Tuesday 16 February 2016

Embrace Your Art - Prompt 7 (Tutorial tuesday's)




Last year I was asked by Tiare Smith to be one of the guest artists on the Embrace Your Art a weekly challenge where you are giving a prompt and a challenge supply or technique to use and the sessions are posted each Friday, you can join in as she shows you the techniques that she is using, and it is a great way to give yourself ideas of things to try.  I also find it good for getting you to use different supplies.

Here is my latest one that I did and the video of how I completed the page.   I have also included images of the other pages that I have done so far.



Goals you have and use some stitching


I have been playing along with some of the other weeks as well, and here are my pages from the past few weeks:

Favorite color

Hometown

Names your known by..

What does your name mean/Nickname

As you can see we are creating on round pages, why not join in the fun, you can dip in or out as you want, set yourself a challenge to complete a certain amount of pages, or do the lot.  I would love to see what you create!  

Stay blessed and be a blessing!



Monday 15 February 2016

29 Faces for February - Week 2 Roundup


On the round up for the second week, you will begin to see a slight theme running through some of these images.  They are part of a mini art journal that I have been working in, it is very simply made and I have really enjoyed painting within it. I will share at the end of the month how it was put together and more of each page.

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9
Day 10


Day 11

Day 12
 I decided to do something different for this face, very different
Day 13
Playing around with pen and ink

Day 14

Day 15
Although we are half way through you still have the opportunity to take part - use what you have and have fun creating.

You can check back here next week for the roundup or see each day on my Art Blog and hopefully be inspired to start creating and getting out those supplies!

Sunday 14 February 2016

Retreat Away from Home

When you think about a retreat what first comes to mind for you.  I know I think of pampering, spa sessions, not having to cook, and if it is a creative retreat then one filled with art workshops and spending time with like minded others.

A couple of Saturdays ago my local church held a retreat day for the women, both young and old, the children were also welcome as well, and it was great to see every one take part and share their insights.  I was asked to bring along some art materials.  I took some collage, and mark making material to add to the other creative material available.

Talking art journals
The session lasted 3 hours and it is amazing just what you can fit into the time.  One of women (Lisa) gave a talk on making new beginnings, making that start, and it was a very inspiring talk, that reminded me that I should spend more time journalling and also something I have been enjoying for a while Art journalling.  The other thing that stood out for me was talking about timelines, and noting significant timelines during the course of your life, this is something that you could combine really well with journalling. 

Making paint pallets out of cardboard
I spent some time sharing how to use some of the materials that I brought, such as the collage material, and the tools that can be used to create texture within your art work.

I shared with some of the women on my table how I used bible and dictionary pages along with other ephemera to create a collage.


For this collage I create flowers out of bible pages and a mixed ephemera loosely adding color to the pages



I then spent some time cutting them out and applying to a decorated background and adding additional colors.  3 hours fly when your having fun and we all got an opportunity to share how we were impacted by the whole session.  We were all spiritually fed as well as creatively.  Once I got home, I was still in the flow of creative experimenting and got to add some finishing touches to my two pieces.

Grounded - Mixed Media Art
Here is another one that I completed, and once home added the white detail to the flowers.  The flowers have been inspired by ones that we were shown on a session with Tiare Smith as part of The Journey Within Year long Art Journal Workshop, which was great!



How does your garden grow?

I really enjoyed creating the flowers, it allows you to be so free with your work, they are easy to create and look so pretty.  I also enjoyed every aspect of the Retreat Day, as it allowed us the time to reflect and refocus and look at how we can give ourselves a fresh start.

For a limited time on Tiare's site through to the end of Valentine’s Day get 10% off workshops and bundles (discount good on Tiare Smith Designs hosted workshop only. Does not apply to The Journey Within). In one of the courses she shows you how to make the imagery with the flowers and more.  Just enter code: IAMLOVE at checkout.  

Why not take yourself on an online retreat and take the time to meet with your creative self and grow.


Sunday 7 February 2016

Word for the Week - Ephesians 5:19

Thank you for joining me for the word for the week, taken from Ephesians 5:19 and reads:

I will speak to others in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.  I will sing and make music in my heart to the Lord and always give thanks to God the father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ


We know that words have power, power to totally crush another persons self esteem, or build them up.  While we are making an effort to talk and treat others respectfully we also have to check how we are speaking to and about ourselves.  Take some time today to see how much positive or negative chatter you actually speak over your own life.


As you meditate on the scripture and enjoy the image ask and think about the many gifts you have been given, the many challenges you face, and the fruit that will come from the work of your hands. 

Words and images for the week, to bless, encourage and inspire you to be all that you have been called to be. 

What will you do with what you have been given today?

Saturday 6 February 2016

29 Faces for February 2016 - Week 1 Round up


29 faces

I thought that I would share some of the faces that I have been doing for the challenge 29 Faces hosted by Ayala Art.  I have found it a great way to get back into creating faces, and I am making the most of supplies that had been neglected for one reason or another.  I am showing them each day on my Art Blog, and then doing a round up here for the week.

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
It is still not too late to take part, you might surprise yourself, by the end of the month it is great to see the progress that you can make, or the fun in just creating, or using your supplies.  I have used it so that I can make the most of some neglected supplies, try new techniques, which enables you to have a rich experience, alongside seeing the amazing work of others who are taking part as well.

You can check back here next week for the roundup or see each day on my Art Blog and hopefully be inspired to start creating and getting out those supplies!

Sunday 31 January 2016

Word for the Week - Isaiah 54:10

Welcome to the Word for today which reads from Isaiah 54:10:

The Mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, but my loving kindness will not be removed from you...


While everything around us can be going 'South' we can often forget to be calm and remember that we are never alone.  We have a hope, and we have to hold onto that hope that never fails, that never fails to surprise, step in at the last moment, show up unexpected or just is.  We are loved more than we can ever imagine.


As you meditate on the scripture and enjoy the image ask and think about the many gifts you have been given, the many challenges you face, and the fruit that will come from the work of your hands. 

Words and images for the week, to bless, encourage and inspire you to be all that you have been called to be. 

What will you do with what you have been given today?

Monday 25 January 2016

The Journey Within - Online Class In Full swing


The Journey Within - Click to Register and more info

Well the Journey Within 2016 is in full swing and we are coming to the end of the first month.  We are having a lot of fun, insight and much needed time in our journals.  It is great to be able to share with each other in the journey, and the journey has kicked off well with Vivienne McMaster, Kelly Johnson and Tiare Smith, along with some great journal hints and tips from Kiala our host.

You can join us for the year long journey or the class is also split up into quarters and the first quarter is from January to March - so you still have time to sign up if you want to get on board for either the year long or the first quarter.  There is no falling behind as you can take your time to work through the videos and dip your toes in and really make this journey count for you.  

You will be able to view my lesson in February and I can't wait to share some techniques with you, here is a sneak peek:

Sneak peek of my lesson for The Journey Within 2016

It was great hearing the interview with Vivienne and some of the classes that she teaches and the way that we see ourselves and the stories that form - especially through the camera, and I would like to spend more time for a while seeing myself from a different perspective, through the lens and document the journey.  

Kelly Johnson and Tiare Smiths had us working in our Art Journals, exploring and discovering.  Our session with Kelly we were encouraged to explore seeds.  I have moved recently and have been keen to start growing and planting, so this was an ideal exercise.  I am coming across a variety of seeds from unfamiliar fruit and finding out the different conditions that would make the seed grow and it has been a really good experience.  Just taking a closer look at the seeds their colours and shapes got me really thinking about the particular plants and where I would want to place them when they start to grow.


All these seeds I have potted up and waiting for them to grow.  I have had success with the Moringa and the squash which have sprouted up almost immediately.


The Palm seed above also sprouted and I have the makings of a small plant so far.  The others will probably take a few more days to germinate.  I really loved this way of documenting the seeds that I have found and all in all, I am quite pleased with the page and will share more of what I have been growing during the week.

For Tiare's class we were encouraged to play and create what she calls splatter, splotch and splash art. 



It is such a freeing exercise and I plan to do more.  You are playing with the paints, on the page and allowing the colours to take shape, loved it
 

I must say that the Journey Within online course is something that your going to want to take part in.  Already there is so many juicy techniques in the classes and so much more to come. Why not join us on this journey and you can be sure that by the end of the year you will have so many areas of your life impacted by taking part.  

To find out more information, click on the link above and join us for a journey of a lifetime!








Sunday 24 January 2016

Word for the Week - Ephesians 5:15

Welcome to today's scripture which is taken from Ephesians 5:15 and reads:

I will be very careful how I live, not as the unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity because these days are evil.  I will not be foolish, but understand what the Lords will is....


We are already practically at the end of January and it can seem that time is moving at a faster pace, well, it is!  Each and every day we have that opportunity to live our lives to the best of our abilities, and make each moment count.  If today was your last and you looked back over your accomplishments what would you wish you did more of.  Don't let those moments, those opportunities pass you by, use what you have been given and be a blessing in the life of someone else.

As you meditate on the scripture and enjoy the image ask and think about the many gifts you have been given, the many challenges you face, and the fruit that will come from the work of your hands. 

Words and images for the week, to bless, encourage and inspire you to be all that you have been called to be. 


What will you do with what you have been given today?

Sunday 17 January 2016

Word for the Week - Isaiah 40:31

Welcome to today's Scripture, which is taken from 
Isaiah 40:31 and reads:


No matter what you feel you are going through, or where you feel you have ended up, you are just at the beginning. We can feel sometimes that there is no hope when we look at a situation and we want to move on impulse, but when you take a different view you will see things in an entirely different light, and you will be better placed to take the necessary steps.  Don't rush your decisions, wait!  Don''t beat yourself up, wait! 



Seek clarity, understanding and most of all wisdom.

As you meditate on the scripture and enjoy the image ask and think about the many gifts you have been given, the many challenges you face, and the fruit that will come from the work of your hands. 

Words and images for the week, to bless, encourage and inspire you to be all that you have been called to be. 

What will you do with what you have been given today?

Monday 11 January 2016

Dwelling in the desert and images - I just felt like writing....

I felt like writing a piece, it is called 'Dwelling in the Desert'.  I would like to write more often, and plan to try and make a practice of it. I have included some of my past art work, I hope you like it, leave me a comment let me know what you think, if you resonate with the piece.

Dwelling in the Desert

How is it that thoughts can take hold of you - from just a few words your world can be turned upside down.

Mixed media art - Amanda Trought

The attentiveness wrapped in tender words is what did it in the guise of a stream.  It is now understandable that when you get stuck in the desert for so long, in a parched and dry land where everything seems withered you loose a piece of yourself, ever so slowly until you look in the mirror and don't even recognize your reflection.  Every now and then in what seems like a cycle a stream appears.  You've been parched for so long you wonder if you should drink, laugh, wet your feet or totally ignore it, but the very idea of the stream brings hope.
Mixed media art - Amanda Trought

Every time you look at the stream it reminds you of those unfulfilled dreams, and you are amazed at how you got into the position.  You never thought that you would be surrounded by dry land in the desert for so long and just got used to it, the days rolled weeks, months and then the years and then you looked back and things had changed, you had changed and you were just there.  Your throat aches from crying and calling out "Why".

Mixed media art - Amanda Trought

Now the sound of the stream as it bubbles over the rocks, caressing the tips of the trees that suddenly gather along its path.  It brings new life, fresh eyes, new ways of thinking and as quickly as the stream appears there is a refreshing to your soul and you are lost in your confusion, feeling guilty, wanting to dip in the stream, and lose yourself, scared that it is only a disguise and the thirst will still remain.
Mixed media art - Amanda Trought

You didn't realize that you were thirsty until you noticed the stream.  Some say that if you drink from the stream you will never be able to go back, some say a new life awaits.  As you walked along the stream bed, it looks so inviting, enticing, you long to laugh again and feel at ease.  Flowing over the rocks droplets of water rise up and touches your face, absorbed in your skin your senses are heightened as you are reminded of where and who you are.

Mixed media art - Amanda Trought

Confusion now spills into your mind, your heart beating fast.

Stop talking, let there be silence you say, your thoughts needing to be quiet, banishing them to the barren part of your mind so that you can be still, you want your thoughts to be ordered to stop what seems like madness, or is it just your mind playing tricks of yearning from another dimension.

You wait, confusion tries to come back from the banished regions of your mind to taunt you again and you are tempted to get closer to the stream, perhaps you'll just gaze for a while.  You tell yourself that your perspective has changed, and that you'll be stronger, and if you look through squinted eyes perhaps the desert isn't so bad, the years still passing and you can see that the desert has a different cloud formation going on, perhaps there is change ahead, perhaps it isn't enough!

Wednesday 6 January 2016

Quote Wednesday - Esther Davis-Thompson



Welcome to Quote Wednesday for 2016, the first of many.  I hope to share inspiring and encouraging quotes that will live and brighten your spirits.  The words that we speak to ourselves and to others can have a dramatic effect on our health and well-being, and impact on the way that we view our lives and our purpose.


I hope the words that you speak to yourself and others this year will be filled with love, peace and grace, and will serve as a reminder of how special, gifted and talented you truly are!

Mothers, teach your children this. 
Teach your children that Wisdom is everywhere. In pieces. 
Some of the Wisdom is in the trees, some of the Wisdom is with the animals. Some of the Wisdom is with the planets and the stars and the moons and the sun. 
Some of the Wisdom flows with the waters. Some of the Wisdom was with our ancestors. Some of the Wisdom is in our minds. All of the Wisdom is from the Spirit of God. 
~Esther Davis-Thompson


Each Quote Wednesday I share a quote with a painting or photograph that I have created. Quotes can be so inspiring and uplifting it is a good idea to meditate on the words and make a point of saying something encouraging about your life!

Do something great and share your favorite quote in the comments below. Join me next week for the next inspiring quote and image. Blessings!

Sunday 3 January 2016

One Badass Art Journal - Blog Hop and Giveaway!


I HAVE A FREE SPOT TO GIVE AWAY - SEE BELOW



Do you want to learn how to become a badass Art journaler? 
Want to learn new, fun, exciting Art journaling Techniques that will take your Art journaling to a whole new Level? 

I’m thrilled to share that here is another great collaborative
Project that I will be part of in 2016 … ONE BADASS ARTJOURNAL … and here is a sneak preview of what you will be making in my session:


We will be drawing strength and nurturing ourselves with these exercises, and creating different levels and layers and building (literally!) on our journal page.


There will be more than one message that comes through, messages to encourage, nurture, inspire, and make you feel loved.

I hope you enjoy!

One BADASS Art Journal will empower you to create, to learn, to feel confident and provide you with the tools, techniques and encouragement needed to feel
BADASS every day!



Check out the amazing Teacher-Lineup … you can find more Information about the Artists teaching, and much more information about this fantastic class here.

But WAIT I have a spot to GIVEAWAY

In this workshop you will get so many wonderful videos and techniques - such as:

• get 16 badass art lessons
• learn wonderful mixed media techniques
• be infused with confidence and creativity
• learn great tips and tricks you can use again and again

• make badass art journal pages......and MORE

Here is the Blog Hop line-up, and each teacher has a space to give away, so more chances of winning one!:


12/26 – Andrea Gomoll 
12/27 – Robin Mead
12/29 – Grace Howes
12/30 – Jeanette Montero
12/31 – Keri Sallee
1/1 –  Jennifer Albin
1/2 – Susanne Rose
YOU ARE HERE .1/3 – Amanda Trought .YOU ARE HERE
1/4 – Ayala Art
1/7 – Tracy Scott
1/8 – Tiare Smith

Be sure to follow along with the rest of the blog hop! Just scroll down to find their site urls and their “hop” date. Be sure to visit on each date so you can learn more about what each artist will be bringing to One BADASS Art Journal and for chances to WIN!!!




I am really looking forward for the class to begin and I know that you will be blown away by some of the things you are going to learn!  I hope you will join us!

Click for more information

For this Blog Hop, 
I have ONE FREE SPOT to giveaway 
for the BadAss Art Journal Class  
To enter the draw:

Leave a comment below letting me know why you would like to win a place in the class AND 

Closing date for this draw will be 
Friday 8th January 2016, I will announce the winner on Saturday 9th January 2016

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