Sustainable Art - Combining Dried Leaves and Fabric

Welcome, in today's Video on Material Mondays where I explore a unique way to create art using different materials. Today, we'll be discussing the benefits of using dried leaves and fabric to create your own one-of-a-kind piece of art.

We've previously explored the use of stitched leaves in our projects, and now we want to see what happens when we combine the leaves with fabric. The result is stunning and adds a new dimension to our artwork. We've started by adding an African print cotton fabric to the back of the stitched leaves to create a base.

On a separate piece of fabric I then added an image transfer from a photograph, creating a subtle background that adds depth to our art piece. I've used additional fabric that we had previously painted on and stenciled to add more color and texture. We've also incorporated stitched words that we've created, such as "create," to add an additional touch to the artwork.

The process of bringing these materials together is meditative and allows you to take the bits and pieces you've worked on and see how they fit together. The additional stitching we've added not only secures the leaves and fabric together, but it also creates a beautiful design that is unique to each piece.

When working with dried leaves, it's essential to handle them carefully and protect them from damage and once you have completed your project I recommend framing your art piece behind glass.

The benefits of working with dried leaves and fabric are endless. Not only does it allow you to create unique pieces of art, but it's also a therapeutic and mindful activity that can be enjoyed by anyone.

Check out the video HERE.  I hope you've enjoyed exploring this technique and we can't wait to see what you create.

The Benefits of Being Creative - Art Journals

Art Journal Page - Sing Your Song 

Have you ever taken the time to engage in a creative activity? Maybe you've painted a picture, written a poem, or simply doodled in a journal. Regardless of the activity, there are numerous benefits to spending time being creative, and research has shown that regularly engaging in creative activities can have a positive impact on your overall wellbeing.

One way to incorporate creativity into your daily routine is through art journaling. Art journaling is a form of self-expression that combines words, images, and artistic techniques in a journal. It is a way to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a visual and creative way. 

In today's Art Journal video, we will be taking a journal page and transforming it using a variety of supplies. The page starts with some collage paper and then using stamps and stickable letters, a message and an image are created to accompany it. The bird is a stamped image that is stuck on to the page, then incorporated into it by using paints, and ink to decorate its body. This process can be easily adapted to your own supplies and preferences, making it a flexible and enjoyable activity.

One of the great things about working in your art journal is that you can work with the supplies you have and substitute as you go along. If you don't have stickable letters, then write your message by hand. If you don't have a stamp of a bird, you can substitute a photo or draw the bird yourself. 

With creativity, it's important to experiment on a regular basis in your art journal and play around with ideas, seeing which ones resonate with you more. It doesn't have to be perfect, and it can be whatever you choose it to be. The act of creating and expressing yourself is what's important, not the end result.

Here are some reasons being creative is beneficial.

• It can help reduce stress and anxiety;
• Engaging in a creative activity can help you shift your focus away from negative thoughts and feelings, allowing you to relax and unwind;
• It can also boost your mood;
• It can increase self-esteem;
• It promotes feelings of accomplishment.
• Creativity has been shown to enhance problem-solving skills and improve memory. 

Spending time being creative can have many benefits for your mental and emotional wellbeing. Whether it's through art journaling or another form of creative expression, taking the time to explore your creativity can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. and you might discover a new passion or uncover a hidden talent!

Check out the Art Resource Hub and other courses such as Mixed Media Art Tags on my platform to help you make the most of being creative.

Weekly Art Journals & Exhibition News

 

In this weeks video I shares how you can add crochet to your art journals and create different effects.  I really enjoyed adding this element to my art journals and you can add different color wool to your piece.  I used a different color wool at the end of the pages, and I will be coming back to add journaling and some embellishments to the page.

I have one of my paintings in the exhibition - A Seat at the Table, and today there is a 'meet the artists' organized so I will be sharing a bit about some of the work that I do, and what inspires my pieces.

I love the vibrancy of colors and the painting was a very therapeutic piece to complete.  The painting is for sale so if you are interested do get in touch.

Join us on Sunday where we share our video collaboration for Artsy Second Sunday.  A group of us meet and share a video based on a prompt for the month.  It is loads of fun and you can join us in the live chat on YouTube and see how my art journal page was created.  It starts at 12pm EST  I am scheduled for 1.48 EST You can schedule a notification HERE

If you can join us it would be great!  Check out all the videos in the hop which will be listed in the description of the video. 

Hope you are having a lovely time this Easter Weekend.

Blessings.

From Seed to Mighty Tree: The Joy and Beauty of Growing Mahogany Trees

The West Indian Sweet Mahogany also known as Swietenia Mahagoni is a tree species that is known for its use in furniture and health benefits. It produces brown fruit and seeds and has small green flowers. The tree can grow up to 34 meters and has a thick trunk. It is an endangered species.

In the video, I will be showing you two West Indian sweet mahogany trees growing in the garden. The first one has been growing for about a year or two and was mistaken for a five-fingered fruit tree. The second one is growing among Mexican sunflowers and was likely a gift from birds dropping seeds.

I am fortunate to have three West Indian sweet mahogany trees growing in the garden.  They are an endangered species, and I hope to keep them at a particular height to avoid crowding out other plants in the area.

Overall, the West Indian sweet mahogany is a unique and valuable tree species that offers many benefits to health as well as the environment. As gardeners, we can appreciate and nurture these trees, ensuring their survival for generations to come.  Check out the video above to be taken on the tour of the garden.