Arts and Wellness Cafe - Stress Free

Welcome to the Arts and Wellness Cafe: Your Destination for Stress-Free Living

It's that time of the week again where we gather in our virtual studio for another session of the Arts and Wellness Cafe. Today, we're diving into the theme of a "Stress Free," creative environment and life.

We can feel frazzled and overwhelmed at the curveballs that can be thrown at us when we least expect them, and we look at different ways we can change our point of view and look at some creative practices that will help you navigate those moments with a bit of ease.  Check out the video above where I will discuss this and share some inspiring activities that you can try out.

I also have 3 additional tips for you to think about:

Tip 1: Art Journaling Joy

Art journaling is a great activity for you to try if you haven't done so yet.  Grab your favorite pens, paints, and take a therapeutic journey of self-expression. Whether you're sketching, doodling, or splashing colors onto the page, let your creativity flow freely as you release your emotions in the journal. You will find an art journal page that I have ready to add doodling and mark making.  Have some pages prepared that you can go back to when you need something quick to get on with.

In my course Filling The Creative Well, we look at ways in which we can develop our creative practice and maintain ways in which we can dip into our creative well and do activities that inspire and encourage us.

More Info HERE

Tip 2: Stitching - Material Musings

I have a number of slow-stitched projects on the go.  I am able to start working on ones depending on how I am feeling,  it is a great mindfulness practice for the busy soul. With each stitch, you are able to let your mind quieten and your worries melt away. I have prepared a Fabric Fragments bag with a selection of hand painted and preprinted fabrics with a series of videos for inspiration.  You also get a mixed media stitched piece as well.  You can check them out HERE or click on the image.

Contents of the kit will vary

Tip 3: Feed Your Soul with Inspiration around you

Find inspiration in the smallest of things.  I share a book called 'Treasured Notions'  which has some really inspiring projects in it.  You can have fun with fabric and paper scraps and use the creative ideas in the books that you have on your shelves.  I made these mini medals with some of my scrap fabric and some cardboard spools for my fabric ribbon and homemade washi tape. 

Learn to make your own stamps and stencils in my FREE course - Creative Habits

I hope you get to watch the video and think about how you can make your creative process stress free, what things do you need to change in your environment or your practice.

Until next time, stay creative, stay mindful, and above all, stay stress-free.

Before You Go

Come and check out over 400 inspiring posts, videos, digital downloads for your creative enjoyment!  Enjoy the 7 day FREE trial.

Material Musings - Wax Resist Reveals

In Material Musings I share several projects that use combination of wax resist dyeing, clay baths, and tea solutions! The results were gorgeous and I show some of the designs that are my favorite.  There are endless possibilities when you take the time to experiment with your supplies.

Here are some suggestions for using your wax resist creations:

• Wall Hangings - I hope to use some of the larger fabric pieces as wall hangings, adding to their backing and maybe adding some beading or other embellishments.
• Quilting - You could incorporate the wax resist dyed fabric as part of the fabric for your quilt 
• Make one-of-a-kind clothes using your dyed fabric. 
• Collage - Layering, using different dyed pieces to create a fabric collage.  You could add additional elements such as paints, paper, or found objects. 
• Slow Stitching - This is such a peaceful activity.  You could use your wax resist dyed fabric as a base or cut out shapes and stitch them onto the chosen fabric

I worked on the woven piece and will take a break from it while I think about the next steps, and maybe add beading and other embellishments. 

Fabric Fragments - I am putting together a series of fabric bags that showcase a mix of wax resist, avocado-dyed, and hand-painted fabrics. In another accompanying bag, I have placed a selection of printed fabrics The bag holds a special stitched art piece, making it a collector's item.  

Keep an eye out! These fragment bags will soon be available for purchase on my course platform HERE. Don't miss your chance to own a piece of this artistic adventure!

Before You Go

Wax Resist - Material Musings Short

 

Here is a snippet showing how I create my wax resist pieces and add clay to dye the fabric, the wax stops any color from adhering to the fabric.  You can see the full video HERE

I would then use some of the dyed fabric in some of my stitched projects.  This one has a clay dyed piece of fabric and a conventional dyed piece (the blue element) which has been stitched onto the fabric.

This meditative prayer wall hanging was initially wax resist dyed and then I added the stitches over time.  Come and join me for Material Musings to see some of the rest of the projects, on my YouTube channel.

Before You Go

Join us in the Art Resource Hub

Artists Studio Tours - Barbados 2024 - A Self-Guided Tour in Barbados

 

The Artists Studio Tours Barbados 2024 is Here!

Imagine immersing yourself in the vibrant art scene of Barbados, wandering through artists studios brimming with creativity. Meet the passionate artists and witness their techniques while you discover one-of-a-kind pieces that you can cherish.  This self-guided tour isn't just about art; it's an immersive journey into the heart of Bajan culture.

I have put together some tips to help you make the most of your visit as you embark on your artistic adventure

Choose Your Studios to visit:

• Immerse yourself in diverse mediums like painting, sculpture, textiles, and jewelry - there are 44 Artists in 27 studios.
• Check out the online brochure if you have not yet picked one up you get to see examples of the artists work - Follow your interests! Explore as many of the studios as you can!
• All of the studios are free to enter and the artists are happy to chat and talk about their work.

Planning:

• Download the map - Grab a digital or physical map from the event website to chart your course.
• Pace Yourself - Spread your visits across the two weekends (February 3rd & 4th, March 23rd & 24th) to savor the experience.
• Studios are open 11am-5pm, so relax and arrive when inspiration strikes - artists have included their telephone numbers if you need to make additional arrangements.

Tips for a Smooth Journey:

• Pack Light: Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, a hat and sunscreen, and consider a bag for any treasures you find.
• Connect with the Artists and engage in conversation, ask questions, and learn about their creative process.
• Support Local Art: If a piece speaks to you, consider purchasing it as a unique souvenir and a meaningful contribution to the community.

Bonus 

• Combine studios with sightseeing - Plan your route so you can take pit stops on the way - take in one of the many beautiful beaches.  There are artists studios in most of the Parishes
• Fuel your creativity, remember to take time to have something to eat and enjoy delicious Bajan cuisine.
• Share your experience and use #ASTB2024 to connect with fellow art lovers and artists and showcase your finds.

Google Map Directions

Remember, this is your artistic adventure. Wander freely, be inspired, and bring home memories and art that will forever connect you to the magic of Barbados!


Before You Go check out the Art Resource Hub: