Making Zen Online Retreat - Check out the VIP Bonuses!!

Have you signed up Yet?

Just a reminder: the Making Zen Online Retreat, hosted by Kate at Zen Stitching, is returning 26th - 30th May 2025 - and it’s going to be a lot of fun

New to Making Zen?

If you haven’t joined us before, Making Zen is a free, five-day online retreat celebrating slow stitching, mindful making, and creative exploration. Over the course of the retreat, 32 amazing artists will each share a video workshop—free to watch for 24 hours—to spark your creativity and deepen your practice.

We will be diving into themes like:

 Coloring with fabric scraps
 Intuitive art-making
 Zero-waste stitching
 Botanically dyed pouches, stitched landscapes…… and so much more.

You’ll come away with mini projects to stitch, fresh techniques to try, and a deep sense of inspiration and calm. 

Get the VIP PASS and additional Bonus!

If you know that you already want to get the VIP Pass you will be offered a variety of bonuses from each teacher and you get the following:

$3,300.00+ worth of exclusive gifts, guides, extended workshops and resources to help you reignite your creativity!

  

This price is only available for a limited time! Normally $147.00—get it now for $97!

❤️ Early access to all 32 workshops (starting this week!) ❤️ Lifetime access so you can revisit and perfect your skills anytime ❤️ Gifts from our artists to inspire fresh ideas and projects ❤️ Daily live creativity sessions with Kate on Zoom ❤️ Transcripts + the Making Zen eBook to keep your focus sharp and your learning seamless There is an extra Bonus course from me Embellished & Stitched below if you use my link to purchase the VIP Pass (it will be no extra cost to you) !

I will be adding my Course Embellished & Stitched to the Bonus gift bag for all those who purchase the VIP Ticket using my link - you can check out the course (Value - $47) HERE

In the course Embellished & Stitched, I share different ways in which you can transform your stitched words into embellished designs with a variety of techniques and over an hour and a half of video content organized in short segments so you can jump in and out of an activity.  Once your purchase has been confirmed you will get access to the course! 

Looking forward to having you on the creative adventure!!

Before You Go

Have checked out the papers available on my Patreon.  From Free, $3, $10 and $15.  Join us on Patreon for FREE

Here are the papers that are available across the tiers that you can use in your art journals and creative projects.

Free Papers for May 2025

Fabric Embellishments - Material Musings

 

Check out the video HERE

Welcome to Material Musings where we look at some of the fabric embellishments that you can get to use in your work.

I source mine from a variety of sources, around the home, thrift stores, or swaps that you can do with other creatives - especially those who stitch, they will always have some unusual and interesting trims that you may be able to use in your work.

In this video I share some of the ones that I have and how I use them.  Join me on this Material musings slow stitched journey.

Check out the previous video and you will be able to see some of the fabric in a project.

Material Musings - Slow Stitched Projects

Before You Go

Come and join us for FREE on Patreon and see behind the scene and dive into a creative oasis!  Learn more HERE!

Making a Kawandi - Material Musings

 

I managed to get my first Kawandi completed.  I decided to use all the fabric that I had been hand dyeing or creating batik and wax resist pieces with.

It was lovely to reconnect with all the fabric that I had been working on over time.  It was slightly challenging with the more heavier cotton fabrics as they were so thick, and the needle kept finding ways to maneuver into my finger. 😂

You can check out the video above for Material Musings to get a closer look at the Kawandi so far.

What is a Kawandi?

A Kawandi is a type of hand-stitched quilt traditionally made by the Siddi women, who are descendants of African enslaved women taken to India. Kawandi are distinctive because of their vibrant, designs and the way they are constructed. They are made from layers of Saris, fabric scraps, often brightly colored, and sewn together with running stitches. 

Key Features of Kawandi's

• Kawandi are typically sewn from the outer edges toward the center, unlike many traditional quilts made from blocks or panels.  The stitching is done in a spiral pattern, with all layers securely held together.

• They are made using recycled fabrics, including old saris or other discarded textiles.
• The use of fabric scraps gives the quilts a rich texture and unique, look.

• The quilts are often colorful and feature bold patterns, with an emphasis on spontaneity and personal expression.

• Small decorative touches, like folded fabric triangles called phulas (flowers), are added to the corners.

Kawandi's are made for practical purposes, such as providing warmth, but they also reflect the Siddi community's history and artistry.  

Check out these Fiber Artists on Instagram

Sherry Whetstone

Kianga Jinaki

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.

Making Zen - Get the VIP Experience! -- Closes 25th November 11.59pm AST!

 

Making Zen has come to an end and we are on our last week of Gratitude Junk Journal, we have had such a lovely time. 

It was great to connect with some of you and see all the work produced in the retreat. I hope if you are doing the bonus session of Embellished and Stitched, you will share your take on the lesson with me on Instagram - @realityarts.

For some the 5 days of the retreat fitted their schedules, but If 24 hours of access seems like it’s just not enough, the VIP Pass, which gives you lifetime access to the workshops, as well as some other special bonuses from each of the presenting artists, is available until Monday 25th November 11.59pm AST. 

If you want to join in on the fun, you can get all the details for the free ticket and for the VIP Pass HERE.

It is really great to see what you are creating too.  I have been completing the projects from the other teachers as well and will be sharing soon.  

Gratitude Junk Journal

My lesson went live for the Gratitude Junk journal, and I created a series of tags that can be added to the art journal.  The creation of the tags is about reflecting on the time spent, in the past, present and what you would want for your life in the future.   Here are the tags

You can find out further information about the course Here.  I hope you are able to join us for an amazing creative journey.

Material Musings - Fabric Projects

 

In Material Musings this week we look at a range of fabric projects that I have been working on and getting to the completion stage.

I love working on these pieces, they are very therapeutic and I love the textures that are created.

Join me on the FREE online class - Making Zen where you will see me create a slow stitched piece.  It starts on the 18th of November.

I will show you how to create this piece, slow stitching words and dealing with any issues in a creative way that can happen when you have different tension between the fabric and threads.

If you sign up for the VIP giving you lifelong access to the videos and the Bonus videos you will be able to have access to my course - Embellished and Stitched, where we look at additional ways to work with words and lettering in our stitched projects.

Join us for Free by signing up to the online Retreat and if you decide to join us with a VIP pass you can get the early bird rate. 

Stay blessed and be a blessing.

Material Musings - Mixed Media Art Dolls

 

In todays episode I share the work I did with some art dolls.  They were part of a lesson on the Making Zen art Retreat and were fun to create.

The Lesson was taught by Mirjam Glieben, you can check her out on Instragram HERE   They were a lot of fun to create and I would love to experiment with them. These pieces had been slow stitched and I added embellishments such as broken jewelry and other additions.

I also completed one of my projects that had been wax resisted and dyed with conventional dye, then I added slow stitching to it.  The final stage is adding beading to it, which you can see me add some seed and bugle beads to the project.  Both the slow stitching and beading are such a relaxing activity, check out the Info graph below which shares the benefits of slow stitching.

Check out the post HERE for more information

Before You Go

Embroidery Extravaganza - save $20 Use the code ee24reality

Benefits of Slow Stitching Projects, Words and Figures - Material Musings

 

The Benefits of Slow Stitching Projects

Welcome to Material Musings! Check out the new video where I some of my latest slow stitching projects. These projects bring me a lot of joy, and I'd love to show you what I've been working on. Plus, I have a little technique to share on creating words with stitches that we'll get into at the end of the video.

Slow stitching is an art form that emphasizes mindfulness and creativity over speed and perfection. As I’ve worked on these projects, I’ve discovered many benefits of slow stitching.  Check out the three key benefits of slow stitching projects on my Patreon Page for FREE HERE and also find out how you can add contrast to your slow stitch words

READ MORE HERE

Slow stitching is not just about creating beautiful art; it’s about the journey and the joy found in each stitch. Whether you are adding fine details to a large piece or working on small, slow stitching offers a world of creative and mental benefits. I hope you’ve been inspired to start or continue your own slow stitching projects. I would love to see how you get on, so feel free to share your creations. Until next time, happy stitching!

CHECK OUT THE 3 KEY BENEFITS HERE

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Before You Go - Join us for Embroidery Extravaganza - 8 August 2024

Creativity meets craftsmanship at Embroidery Extravaganza on August 8, 2024!

Join us for ten expert-led workshops to ignite your imagination and elevate your embroidery skills. Whether you're a novice or a pro, there's something for everyone. Connect, learn, and get inspired!  Students get access to all event presentation recordings with no expiration date BUT only if you get your ticket before the event date. Don’t wait! Space is limited.

Learn More 

To get $20 Off using my code: ee24reality  Sign up HERE

Crafting Narratives: Exploring Fabric Projects and Book Inspiration

The Art of Slow Stitching: Elevating Painted Fabric

Welcome to Material Mondays, a world where creativity meets meditative stitching - today, we dive into a series of slow stitching projects on painted fabric. This combination brings together the joy of stitching with the vibrancy of painted fabric - both while painting on the fabric and also using it.

Slow stitching allows you to interact with the painted fabrics, experimenting with color, stitch and thread, the possibilities are as endless as your imagination. The stitches weave through the painted surface, adding depth and dimension. It's a tactile experience that goes beyond the visual, inviting you to explore the different mediums.  

Stitching has a meditative quality. As you navigate the needle through the painted fabric, there's a sense of mindfulness and focus.

Benefits of Slow Stitching 

Expression - Slow stitching allows you to infuse your personality and creative spark into the painted fabric. Your choice of stitches, thread colors, and patterns becomes a personalized expression of creativity.

Relaxation - Engaging in slow stitching on painted fabric is a therapeutic practice. The repetitive nature of stitching combined with the visual feast of painted colors creates a relaxed state of being.

New Ways of Working - The fusion of slow stitching and painted fabric offers a unique way to work with the materials and add texture.

Slow stitching on painted fabric is a journey. It's about savoring each moment, exploring the colors and stitches, and allowing your creativity to flow organically. So join me each and every Monday.

Before you Go, Check out

Check out the Art Resource Hub on my Realityarts Course platform with FREE Weekly resources

"Meditation Meets Art" - Wax Resist Cloth on Material Mondays, Week 1

 

Come and join me in Material Mondays this week, I start a new project working on a fabric that I have created a series of patterns on using a wax resist technique.  

The fabric was then dyed, and I am excited to work on this textile meditation cloth. I am going to be using a straight stitch and spending time quietly contemplating and reflecting.

If you missed last week's Material Mondays the previous piece came to an end, there was quite a bit of detail, but I think the end result was worth it! In the video below I also share a course that I took called Zen Stitching. It was filled with some useful information, and I came away with techniques that I could transfer in my own work.

The Finished Project

Close up detail

Check out the Video

Before you go

Come and join us on Wednesday 18th October at 10am EST

We are connecting through creativity, and invite you to an International Art Meetup this Wednesday on Zoom! 

I was kindly asked by my friend Wendy Solganik (@willa.wanders) to join forces with the following other artists for this special time.  

Tania Ahmed (@taniaahmed)

Caylee Gray (@cayleygrey @getmessyartjournal)

April Mathis (@alittlecreative.me)

Amanda Trought (@realityarts)  (me)

Christine Ebner (@stepandshoulders), 

Nicole Warrington (@coastalnicole) , and

Beatriz Helton (@beatrizhelton). 

The Vision:

In a world filled with diverse experiences, we believe in the power of art to unite us. Join us for a few hours of collective creativity, transcending borders, cultures, and backgrounds. 

What to Expect:

Art in Unison: Grab your favorite art supplies and immerse yourself in the connection of creating alongside fellow artists from around the globe.

Sign up to my mailing list for further information - You can connect HERE

or put the following in your browser - https://bit.ly/MailGif

Stitch and Play - Part 3, Material Mondays

 

Welcome to Material Mondays, this week I am completing the project and will share with you how I had the borders and additional beading to the project.

These projects are great fun, and I usually have an audio book or music playing in the background while I work.  I also think it is important to be able to step back and come back refreshed to a project.

There are some lovely areas of stitching that are my favorite.  I haven't yet chosen the next project to work on.  I will be sharing a sneak peek on my Patreon

Did you miss the previous episodes, you can see how the project went through the creative process.

Part 2

Part 1

Before you go