Sometimes I Write Poetry - Look inside

I am going to take you on a little journey through the book what I wanted to show you is the color the paintings that are included in the book from paintings that I have created.

Sometimes I write poetry is a collection of words expressing emotions it has been in the process of development over the years and I finally gathered the courage to share it with you.  I'm really proud of the way that it came out I really love the feel of the cover, it's a matte finish and very soft.  The book is split into eight chapters the chapters, which are love, decisions, thoughts, calling, memories, loneliness, loss and death and community and soul and with each chapter there is a color painting that goes with it, and over a hundred poems.

If you would like to purchase a copy you can do so HERE  

Cyber Week Sale!! Extended

You should also check out the Cyber Week Sale that I have going on my Course platform - get 50% off all courses using the code CREATE50 

To be taken to the course selection - Click on the image or HERE 

I also have up to 40% off my digital stamps, there are a range of designs to choose from.  The Etsy code is ORDER20 and you can click on the image to see the designs or HERE

Material Mondays - Painted Fabric - Vase

 

In Material Mondays this week I share working on a painted fabric.  The surface was prepared previously and I took the time to work on a few images which included this vase with flowers and some figures.

This is a great way to prepare your fabric for stitching projects and can also be a standalone project.

Supplies used include the following:

Homemade stencils - check out my free course for making your own - https://bit.ly/messyhabit 

Tea Towel for crafts - https://amzn.to/3gutIOR 

Stencils - https://amzn.to/3Gvswpf 

Fine Brush - https://amzn.to/3UNiOCR 

Tulip Paints - https://amzn.to/3EuCZQm 

Dimensional Paints - https://amzn.to/3UZ0XbA 

Permanent Ink - https://amzn.to/3hH926F

Join me each week for Material Mondays, check out the last two episodes:

Cyber Week Sale - 50% off ALL Courses & More!!

I have a Cyber Week Sale currently and I am offer 50% off all my courses!!

You have a selection to choose from and it is a great opportunity to spend some quality time being creative.  

If you want to take advantage of the Course Discount use the code: CREATE50

CHECK OUT THE COURSE PLATFORM

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Etsy Store

I am also offering an additional 20% off my Etsy digital stamps.  I currently have a store sale, you can get an additional discount which will be a whopping 40% discount off all items until Monday 28th November 11.59 EST

Use the code ORDER20 to get the additional 20% discount in the store.  I have a new selection of digital stamps, which can be altered to create a series of different looks.

Here is one of the digital stamp designs, once you print them out you can create different looks to use in your creative projects.

CHECK OUT MY ETSY STORE

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Remember to check out the Art Resource Hub which is FREE to join to to check out additional offers for November that are being offered.

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One BADASS Art Journal Course - Giveaway!

I will be teaching on the course next year, and we are holding a giveaway

You have the opportunity to enter the Giveaway, Learn More Here

Stay blessed this weekend and be a blessing.

52 Art Journals - Mixed Media Mini Art Journal

 

This Art Journal uses digital papers I created for my patrons.  They also get to see how to put the art Journal together. It's made from one sheet of paper or card. I have used the digital paper and collaged additional onto the covers of the mini journal.

We have on the front card cutouts which was originally from a greetings card with a butterfly and some flowers and flourishes and then we've just got some other elements using ribbon.  I have used background paper and painted paper as well underneath and altered ribbons on the side. 

On the pages I also use old artwork, collaged and stamped tags and embellished handmade paper. I have left space in the journal for additional writing or doodling 

You can check out the video above to see more details

If you are interested in some of the resources, you can check these out - 

Ribbons

Background Papers

Encouraging words - Free downloads check out Creative Fabrica

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Check out some of these offers

Art Journal Journey - Free Weekend, and discount off Book of Days

I have several amazing offers to share with you about courses and resources that I have taught or services I have used and they give you some great examples of working in your journal and learning new techniques.

Art Journal Journey 

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

You will be able to get FREE access at the weekend to Art Journal Journey - 29 art journaling lessons, 4 of which are mine that I have shared on the Creative U platform which include:

Reusing Your Art - looking at ways in which you can reuse your art in your journals

What Lies Beneath - putting messages and encouraging words in our work

Creating with Layers - working with layers, ones you have created or brought

Gratitude's and Celebrations - identifying the things that we are grateful for and adding these within our work.

There are some great teachers sharing their work as well that you will be able to have access to.  You can also sign up for lifetime access at a cost of $57, you can check it out HERE.

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Book of Days

Book of Days is retiring and there is a 50% off deal until the 1st December.  You will have lifetime access and some of the other Book of Days will be going on sale later on.  Use promo code bodfinale to get the discount.  Check it out HERE or click on the image

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Creative Bug

Creativebug are offering 60 days free on their courses so you can get some extra viewing in and brush up on some techniques.  You can click on the image or check them out HERE

Mixed Media Art Digital Kits

I have a series of digital kits available in my ETSY store that you can use in your art journal and creative projects.

They can be used as coloring pages, paper dolls, as a collage element and more, you can check them out HERE - Use the Code ORDER20 and receive 20% off your purchase until 1st December 2022

Have a blessed Week.  If you do use the digital stamps share them with me on my Instagram

Material Mondays - Week 14 - Painting on Fabric

Material Mondays Painted Fabric Art

In the video this week, we're going to be painting on fabric before stitching! This is a great way to add some extra interest to your fabric project and make it look more unique.

Painted art journal page with glitter

You can use a variety of creative supplies and paints. I am using the brand called Tulip and I have listed the supplies below that I use to paint on fabric.

I usually use recycled fabric, cottons etc where I need them for specific projects I will order them online.

By painting on fabric before stitching, you'll be able to create some really beautiful and unique pieces. You can see the other videos in the Material Monday's series.

Preparing the fabric with paint

Check out the video to see how the fabric progressed:

Supplies used

Tulip Paints

Fabric Glue

Glitter

Pallet knife

Dimensional Paints

Permanent Ink

Other Resources

I am teaching - Check out my FREE Courses HERE

My Amazon store - Click HERE to see my Store suggestions

Check out my Art Supplies on Kit: https://kit.co/Realityarts

Thank you for joining me in my art studio. We all have 5 minutes that we can give to creative play, why not see how you can fit creativity into your every day

Subscribe to my YouTube channel HERE

For More inspiration please visit my Patreon page.

Art Bundle Sale is now on - 7 Tips for Getting the most out of the Bundle!

Art Bundles for Good #7 Sale is now on and you have until the 7th November to purchase the bundle. There are more classes that have been added and more artists, so it is a great deal to learn from so many different creatives - me being one of them

There are over $5700 worth of art courses and other resources on topics like watercolor painting, art journaling, sketching, mixed media, acrylic painting, stencils, collage, pastel pencils, colored pencils, mandalas, art marketing, calligraphy, and much more all bundled together for one low price. This is an amazing opportunity to get more than 111 art resources at such a low price. When you get a chance to visit the Art Bundle website you will see all the amazing courses included this year. They are all listed on the homepage.

Go to the Art Bundles for Good

If you decide to purchase the course bundle, I thought I would share some tips for getting the most out of it, with so many classes and resources, it can get overwhelming, and you want to make the most out of it.

7 TIPS FOR GETTING THE MOST OUT OF THE COURSE BUNDLE

If you like taking different art courses then you will love this bundle, there are so many great lessons by some of your favorite artists. One thing you do have to remember to do is pace yourself. And this goes for any course that you do. For all of the courses you will have access for about a year, so you could get through all of them if you do approximately 2 courses each week - or sign up and go at your own pace. I would go through as follows:

1. Think about the skills that you want to learn first and foremost and do those sessions
2. Identify which ones that jump out at you immediately - could be what you will be creating.
3. Classes by teachers you have heard
4. Classes that are then left
5. Try to sign up at least so that you get your money's worth, then at least after that at least you can then do the class at your own pace after the year sign up access.
6. If there are any classes that you think ‘no not interested’ at least check it out, you may find that there are techniques that you would be interested in learning.
7. Make notes of what you learnt, what you liked about the class and transferable skills or techniques you can use again.

My Offering to the Art Bundle

You get my Mixed Media Art Bowls Course and downloadable Tips for Creative Self Care.

These are lovely creative bowls you can make - with Christmas coming up make gorgeous gifts, or birthday treats, and can not only be filled with encouraging words but also little treats!

You also get

25% of the Art Bundle profits are going to support Courageous Kitchen, a Bangkok-based charity helping refugees. Get over 111 top art learning resources from more than 90 artists AND do some good at the same time. We’ve raised US$101,782 for charity so far.

Go to the Art Bundles for Good

The Art Bundle is backed by a 30-Day Money Back Guarantee. Try out the courses for a couple of weeks. If you are not happy, John, from BundlesforGood, will refund your money.

Gardening Behind the Scenes and Planning

In today's video I share some plans in the garden.  I will be sharing the update as this video was taken 

Welcome, you get a bit of the behind the scenes in the Garden today. This are of the garden was a space that I am working on creating a hedge. It is besides my recycled tires in the garden and want to create an area that I can possibly place a bench and relaxing area as well. It is a work in progress and all the projects take a while to come to fruition. I will be sharing an update to this area of the garden next week.

You can check out the video below

If you would like to check out some of the things I am working on in the garden that was seen or mentioned in the video: Yard and Garden Furniture - check out this book to create your own - https://amzn.to/3NksXUN DIY Garden projects - https://amzn.to/3SRKTqT Composting made easy - https://amzn.to/3UeBOcU Wheel Barrow - (on my ideas list) - https://amzn.to/3DqBQHz Lattice Fencing - https://amzn.to/3Ds6Nv2 https://amzn.to/3SOYSh3 https://amzn.to/3Fw5bmI The Secret Garden book - https://amzn.to/3DnfDKM

Because the garden has practically no budget, it is important to look at ways in which I can either use what is growing, found objects and swaps. I have found some of the trees that grow really fast, like the 'river tamarind' - can be cut and the branches used for projects, pallets are things that my local hardware store gives away, so I may be able to make use of the wood - it would need to be treated as we have an issue with termites in the garden.

Do let me know if you have any queries or comments about the garden and stay blessed. You can check out some of the other gardening videos - HERE

Previously on Creative Gardener......

Sometimes I Write Poetry - I have Published a Poetry Book!!!

 I am so excited to share that I have published my first book of poetry!!

I am thrilled as I have been writing on and off over the years and the poems were typed up, but I never did anything with them.  The papers even started to change color.

It is amazing the things that we say we want to do, but for one reason or another we talk ourselves out of seeing it come to pass.  After I made up my mind to do it once and for all I had to be disciplined and make sure I focused on getting some of the tasks done, a bit every day. 

I did an interview talking about the book and the process and you can catch it below.  Let me know how you are getting on in the things that you are trying to get done, is there a particular dream that you are working on?

I hope you are encouraged as you listen to the interview.

The book is available on Amazon

Amazon US Book - https://amzn.to/3TWgWHz Kindle - https://amzn.to/3SZi9fM Amazon UK Book - https://amzn.to/3zBc1DP

One of the things that I want to continue is the joy of writing and the ability to use the resources available to us to share the work. I also want to encourage you to think carefully about the things that you are putting aside because you don't think you would be able to do it. Break it up into smaller chunks and get started, before you know it you will have got further than you thought you could. Time is going to pass anyway; you might as well do something that is going to make you proud.

So get ready to take action or continue to take action in your life 'story'!!  Let me know what your biggest challenges are, as sometimes it is just a change of perspective that will throw new light and opportunities on things.

Stay Blessed and be a blessing!

Material Mondays - Textile Art Project - Week 12

Welcome to Material Mondays, this week we are working on a lovely art piece that I had started a while back and it was calling to be complete. I managed to get it a bit further along.  You can check out the video below.

I had got the piece to this stage and checking what kind of beading that I want to have attached to the piece.

I added some seed beads and will see how I feel about them as to whether I will add some more.  It is great to be able to use the supplies, some of the beads have come from clothing, charity or thrift store and other I have brought over time.

I was contemplating whether to turn it into a journal cover

Check out the video below to see how it went.

Let me know if you are working on any textile pieces or would like to incorporate it into your mixed media work.

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A reminder to Enter the Giveaway below

LEARN MORE

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Check out some courses while you are at it!

Click HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Art Journal with Pockets

This journal started out as a place to hold my mixed media cards. I loved all the elements that I created to go on the front and inside.

Over time I will be transforming it into an art journal with papers to create on. If you're interested in creating your own art journal, be sure to watch this video and you will be able to see how to make changes to an original idea.

This journal uses cardboard and leather that I had in my stash, take a look at some of the things that you have that you will be able to use.

You can find some free resources to use in your art journal on my course platform.

Check out some courses while you are at it!

Click HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Remember to enter the giveaway for the Art Bundles for Good - there are 3 prizes valued at $5700

Enter the Giveaway HERE

Good Luck

The Art Bundle #7 Giveaway starts today! Win Over $5700 of Art Classes

Do you want a chance to win the all-new Art Bundles for Good #7? 

Three lucky winners will have a chance to win the entire Art Bundles for Good #7 including $5700 worth of art courses and other great resources. There are over 111 art resources from more than 90 of your favorite artists this year.  I am contributing one of my new courses - Mixed Media Art Bowls

You get to create a set of 3 mixed media art bowls in my online course - Mixed Media Art Bowls

It doesn’t cost anything to enter the giveaway, so don’t miss out. and see if you can be one of the ones who win the whole bundle. The Art Bundle Giveaway only lasts for 1 week, starting today! The more you share, the more chances you have to win. 

GO TO THE ART BUNDLE GIVEAWAY

Art Bundle #7 Sale is Coming on November 3rd for 5 Days!

The all new Art Bundles of Good #7 is coming next week. This is the best deal in online art classes you will find. There are more than 90 artists contributing 111+ art courses and resources with a value of over $5700 at a low price, a great time to treat yourself for Christmas!

25% of the profits from the sale are going to Courageous Kitchen, a Bangkok based charity helping refugees. We’ve raised US$101,782 for charity so far.

Visit the website to enter the Art Giveaway. Three lucky people will win the entire bundle of art resources!

GO TO THE ART BUNDLE GIVEAWAY

Good luck to all that enter for the giveaway!

Check out some courses while you are at it!

Click HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Material Mondays - Stitched Project

 Welcome to Material Mondays - This week we are going to create a stitched project.

The fabrics have been taken from ones that I have made over time and have them in my stash, but you can use whatever you have to hand and also make some painted fabrics as well for yourself.  You can see the materials that I use to create my painted fabric HERE

If you want to purchase some supplies similar to the ones that I am using, you can check out these links on Amazon:

You can source some of the supplies here: 

ribbon - https://amzn.to/3TANuqu 

fabric - https://amzn.to/3gs0MXq 

buttons - https://amzn.to/3Sxi7f9 

embroidery thread - https://amzn.to/3DtyKUL

I hope you have fun using your supplies and look forward to seeing your results.

Time for another Pause - Limitless possibilities

 

Come and join me in the studio - we remind ourselves how many things that we are able to do to push our creativity forward.  The word limitless for me has been a word that I have taken through year after year.

What has been your word for the year - have you started to think about next year yet?

Check out some courses while you are at it!

Click HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Collage Unleashed - Book Review

Today I share the book Collage Unleashed - paint, bind, stitch, & play by Tracy Bautista. The thing that drew me first when I came across Tracy Bautista was her videos making paper and creating art journals. 

There are six chapters and a variety of different tool techniques for you to do in each of the chapters. She talks about playing every day and the other thing I like about her books is that the amount of color that she uses and it does encourage you to play with your supplies.  I found the different fonts used in the book a bit distracting, but it was great to have so many projects to choose from.  Check out the video for more information.  

You can find the book on Amazon https://amzn.to/3VlFZVl

Material Mondays - Creating a Stitched word Sheet

 

Today in Material Mondays I show you how you can create a stitched word sheet with some encouraging words and inspiring phrases.

I took a selection of embroidery threads

Selected a white tea towel to write the words on.  This was quite thin cotton, and so I doubled the thread, check out the video to see how it progressed.

If you want to try it yourself, you can see the links for supplies below:

Embroidery threads - https://amzn.to/3EyxKQ8

Embroidery Kit for beginners - https://amzn.to/3fZ00kF

Embroidery hoops - https://amzn.to/3CuoFoS

Cotton fabric - https://amzn.to/3MoJ82Y