1000 Dog Portraits - Work Published

In keeping with the post I shared a while back about celebrating your achievements, I thought I would share some of my artwork that got published in a book some time ago, but we can still celebrate!  In fact I have a journal dedicated for things that I have achieved, so that I can look back as a reminder and see how far I have come.  It is important that you write down all your achievements, not matter how small.

The Book that my work was published in was published in 2014 and is called 1000 Dog portraits, curated by Robynne Raye. I created 2 playful paintings which were selected.  It was a reminder to me to 'go for it' and not hold back and allow the critic to voice their untruths.

On the Run - Amanda Trought, 1000 Dog Portraits

My main focus was to have fun and bring out the colors in each of the paintings, and I like the cartoon like feel of my dogs, and they may one day feature in a children's book of their own.

Amanda Trought Art - Dog Portraits

It was great to see the diversity of work from both artists and designers from around the world, and to have my work published alongside them.

I think I might spend some more time playing about with colors and shapes, and see what other playful characters that I can come up with. Why not try it out yourself.

Cole my dog is wondering when I am going to do a painting of him, he loves posing for the camera, and makes sure we only get his best side!

Cole, Such a majestic looking dog

Hanging out with Cole

Stay blessed and be a blessing and keep your eyes out for many other creative goodies that will be coming your way.

You can check out the book  HERE on Amazon 

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The 100 Day Project - Collage Art - Reflections

 100 Days of Collage

The 100-day project has come to an end, and it's an exhilarating feeling to look back and admire the collection of 100 unique collage art pieces I have created.

Each artwork, crafted on a book page or card, incorporates a selection of collage ephemera and uplifting words or phrases. Throughout this creative journey, I have not only discovered the joy of creating collages but also explored various other ways in which collage can be used in my creative practice.

It was a real joy creating the pieces, I selected all the ephemera that I had, all the handmade paper, painted paper, paint, stencils, doodling and much more and had fun putting them together.

Collage is fun and spoke to the multipotentialite in me that loves working in on different pieces of art, 100 to be exact. I was able to explore all the different combinations of materials such as paper, photographs, fabrics, and found objects. The tactile experience of gathering and arranging these elements added an extra layer of excitement and creativity to the artistic process.

Creative Expression

Collage art provides an opportunity to express one's personal narrative.  I love providing encouragement in my work and telling a story. By incorporating meaningful imagery, symbols, and words, each piece can tell a story or evoke specific emotions, allowing for a deeper connection between the artwork and the viewer.

Experimenting and Play

Collage art encourages experimenting with your supplies and spending time playing.  By staying flexible and not limiting yourself it enables you to explore different compositions, textures, and color combinations. This can lead to some powerful pieces.

Therapeutic Collage

Engaging in the process of creating collages can be meditative and therapeutic. The act of cutting, arranging, and gluing materials can be a form of mindfulness, providing a sense of relaxation and focus.

I hope seeing some of my collage art from my 100 day challenge has inspired you to maybe try a challenge yourself, it is so much fun, and great to see what you have produced when you look back.

My art pieces will be made available on my Red Bubble site should you want to buy a print or have an image on a journal.

Enjoy a 7 Day FREE Trial on Patreon 

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Material Mondays - The Joy of Textile Art and Slow Stitching for Health and Well-being.

Material Mondays

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.

We Came on Merchant Ships Exhibition - June 2023

I was selected to be part of an exhibition called We Came on Merchant Ships, at the Queen's Park Gallery as part of the Central Bank of Barbados Crop Over Visual Arts Exhibition. It is Open throughout the Season of Emancipation, this exhibition explores the rich history and cultural contributions of the African diaspora.

This is the first of the 3-part series, We Came on Merchant Ships – Movement and examines movement with the works of 29 artists showcased through paintings, sculptures, mixed media pieces, installations and more. It captures the reasons why people move, modalities for movement and the various cultural manifestations of migration – forced and free – with a special emphasis placed on the transatlantic slave trade.

The Exhibition was curated Oneka Small, and runs to the 22nd June 2023

Here you can see a gallery of the opening event and the art work on display.  I will share in another post the work that I have on display and let you know a bit about their story.

You can also see some of my work on my website HERE

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Kaleidoscope FREE Taster Week 😍

 

It is that time again when you will be able to join Kaleidoscope FREE Taster Week.  I am looking forward to being on the other side of teaching and gain insight into the work and play of other creatives and artists and have fun.

There is a fantastic opportunity to take hold of that starts tomorrow, Monday 12^th June 23.  The Kaleidescope Taster Week is finally here, and it's going to an amazing time of creativity with 17 FREE taster art classes.  So, block out your calendar and get ready for an unforgettable experience starting tomorrow.

Taster Week is special because you get to glimpse the teaching styles of the artists and some fantastic lessons from painting to sculpture, photography and mixed media, they have got it all covered. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting your creative journey, there's something for everyone.

Each artist will be sharing a Giveaway which include free printables, PDFs and free classes and you will also have an opportunity to win a spot on Kaleidoscope 2023? Each teacher will be giving away one spot for Kaleidoscope. 

You can sign up to the Free Taster Week HERE.

Get ready to unlock your creative potential, make new friends, and embark on an artistic journey that will leave you inspired for years to come. This is going to be a fantastic! See you there!

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The Full course registration doesn’t formally open until June 19th, you can now pre-order the course if you’re a YES already. Be sure to use the Early Birdy Coupon Code to get 30% off!

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Developing your Creative Practice and Dealing with the Critic

Developing a creative routine and managing the critic are integral aspects of nurturing your artistic practice. We don't always have the hours we crave to be creative, but you can look at ways that can help you identify areas that you can incorporate into your routine.

Here are a few things you can do to develop your creative routine - 

Developing Your Creative Routine:

1. Allocate time for play: Make sure to dedicate time to indulge in activities without any specific end goal. This helps you enjoy the creative process and explore without restrictions.
2. Create a schedule: Establish a morning routine that sets the tone for your creative day. Consider incorporating elements like gratitude exercises and spending time in nature to stimulate inspiration and mental well-being.
3. Be Flexible: While having a routine is essential, remain open to adjusting it based on your needs. Allow yourself the freedom to spend more time on certain activities or projects when necessary.

You can find additional tips on my Patreon platform.  

Why not check out the 7 Day FREE Trial to take a look at some of the informative videos and digital downloads that you can have access to.

Learn More HERE

Enchanting Discoveries in the Garden - Tropical Garden Tour

Hello and welcome, time for a garden treat and you can join me for a stroll in my tropical garden.  I will give you a quick update on what has been happening in the space.

First off, I'm thrilled to share that my passion fruit vines are flourishing. Out of a hundred plants, I'm proud to say that five have managed to survive. These resilient vines have encountered a challenge in the form of spiky, brown caterpillars. I've been diligently picking them off to protect the leaves from their ravenous appetite.

Despite the daily battle, one of the vines has grown quite tall, winding its way up a tropical black sage tree. The plan is for it to eventually hang down and bear delicious passion fruits, minus the catapillars. That would be a tasty sight!

Check out the video and see some of the changes for yourself.  The plants were struggling, but a good rain shower last night seems to have revived them. With a combination of sunshine and rain, I anticipate a lush and vibrant garden in the near future.

One challenge I'm currently facing is the overwhelming growth of my Clammy cherry tree. Its branches have extended beyond my reach, and it's encroaching on my neighbor's space. I need to trim back the branches and maintain its shape. I often repurpose the pruned branches for my deadwood hedge. The tree had another unexpected issue when all its leaves suddenly fell off. However, it has bounced back and is now adorned with lots of fruit.

Now, let's talk about mango trees! One of my mango trees has started to flower for the third time, and I'm hopeful that this September will bring some delicious fruit. I have a few more mango trees in my garden, but they are not mature enough to bear fruit yet. I've been researching techniques to keep them at a manageable height for easier fruit picking.

As we continue our garden tour, we come across a tree that I believe to be an apple blossom tree. I've been investigating its identity for a while, and the flowers seem to resemble those of an apple blossom tree. If you have any insights or different information, please leave a comment and let me know.

Throughout the garden, the lush scents of various plants fill the air. The henna plant, with its tiny flowers, adds to the delightful fragrance. Even the shack shack trees, known for their unique fragrance, contribute to the amazing aromas of my garden. Their delicate yellow flowers and sweet scent create a tranquil and enchanting atmosphere.

A lot of the plants in the garden are good for attracting pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. They love the flowers of the moringa tree, scaevola plant.  It is good to have a variety of plants which provide essential food sources for these important pollinators.

I hope you've enjoyed this glimpse into my ever-evolving garden. It's a place of constant discovery and joy, where nature's wonders unfold before my eyes. Gardening has become my creative outlet, allowing me to express my love for nature and cultivate a sanctuary of beauty and tranquility.

If you have any questions or would like to know more about specific plants or gardening techniques, feel free to ask. Happy gardening!

More information

Garden Freedom Micro Course

The Backyard Homestead

Medicinal Garden Kit

Creating Your Own Paper Ephemera with Unique Designs

Creating Your Own Paper Ephemera

I'm excited to share with you a fun and creative project that will add a personal touch to your art journal pages. I discovered this idea from an artist named Shemi Dixon, who uses book pages as a base for creating beautiful ephemera. You can join me in transforming these book pages into unique additions for your art journal. Plus, if you join me on Patreon, you'll have access to the full video tutorial!

I've chosen a book of promises filled with various scriptures that have been with me for years. The pages may have yellowed with time, but I can't bear to throw away such valuable content. Instead, I repurpose them as the foundation for my art journal creations.

I experiment with different techniques creating shapes, doodling, painting on the pages, which then can all be collaged separately or used together on a painting page and then added to your art journal. For instance, I've created leaves, birds, and flowers using cutouts and added them to painted pages. The effect is like mini collages that perfectly fit into my art journal. Additionally, I've tried using Pro marker pens and simple doodling on the pages to see what unique designs emerge. It's amazing how these playful experiments can yield unexpected beauty!

To make the most of the paper, fill any empty spaces with additional elements, such as leaves. Once you're satisfied with the shapes, it's time to cut them out. Don't discard the remaining scraps of paper—keep them for future paper mache projects or other creative endeavors.

Enhance Your Art Journal with Unique Designs

In addition to this technique, you can also cut out circles or other shapes from the remaining painted pages. These shapes don't have to be perfect; irregular shapes can add visual interest. Once you've cut them out, choose another page as the backdrop and arrange them in a visually appealing way. This will create a contrasting pattern that enhances your art journal.

By repurposing book pages, experimenting with paint, and cutting out shapes, you can create unique elements that add depth and character to your art journal. The possibilities are endless, and I hope this has inspired you to embark on your own creative journey.

Remember, if you're interested in watching the full video tutorial and exploring more art journaling techniques, consider joining me on Patreon. The tiers start at $3, and you will find over 90 patron only resources.  Join me and other art enthusiasts as we dive deeper into the world of paper ephemera and unleash our creativity!

I can't wait to see what you create. Happy art journaling!

You can also access some of the Free paper ephemera that I produce on my Course platform -  You can check out my free Mixed Media Art Tags course and creating your own stamps using recycled materials. 

Creative Garden - Creating a Bird-Friendly Haven in Your Garden

Creating a Bird-Friendly Haven in Your Garden

Welcome to my garden, a sanctuary where creativity meets nature. One of my primary goals is to provide a comfortable environment for birds, allowing them to thrive and build their nests. In today's video, I'll take you on a tour of the birds favorite spots. 

One of the key elements in attracting birds is offering trees of varying heights. By doing so, I provide them with options for nesting. The diversity of trees in my garden ensures that different bird species can find their perfect nesting grounds.

Apart from providing trees of varying heights, offering a plentiful food supply is another crucial aspect of attracting and sustaining birds in the garden. In my garden, the tall pomegranate trees have a unique purpose. Some of them have split open, rendering them unsuitable for human consumption. However, these fruits make perfect feeding stations for the birds. Their high water content makes them a refreshing treat, especially during hot days we have been getting - with more to come!.

Observing the birds enjoying the environment as they build their nests is also a fascinating process, and you can witness some of the materials birds use from the garden. They incorporate cotton and grass, both of which I have intentionally placed in various spots and every so often they find some strips of fabric that are also added to the nest. 

The birds also aid in insect control. Birds are natural predators, and their appetite for insects helps maintain the balance in the garden. I am grateful for their presence as they munch on insects, keeping their populations in check. Without them, I would likely encounter more issues with pests in my garden.

Birds aren't the only garden helpers - we have lizards, toads, and at dusk the bats come out. Lizards also play a vital role in insect control. I'm fortunate to have a diverse array of lizard species residing in my garden. They diligently feast on insects, including moths, contributing to the overall harmony.

I am privileged to host an array of bird species, including wood pigeons, hummingbirds, parakeets, and several other varieties. The bird song creates a symphony that resonates throughout the garden in the early hours of the morning.  It's a joy to witness these birds in their element, congregating and making themselves at home.

Thank you so much for joining me on this journey. I look forward to sharing more delightful moments from my garden with you in future blog posts. Until then, remember to take a moment to appreciate the beauty and diversity that surrounds us in the natural world. Happy gardening, and may your garden become a thriving sanctuary for both humans and feathered friends alike.

Fabric Stitched Projects - Material Mondays

 

Welcome to Material Mondays! I'm Amanda, if this is your first time here, and I'm thrilled to have you join me today. Whether you're new here or a regular viewer, thank you for stopping by. In today's session, we'll explore fabric art panels and delve into the creative process behind their creation. I'll share some of the fabric pieces I've been working on lately and guide you on how to incorporate similar ideas into your own projects. So, let's dive right in!

If you've been following my recent videos, you might have noticed that I've been focusing on various projects like stitching leaves and other ways to embellish them.

I have now moved back to working on some of the stitched projects that have been calling me. I've incorporated stitched words onto the fabric pieces. Initially, I sewed the words onto a large piece of fabric, and when I'm ready for a new word, I simply cut it out and attach it to the project. The contrast created by these stitched words adds a beautiful touch to the overall composition.  I can always go back and add details with different color threads and I can either use a sewing machine or hand stitch.

With some of the other fabric pieces that are currently in progress, each of them consists of separate fabric panels, each undergoing different techniques. Some are dyed, while others are stenciled, painted, or written on. They are now waiting to be attached to larger fabric backing. One piece that stands out is the one called "Vision." I love the combination of colors and the circular motion created by the stitching, evoking a sense of movement. Consider adding seed beads to create dimension and texture in certain areas. The possibilities are endless when it comes to infusing your fabric art with different materials and techniques.

I always have a few projects going at the same time, and I have found that this allows me to continuously engage in the creative process and stay inspired.

If you're interested in seeing some of these pieces check out the video. 

I want to emphasize the importance of gathering fabric pieces and engaging in stitching as a meditative activity. Spending just 20 minutes on a project can be incredibly therapeutic, If you're feeling inspired, consider creating a fabric word sheet like the one I've shown you. These fabric words can be stitched onto your panels, adding a personalized touch to your artwork. It's all about finding joy in the process and allowing your creativity to flourish.

Remember, don't be afraid to change your mind about a piece or experiment with different elements. Artistic expression is all about exploration and embracing the development of your ideas. 

Check out The Free Summit - The Art of The Intuitive Mind

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The Art of the Intuitive Mind - Listen to Your Intuition - FREE Summit 25th - 31st May

I am excited to share that later this month I will be speaking at an event called The Art of The Intuitive Mind and I’d like to invite you to come along. 

It’s a gathering of creative souls who will share the practices and rituals that they use to connect to their intuition and to create from a place of infinite potential.  

When you follow your intuition you are listening to the whispers of your soul, the Holy Spirit rather than the noise of the world around you.  Letting go of what everyone else is doing, how they are doing it, or how you think they think you should be doing it and the limits of what seems possible, instead you follow what feels right in your heart, you sense it, you know it.

When you take action from this place of alignment you get more of what you want in your life, rather than more of what you don’t want.  There are 14 amazing speakers, including myself and we all share our point of view and guide you in an exercise to tap into that place using creativity as the expression.

Following your intuition takes practice, but you can learn to listen to that still small voice, see the spark, or that glimmer that catches your eye, and learn to discern between being led by fear and lack and being guided by peace, being enough, limitless abundance, knowing and trust.  I hope you join us.

Find out more and register for free HERE.

Crochet Decorated Leaves - Creating with Nature

 

Here is the latest design that I have created on my Sea Grape leaves.  

I have used crochet around the outside of a leaf.  This is the center piece for a leaf that had been cut.

I find crocheting around the larger leaves a bit easier and I really like experimenting with the designs using different techniques to bring out the beauty in the leaves.

I later used my woodburning tool to create additional markings on the surface of the leaf.

I hope you enjoy.  

Slow Stitched Leaves

Check out the video below where I show you how I would slow stitch on a dried leaf.

Additional Resources

Check out the latest resources in the Art Resource Hub

Unlocking The Magic of Stitching in Nature

 

I am constantly fascinated by the intricate and unique designs that can be achieved working on the leaves. It's incredible to see how the texture and color of a dried leaf can be transformed into a beautiful work of art with just a few simple stitches and other creative techniques.

Out of the leaves I have tried so far I particularly enjoy working with the Sea Grape leaf, which dries into a rich, deep tan or reddy-brown color. Using this leaf as my canvas, I began my slow stitching process by adding some basic stitches around the leaf.

As I progressed with my stitching, I felt inspired to add more details to the piece. I used a wood burning tool to create a series of intricate holes that would serve as decorative elements. The combination of the stitches and the burn holes created a stunning visual effect that really brings the piece to life.

What I love about this process is that it allows me to create art out of resources that I have readily available in my garden. The final result is a beautiful and unique piece that showcases the natural beauty of the dried leaf.

I invite you to watch the video of the process and take a look at the images of the completed piece. You'll be amazed at how something as simple as slow stitching on a dried leaf can create such a stunning work of art.

Thank you for joining me for Material Mondays.  Check out some of the other designs that I have done on leaves.

Weaving a design into the leaf

Working with leaves and Fabric

The Benefits of Creative Art Activities - Art Bundle Giveaway

 Art Bundle for Good #7 is BACK!!

You have a few more days to enter the giveaway

Art Bundles For Good #7 is back, and this time, we are running an exciting giveaway! This bundle offers a fantastic opportunity to boost your creative skills and engage in artistic activities that can have a positive impact on your mental health and overall wellbeing.

For those who missed out on the first sale in November 2022, this is the perfect chance to purchase the bundle and take advantage of the various art courses and resources it offers. But that's not all; three lucky winners will have the chance to win the entire bundle, which includes over $5700 worth of art courses and resources.

Participating in creative activities, such as painting, drawing, and mixed media art, can have numerous benefits for individuals of all ages. Not only does it allow us to express ourselves, but it also provides a form of relaxation and stress relief. When we engage in creative pursuits, we become immersed in the activity and can disconnect from our daily routines, which can be particularly helpful in reducing stress levels.

Moreover, taking art courses can help develop and improve our artistic skills, providing an opportunity to learn new techniques and experiment with different mediums. By learning from experienced artists, we can gain valuable insights into their creative process and develop our unique styles.

The Art Bundles For Good Bundle #7 offers over 111 art resources from more than 90 popular artists, including one of my courses. In my course, "Mixed Media Art Bowls," you will learn to create a series of paper art bowls that can house your encouraging words and inspiration to yourself. This project is not only fun and engaging, but it also provides an opportunity to practice mindfulness and self-reflection.

So, whether you are a seasoned artist or a beginner, taking art courses and engaging in creative activities can have many benefits for your mental health and overall wellbeing, so wishing you good luck for the giveaway

 Click here to enter the Giveaway