Fifteen minute make

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I love a full sketchbook. Filled to bursting with pages of inspiration. But this very rarely happens! Am I the only one with loads of unfinished sketchbooks? I always have an urge to start a new one with every trip, project or topic – and that is certainly not good for the bank balance! So for our recent trip to Cornwall and Dorset I made my own small sketchbook using recycled papers. It was really easy to make and because I used paper I already had (some from those unfinished sketchbooks) it was really cost effective too. Ok, so I didn’t completely fill it on holiday but I have managed to finish it since I’ve been back and I thought it would be good to share this as my next ‘fifteen minute make’.

You will need….

  • A variety of papers for your sketchbook pages (envelopes, brown kraft paper, old book pages, maps etc)
  • Cereal box cardboard (for front cover)
  • Decorative paper for front cover (washi tape optional)
  • Glue stick
  • Elastic band

How to make it….

  • Decide how big you want your sketchbook and cut your pages to size.
  • Cut your cardboard front cover so it’s just a bit bigger than your pages.
  • Cover your front cover with glue and stick on your decorative paper, trim down.
  • You could use washi tape or masking tape to cover the edges of your front cover but this is optional.
  • Place your pages inside your cover and hold in place with the elastic band and you’re done!

This is such an easy book to make and the great thing about using the elastic band is you can rearrange or add / take away pages whenever you feel like it.

I like to keep my pages slightly different sizes, this makes for some interesting overlapping opportunities once you get creating.

security envelope windows are great at creating a viewfinder through to another page

If you’re after more sketchbook inspiration have a look at my pinterest board here.

I’d love to see how you get on with this fifteen minute make so please do tag me and the hashtag #fifteenminutemake …can’t wait to see your creativity!

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15 minutes may not seem long enough to do something creative but sometimes as busy people it’s all we’ve got! I’m going to walk you through how to create some super gorgeous rubber stamps which you can use in your journals, mixed media projects, sketchbooks or to create a range of collage papers like I do.  This is a great activity to do with little people too – if they’re too small to do the carving you could do this in advance and then let them print away!

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Here’s what you’ll need…

  • 1 x large rubber
  • A variety of papers.. I have used pre painted old book pages but you could use any paper
  • ink pads (or you could use acrylic paint)
  • a sharp knife

Step 1 – Carving

Take your rubber and cut into decent sized chunks, try to keep the edges flat.  You just need to make sure each chunk is big enough to hold easily.  Carve your design using a sharp knife.  I didn’t bother to draw my designs first as time was short for me but you could pre-draw your design in pencil before you get cutting. Keep your designs bold and simple for the most effective stamps.  You don’t need to cut too deep, any mark you make on the surface of the rubber will print as white (or your background colour).

I’ve created an inspiration Pinterest board for rubber stamping so if you’re short on ideas head over and take a look.

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Step 2 – Printing

I just used small ink pads to print my stamps onto pre painted paper but thick acrylic paint would also work.  I use my papers for collage so don’t need to worry about the print being perfect as each sheet of paper will be cut up anyway.  Experiment with different repeats and have fun!

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Step 3 – taking it further…

To take this fifteen minute make further you could….

  • Print onto fabric – then add detail with machine or hand stitching
  • Draw on top of you patterns
  • Combine your collage papers to create a landscape like I’ve done here

I’d love to see what you make!  Please do like, follow and share your work on Instagram with the hashtag #fifteenminutemakes – can’t wait to see your creativity!

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100 day project

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So I’ve decided to take part in the 100 day project on Instagram this year with the theme of 100daysofmixedmediaflorals

I’m undertaking the project in the hope that I can find at least 10 minutes each day to do something creative and give me some head-space from real life! Also hoping that I can create some work which will form the basis of a series which I hope to get in my Etsy shop by the end of the year.

But 100 days is a long time! I’m planning to explore four different colour schemes along the way (more about those later) and so I’ve made a prompt list of 25 image titles which I can use to help me create my mixed media collages. Hopefully this way I can stay motivated and not get stuck!

Here are the 25 prompts I’ve come up with. I thought I’d share them in case anyone is also in need of inspiration for their own 100dayproject. I’d love to see your work on Instagram too so do come say hello!

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100daysofmixedmediaflorals

1. Horizon
2. Landscape
3. Pathway
4. Big and bold
5. Small and mighty
6. In the detail
7. Colour Pop
8. On a windowsill
9. In a vase
10. Develop a composition
11. Geometric
12. In bloom
13. Positive / Negative
14. Crowded
15. Keep it simple
16. Layered
17. Let it flow
18. Monochrome
19. Foliage
20. Hidden treasures
21. Linear
22. Colour block
23. Change it up
24. Looking through
25. Plenty

Brighton Artists Open Houses

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Delighted to be exhibiting as part of Brighton Artists Open houses every weekend in May.  I’m taking part at Bluebell Would Artist Open House which is open 5th, 6th, 7th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 26th, 27th May 11.00 – 17.00.  The work is up and really pleased with how it looks.  There are lots of other great artists exhibiting at 45 Westbourne Gardens Hove as part of the West Hove Arts trail, you can see the full list here

Would be great to see you there!

 

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That time of year again!

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Where has the time gone!?  Well, a lot has happened this year (hence the lack of updates on the website) but I’m delighted to say that I’m taking part in the fabulous ‘So This is Christmas’ fair at the Charmandean centre in Worthing again this weekend – Sunday 4th December.  Come along if you can and say hello! New notebooks, notelets and some new original pieces will be on the stall plus there’s lots of other great stalls too x

 

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Stop press!

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I am delighted to share with you – my work in print!

The lovely Be Creative with workbox magazine approached me way back in the Summer to contribute to their magazine and of course I accepted.  It was a challenge putting the text together – why is it that writing about yourself is the hardest thing to do?!  But I’m really pleased with the final outcome and the images look great on the 6 page double spread….and my work is even featured on the cover!  A fantastic early Christmas present!

Speaking of presents…if you know someone into textiles and looking for an inspiring Christmas gift (or just to treat yourself) a subscription would be great!

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www.creativewithworkbox.com.

So this is Christmas!

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Well, it’s been a busy few weeks!

In the middle of moving house I took part in the Fairy Tale Fair Christmas fair in Worthing.  It was well worth it!  Had a lovely day selling lots of prints, notebooks and a few orginal pieces.  The atmosphere was great with the town crier keeping us company and a silver band playing carols.

Now back to unpacking boxes….. and completing my new commissions!