Realityarts - Inspiration, Art and Creativity

Monday 25 November 2013

Material Mondays - Chunky Button Fabric Journal

Chunky Button Fabric Journal

Ever one for making a journal, I had some material from some scarf material I had that is at least 30 years old....does that make it vintage? The scarf formed the basis of the covers with 3 panels. The journal measures around 5 x 5 inches. I really love the size and feel of this journal.

I decided it was going to be an experimental journal, the inside page holds a crochet pocket to carry tools and equipment, I wanted to add as much storage space as possible so that you wouldn't necessarily have to carry any other supplies.

Chunky Journal - inside 3 panels

The central pages that form the signatures are made from my sons old school uniform trousers. Once covered in gesso the pages become stiffer and easy to work with. There are 12 pages, 6 of which have already been altered with paints and writing and will form the springboard for additional ideas.

Pockets of joy, with lace and crochet trim

I have really enjoyed adding the stitching, buttons and other elements

Love stitched on a piece of hessian allows for more storage underneath

The Journal was made with love and is a reminder to me to take time out and show myself some love.

More buttons decorate the back of the chunky journal

If you are considering learning how to take part in creative activity check out Craftsy online courses, at the moment they are doing a special offer on some of their classes, and they are offering some free mini courses. Click here.

Have a blessed day, see you tomorrow for Tutorial Tuesday.

Sunday 24 November 2013

Creating in Faith - Mothers

As a daughter there were expectations that we had of our mother, without questioning, mum was always there, she was a quiet strength. you always knew if you were in trouble that mum would help you out. As I grew up I never gave the role of motherhood any thought. The nights I came home late, out enjoying myself never thinking of how much worry I put mum to and her waiting up to make sure I got back safe.

Mothers - Book mark holder of reflections

On my 18th birthday mum says I walked into the front room and declared that as I was 18 I would be leaving home and going to live with my sister. I never realized that despite thinking I was an adult, I was still far from it, and while she treated me as an adult, mum still saw me as her little girl. Her role of worrying even though I lived in my own home never ceased, being a mother wasn't something she switched off. I do remember her making a comment to something I had said, probably something to do with me saying "I'm an adult now you know!" her response in her wisdom was to let me know that just because I am big didn't mean that she would stop caring, and how I would understand when I became a mother.

I understand now that being a mother to a 'just turned 18 year old brings up many of the memories from my own teenage years. I have to learn to give him space, to approach him as the young man he is becoming, I couldn't quite imagine him leaving home at this age, and know that even when he is in his 40's I will still worry about how he is getting on. As our kids get older we are faced with our own mortality and begin to question where and who we are, and what we will fill that gap that is left when they decide to flee the nest. I try to continue to look at my life still excited about those things that I have not yet tried, understanding that physically there are things that I can no longer or even want to do.

In caring for my mother it would seem as if the role have got reversed. Looking after mums needs and making sure that she is comfortable has been hard to get my head around. I had looked forward to the mother-daughter talks that we would have when I became an adult. I cling the the things that she can remember of our childhood, in an attempt to halt the progressive damage being done by dementia.

The role of a mother isn't something that can be taken lightly for you have young hearts and minds in your hand that need to be nurtured and equipped to one day go out into the world and have adventures of their own with the confidence in knowing who they are. We guide them in their journey and show by our examples our unconditional love. Think about your relationships with your mother and reflect on the lessons you have learnt that you have passed on.

Peace I leave with you. My peace I give unto you...let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.. John 14:24

Behold I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him and will dine with him and he with Me..Revelation 3:20

Saturday 23 November 2013

Recycled Projects - Teabag Treasure Boxes

What do you do with the boxes from the teabags you recycle?

You would have got a glimpse last week of one of the boxes that had been altered below when I showed you the teabag treasures post

There are some great ways that you can decorate the boxes and here are a few suggestions...

I wanted to create a home for the teabag treasures and what better place than the boxes they came from in the first place. Each box came to life with its own feel, not quite having an idea of how I wanted them to look,

I decided to spend time playing. The one below is covered in quinoa which gives it a lovely texture and it has flowers hanging from the lid of the box.

This box had initially been covered with a gold textured paper, and covered in gesso to give it an old feel, then covered in some goldfinger paste. The box also has some home made washi tape around the middle.

This box was covered in sequins and decorated paper

All in all the boxes came out quite pretty and is a really easy project

I hope you have a blessed weekend, and allow your creativity to push back the boundaries in order to allow yourself to really soar!

Come back on Tuesday to see how I made the Teabag boxes in Tutorial Tuesday. Do share creative ways in which you have used recycled materials and leave a comment below.

Friday 22 November 2013

Gratitudes and Celebrations Week 20 - Attention

Gratitude's and Celebration - Attention

What has grabbed your attention this week about your journey? I still believe I am on the journey, willing to experence and make the most of the opportunities that come along the way.

Will we ever arrive and know all there is to know about everything - I think not, that is what makes life so exciting. There is still time to learn new things, venture to new shores and watch another sunset.

I celebrate being able to see my son get to an age I remember as if it were yesterday, it seemed as if I had all the time in the world to live my life. I am grateful for the opportunity to be creative and for the resources I have at my disposal.

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)

Wednesday 20 November 2013

Space - 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.

Space

Growing up we were never limited with the amount of space we were able to have access to. While we lived in a 3 bedroom apartment with a small balcony, we had access to a very local park with lots of greenery, and an even bigger space in Hampstead Heath and Parliament Hill fields. Our parents encouraged us to ride our bikes, scooters and even on foot to explore, engage and have fun in our environment.

As I have grown older, I have relished having space around me. My garden that I tend provides another living space that we can all enjoy whatever the weather. As my son has grown and his sister now with a home and family of her own, I was able to claim my own creative space, which I feel has enabled me to grow as an artist.

Space - Mixed media house

I would love to hear what creative ways you have made your space yours 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!

Space to Dream....

Tuesday 19 November 2013

Tutorial Tuesdays - Teabag Treasures

Teabag Treasures

On Saturday I showed you my teabag treasures HERE. Today I will be showing you how to make one of these decorated teabags to make your own treasures. They are pretty straight forward.

Select whatever type of teabags you may have. There may be some that got forgotten in the back of your cupboards that you can use.

Here are some of the tools that I used for this project.

Take the teabags and make a slit on one side and then cut along the top of the bag. Pour out the contents of the teabag.

Select from a range of things that you might have already or that you want to make, and encouraging word, an image that can go inside the bag.

When you are satisfied with the contents that you have cover the bag in pva glue and coat the back as well. Allow to dry. The glue helps the teabag to stiffen and has a leathery type feel.

For the frame of the bag I used quinoa and put a beading of glue then sprinkled the quinoa on to cover all of the glue.

Allow to dry and then add any additional embellishments

You can either leave the edges as they are or you could put a coat of paint of your choice, alternatively you can rub 'goldfinger metallic finish' to give it a vintage look.

Teabag Treasures

Once complete give it a final coat of pva glue on the front and the back which will act as a sealant. You could go on to use these bags in your journals, on cards as a gift.

I am looking forward to sharing next weeks recycled project.

Monday 18 November 2013

Material Mondays - Crochet Neck Warmers

Crochet Neck Warmers

With winter coming up I think about comfort and being warm. I don't mind the cold weather but I dislike being cold, so you will always see me with hat, scarf, gloves and very thick socks!

I found with scarves lately that depending on what coat you were wearing they would inevitably fall or slide off and you would spend quite a bit of time flinging it over your shoulder........make way for the neck warmer:)

Selection of neck warmers

These are made with quite thick wool and I have made a few in quite bright colours to pick up my mood on a wet and dreary day

warming my neck in the studio! - you can forget you have it on!

This is the first one I made, with its winter colours. Under your coat it definitely provides a seal of warmth that will not be penetrated by the harshest of cold winds.

Neck warmer with woolen button

Here you can see that the neck warmer can be worn in different ways

I made two of the neck warmers with buttons made from wool which meant that if you made them for young children there wouldn't be any problem with swallowing buttons

The wool is also quite soft and you almost can forget you have it on, and you can make different ones to coordinate with your outfits!

If you are considering learning how to crochet, or any other creative activity check out Craftsy online courses, at the moment they are doing a special offer on some of their classes, and they are offering some free mini courses. Click here.

Have a blessed day, see you tomorrow for Tutorial Tuesday.

Saturday 16 November 2013

Recycled Projects - Tea Bag Treasures

I am really excited about these as they came out better than expected. I called them Teabag treasures.

Having a clear out of my cupboards I found box of teabags that were passed their prime. I had thought of using the leaves for dying paper in my journal and as I emptied each bag I thought that they would make mini canvases that you could put special messages on.

Hidden messages, or treasures that could be encouraging and uplifting.

It reminded me of those people who would find hidden messages in the leaves of the loose tea at the bottom of the cup

On each bag I placed an encouraging message, a reminder that there is more that the current life we live...

We only have to be brave enough and get out of our comfort zone and see the special qualities that we possess!

Teabag treasures, what are you doing with the treasures that lay hidden inside of you?

I hope you have a blessed weekend, and allow your creativity to push back the boundaries in order to allow yourself to really soar!

Come back on Tuesday to see how I made the Teabag treasures in Tutorial Tuesday. Do share creative ways in which you have used recycled materials and leave a comment below.