Making Zen is Back and Kate Ward over at Zen Stitching is holding another Making Zen Online Retreat this November, and I’m going to be a presenting artist!
If you haven’t taken part in Making Zen before, this is a textile-arts-focused retreat gathers 20 talented artists to host one workshop each over the course of five days, and those 20 workshops are totally free for anyone to watch. It’s an incredible opportunity to get inspired, connect with new friends and artists, and improve your craft!
With all these artists, you can be sure that a wide range of topics will be covered - I’m particularly excited for Kiala Givehand and Agy Lees session . My own workshop will be about creating stitched words for your wall hangings, art journals or other creative projects.
If you’d like to learn more about the retreat (and save your free seat!), check out the Making Zen website HERE. You’ll be able to get all the schedule details there and find out more about all the other artists in the retreat.
As you build your own fabric collect of painted fabrics and textiles while they can be the start of some beautiful creative projects you have to also think about how you store and maintain your collection. When things are all over the place it can become overwhelming and a barrier to spending time in your creative space, so I have three simple tips to help you keep on top of your growing fabric collection and make them readily accessible:
Embrace Categorization:
The first step is to create a system that separates your fabrics based on type of fabric and color. Group similar fabrics together, like all your cotton fabrics in one section, silks in another, etc. Within each type category, further subdivide them by color. This way, you can easily locate a specific fabric..
Clear Containers:
I found with the space I have that having clear plastic bins or storage boxes allows you to easily see the contents without needing to rummage through each container. I have two different sizes for the larger fabric and then smaller ones. Choose containers in various sizes to accommodate different fabrics. Think about the space you have and what would use the space more effectively.
Labelling:
Label each container clearly and you can go further to add the colors or type of fabric. You can use a label maker for a clean and professional look, or handwrite labels on sturdy cardstock and secure them with tape.
By implementing these simple tips, you'll transform your fabric collection from a jumbled mess to a well-organized haven of inspiration. Remember, a little planning goes a long way in ensuring your creative flow remains uninterrupted as you delve into your next creative adventure!
Declutter/swap:
Regular Decluttering and Donation: By regularly reviewing what you have you can think about ways to reduce, or you can do a swap with another artist and brings new and interesting fabrics into your stash. I find it difficult to part ways with my fabric but I guess it gets easier the more you do it.
Welcome to Material Mondays, today we get to look at a few projects and we start a new fabric panel with hand dyed and wax resist material.
I previously shared a review of the book Intertwined which looks at how you can spin your own yarn and also gives examples of things that you can make. I have been collecting wool over time and wanted to look at ways I could use them more in my stitched projects.
I will be showing you some of the mini looms that I have created and some of the sculptural looms that have been further embellished. There are many ways that the woven projects can be used and you will be shown a few examples to encourage you in your creative projects.
Sculptural Loom and Slow Stitched Project
Check out the video and think about some of the supplies you have in your creative space and the ways in which some of them can be used.
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! Today, we are delving into the world of slow stitching and completing textile and fabric artwork. You can check out the accompanying video below, I'm excited to share with you the process of working with different materials and adding intricate stitches to create textile art pieces.
Last week, we looked at an incomplete piece that I've been working on, in this video and I'm happy to say that it's now complete! I added additional stitching along the figure's body and clothes, defining the edges and creating shadows with darker threads. The completed piece measures nine inches by nine and is titled "Rest A While."
I'm considering framing it, but it will also be available for purchase unframed on my Etsy shop or website.
Here is last weeks video if you missed it
New Textile Art
Working on small stitches, is something I find incredibly enjoyable. It allows me to add intricate details and textures to my artwork, giving it a unique look and also enables me to experiment with various stitches, threads, and materials.
I enjoy working on multiple projects and I find that when I come back to these unfinished pieces, that I am able to look from a new perspective. Stepping away from a piece can be a refreshing way to gain new insights and inspiration.
Slow stitching and completing textile and fabric artwork is a journey and It's about finding joy in small details, experimenting with materials, and letting inspiration guide your hand. I hope this glimpse into my artistic process has inspired you to pick up your needle and thread and embark on your own creative adventure.
Join me next time on Material Mondays as I continue working on this piece and explore more stitching techniques. Until then, stay inspired and keep crafting!
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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.
Have you tried a wax resist technique on fabric? In week 20 of Material Mondays I share one of the techniques that I use to create the designs on my fabric.
Dyeing your own fabric is a great way to create your own designs, and the fabric can either be used as a whole or cut up and used in smaller projects.
I start out with an image loosely sketched on the fabric, I usually do a combination of faces and patterns
The next step is to add the wax either on the lines you have drawn or in-between the lines which will create varying patterns.
I combine a selection of dyes together to get the color that I want, you can do swatches so that you are able to recreate the colors when needed.
Once dried the wax is removed. I use an iron and place paper over the fabric. It is a great way to apply color and pattern to some of the fabrics that you may have, and you can experiment and see what effects that you are able to create.
If you are interested in checking out some of the supplies, you can check out my Wax Resist Supplies List on Amazon
For Material Mondays this week we are going to be adding beading to our project. This piece is nearing its completion and you get an idea what goes into creating a piece like this.
It goes through many stages and the process part of it is really enjoyable.
The project has to go through the many stages as part of the process and you should take your time and really enjoy it. I like to let the piece sit for a couple of days. You can check out the supplies list on my Amazon Store Here.
This is what it looked like previously, you can see the progress
Join me for Material Mondays, a weekly look at stitched project, painted and dyed fabric and more
Check out the video below
What kind of fabric or textile projects are you working on at the moment? leave a comment and let me know. I like having at least a few on the go at the same time or have them at different stages, adding variety.
Welcome to this week, the word has been so far 'Perceptive' and it is great to think about how the word relates to our creativity. When you think about what you do creatively how much of it would you say you get a sense that there is more to it than you yourself put in - in regards to effort? Do things click, work out and often give you goosebumps or chills.
It matters not if that is not the case for you at the moment, as there are areas of what you do that you just can't quite explain, and you don't need to (smile).
I started the week off with the podcast and you can listen to the episode HERE or below
In Arts and Wellness Café I continue the theme and you can watch the video HERE or below
I share some of the work that I have been doing in the studio along with some of my stitched pieces.
Textile Wall Hanging - Amanda Trought
For more behind the scenes and exclusive content you can check me out on Patreon
Welcome to the show notes for the Arts and Wellness Episode - 216, so glad to have you here. If you have not yet seen the video you can catch it down below
You can listen to the podcast below
Part of my normal routine starts the day with herbal tea made from Moringa, Broad leaf Thyme and on occasion another blend, alongside a cup or ordinary tea as I head my way over to my studio.
Frangipani flowers from the garden and Scaevola cutting.
In the recording I share information about my art journals. This is my Restoration journal, one among many. An art journal is a great place to put your thoughts in images and words. I work in several art journals depending on how I am feeling at the time. I love making journals.
Art Journal - Restoration, Amanda Trought
Pages can be prepped before hand, and I usually see the process in 3 stages, depending on how much time I have to work on a page. The page below has lots of texture, colour, and I have journalled on the pages. I initially layered the background colours on the pages, then went back at a later date and added the images.
When I felt in the mood to do some written journalling I looked through the pages to see which one was speaking to me then added the written text.
This is usually how the page starts out on the left, with layers of colour on the page
This is another activity that I have enjoyed doing, creating pieces to slow stitch. These are quilted painted pieces that I then have been adding stitching to. There are many more to start working on.
Slow stitch fabric
The pieces also have stencils gessoed on and I often add an image to them.
Closer Detail, painted fabric and stitch - Amanda Trought
What are you finding speaks to you creatively at the moment. I would love to hear what you are working on.
You can also join me if you want to have a chat about what you are doing creatively where you want to take it. You can book two free telephone calls were we can explore where you would like to go to next. Check it out HERE
Realityarts - Creativity Book Shop - Some really great titles for you to dive in
Creative Resources
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