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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Welcome to Material Mondays, where we get to explore the world of mixed media art and the joys of slow stitching, painting fabric, and mixed media projects. In this blog post, you will get to see the next stage of this mixed media art piece and consider ways in which we can look at the benefits of engaging in challenging creative stitched projects and pushing our creative boundaries.
Finding Relaxation in the Challenge
I have a variety of challenging creative stitched projects and they offer a unique opportunity to find relaxation and mindfulness especially at those times where you may have a limited time. Slow stitching allows us to make marks and doodle with thread, immersing ourselves in the motion and finding peace in the process.
Unleashing Creativity through Exploration
The challenge of a stitched project pushes us to explore new techniques and materials. I love practicing on smaller pieces as this takes the stress out of doing something new, or playing about with materials. I am now confident with adding beading to pieces because I spent time practicing on smaller pieces and looked at different combinations. Equally with painting on some of my fabric pieces, I just look at it as another canvas and go with the flow of the piece.
The Thrill of Accomplishment
I find that when I have completed a challenging stitched project, it brings a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment. I am hoping to have this piece completed by next week, and then select another piece that is waiting. It is important that we take the time to step back and admire our creation, and experience that sense of pride, seeing the growth that went into overcoming the challenges along the way.
Are you working on a Stitched Project?
Join me on this creative journey exploring the possibilities of slow stitching and painting fabrics and pushing our creative boundaries and start completing projects that you have laying around waiting for your attention.
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.
Welcome to Material Mondays, I recently tried my hand at embroidery on leaves and it turned out to be quite an addictive activity.
I saw an artist - Susanna Bauer and her work - which is amazing, and thought I'd give it a go.
The leaf I used for this particular project is from a sea grape plant. The plant is normally found by the sea and has edible grapes. The plant acts as a good windbreak and when it dries out, it feels quite sturdy and turns a beautiful reddish color. If you would like to know more about sea grapes you can check out my Gardening Channel HERE.
I also experimented with another leaf from a trumpet tree, which has pretty trumpet-like flowers.
To begin, I harvested the leaves from trees that had been trimmed or had fallen naturally. It's important to handle the leaves delicately as they are quite fragile. After picking them up, I soaked them in some olive oil - You can use whatever oil you have to hand to give them a nice sheen. While the leaf will eventually degrade over time, you can preserve it by varnishing or using a gel mat or gloss medium.
For the actual stitching, I used embroidery thread and doubled up two strands and then created a spiral effect on the leaf. I'm still experimenting with different designs, but I'd love to try some crochet designs on leaves as well - check back next week on Material Mondays to see the results.
The finished product can be framed or used as an outdoor hanging mobile. Overall, this has been a fun and creative way to use leaves from my surroundings. I'm excited to keep experimenting and sharing my projects. Check out the video to see the process, and also the supplies below.
Supplies:
You can collect dried leaves from your garden or park, or you can purchase dried leaves below:
Realityarts - Creativity Book Shop - Some really great titles for you to dive in
Creative Resources
Affiliate Links
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