.  By staying flexible and not limiting yourself it enables you to explore different compositions, textures, and color combinations. This can lead to some powerful pieces.

Therapeutic Collage

Engaging in the process of creating collages can be meditative and therapeutic. The act of cutting, arranging, and gluing materials can be a form of mindfulness, providing a sense of relaxation and focus.

I hope seeing some of my collage art from my 100 day challenge has inspired you to maybe try a challenge yourself, it is so much fun, and great to see what you have produced when you look back.

My art pieces will be made available on my Red Bubble site should you want to buy a print or have an image on a journal.

Enjoy a 7 Day FREE Trial on Patreon 

Check out my Patreon, you will find over 90 different projects, videos, digital downloads and more for your to have fun with.  Let me know how you get on.

Material Mondays - The Joy of Textile Art and Slow Stitching for Health and Well-being.

Material Mondays

Welcome to Material Mondays, In this video I share some of the projects that I am working on and how I would take some of them forward.

I always find getting started on a new piece is an exciting, and I am inspired by the fabric, threads and embellishments.  I take a stitched piece to a particular point, then are drawn to other pieces. As artists, we often find ourselves surrounded by numerous incomplete projects at different stages. I find that there are quite a few benefits of having several projects on the go and will share some of them below. 

Variety is the spice of life:
Having a range of incomplete projects allows us to explore different techniques, themes, and ideas. Each project represents a unique creative journey, providing us with opportunities to experiment, learn, and grow as creatives. With multiple projects in progress, we can switch between them based on our mood, inspiration, or specific skills we wish to enhance. 


Inspiration from Different Stages:
Projects at various stages offer inspiration and new perspectives. When we review our incomplete projects, we gain new insights and ideas for their completion. The early stages of a project may spark our creativity, while those nearing completion motivate us to add the finishing touches - some of mine include extra slow stitching or beading.  We are then able to discover unexpected connections between ideas.

Stitched projects at their final stages

The Therapeutic Power of Slow Stitching:
I love slow stitching on projects, it provides a tranquil and meditative experience. Engaging in slow stitching allows us to immerse ourselves in the process, savoring each stitch, and enjoying the journey. This mindful activity promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and enhances overall mental wellbeing.  What better way to look after yourself!

Health Benefits of Creative Activities:
Participating in creative activities has been shown to have numerous health benefits. These activities promoting feelings of joy and accomplishment, and boosts self-esteem. Art also serves as a powerful tool for self-expression, enabling us to express our emotions and thoughts.

Check out the work that I share in the video, I eventually choose to work on a dragon fly design that has been wax resisted on cotton, and I will be adding stitching. 

If you find you have multiple projects to complete, go easy on yourself and don't become overwhelmed.  Allow your intuition and creative spark to guide you and know that as you are mindful about your activities you are impacting your mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. 

So, whether you're exploring new projects, revisiting incomplete ones, or immersing yourself in slow stitching, embrace the joy of textile art.

You can check out some of the other Material Monday posts on my YouTube playlist - HERE  You can also check out some of the videos below.

Enjoy a 7 Day FREE Trial on Patreon 

Check out my Patreon, you will find over 90 different projects, videos, digital downloads and more for your to have fun with.  Let me know how you get on.

Developing your Creative Practice and Dealing with the Critic

Developing a creative routine and managing the critic are integral aspects of nurturing your artistic practice. We don't always have the hours we crave to be creative, but you can look at ways that can help you identify areas that you can incorporate into your routine.

Here are a few things you can do to develop your creative routine - 

Developing Your Creative Routine:

1. Allocate time for play: Make sure to dedicate time to indulge in activities without any specific end goal. This helps you enjoy the creative process and explore without restrictions.
2. Create a schedule: Establish a morning routine that sets the tone for your creative day. Consider incorporating elements like gratitude exercises and spending time in nature to stimulate inspiration and mental well-being.
3. Be Flexible: While having a routine is essential, remain open to adjusting it based on your needs. Allow yourself the freedom to spend more time on certain activities or projects when necessary.

You can find additional tips on my Patreon platform.  

Why not check out the 7 Day FREE Trial to take a look at some of the informative videos and digital downloads that you can have access to.

Learn More HERE

Giveaways, Courses and more..

One Badass Art Journal 2022

I am going to be teaching on a few more courses next year and I am excited to share them with you.  The first one is One Badass Art Journal 2022, we are running a giveaway and you can enter HERE  Leave your details and your name goes into the pot for a chance to win a seat.

Enter HERE  for a chance to win a spot on the course

Here is what you will be getting on the course....

• get 17 badass art journal lessons (includes a book making lesson)

• learn BADASS mixed media techniques

• be infused with confidence, creativity and inspiration

• learn great tips and tricks you can use again and again

• play with a variety of tools, adding to your skills

• experience beautiful color combinations and blending techniques

• make BADASS, mixed media, art journal pages

Here’s what you can expect:

• Step-by-Step Mixed Media Tutorials

• Video Tutorials

• Downloadable PDFs

• Wonderful for beginners or anyone who wants to RELEASE their inner BADASS.

Creative JumpStart - Creating Connections 2022

The second course that I am teaching on is called Creative Jumpstart, registration opens on 29th and I will be able to share with you additional information.  You can find out about all the teachers HERE

Creative JumpStart was created by Nathalie Kalbach for hobbyists and artists alike to learn from the best of the best, and take action to build a creative habit. 

The workshop is delivered over four weeks via 38 pre-recorded lessons and interactive sessions (think live webinars and a private forum just for CJS students & instructors to connect).  You get the chance to ask questions, get hands-on help, and join the creative community. 

I will share more about the course and a sneak peek of my class in the coming week.

Patreon

Why not join me on Patreon   It can be a busy time with all these courses and if you are not able to join me on these courses, you can always check out over 60 Patron only posts that include tutorials, how to videos, behind the scenes and more for as little as $3 per month. 

Creating an Art Journal Page - Use up your Supplies

 

Join me in the studio as we work on an art journal page, the aim is to use up supplies that you have been sitting on and allowing to dry up and feel neglected.

It is time for you to dig them out and give them a new lease of life, create an art journal page with me, or create something else with what you have.

I am looking forward to see what you create and you join the journey.

Join me on Patreon for some behind the scenes look at the work that I do, for as little as $3 you get monthly art videos, downloadables, printable backgrounds and much more!

CHECK IT OUT HERE