Playing with Fabric - Having Fun!

 Playing with Fabric and Having Fun

Weekly Material Musings

With September moving fast, things are busy and so exciting  - I am in my fabric element! 

In Fodder School, I’m sharing my fabric lesson as the final teacher for Fodder School 4. All through September, you join me for a month of fabric play and creativity.  We have had so many gorgeous examples of how students have worked on their own fabric - it is wonderful to see how we can have the same instruction and create so many varied outcomes.  You can check them out on my Instagram Highlights

In the first part of the month we dive into ways to work with the fabric.  No experience is needed, just bring your curiosity!  If you’re already comfortable with fabric and mixed media, you’ll have plenty of room to add your own spice to the fodder we make together - in fact it is a must!  we focus on making our fabric fodder and seeing how many different ways we can make marks on the surface with the tools that we have.  I’ll guide you through ways I use my own stamps and stencils on fabric and we make a handmade stamp that you can keep using for future projects.

This month is extra special because I’ve collaborated with Fodder School and ArtFoamies to bring out my very own set of ArtFoamies! I share in a bonus lesson how I use my ArtFoamies on Fabric.   You can also explore my digital stamp sets in my Etsy store if you’d like even more creative tools - I have created a whole series of images that you can use in your creative projects.

ArtFoamies Variations

In the second half of September - which is fast approaching, we’ll take all of the fodder we’ve made and turn them into mini wall hangings, which you can hang as is or put in a frame.  They are also perfect for gifting, or simply adorning your creative space. You will have plenty of extra fabric fodder to keep experimenting in your other projects too - Wendy did a bonus video that shows us how to make a 'Side Kick Journal', which is so calling my name to be made from all of the fabric I have in my stash!  Susanna also shows us how she uses the ArtFoamies she designed in her projects on eco dyed fabric and watercolors.  Some great ideas to play around with.

Sunday Reflections & Material Musings

Sunday Reflections

Sundays are the perfect time to reflect on the week ahead, restore, and refresh your batteries. I’d love for you to join me in Material Musings each week, where I’ll share what fabric projects we’re working on next. It’s a gentle creative space to spark ideas, encourage your own practice, and remind you that making is meant to be joyful and part of your everyday activity.

Wherever you are at in your journey, come and join us and let us stitch, stamp, and play with all that delicious fabric we are sitting on!! 

ArtFoamies Adventure - Come and Join Us!!

Come and join us on the ArtFoamies Adventure.  The Art foam Stamps that I designed have been released and I will be sharing the stamps over the course of the week so you can see some of the ways in which you can use them.

Check out some of my Digital Art Stamps over in my Etsy Store!

Working with Beads, Felts - Visual Feast

 

Welcome to this weeks Material Musings take out your fabric and beads and lets have some fun on our projects!

I love collecting beads and have done so for many years, so much so that some of the beads would be considered 'Vintage'.  Come and join me and see just a fraction of the collection - a visual feast for the eyes!

Here are some of the collection - all different sizes and colors

I love using the beads on my fabric projects especially the ones with figures.

Before you Go

Illustrated Foam Stamps Collaboration - ArtFoamies and Fodder School

  

Introducing My ArtFoamies Collection — Creative Companions for Your Art Practice

I’m thrilled to finally share something very special with you, a selection of my hand-drawn illustrations have been transformed into foam stamps in a beautiful collaboration between Fodder School and ArtFoamies.  Click on the images to purchase.

 

Bantu Knots - Set 1

The collection includes three unique sets, each featuring two illustrated figures — six muses in total and I hope you will get to know and use them in your creative activities. I think of them as creative companions, figures who carry presence, power, and story. They are part of a wider lineage of muses I’ve developed, each one rooted in heritage and embodied creativity.  

 

Nkosi - Set 1  

These designs are inspired by the adornment traditions of African women and the vibrant spiritual memory seen in natural and traditional hairstyles across the African continent, the Caribbean, and the global African diaspora. There is something deeply regal and grounded about each of these figures. They hold stillness, beauty, and grace and I hope you enjoy creating with them.  

Uplift - Set 3  

They are designed to be more than just stamps. Use them on paper, fabric, canvas, or journal pages. Print, paint, embellish, stitch and let them join you on your creative adventures.  Explore them and their variations as you create.  

Vessel - Set 3   

The collection is now available at the ArtFoamies Website. You can check them out HERE

Check out Kae Pea from ArtFoamies and her video using the stamps on acetate on YouTube HERE she shared various ways you could use them with magazines.  

Wrapped -  Set 2

Beacon - Set 2  

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing more about the stories behind these muses, how I use them in my own work, and inspiration to help you make them your own.  Our FREE Tier Patrons get early access, so why not come and join us!

Stay blessed and be a blessing 

Who are you Creating For - Arts and Wellness Cafe

 

Come and join us in the Arts and Wellness Cafe, where I share insights about the power and purpose of creativity, and knowing who we are creating for - without our own needs getting lost in the mix.  

Creativity is not only just a creative pastime but also a vital tool for personal expression, healing, and inspiration. 

We have to remember that creativity is not a solitary act, but a shared journey that can uplift, inspire and create connection. 

I would love to have your perspective, join us in the discussion.

Mixed Media Art Encouraging Tags - Digital Art Downloads

 

 

Here are the papers for Aprils Digital Download on Patreon.  for the $3 Tier.  Below you will find examples of the projects that I created.  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 Trial on the tier so that you can wet your feet and see how you like it.  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.

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

Digital Art Papers May - Patreon

 

Here are the papers for May'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 Trial on the tier so that you can wet your feet and see how you like it. 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.

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

Mastering Mixed Media Expo - EXTENSION - Closes 18th May 2025

Fantastic news if you have been joining us for the Mastering Mixed Media Expo we have had an EXTENSION!! It will be finishing on the 18th May.

You have a few more days to go through the sessions that you missed or rushed through or if you haven't started you have a second chance, and I’d love for you to join me.  

Sign up here for free!

You’ll get:  

Access to 35+ art workshops from talented mixed media artists;

I’ll be sharing a project I think you’re going to love — playful, textured, and filled with heart.

After the 18th all the classes will go. Why not go for the VIP option that gives you lifetime access to all the workshops, plus:

✨ Downloadable sessions to keep forever
✨ A bonus virtual gift bag loaded with extras (collage sheets, classes, PDFs &         more!)
✨ A discounted price of just £59 (normally £99) — available for a limited time

Grab the VIP Pass here

Whether you're new to mixed media or looking to spark fresh ideas in your practice, this event is made for you.

Click here to join for Free

or

GET the VIP PASS

Happy Creating!!

100 Days of Leaf Art - Week 11

 Week 11: Exploring New Techniques

With confidence growing, I explore even more with my supplies and mediums. Through playing with supplies on the surface you begin to see what works for you, and where you need to stretch yourself further. 

I experiment with mixed media—adding decorated paper, watercolor washes, or creating clusters with my stitched and burned designs.

Pushing beyond my comfort zone keeps the project exciting. Even if a new technique doesn’t work perfectly, it leads me to fresh ideas.

Creative Tip: Try adding a new material—paint, embroidery floss, or metallic ink—to elevate your designs. Keep an open mind and see where the process leads.

Encouragement: Growth comes from exploration. Step beyond what feels familiar and discover new possibilities.

Expand your skills: My Leaf Arts course covers creative ways to enhance your leaf art.

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100 Days of Leaf Art - Week 11

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!

Reframing The Time - Arts and Wellness Cafe

 

How are we making the most of the time that we have at our disposal?

Walk with me and take a seat in the Arts and Wellness Cafe.  

Lately, I've been reflecting on time - how it stretches and compresses depending on what we’re doing. One moment it feels like hours have passed, and it’s only been five minutes. Other times, you look up and wonder where the day went. This fluid nature of time is something I explore in the latest Arts and Wellness Café episode. 

We talk about: 

• Growing medicinal plants
• Creating art papers for the month of April and fun ways to use them.
• How batching tasks helps manage time better.
• Reframing creative expectations - especially when projects need time to breathe. 
• Why creative hobbies are essential for our emotional well-being.

I also give you a sneak peek at my latest slow stitch and wax resist project, and talk about an exciting upcoming event - The Mastering Mixed Media Expo starting May 1st! 

If you’ve ever felt distracted, uninspired, or unsure how to start your creative wellness journey, this episode is for you. Grab a tea (or water!) and come join me in the studio.

🎥 Watch the full episode now: Check it out HERE

Tulip Art Journal Page - #secondsaturdayart

 

Welcome to the Tulip inspired art journal page, which is part of the Second Saturday Art collaboration - every second Saturday of the month.  I hope you enjoy and join in the activity.

You can access my FREE digital art papers on my free Patreon tier - HERE

Here are some of the supplies that I used, but check your own stash first to see what you have or can substitute.

• Distress Stains - Variety of colors - https://amzn.to/4iQPcjY
• Permanent Black Ink - Speedball - https://amzn.to/42190ev
• White Gelly roll pen - https://amzn.to/42190ev
• Watercolors - https://amzn.to/3G8QnwA
• Water-soluble Graphite - https://amzn.to/4i4NGJR
• Gesso - https://amzn.to/3FTa8bF  

Before you go:

Join us on the Arts Resource Hub - Check out some free resources

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