Quote Wednesday - Sara Teasdale - and news

Welcome to quote Wednesday for today, and I hope that wherever you find yourself you are blessed and able to be a blessing.  The quote today is from Sara Teasdale and reads:

Life will have given  me the truth, and taken in exchange my youth.....

For me this is a reminder to make the most of every opportunity.  We are learning all the time, and we have to value the process that gets us from one point to the next, and hopefully with reflection we grow and learn.

We all age and get old it is a universal occurrence, just make sure you use the truths that come from this journey wisely and continue to step out what ever stage of life you are!

Want to be motivated each and every week, Quote Wednesday will be moving to my inspiration quote blog from next week. 

Realityarts Quotes!

My quote blog will have a wide variety of images and quotes for you to feast your eyes on!  I hope that you will go away each week feeling inspired and encouraged.

Recycled Projects - Recycled 101 - Create a trinket bowl!

Welcome to another week of recycled projects, where I have taken a plastic drinks container and turned it into a bowl that can be used to display some of your favorite things.

I have taken newspaper rolls and wound them round the bottom of the bottle, creating a base

 I have then painted it with a water resistant paint product called powertex, and then added a gold finish around the bowl.

It is now a great place to store my stones that are waiting to be painted.  Check out the video below to see it up a bit closer.

Transformation Friday - Rest - Mixed Media Art video

Welcome to another Transformation Friday.  I have been enjoying painting portraits and the process that it involves, where we see it come to shape from start to finish.  It is a reminder to me that we are also works in progress, not having yet reached our destination but all on that journey, picking up the lessons that life teaches us.

The painting today reminds me that we need to be mindful of rest and taking that time out for ourselves to allow our bodies to renew.  Those things that nurture us and help us grow can often be found in the times where we reflect and take the time to listen.

'the before'

This is where the painting started out, the 'before' stage.  Come with me on the journey as the story unfolds, the painting makes a few stops, every now and then before coming to a place of peace.

Check out the video to see the process, hope you enjoy it

One BadAss Art Journal Workshop - Fear and Courage Art Journal Page

The One BadAss Art Journal workshop is coming to a close and it has been a very insightful journey.  As one of the teachers I have been blessed to be among so many talented artists who each gave so much of themselves during their lessons.  I have really enjoyed creating alongside them and all the others who took part on the course.

I did a journal page inspired by the session that Keri Sallee did during her week, and this is what I came up with in my journal.  

Fear comes, remind you of ALL your limitations

My piece started out with background colors, then figures started to appear as I worked on it.  It addresses the journey that I feel that we all make at sometime or another, of stepping out into something challenging, and allowing the doubts and negative voices to put you off course.

Fear is represented in the picture as a one-eyed monster type figure, staring, and behaving as if there is concern really at the center of it and it really wants to support.

We have all dealt with fear in one shape or another, we know what it looks like, some of us can handle different situations that for the rest of us we can only look on in admiration from a place of safety.  Fear can remind us to be careful in some situations, and reminds me that sticking my head into a crocodiles mouth should be handled with caution.

Essentially we have to find ways of tackling with fearful situations especially where the critic is involved, disguised as a voice of reason, especially as we may not always see a plan, route, or steps that we can take.

Have the courage to take the step...you know you want to

When I come across these situations I try and see what fear is saying, and why these emotions are coming up at this particular moment.  I think about what it is that I am trying to achieve and some of the ways in which it can play out.

I look at what support I have around me, sometimes there is none and in those situations you have to brave uncharted waters.  Other times you have support around you, but they are coming from a place of fear, as they don't want you to change.

Are you brave enough to take the first step on the tightrope?

At the end of the day you have to take the step, make a decision, hold on to what you got and put one foot in front of the other.  It might feel as if you are walking the tightrope, but armed with your pole to help keep your balance, and keeping your eye on your goal, you can make it to the other side.

All that from a journal page!!!  I always find it amazing what stories want to be told on the page.  I hope if you are dealing with a situation that currently seems impossible that you take a look at it from a different perspective before you make your decision to quit.

Stay blessed always and I will be showing you some of the other art that I have created from The One BadAss Art Journal workshop.

Word for the Week - Deuteronomy 31:8

Welcome to the word for the week.  Taken from Deuteronomy 31:8 and reads - 

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

The last few months have been a hard one where we have had to stand with two people who were battling health issues and they past within a few months of each other.  Since we have been in Barbados we have already attended 3 funerals with one just on Saturday.  At each of the funerals, the life of the individual was celebrated and there was a joy for having got to know them in such a short time, obviously tinged with sadness for the family no longer having them around.

One thing that gives me comfort is that the Lord is always with me, I have no doubt, and can testify to many incidents where if not for the Lord I wouldn't be here.  It is that faith that gave me strength when my own brother was ill with multiple myeloma and eventually was take from us.

I want to encourage and lift up those who are going through sickness, longstanding illnesses and friends and family who support you that you are not alone.  Make the most of every opportunity that you have to speak to those around you and tell them how much you love them, share special moments, build the memories, for these are what we can hold on to, and that you can look back on.  Don't leave it to tomorrow, next year or 'when the time is right', for tomorrow for some will never come.

Recycled Projects - Are Back! - Crafting a Cup

Happy Saturday!   So great that you could join me today.  I wanted to let you know that the Recycled Project posts are back and I will be sharing things that you can do with recycled materials.  There are a lot of crafty things that you can do with recycled materials.   You will have endless amounts of fun re-purposing, reusing and just making stuff that you might be able to use around the home or in your crafting space.

This is also useful if you are creating on a budget and want to find some inexpensive ways of creating the products or equipment that you might need for a fraction of the cost.

In one of my previous posts I shared a book case I made from Cardboard boxes

Cardboard Bookcase

which was made from packing boxes below!

The foundation of the bookcase made from Cardboard

I had great fun making it, was able to make it fit the space I had in mind.  I have since been making other things, and there seems to be more recycled material than time to make something new and exciting, but I am giving it a go.

I have come up with a few ideas for things to do with plastic bottles and newspaper, and again it is quite exciting what you can do with a little bit of imagination.

I have made a storage container this week, which will be used to hold some of my tools in the studio, see photos below, you can also see the video so that you can see it from a different view point.

So many things can be made from these two materials

So many things you can do with plastic and paper!

There is a wealth of things that you can create with plastic and paper, here is one way in which you can create an inexpensive storage container, that can be used in a variety of ways in your creative space or around the home.

The design formed itself and began to take shape once the paper was added.

It is made using the top of a plastic container and newspaper.

I love the way the paper lays on the plastic

The newspaper is rolled and covers the plastic to get the textured effect.

I created a stand from the rolled paper

It is dried and painted then given the brushed gold effect with metallic paint. I really like the detail on the handle and the pattern around the container.

Painted cup, which is varnished

It is then sealed with varnish and is water resistant, but to preserve it don't actually use it as a cup (lol).

With some thought you could allow your imagination to run away with you and create other shapes and styles - how about a series.

Do come back next week to see what else can be made, subscribe and sign up to the emails, so that you don't miss out on a post!

Transformation Friday - Let Peace Reign

Here is a page I did recently for my transformation Friday art pieces.  I took an image and worked on it until the story came out.  I tell the story through video, I hope that you enjoy!

This is how she came into the story, wanting a change, but not knowing where to go, so I helped her with her transformation using my art supplies and gave her the tools she needed to tell her story..

Her journey was filled with doubt but she kept going, kept trying to understand her full potential..

With each step and sweep of the paint brush she became who she knew she could be

Come back for more Transformation art journal pages

Quote Wednesday - Don't give up

Welcome to Quote Wednesday, and I hope that it finds you in a good place.  Despite where we think we are there is always room for improvement, even if it is just a little tweak here or there.

I have been on a journey (another one!) trying to find where I fit with my work and where I want to take it, it meant that I removed myself from my blog to a certain extent.  I realize that it didn't quite make how I feel any clearer, just left me with so many things I wanted to share.  

Anyway, that I will do, I hope to continue to inspire, encourage and be real.

Mixed Media Art - Amanda Trought

Don't give up on your dreams, just change your perspective a little.  Stay blessed and be a blessing.

Transformation Friday - Art Journal Work

Greetings and good morning and afternoon to all.  I know I probably keep saying this but hasn't the week flown by!  So many things to share, as I begin to write one I am in the midst of another and before you know it a whole month has passed.  I say to myself if I can just put things on pause I can catch up, then I am dazed like a deer in headlights wondering what to share first, then do nothing.  Does anyone else have this problem?

Transformation Friday - Before and After

It is not only that but I guess I have been going through my own stuff as well that started me questioning what I was doing and why, especially when it came to the blog.  I found that I didn't want to share my voice, wondering who if anyone heard it, but realize that if only one person is blessed then at least it has helped someone.  The effort is worth it!

The Critic, came in like a baby but had a vicious side when things didn't go its way

I want to share with you something I have painted today, each morning I try and do at least half hour work in my art journal on a random page, no agenda, no right or wrong, just express through whatever is available.

Change takes time

It started out as just colors on the page, then I thought I saw something coming through.  For me each character on the page has a story, I just didn't know what it was.  I have joined the class - The Storytellers Art  - with Robin Laws and its funny how I now realize that I can tell and share their stories, where they are coming from, and sometimes they relate to the story that my own heart is wanting to tell.

Working on those hard places

The characters come from a variety of backgrounds

Wanting to give up

Sometimes they come just to remind me of something, or share something meant for someone else.

Realizing that you have a story

Other times, they are bringing a message meant for me, that I need to pay attention to, I am learning to listen especially to the still small voice that can come at any time.

Your story matters

There are times when they remind me to follow my dreams, stop comparing yourself, and really allow yourself to soar and be who you were meant to be.

Things can be different

They appear in one form and transform into another.  Like this young lady in the picture.  She shared her story to me of self neglect, and allowing the critic to have the final say in everything.  When you looked at her you only saw the critic who didn't want her true beauty to shine through.

It begins with love

Once she had made the decision to care and nurture herself, love herself the way that she truly desired to be loved her beauty came through and the transformation began.

No matter how you feel

She realized that she had to stop hiding, and putting herself down, as her playing small achieved nothing, and the very lives that she was to impact on missed out on the opportunity of renewed life.

It is a decision

She made that decision that she would love herself the way that she knew God loved her and see herself the way God sees her with so much potential, and abundant gifts and talents to give and be a blessing.

Change the things you can and bless the rest

She made the decision to step out and shake those critics, those demons that haunted her off, and live a transformed life.

Today is your day for transformation - take a look at the 'before' and what do you want the 'after' to look like? what area of your life needs a new lease, a new light, hope and opportunity?  Join me on Fridays as I creatively look at transformation.  Work in your journal or what ever you feel you want to chart your journey, and take that step to change.  I will give you more details as the week unfolds.

Blessings to you and yours for the weekend.  

Word for the Week - Psalm 23:4

Welcome to the word for the week, this weeks word comes from Psalm 23:4 and reads:

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me.  Psalm 23:4

Life can be filled with many bumps in the road, not every thing will go smoothly.  When I look back on my life and see the many changes that have taken place, the losses of those close to me, times when I thought I couldn't take another breath because the pain of loosing those loved ones seemed so great.

Word for the Week

I came through, I lived another day, I breathed again.  I truly believe that the experiences we go through have gems of wisdom within them.  We have to face them head on at some point in time and look at how we can use these times to impact on the lives of others.

Word for the Week

I feel in my situation that sharing my journey has helped others, talking about the days I wanted to run away as I dealt with the dementia my mother lives with speaks to others who are going through it themselves, we are to share our stories and bless someone else, for we are not alone.

Word for the Week - Photograph and scripture

As we share our stories we grow, others grow, others see that they are not alone - that we are all connected.  

Open your heart, for your story is the lifeline to another, just as you are blessed by the quotes, scriptures or writings of others.  Let your voice be heard and shine your light into the hearts and minds of those who need to hear you around the world

Have a blessed week, I have lots to share this coming week, with some of the events and activities that I have been involved with so do come back, stay blessed and be a blessing.

Word for the Week - John 1:14

Welcome to today's scripture which is from John 1:14 and reads;

 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and Truth

You seek answers, explanations and reasons and signs, the proof is there but you ask the wrong questions.  Everything has been illuminated - a light shining in the darkness, do you really want to know, for the answers may not appear as we think they should....then what will you do?

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?

Word for the week - Matthew 6:26

Welcome to Word for the Week which has been taken from Matthew 6:26 and reads:

Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; Yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not of more value than they?

Sometimes we choose to worry about the wrong things, we spend our times tearing our hair out at how everything will work, what we should have and where we should be rather than taking note of the value we bring with the gifts we have within.  When we worry we focus our attention on the negative.   When we focus on what we can be thankful for the answers we seek are in the midst.

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?

Word for the Week - Matthew 5:14

Welcome to this weeks Word for the week,  We are fast approaching the last week of the month and when you look back, think about the things that you have done this week to make a difference.

I am the light of the world, a city on a hill that cannot be hidden  I will let my light shine before men, that they may see my good deeds and praise my Father in heaven.  Matthew 5:14

Think about the things you can do, however small that can make the difference in the life of someone else.  To them you are a walking miracle and you inspire them.  Take a look in the mirror for the moment, and recognize the light that you carry within...

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?

In the News.....Go, arise..... Be the best you!

I hope you are having a great day so far, or if you've just got up due to your time zone that you have made a choice to be more that you were yesterday. 

How many of you have already heard a number of negative words, thoughts since you got up, and just how are you going to hush those voices?  What encouraging words will you be saying to yourself, they say that for every negative word it takes 150 positive words to cancel it out.   

We have all heard, said negative things about ourselves at one point or other and I think that we have to daily remind ourselves about the talents and gifts we have within - our words have power to lift up or to tear down.  We have a responsibility to be our 'best selves' and by that I mean who we were created to be not who 'man' says we should be.

To explore those ideas, try those skills, learn, expand your mind, travel, write, create, sing, climb, never give up on yourself no matter what age you are.  And the more you do it the closer you come to yourself who has a gift to share, a story to tell, an example to be.  Don't give up on the 'you' you can become, will become, if you give yourself some room to grow, step out of the boat, - out of your comfort zone.  Life hasn't finished with you yet, you are not at your destination and someone in the world, could be half way across the world or just round the corner from you needs to hear your voice.  What are you waiting for - go do you!

Mixed Media Art 

As I encourage you, I encourage myself,....And Still I rise...

I will leave you with Maya Angelou's Poem.  I had the fortune to meet her many many years ago when she graced our bookshop - Grassroots that was based in Ladbrook Grove UK. On the night she signed books, read some of her poems and inspired many.

And Still I Rise..

You may write me down in history

With your bitter, twisted lies,

You may tread me in the very dirt

But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you? 

Why are you beset with gloom? 

'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells

Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,

With the certainty of tides,

Just like hopes springing high,

Still I'll rise.

Did you want to see me broken? 

Bowed head and lowered eyes? 

Shoulders falling down like teardrops.

Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you? 

Don't you take it awful hard

'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines

Diggin' in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,

You may cut me with your eyes,

You may kill me with your hatefulness,

But still, like air, I'll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you? 

Does it come as a surprise

That I dance like I've got diamonds

At the meeting of my thighs? 

Out of the huts of history's shame I rise

Up from a past that's rooted in pain I rise

I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,

Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear I rise

Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear I rise

Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,

I am the dream and the hope of the slave.

I rise

I rise

I rise

Maya Angelou

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!