Monday 30 November 2015

Material Mondays - Fabric Bowl and powertex

Welcome to another Material Mondays, where I have been playing about with fabric in a different way.  What was once an old skirt that needed to be disguarded is now a functional addition to the studio.




You have heard me on the blog rage about powertex which is a fabric hardener that I recently became aware of HERE and have been using it in some of my figurines and other things.


I thought I would try my hand at making a fabric bowl using fabric scraps and string to decorate.


The great thing is that you can create any style bowl that you choose and any size, and whilst this won't be submerged in water it is water proof.


It is a great way to use up all those items of cloths that may have not been in a good enough condition to make it to the charity store, and you also make yourself something useful in the process.


This is one suggestion for the bowl, but I am thinking now that I will use it to place my keys in so they don't get misplaced.  If you get a chance to try out the powertex I would really recommend that you experiment it's a lovely product, and in the meantime you will be recycling and doing your bit.

Wednesday 25 November 2015

Quote Wednesday - Elisabeth Kubler-Ross



People are like stained glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within... Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Each Quote Wednesday I share a quote with a painting or photograph that I have created. Quotes can be so inspiring and uplifting it is a good idea to meditate on the words and make a point of saying something encouraging about your life! 

Do something great and share your favorite quote in the comments below. Join me next week for the next inspiring quote and image. Blessings!

Sunday 22 November 2015

Word for the Week - Psalm 139:7



Where can I go from your Spirit?  Where can I flee from your presence?  Psalm 139:7

As you meditate on the scripture and enjoy the image think about the many gifts you have been given, the many challenges you face, and the fruit that will come from the work of your hands. 

Words and images for the week, to bless, encourage and inspire you to be all that you have been called to be. 
What will you do with what you have been given today?

Bird on my shoulder - process video


I wanted to share this short video with you today that shows you how I created this piece, hope you like it.



click on the video below to see how I made it.
I have lots to share with you over the coming weeks, sit back, relax and enjoy.  Blessings



Wednesday 18 November 2015

Quote Wednesday - Michelangelo




I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free...Michelangelo

Each Quote Wednesday I share a quote with a painting or photograph that I have created. Quotes can be so inspiring and uplifting it is a good idea to meditate on the words and make a point of saying something encouraging about your life! 

Do something great and share your favorite quote in the comments below. Join me next week for the next inspiring quote and image. Blessings!

Wednesday 11 November 2015

Quote Wednesday - Dodinsky


We are like the little branch that quivers during a storm, doubting our strength and forgetting we are the tree deeply rooted to withstand all of life's upheavals.. Dodinsky

Each Quote Wednesday I share a quote with a painting or photograph that I have created. Quotes can be so inspiring and uplifting it is a good idea to meditate on the words and make a point of saying something encouraging about your life! 

Do something great and share your favorite quote in the comments below. Join me next week for the next inspiring quote and image. Blessings!

Saturday 7 November 2015

Recycled Projects - Promarker Pen holder


When ever I walk into an art shop and see all the great supplies one of the things that I have wanted (needed) is a holder for my pens.  In the past I have dabbled with pro-marker pens and I must do a review on them as they are really great to use.

I have a good supply of them but they were always hidden in my draws and I didn't always make enough use of them because they were out of sight.

They originally came with a set of holders/stands like these - 




but they are not practical for the space that I have taking up too much space on my desk.  I am going to have to find an alternative use for them at some point.

Armed with my new skill for making things out of cardboard and recycling, I decided to make myself one of the stands that I normally see in art supply stores.



I selected the supplies that I had to hand and worked out what I would need.  I ended up using 4 almond milk containers and 4 juice drink containers - obviously you can use the size and dimensions that suit you.



It took a bit of thought to get it to stand the way that would enable me to see the pens clearly while not taking up a lot of space, and I decided to go with the flow and let the final shape evolve rather than being prescriptive as to the look.


I created a section where I could place odd shaped items or pens that I was using at the time on a particular project.  Once I set the intention of what I wanted I began to figure out how it needed to be constructed.  You can literally make so many things out of recycled materials that can be of use around your studio.


I decided to put an additional shelf on the top and then added paper tubes to create a rounded effect on the edges.  It was then covered with paper mache


  I covered it with gesso first then painted it with white paint.  I obtained a great crackling effect using the white household paint


Where I added more paint I got a greater effect.


I then applied gold rub- on in selected places, and then covered it all with pva glue


Here is the side view of the stand with the pens


The top shelf houses the most used pens or the ones that I am using on a particular project.  Because it is made from cardboard it isn't heavy but it is sturdy, which is very important.


Some of the promarker pens came already labeled with the colour at the end, and some didn't so I am in the process of adding the colour stickers at the end of the rest of the pens.

This holder can be designed to fit any sized pen, you just have to decide the length that you require.  All in all I am really pleased, it takes up hardly any room, all the pens are accessible and being made from recycled materials means that it didn't cost a penny apart from the glue and paint....why don't you try it yourself.!





Friday 6 November 2015

Gratitude's and Celebrations Journal - Week 86 - Grow...


Gratitude and Celebration Journal - Amanda Trought
Thank you for joining me for another Gratitude's and Celebration Journal, where I have been making my weekly journey within my journal to create, but to also look at those things that I am grateful for and also take time to celebrate the life that I have been given.  This week is about growing, there are many things that we learn through our growth...


Having spent my time in the journal each week has been a great way for me to discipline myself.  I can often be impatient at my progress and want to 'do it all now'!  The years and experience has taught me that patience and making sure that you do a good job (the best of your ability) are things that you cannot rush.


Mixed Media Art - Journal - Amanda Trought

How many times have you tried to rush something only to end up having to do it over?  My journal is a way for me to learn patience, there is no time frame where all the images have to be painted and each day I have to spend some time developing the image that you then see at the end of the week.  Some weeks other things have got in the way and so you don't see a post.  But I am extremely proud of myself for taking it this far......86 weeks worth of insights, celebrations and paintings.

Mixed Media Art Journal - Amanda Trought

I was reminded these past few weeks about connections and friendships that we can make, and how some people just go above and beyond what they have to do in order to be a blessing.  We have found our new neighbors Sarah and Haddy to be such people, not forgetting Jacob - who gives out such a delightful giggle when I threaten to tickle his belly!

Mixed Media Art - Journal - Amanda Trought
Our lives have a purpose and meaning and we are all interconnected.  What I do today will have an affect on someone else around the world, and therefore we have to treat each other with a bit more kindness (you will reap what you sew) so why not start today.

Gratitude's and Celebration Journal - Amanda Trought

I celebrate and I am grateful for growth, lovely neighbours and the new lessons that life will show me as time goes on.

I am on a creative journey in my journal and hope you come along and join me. Why not start your own journal, keep it as simple or complex as you wish, but do something!

Gratitude and Celebration Journal


Wednesday 4 November 2015

Quote Wednesday - Maya Angelou



I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel... Maya Angelou

Each Quote Wednesday I share a quote with a painting or photograph that I have created. Quotes can be so inspiring and uplifting it is a good idea to meditate on the words and make a point of saying something encouraging about your life! 

Do something great and share your favorite quote in the comments below. Join me next week for the next inspiring quote and image. Blessings!

Monday 2 November 2015

Material Mondays - Moon and Stars Wall Hanging

I created this piece a while back and only just completed it.  It is my Moon and Stars wall hanging.  It truly is a mixed media piece and incorporates clay, fabric, card, paint, and beads and jewelry findings.


I have really enjoyed incorporating clay more and more into my work and you may have seen some of my art dolls on my site.  This allows me to combine the clay with fabric and create some interesting pieces.


The beads and jewelry findings were great to add, and if you wanted you could add pieces of jewelry that you may have laying around.


Wall hangings make great gifts and can be done in so many different ways.  Also check out the card hangings that I created.  I had promised to create a tutorial and will be working on that very soon.  Also check out some of the previous projects I made for Material Mondays

Check back next week for the next project, subscribe and do leave a comment, it would be great to hear from you.

Blessings!


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