Space - Creating in Faith

When I look at the valley, mountain, forests and see I know there is a God.  I don't have any of these environments near my how, we have a small local park and an open space that you can take a stroll round, and almost pretend if your close your eyes real tight that you are in a tropical type location. 

Kew Gardens - view from the treetop walk!

If you jump in your car you can come across much more open space and with a small fee you can share the experience and some is wild and others carefully tended.  As kids we were use to having access to open space, much over the years have been turned into luxury apartments!

Away on holiday, making the most of the outdoors!

One of the things we really appreciate when we go away on holiday is how much space people have, not only in the homes but outside space as well.  We make more of the space and venture out daily exploring our surroundings.  Is this purely because we are away and the cares of our daily lives have been dis-guarded as we locked up house and got in the taxi to the airport?

My sister-in-laws' back garden

Personal space

Does anyone else find that as they get older they desire to have some space from themselves - just to get time to think? I catch myself sometimes - as I tell my son to stop making so much noise wondering when my ears became so sensitive to this beating his hands on the table an unknown rhythm and expression of his creativity. Seemingly sounding like my mother did I understand and really 'get' now in my adult years what they were talking about.

Tired what can be construed as clutter I seek solace in a minimalist environment with the sound of the waves lashing in the background the fresh breeze dancing across my face.

What does the idea of space hold in your mind, how can you create more of it in your environment?

That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,    which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither whatever they do prospers.  Psalm 1:3

Christmas Fair and Concert Today!

EEC Christmas Fair and Carols

Today is the day of my stall, there will be lots of lovely displays and people sharing their work.  There is an International Food Hall where you will be able to sample a lot of the delights, if you are in London, near to Victoria or Westminster then why not take a detour and come down and start your Christmas celebrations in style!

As usual at this event which I attend yearly there will be a feast of colours from the neighbouring stalls, and there will be so many lovely arts and crafts on sale.

On my stall I will have some of my art pieces and a selection of my Capturing Moments mini journals and have designed some mini kits that contain 2 mini journals, paper pack, ephemera tags, beads, glue etc for you to get creative with,

Captured moments kit to encourage your creativity

I thought is is a great way to dip your feet into getting creative and everything comes in the kit.  They also come in a lovely clear box that helps you keep everything together, and make lovely gifts.

Captured moments mini kits

If you don't want the kit I have some small mini journals that come with tags as seen below.

Captured Moments mini journals with tags

I will have some available on my website over the next week so if you want to order one of the kits you can. If you can't wait and want them before the Christmas rush then email me at amanda(at)realityarts(dot)co(dot)uk and I will sort something out:)  The Kits are £10 plus £3.50 pp, the mini journal with tags are £3.00 plus £2.50 pp.

Captured Moments Journal Kit

I will be giving 30% of all sales to Oxfams disaster relief appeal and I hope to make as much as possible to donate to the appeal.  I thank everyone in advance who will make a purchase for either themselves or a loved one for their special occasion.  Your purchase will go to support a family whose whole world has been turned upside down and whilst we are far away we can do as much as possible to show our support.

Also for those who are looking to continue the evening how about coming to a concert with a range of local artist.  III Chronicles Studio will be hosting their 7th Anniversary concert.  There will be an array of performers will be contributing to the night. I'll be there, so stop by and say hello.  I hope you have a blessed weekend and do share what you will be getting up to!

III Chronicles Studio in Wembley

Gratitudes and Celebration Week 22 - You are Wonderful!

Did anyone ever tell you that you were wonderful, no? yes? what ever your answer I thought that I would remind you that you are!

I know this post is about what I am grateful for and celebrate, but that is just it, your part of that celebration!  If you have taken the time to visit my blog and read my posts you have shared a snippet of my world.  In my post last week I said no man is an island.... we are all connected somehow whether you want to be or not.

Today I want you to know that I think you are wonderful and are a blessing, and whether you comment or not, I want to remind you about that hidden talent you have, the one your weren't sure about revealing or the creative thoughts you have been wrestling with that wanted to be worked on, but you were feeling insecure about.  Even that video that you were going to make or those pictures that you wanted to take, I wanted to encourage you that even when you don't feel wonderful, someone (me) thinks you are - now go and shine your light!

Today I am grateful for you!  You have come a long way - there have been many doors and ups and downs. You know when you have persevered or nearly thrown in the towel but you kept going, you know you have and I celebrate your life. Now that you have been reminded that you are wonderful how does it make you feel?  I would love to hear from you and share what you will be tackling next.

As this week draws to a close can you think of the beautiful things in your life. Do leave a comment and have a blessed weekend!
If you want to see how I made the journal (click here)

Kitchen - Memories of Home

Welcome to Memories of Home, if you would like to find out more information about the series, Click here

Being in a supportive environment is important to our growth as individuals, not everyone has had that opportunity and as adults we try and create an environment that will nurture and bless our children and indeed ourselves.

Kitchen

The kitchen in our home growing up was always the center of all activity. It always had wonderful aromas coming from it and was the warmest room as mum would create her delicious recipes. Mum was a great cook, and could turn her hand to anything. Her baking was divine and we would all get our own individual cake that she made on our birthdays, there was always something going on and we had to celebrate with a cake. When we were little we would help her mix and when she was finished she would give us the bowl and in those days tasting the mixture never posed any problems and tasted good, but times change.

Growing up and having homes of our own we all found we did exactly the same, the kitchen became the heart and usually when we go to each others homes we all gravitate at some point in the kitchen as we relax and reflect. My thoughts recently have been dwelling on the loss of my brother, it has now been just 6 months and new routines are being faced, with the Christmas season quickly approaching we hold his memory dear to our hearts and we gather and reminisce on how things used to be.

What part of your home holds those special memories, please leave a comment and I hope you continue to join me on my journey over the weeks, as I share my mixed media houses and look back to the memories of home. I look forward to hearing about some some of your own memories. Blessings and peace to you!