Ignite Your Motivation and Creative Spark

Welcome to the Arts and Wellness Cafe! What's in your cup today? As you sip your favorite drink to unwind, we're about to embark on a journey of motivation and creativity. I have been growing herbs and medicinal plants, like fresh bay leaves, right in my garden for a while now and I make sure that I use them in my tea and cooking, and it makes such a difference to my overall well-being. In today's video we look at ways in which we can stay motivated using our creativity, and today, I want to explore these themes with you in this post as well.

Cultivating Motivation

Motivation is the driving force behind our creative endeavors. It's what keeps us going even when we face doubts or creative blocks. I've found that motivation isn't just about pushing through challenging times but also about setting up your own toolkit for those moments when you need a creative boost.

Creating Your Toolkit for Motivation

Think of your creative journey and be prepared to create a toolkit for yourself.  It filled with inspiring ideas and activities. Here are some tips to consider:

• Variety is Key - Have a range of creative activities at your disposal. Whether it's painting, writing, or crafting, having options allows you to choose what resonates with you in the moment.

• Journaling - A journal can be a powerful tool for reflection and motivation. You can use it to jot down your thoughts, set goals, and even draw or paint when words fail you.

• Playlists of Inspiration - Music has a profound impact on our emotions. Create playlists of songs that lift your spirits and help you get back into the creative flow.

• Creative Breaks - Sometimes, all you need is a change of scenery or a short, creative activity to refresh your mind. Carry a portable project with you, like a small art journal, to seize those spare moments for creativity.

• Self-Made Cards - Craft encouraging cards for yourself. Fill them with inspirational quotes, messages, or simple words of motivation. Keep these cards handy for when you need a boost.

Fueling Your Creative Fire

The Art of Doodling and Mini Projects

I've found that breaking down creative activities into smaller, more manageable tasks can be immensely motivating. For example, I create small squares of art that I can work on when I have a few minutes to spare. These squares can be filled with doodles, drawings, or patterns. They serve as an excellent way to keep the creative juices flowing and give you a sense of accomplishment, even in short bursts of time. 

Challenges and Overcoming Creative Blocks

Creative challenges are a natural part of the artistic journey. They can manifest as moments of self-doubt, lack of inspiration, or feeling lost in a creative fog. During these times, it's crucial to fall back on your creative toolkit . Take time to reflect, relax, and rekindle your creative spark. Remember, challenges are opportunities to grow and discover new aspects of your creativity.

Creating for Yourself

While sharing your creations with the world is wonderful, don't forget to make art just for yourself. I create wearable art and art journals that are just for my use to play in. They are a space where you can explore and experiment without any external expectations.

Recycling and Repurposing

Don't underestimate the power of recycling and repurposing materials - you probably have a lot of the supplies you need take a good look around, you just have to change your perspective and have an inquisitive mind.   You can check out the video HERE

Before you go

Motivation and creativity go hand in hand. Your toolkit should be filled with activities and practices that fuel your creative fire. Embrace the power of mini projects, altering them where necessary to keep your creative juices flowing even in the busiest of times. Challenges are part of the journey, and they offer opportunities for growth. Remember to create for yourself, enjoy the process, and let your creativity shine.  Thank you for joining me, and I look forward to sharing more creative adventures with you.  Stay blessed and be a blessing!

What are You doing on Wednesday 18th October 10am EST - Join us and be part of an international 'Art In'

Sign up to my Mailing list for further details HERE

Arts and Wellness Cafe - Enhance Your Creative Journey

 

Welcome to the second episode of the Arts and Wellness Cafe. In this episode, we are diving into our creativity, unlocking the potential of your creative journey. Have you ever wondered when that spark of creativity ignited within you? Creativity is not just a privilege reserved for artists; it's a tool that can enhance everyone's overall health and well-being in a number of ways. Check out the video for more details.

Benefits of Engaging in the Arts on Health and Well-Being

Here are a few benefits for engaging in a creative activity:

1. Stress Reduction: Engaging in creative activities such as painting, drawing, or crafting can act as a form of mindfulness, allowing you to focus on the present moment, reducing stress and anxiety.
2. Emotional Expression: Art provides a safe space for emotional expression. where you can explore and communicate your feelings.
3. Self-esteem: Completing a creative project can give you a sense of accomplishment and boost your self-esteem.
4. Increased Brain Function: Engaging in creative activities stimulates various areas of the brain, promoting memory retention, and overall mental acuity.
5. Social Connection: Participating in group creative activities, such as joining an art class or theater group, fosters social interactions and reduces feelings of isolation. Join our arts Community on my course platform HERE

Learn about the Arts Resource Hub HERE

When we explore some ways to kickstart your creative journey: There are a variety of ways you can start your Creative Journey and here are a few ideas to try:

1. Art Journaling: Begin by keeping an art journal. It can be a mix of sketches, writing, collage, or any other medium that resonates with you. Use it as a space to document your thoughts, feelings, and ideas visually.
2. Creative Writing: If you enjoy writing, start a personal blog, write short stories, or even attempt poetry. Writing allows you to explore your imagination and express your inner thoughts.
3. Crafting: There is so much joy to be found in crafting - trying activities like slow stitching, woodworking, or jewelry making or other crafts can offer a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
4. Visual Arts: Experiment with painting, drawing, or sculpting. You don't need to be a professional artist; just pick up some supplies and start creating. The process is often more rewarding than the end result.
5. Music and Dance: Learn to play a musical instrument or enroll in dance classes. Music and dance are excellent outlets for self-expression and emotional release.
6. Photography: Capture the world through the lens of a camera. Photography allows you to find beauty in everyday moments and share your unique perspective.
7. Cooking and Culinary Arts: Get creative in the kitchen. Experiment with new recipes, flavors, cooking is a delicious form of artistry.
8. Gardening: Cultivate a garden or tend to indoor plants. Gardening connects you with nature and allows you to create a living work of art.

Join me in the Creative Garden LEARN MORE

Incorporate art into your mindfulness or meditation practice. Coloring books designed for adults or mandala drawing can be particularly soothing, and check out some cool FREE courses, there are free courses and digital downloads that you can try out.

Remember that creativity is a personal journey, and there are no right or wrong ways to explore it. The key is to start, enjoy the process, and embrace the positive impact it can have on your health and well-being.

When did you realize you wanted to do something creative? 

It's never too late to embark on this creative journey, and the benefits to your overall wellness will be worth every stroke of the brush or stitch made.

Free Taster Classes on Now!

 

You can find out more information HERE  

Come and join in the fun for Life Book 2024 Taster Sessions, where art meets well-being! Tamara and her team have put together an impressive lineup, taking you on a journey that can positively impact your health and overall sense of well-being.

Over the next two weeks, you will immerse yourselves in the world of art as the Life Book 2024 Teaching Team introduces you to a fantastic range of soul-nurturing experiences. These sessions will ignite your creative spirits.

The Taster Sessions will be available from September 25th, 2023, to October 8th, 2023, You can have continued access to the sessions if you join Life Book 2024, commencing on January 1st, 2024.  Gaining access to over 80 enriching mixed media art sessions, each session is designed to not only awaken your artistic talents but also to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and foster mindfulness.

If you already feel the excitement, you can take the first step by pre-ordering Life Book now or delving deeper into what awaits you here. Prepare to embark on a transformative voyage that will enrich not only your artistic skills but also your life. Welcome to a world where art and well-being converge in a symphony of self-discovery and joy.

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Making Zen

The other free course for you to try at the moment is the Making Zen course free to access until 29th September.  You will be shown how to:

Make a time for yourself to create

Overcome procrastination with a variety of creative projects

Learn new techniques and more!

You can get your FREE Ticket Here

Before you go....

Sign up to my Patreon platform where you will unlock over 400 patron only videos, digital products and more!  You can sign up for 7 day for FREE to get a flavor for what is on offer!

Get Creative with Texture: How to Make an Inspiring Art Journal Page

Are you looking for a fun and creative way to spice up your art journal? Look no further! In my video, we'll explore a simple yet effective technique to add texture to your journal pages while also providing a source of inspiration and encouragement.

I am part of a team of artists who collaborate every forth Friday of every month and share their videos, you will see the link to their videos in my description.

To begin, gather any leftover letters or words that you may have from previous projects, I am using the stickable letters to create my words. If you don't have any letters, simply write messages to yourself on your page or use words from magazines, newspapers, or even old books.

Once you have your letters or messages, start placing them onto your page in any arrangement that feels aesthetically pleasing to you. You can overlap the letters, vary the sizes, and even add some paint or other mixed media elements to create depth and interest, take some time to think about what encouraging or inspiring phrases you might want to include. Some examples could be "I am worthy," "Today is a new day," or "I am capable of achieving my dreams."

This technique is a fantastic way to create a visual reminder of your positive affirmations. By including them into your art journal, you can revisit them whenever you need a little pick-me-up.

So why not join me in the studio and give it a try? Take a moment to gather your materials and let your creativity flow. Once you're finished, share your artwork with me and let me know how the process felt. Happy journaling!

Art Bundle for Good is BACK!!

Art Bundles For Good Bundle #7 is back up for sale and we're running a giveaway!

 

This is the same bundle that went on sale in November of 2022, so if you’ve already purchased it, you already have it!

 

Three lucky winners will have a chance to win the entire Art Bundles for Good #7 including $5700 worth of art courses and other great resources. There are over 111 art resources from more than 90 of your favorite artists (including one of my courses) this year creating Mixed Media Art Bowls.  You make a series of paper art bowls which can house your encouraging words and inspiration to yourself.  You can check out the course HERE

 Click here to enter the Giveaway

Good luck in the giveaway, Stay blessed and be a blessing.

Ready to make some BADASS art? One BADASS Art Journal 2023

 

If you have never taken the One Badass Art Journal workshops here is some background information for you, we hope you join us!  I have the pleasure of joining such a great group of creatives for another year. 

Q: What is the One BADASS Art Journal course?

A: The One BADASS Art Journal course is a workshop that provides 17 mixed media lessons and 16 instructors, designed to inspire and teach individuals to create, learn, feel confident and provide them with the techniques and inspiration to feel BADASS when they make art.  The theme for the One BADASS Art Journal course in 2023 is "CHALLENGE YOUR INNER BADASS."

Q: What kind of lessons will be included in the One BADASS Art Journal course?

A: The One BADASS Art Journal course includes 17 lessons, including a book making lesson, other classes will teach individuals about mixed media techniques, tips and tricks, and techniques that you can take into your creative practice.  

My session looks at challenging ourselves to take time out - think about the things that mean a lot to us - what are your favorite things to do? And try and incorporate this into an art journal and more importantly into our day-to-day lives.

Q: Is there a discount for the One BADASS Art Journal course?

A: Yes, there is a 20% discount available for the One BADASS Art Journal course when you use the code CREATE20 at checkout.

Q: What are the benefits of taking the One BADASS Art Journal course?

A: The benefits of taking the One BADASS Art Journal course include learning mixed media techniques, tips and tricks, and techniques for beautiful color combinations, watercolor, blending and so much more. You will also be infused with confidence, creativity and inspiration, and will have access to a supportive community. Additionally, you will have the chance to play with a variety of tools, adding to your skills and have the opportunity to challenge and step outside your comfort zone.

We hope you join us.  To learn more about the artists - Click HERE

Edible Companion - Sometimes I Write Poetry

 

MORE INFORMATION

Transcendence - Art and Spirituality Free Summit

 

Transcendence - Art and Spirituality Summit

I am excited to be one of the presenters on the Transcendence: Art & Spirituality Summit.

I am sharing a project that looks at recognizing the things that you are grateful for and speaking encouraging words over your life, as we create an art journal page. There are 27 other presenters sharing amazing sessions such as:

• Radical Positivity

• The Patterns of Spirit

• Connecting to Your Intuition

• Intuition as a Gateway to Creativity

• and much much more!

 

Join us for Transcendence: Art & Spirituality Summit it is running on June 20-25, 2022. 

 

You can register Today for FREE access

Free access for a limited time from June 20-25

 

If you want unlimited access it is available for only $55.55.

 

Join us HERE

Transcendence: Art & Spirituality Summit

 

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Art Resources

Free Resources to check out 

Art Resource Hub

Mixed Media Art Tags

Recycled Stamps and Stencils

More Courses

Limitless - Your Brains potential

 

What would you do if you could see how much better it was going to get, how different would you act now? and what would you do with the time you have?

Limitless

I have always liked the movie that came out called 'Limitless' and the idea of being able to maximize the use of your brain to 100%  to learn and do all the things you wanted to do.  Though I wouldn't want to have to continually take a drug to do so.  Some say we only use 10%, others say it is a myth and we use far more.

I think it depends how we are looking after the bodies that we have been given.  How do you look after yourself, nurture and take care of your body?  What foods are you putting in, or rather what kind of foods are you putting into that which you want to take you all over the world, perform and interact  or not if the last two years have been anything to go on - When was the last time you had a health check-up?  Are you drinking enough water, getting enough rest, finding ways to destress in a stressful environment ? and the list goes on.

Are you doing all you can do to keep your body in tip top condition in order to use all your abilities to their maximum potential?  It can be a massive challenge when you are bombarded with foods filled with E numbers and preservatives or pesticides (The food industry determines that we can safely ingest a number of harmful chemicals), these are designed to make our foods look the 'right' color, bind them or keep them at a certain consistency - and that is just one part of our lives I will not go into the environmental effects on our bodies and brain health.  

With all that and more that we are told by big business that won't harm us but have been found years later to be responsible for cancers and other illnesses you can understand why we might not be performing at 100%

What can we do?

We can have an impact on our brain and overall health by doing several things:

• Get enough sleep, take a power nap if needed - don't feel guilty
• Eat a balanced diet - A variety of food groups - quality food, not processed, heavily salted or laden with fat or sugar.
• Increase your water content - most of us are drinking water but not enough - if you feel thirsty then you are already dehydrated.
• Exercise your brain - puzzles, conversation, social interaction, learn something new, teach what you learn to others.
• Fresh air - exercise your body, go out into the fresh air, get some sunshine on your body
• Take part in a creative activity - great for your mental health and wellbeing
• Plan what you want to do, set some goals - make a list, schedule and find time to pursue those things that are important to you, challenge yourself.
• Growing your own food
• Get rid of the clutter - mental, physical... and more

These are just a few things to get started of the ones currently on my list, let me know what you ones you do.  Stay blessed and be a blessing

Textile Arts - Slow Stitching

Slow stitching is one of the things that I love to do when creating.  I have been thinking about designing my own figures and started playing about with some ideas.

Here is one that I worked on.  It started out as a simple line drawing, then I transferred it to fabric and worked on it as you can see in the video.

The fabric has been wax resisted, dyed and then stitched and I am really enjoying this part.  I still have a backing to put on and my beads are singing to me but I think that it is quite full on at the moment.

You can see some of my other textile work in the Playlist HERE

Also catch one of the videos below

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Courses - Enjoy $10 OFF all courses until 30th April

Use the Code at the checkout - Create2

Mixed Media Art Doll - Video

Journal Dolls

How do you create a paper doll for your art journal?

In my latest video we take doll templates and create a figure on the page. Thank you to all those who joined the premier.

This is the speeded up version of making the mixed media art dolls, if you would like to see the full version where I talk through the process you can check it out HERE


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Online Courses to check out

You can check out a series of online courses on the left hand side of my blog, or see the links below.


Filling the Creative Well - Creating your mixed media tool kit

One BadAss Art Journal - Release your Inner Badass!

Book Of Days - Art Journal Deep Dive

Creative Jumpstart - Everyone can be Creative

A Year of Color - Year round inspiration

You can catch the full video on my Patreon Page

I know Why the Caged Bird Sings - Art Journal Page

 

Come and join me as I share an Art Journal Page using the same name as the book by Maya Angelou - I know Why the Caged Bird Sings - Great book if you have not read it yet, Amazon has a reduced price at the moment.  Check out the video below:

I show you from start to finish how I would work on a page, using Neo-colors and stencils and some pens at the end.

This is a good example of using up the paint on your pallet and using it to create an image in your art journal. Hope you enjoy seeing how it takes shape.

Book Review - Creative Bloom

 

Find out more HERE

Here is the latest book review, you can check out the video below and click on the image above to take you to the amazon page to find out more information

Creative Bloom by Jennifer Swift,  projects and inspiration with fabric and wire prepare your own garden of self-expression with creative fabric and wire projects and techniques that you can use again in your personal artwork.

There are some lovely creative projects in the book for you to try out.

It is split into eight chapters and the author uses references to growing in her own garden and the thing I like about this book is that throughout the book she refers to our creative growth, referring to things like sowing the garden preparing the soil and she talks about the work that she did in in her own garden and how she first started.

 There's 21 projects that you can make and throughout there are inspiring quotes that you can refer to it gives you all the tools and materials and the kind of techniques that you'll be learning and there are also additional tips that you can refer to in the book.  

It has got quite detailed descriptions so and you can adapt the  supplies if you don't have the exact ones to suit 

At the back we have a series of templates that you can use and you can make your own and think about some other words or shapes that you would like to create.  It is published by Northlight Books.

Check it out HERE

Check out some of my other recommended art supplies, resources and books on Amazon HERE

Arts and Wellness Cafe - Running in the Deep

Watch the Video

Welcome to the Arts and Wellness Café - in todays episode the topic is the word 'Deep' and we look at the layers we can go within our creativity.  

Are there layers to your work and have you been avoiding going 'deeper? I share an art journal page and review of Graphite Tint water-soluble pencils

You can check out the Graphite tints and other links below

Graphite Tints - https://amzn.to/3lvLyQ4

Podcast Video - https://youtu.be/RWVRyL5lr4s

Dover Stencils - https://bit.ly/DOVPAT21

Collage Lab Book - https://amzn.to/3kgY9aD

Have you found your style? It took me over a year with practice to get an idea at the kind of images I wanted to create, then I had to let go and see what wanted to be brought forth - If I listened what would I create?.

A combination of what was inspired and what was in my subconscious. It took a while before I felt comfortable and it still takes a while to understand the messages or stories that want to be told in the piece of work.

Art Journal Page using graphite tints - Treasure

Tip for the Week

In Tip for the Week I share what might happen if you ask yourself the question 'What if'  If you followed it through where would it lead you.  What if you could create anything you want or try any medium.  How about applying for that opportunity and going for it even if you feel nervous or scared.  The time is now to 'step out of the boat and soar'!

Question of the Week

I also ask in Question of the Week we think about the things that we have been hiding from ourselves.  What is that for you?

Creating in Faith - Realityarts Podcast - Word for the Week - Joyful

 

Welcome to the podcast for today.  The word for the week is Joyful

Take a listen to some of the words from previous weeks and let me know how you relate some of the words to your creativity.

How Does Your Garden Grow - New Online Course!

I am so excited to share with you that I will be launching my first solo art course today called 'How Does Your Garden Grow?'. Check out the course HERE

'Early Bird Special' Get the course for $47 instead of $57

Until 8th August 2021

We will take a walk in the garden, taking inspiration from the flowers and the leaves and then use them to inform some of the shapes, colors and marks that we will use in our creative art piece. I will then show you how to create a background and develop it to find an image we can build on and use additional marks, shapes and symbols on the page.

I have included lots of goodies to download as part of the course: -

• Course handbook
• 12 Page coloring book,
• 12 Page mixed media background images,
• 9 Stamp Images
• 14 Garden images
• A Bonus video on creating backgrounds
• Two A4 art prints - downloadable
• 1.5 hours of workshop going through the steps for creating your final image.

• All the videos and images are yours to download and keep and you can take at your own pace.

• All the skills that you will learn are transferable and it is a great idea to re-create the lesson using different mediums

I would love to have you join me on the course!  You can get it at the 'Early Bird Special' of $47 until 8th August 2021

Join Us HERE

ADDITIONAL BONUSES

For additional Bonuses check me out on Patreon

Patrons at all tiers receive these two additional bonuses when they sign up for the course.

12 page vintage florals 1 downloadable papers
12 page vintage florals 2 downloadable papers

Check out Patreon