Diamond Painting - Trying something new

 

Check out the latest video where I share my latest Diamond Painting Project.  I thought I would try something new, it was fun - similar to 'painting by numbers'  There was enough left over to create a mini project that I can use in one of my creative projects.

Before You Go:

100 Days of Leaf Art - Week 2 - Finding Inspiration in Nature

Week 2: Finding Inspiration in Nature

Welcome to Week 2 of the 100 Days of Leaf Arts.  Nature is an endless source of inspiration. The veins of a leaf, the curves of a petal, and the textures of bark all hold artistic potential. As I continue this project, I let nature be my guide - observing patterns and translating them into designs burned, stitched and woven onto leaves.

I spend time daily in nature observing the changes, and seeing what inspires me. The natural world offers limitless motifs, from the flowing lines of vines to the intricate spirals found in flower centers. Even shadows and light filtering through trees provide inspiration for contrast and depth in my designs.

Creative Tip: Take a sketchbook outside and draw the natural patterns you see. These can become references for future designs. Try rubbing leaves with charcoal or pencils to create imprints you can use later.

Encouragement: When in doubt, look around you. Nature is the best teacher! Trust that creativity will emerge naturally when you engage with your environment.

Join the journey: The Leaf Arts course teaches techniques to bring nature’s patterns to life on dried leaves and so much more.

Want to learn more?

Join me in my Leaf Arts - Transforming Nature into Art course for guided lessons on leaf art techniques! 

Come and join us on the course and learn to create your own beautifully designed leaves!

Exhibition and Art in Barbados - Queens Park Gallery

I recently had the opportunity of having my art in an exhibition at the Queens Park Gallery for the exhibition Reparations Now and had two pieces of work on display. 

Both pieces speak to the importance of identity - knowing who you are, your purpose and what is driving you.

My Sculpture is called - Disconnect, Gather Together in Thy Name

Photo - Cornerstone Creatives

The second piece is called Remembrance

You can catch more of my work on my website HERE

Arts and Wellness Cafe - Creative Living

Arts and Wellness Cafe 

Welcome to the first of many Arts and Wellness Cafe.  It has been a minute and I wanted to share with you for the end of February.  Well here we are now in March and time has already passed so quickly.

In this Arts and Wellness Cafe, it truly is as if you passed by with none the frills and bells that editing can sometimes offer you.  

In this episode I share some of the projects that I have been working on and what I hope to get to over the course of the month.

I hope you are blessed and that you come back next time and spend some time in the Arts and Wellness Cafe.

How Will You Use the Time You Have?

 

How Will You Use the Time You Have?

Life has a way of filling up with endless to-do lists, and before we know it, the day slips away without making space for the things that truly matter: Creative pursuits, time with loved ones, and personal rest all require intentional effort to carve out space in the midst of life’s demands.

Over the past week, I’ve been immersed in new paintings and experimenting with creative techniques. Time seemed to be slipping away, and I started to feel as if I was standing still creatively. 

To counter this, I decided to keep a record of my creative activities. Listing what I actually accomplished not just what I planned or that was on the 'todo' list, and this helped me see that I was making more progress than I thought. It’s a great way to recognize your efforts and give yourself credit where it’s due. 

When you are feeling slightly off track, look back at your achievements and remind yourself that creative progress doesn’t happen overnight. Sometimes, it’s about trusting the process and staying patient.

Strategies for Managing Daily Busyness & Staying Creative

Here are some of the strategies that I use to stay somewhat on track of all the creative pursuits, dreams and goals.  It is not a 'fix all' but try a couple and see how you get on.

1. Set Clear Priorities – Identify what truly matters each day. Not everything needs to be done immediately, and some things can wait.

2. Time Blocking – Schedule dedicated creative time just as you would any other important task. Treat it as non-negotiable.

3. Track Your Progress – Keep a simple journal or list of what you’ve created and explored. It helps you see how much you’re actually accomplishing.

4. Limit Distractions – Turn off notifications, set boundaries, and create a space where you can focus without interruptions.

5. Embrace Small Wins – Even 10-15 minutes of creativity counts. Don’t wait for large chunks of free time—use what you have.

6. Batch Tasks – Group similar activities together (emails, errands, social media) to free up larger blocks of time for creativity.

7. Give Yourself Grace – Some days will be more productive than others. Celebrate progress rather than perfection.

How do you keep yourself on track when life gets busy?  Leave a comment!

For additional creative tips to try join us on Patreon

Want more?  Join us for FREE on Patreon

Also - Check out my Website and other platforms

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!

Material Musings - Slow Stitched Fabric Projects

Join us for a session of Material Musings as we delve into projects that are still waiting to be finished before the year's end. While it might feel ambitious, the growing excitement for these creations keeps the momentum alive!

Here’s a peek at some projects that have been lingering in my project bag. By taking time to review them, identifying the next steps, and breaking them into manageable tasks, I’m optimistic about making progress and finally bringing them to completion.  

I also share with you some of the projects that I have done by other teachers on Making Zen, You can see the project that I taught HERE  You can also join me on my course - Embellished and Stitched and see how to create them yourself.

This is one of the projects from one of the teachers on the course -  Paula MacGregor, she showed us how she stitched her calico houses, I did mine in backing fabric and emphasized the stitches.

Stitched Houses

How do you get your projects complete then?

Here are 3 Quick Tips for Completing Your Stitched Projects:

• Set Small, Achievable Goals: Break your project into bite-sized tasks. For example, focus on completing one section, stitch, or layer at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.  I work on several projects at a time so it helps to have small tasks that you can do, and move them each along.

• Schedule Dedicated Time: Carve out specific time slots for working on your project, even if it’s just 15 minutes a day. Consistency can lead to big progress.

• Reignite Your Inspiration: If you’ve lost motivation, revisit what excited you about the project in the first place. Lay out your materials, journal about your vision, or seek inspiration from others’ work to reignite your creative spark.  I like doing this periodically and it always keeps you feeling inspired and motivated.

Let’s transform those “in-progress” projects into completed ones together, check out the video and let me know what you are working on!

Join us on Patreon for FREE and see behind the scenes content.

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

Fodder Challenge Starting Soon!!

Fodder Challenge is Coming

I’m excited to share that for my session in the upcoming Fodder Challenge, I’ll be diving into a project all about creating and embellishing leaves! Using supplies you probably already have in your creative space, 

I’ll show you how to decorate these leaves in fun, unique ways. I’ve had such a great time working with them, and adding stitches and embroidery has made them even more enjoyable. I can’t wait to share these techniques with you!

The Fodder Challenge kicks off on October 1st, and I’ll be participating along with other amazing teachers. I’m looking forward to trying out their projects too and sharing what I create using their lessons. It’s always so rewarding to learn new techniques from fellow artists!

And, as if that wasn’t enough, Fodder School 4 is also just around the corner! In my lesson for the school, I’ll be showing you how to make beautiful fabric fodder. 

We’ll be painting, stamping, stenciling, and experimenting with fabric to create clusters and mini wall hangings. It’s going to be so much fun, and I can’t wait to explore these creative techniques with you.

Ready to join in the fun?
Check out the Fodder Challenge HERE and Fodder School 4 HERE.

Let’s get creative together!