Thursday 24 December 2015

New Course - One Badass Art Journal, Discounts and competition!!

Ok, I have some great news to tell you!  I am teaching in another course, and this one is being hosted by Tiare Smith and is called ONE BADASS ART JOURNAL!

REGISTER TODAY

There is a wonderful group of yet more talented artists taking part in this 12 week workshop.  There is so much being offered, you will be able to make your own BADASS Art Journal and view 24 lessons/classes.  Check out the video below!



INTERESTED?  Why not treat yourself for and explore your own Badass Art Journal and link up with the facebook group there is so much more check out the rest of the course HERE

As a special offer you can get a 15% discount on the price of the course.  You have to enter the code IMBAD15 at the checkout BEFORE Sun 27th Dec to receive the discount.

And as a special bonus, SIGN UP HERE BEFORE DECEMBER 31 and you will be entered to win 1 of 2 spots in the other course that I am teaching in called The Journey Within: A Year of Handmade Journals.

Sign up for one for both courses and make your 2016 a year to remember!



Friday 18 December 2015

Win a spot on The Journey Within 2016 - GIVEAWAY

GIVEAWAY - GIVEAWAY - GIVEAWAY

I have 2 spots to giveaway on the course

1st place: One full year registration
2nd place: single quarter registration (Jan-Mar 16)





You will be aware by now that I am teaching in a course called The Journey Within A Year of Handmade Art Journals, and we are in the middle of a blog hop challenge.

You can check out HERE the challenge I set for Kiala on my blog hop day, and also see the blog hop schedule.

The course officially starts on 1st January 2016 and will last for the whole year but you also get a December mini course so you can test the waters, see how you can pace yourself.

Each month, Kiala will teach you how to make your own handmade art journal, give you prompts, tips, and techniques for filling the pages, and there are 17 other guest artists to share their art journaling process.

I will be teaching 4 lessons created just for this course for the year and I am looking forward to sharing with you!

Why not Join us for this amazing adventure and have your most creative year yet.

For a chance to WIN a place in the course, complete some of the tasks below - each one gives you two chances, or Sign Up anyway and if you win a spot you can bless a friend!


The Journey Within E-course 2016: a Year of Handmade Art Journals

Wednesday 16 December 2015

Creative Expression - Identity - Mixed Media

I have been experimenting and working steadily in the studio, which I realize I have not shared yet.  I am still settling in creatively, stretching my wings and finding where I feel comfortable but also pushing myself to find the uncomfortable a place to dwell, as that is where some of the growth takes place.



Trying something different enables you to see what can be an inspiration and lead you on a road that you never though you would travel.



I find working with textures, clay, and fabric opening up areas of creativity that I had never thought of and I am enjoying the process.  I am still drawing, sketching, journalling and trying out oh so many different techniques, there isn't enough hours in the day unfortunately, cause I enjoy them all, and why not?


This piece represents for me the idea that we can forget who we are, our dreams, our goals, our desires.  The same people that wore so many labels, called by so many different names, but the very truth to our existence lost under stuff, under activities, responsibilities, untruths, deceptions under-valuing our lives as we fight for a sense of who we are.


I have more work to share, excited as I also have some pieces of art at a couple of galleries here in Barbados, and will also teaching online and would love it if you came and joined me.

Quote Wednesday - Elizabeth Kubler Ross

Good Morning, afternoon or night, where ever you are in the world.  I hope that this Wednesday finds you in a good place.  This quote really resonated with me today as I reflect on things that have happened over the last few years.  We seem to go speedily into another year, it is really shocking how quickly time is passing, or is it just me?  I race to try and get those things done that I have on my list - some will get pushed into 2016.  

So many people go through, live through, stand through and make it to the other side, I want to encourage you that if you find yourself in a situation that you feel like running from remember you are not alone, there is strength in your weakness, power in your praise, and a hope.  You are a beautiful person still being refined by the fire, and an incredible work in progress.


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 9 December 2015

The Journey Within - Art Challenge - Using your non dominant Hand



Art Challenge - Use your non-dominant hand


As part of The Journey Within Blog Hop for this month we are issuing Kiala with a variety of challenges that she will be doing in her Art Journal.  My challenge for her is to use her non-dominant hand to create a page, and see what she comes up with.  You can check out HERE what Kiala did for the challenge.  Also check out the other artists pages below to see what challenges they asked her to complete, and try some out yourself!

Not to run from a challenge I have taken part as well, here is my page, and you can see the video of the process as well.

Art Journal Page - The Journey Within - Non Dominant hand







Here is the Blog Hop list - make sure you check out each artist on the blog hop.

December 1 — Mimi Bondi — MimiBondi.com
December 2 — Cindy Gilstrap — Junque Art Studios 
December 4 — Tiare Smith — TiareSmith.com
December 7 — Julie Baker — Creatively Onward
 December 8 — Amanda Trought — Reality Arts  - This is me 
December 9 — Andrea Gomoll — Cre8tive Cre8tions
December 10 — Nicole Piar — GhostKitten.com
December 11 — Lisa DeYoung — Mountain Mermaid Studios
December 15 — Kelly Johnson — Wings, Worms, and Wonder
December 17 — Sadelle Wiltshire — Tangle Vermont
December 18 — Barb Owen — HowToGetCreative.com
December 21 — Hali Karla — HaliKarla.com
December 22 — Yuko Miki — Honeyberry Studios
December 28 — Virginia Simpson-Magruder — Kentucky Girl Designs
December 30 — iHanna — iHanna.nu


Tuesday 8 December 2015

The Journey Within: A Year of Handmade Art Journals



I am extremely excited to be a guest teacher in The Journey Within: A Year of Handmade Art Journals with book maker, Kiala Givehand and 17 other artists.  The class starts on January 1st 2016 and goes on for the entire year

Each month, Kiala will teach you how to make your own handmade art journal, give you prompts, tips and techniques for filling the pages and bring in guest artists to share their take on the themes and prompts and to share their art journaling process.

To kick off this amazing course, Kiala has created a book for December and asked each guest artist to give her a challenge to complete during the month  Today is my challenge. Here is what I asked Kiala to do:

Create a Journal page using your non dominant hand, so any mark making, imagery, shapes etc will be done with your least used hand

I recommend you try the challenge I gave Kiala, - I will be, If you decide to play along, let me know by checking me out on Instagram (@realityarts) and tag me. Use the hashtag #journeywithin2016 so we can all see your lovely work.

Here is the Blog Hop list - make sure you check out each artist on the blog hop.

December 1 — Mimi Bondi — MimiBondi.com
December 2 — Cindy Gilstrap — Junque Art Studios 
December 4 — Tiare Smith — TiareSmith.com
December 7 — Julie Baker — Creatively Onward
 December 8 — Amanda Trought — Reality Arts  - This is me 
December 9 — Andrea Gomoll — Cre8tive Cre8tions
December 10 — Nicole Piar — GhostKitten.com
December 11 — Lisa DeYoung — Mountain Mermaid Studios
December 15 — Kelly Johnson — Wings, Worms, and Wonder
December 17 — Sadelle Wiltshire — Tangle Vermont
December 18 — Barb Owen — HowToGetCreative.com
December 21 — Hali Karla — HaliKarla.com
December 22 — Yuko Miki — Honeyberry Studios
December 28 — Virginia Simpson-Magruder — Kentucky Girl Designs
December 30 — iHanna — iHanna.nu

What about you?  Are you ready to take the challenge?  Join us for this amazing adventure and have your most creative year yet. 



 REGISTER HERE to learn more and sign up for the class.

Thursday 3 December 2015

Blog Hop - The Journey Within - A Year of handmade art journals


I am doing a happy dance at the moment as I share with you that I will be a teacher in The Journey Within: A Year of Handmade Art Journals with book maker, Kiala Givehand and 17 other artists. The class begins January 1st and continues the entire year, and is incredible value for money!

Each month, Kiala will teach you how to make your own handmade art journal, give you prompts, tips and techniques for filling the pages, and bring in guest artists to share their ideas.

To kick off this great course, Kiala has created a December book and asked each guest artist to give her a challenge to complete this month. All these challenges are set up to create an opportunity to “Blog Hop.” play along as you “hop” from blog to blog. see below for the blog hop schedule.

My challenge will appear on December 8th. so do check back to see what I’ve suggested

If you decide to play along, let me know by checking me out on Instagram (@realityarts) and tag me. Use the hashtag #journeywithin2016 so we can all see your lovely work. 

Here's the blog hop schedule. Make sure you visit each person so you can see what they have in store for you. It is going to be an exciting year during The Journey Within: A Year of Handmade Art Journals.

December 1 -- Mimi Bondi -- MimiBondi.com
December 2 -- Cindy Gilstrap -- Junque Art Studios 
December 4 -- Tiare Smith -- TiareSmith.com 
December 7 -- Julie Baker -- Creatively Onward 
December 8 -- Amanda Trought -- Reality Arts 
December 9 -- Andrea Gomoll -- Cre8tive Cre8tions
December 10 -- Nicole Piar -- GhostKitten.com
December 11 -- Lisa DeYoung -- Mountain Mermaid Studios 
December 15 -- Kelly Johnson -- Wings, Worms, and Wonder 
December 17 -- Sadelle Wiltshire -- Tangle Vermont 
December 18 -- Barb Owen -- HowToGetCreative.com
December 21 -- Hali Karla -- HaliKarla.com
December 22 -- Yuko Miki -- Honeyberry Studios 
December 28 -- Virginia Simpson-Magruder -- Kentucky Girl Designs 
December 30 -- iHanna -- iHanna.nu 

​Looking forward to seeing you in the blog hop journey!



Wednesday 2 December 2015

Quote Wednesday - Jordan



You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them.. Michael Jordan

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 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!


Friday 30 October 2015

Gratitude's and Celebration Journal - Week 85 - Hope

Hope is something that I can never tire of writing about as it makes it way through our existence.  We hope and wish for better things to come, we look at our day to day and are grateful for that which we receive, it gives us a new dimension to hope.


I can think of many times through my life where I have hoped for a different outcome, wanting so badly for things to go my way, and not understanding the eventual outcome.  My hope that my mum would make a miraculous recovery and the dementia to disappear, or that my brother would be healed from Cancer and live to see old age with his big sisters, while chasing around after his grandchildren, but I have had to reassess the hope that I had with the present I now see.


Hope caused me to look at things in a different light and perspective.  With a slightly different eye and as painful as it sometimes was, situations didn't always play out as you intended them to.  When I looked from an objective perspective it enabled me to see where there was room for change that would allow me flexibility and growth.


I have learnt so much through illness and death of those people around me that I love and thought would be here forever, and I now see the world with new eyes, still hopeful, not taking it for granted, but expectant.  As you reflect on aspects of your life what key things are you learning?


I am grateful for life's lessons, for the hope that we have within us that can change the course of our lives.  I celebrate the life that we need to make more of and those wishes I made as a child and the ones that have come to pass.

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
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