COLOUR PALETTES

COLOUR PALETTES

Does the colour wheel 

have you stumped? 

Do you choose:

•  Primary colours, which cannot be made from mixing other colours,
• or Secondary colours made by mixing two primary colours,
• or Tertiary colours made by mixing one primary colour with an adjacent secondary colour,
• or Triad colours made by colours equally spaced from each other on the colour wheel,
• or Tetrad colours made using a combination of four colours which are 2 sets of complements,
• and then there are tints, tones and shades to choose from...aaahhhh!

OR

Do you just 

Forget about the colour wheel and just have fun mixing your own colour palette?

Inspiration is all around you. All you need to do is pick up your camera, take some close-up pics and then use those image colours to create your own colour palette of not more than 6 colours.  Take photos of nature,  just like Jessica from Design Seeds does.  Jessica has hundreds of palettes for any and all your projects, which she gladly shares for free.

These are just a few of my favourite colour palettes from Design Seeds, which I can't wait to go and incorporate into some mixed media.

Naturally, as I am a little obsessed by colour palettes, you can find additional colour palettes, which I love, on my Pinterest

WONDERFUL WASHI TAPE

Washi 和紙  is derived from "wa" meaning Japanese and 'shi" meaning paper. Washi (Paper) is an old tradition in Japan of producing uniquely specialised papers obtained from wood-pulp from the mitsumata shrub, gampi tree or mulberry bark. Washi Tape is, however, typically made using the natural fibres from bamboo, rice, wheat and hemp. 

Not only will your projects (scrapbooking, gift-wrapping, card-making, decorations, ornaments, etc.) be transformed to the next level of awesomeness, this delicate tape can be utilised in everyday items as well. You can give your home, work and personal items a unique feel with your own supply of Washi tapes.  This versatile craft tape is acid-free, slightly transparent and has an array of designs, patterns and colours to choose from, which can be written on, torn, removed and re-positioned (not as sticky as traditional sellotape). You will find that Washi tape will become your next must have stock item in your craft room whatever type of creative you are.

My supply of Washi Tape all mixed-up in this basket to them being organised in this foil/aluminum recycled box.

Washi Tape transformed a very plain glass candle holder to a very pretty glass candle holder.

An orchid in a glass vase was easily made more attractive with Washi Tape.

This boring tin was up-cycled and given a new lease on life with Washi Tape.

Are your stationery supplies looking drab? Make them look fab with....you guessed it...Washi Tape.

Washi Tape your Scrapbook pages to give them a fun element.

Frame Washi Tape on your walls and cupboards.  Washi Tape now also comes as Blackboard Tape which can written with a Chalkboard Pen.

The possibilities are endless, but just incase you need more inspirational Washi Tape ideas: https://www.pinterest.com/Creativity2Art/creativity/

FATHERS' DAY 2015

I've compiled a few of my favourite Fathers' Day quotes especially for you.

FATHERS' DAY CARD

You are welcome to print and use this Fathers' Day card which I created.

Print using A4 Borderless and fold in 1/4's.

SO NOW I HAVE A RYOBI MINI TOOL

RYOBI MINI TOOL

I purchased my very own Ryobi Mini Tool, similar to the Dremel Mini Tool and I can't wait to start using it.

If you are a keen crafter, as I am and maybe a bit of a perfectionist, then this tool will help you create beautiful projects. I won't have to stand for hours with sandpaper sanding away rough edges. Now, I'll just be able to whip out my Ryobi Mini Tool and in no time, I'll have that perfectly sanded smooth edge.  I'll be able to engrave, grind, cut and polish glass, stones, wood, metal, etc. 

The Ryobi Mini Tool will allow me complete versatility as it has a flexible shaft which is quick and easy to assemble and all the accessories fit it. 

The Ryobi Mini Tool's speed is adjustable from 0-30'000 r/min depending on the required speed for the material and accessory being used.

The Kit comes with 40 pieces of accessories in a carry case as seen above, weighing in under 1 kg.

• Don't forget about wearing safety glasses, earplugs and a dust mask. Rather safe than sorry!
• If it makes a grinding noise, check the carbon brushes and replace, if necessary.
• Let it work for you, don't force it.
• Don't put your hands over the air vents, needs them to cool down.
• Wipe it clean with a dry cloth only and keep it free of dust.
• Use an outdoor extension cord and don't work in the wet or near flammable liquids.
• Ensure that it is Switched Off before plugging in.
• Use the correct accessory for the project.
• Using clamps to secure your work, will free your hands to operate the tool.
• Be alert and aware of your surroundings.

Below is a complete list of all the accessories available for just about any crafters project. 

Need some inspiration? Pop on over to The Art Of Creativity 2's Creativity Pinterest Page and start that project that you have been waiting to create.

SVG FILES EXPLAINED

SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics)

• Are used to define Vector-based graphics for the Web.
• The images can be scaled and zoomed without losing quality.
• Easy to find in your search box.
• Can be edited and created with text editor.
• The images produce high quality print at any resolution.
• Every element and attribute can be animated.

Tired of paying outrageous prices for your paper crafts? Well, the below mentioned cutting machines can solve that issue. Choose a project from thousands of SVG cut files, from online stores and free shared files, download the files, send it to your chosen cutting machine, cut it, put it together and hey presto, you'll have created your very own paper craft, such as cards, tags, gift bags, gift boxes, scrapbook layouts, 3D designs, etc. Emblish with glitter, ribbons, different kinds of papers, buttons, brads and so much more.  Don't stop at that, try cutting stencils, vinyl projects rhinestone projects, cork, foam, the sky's the limit.

The following are recommended compatible machines for SVG cutting files:

Silhouette Cameo

Circuit Explorer

Size Eclips2

Brother ScanNCut

Pazzles Inspiration

Boss Kut Gazelle

For free SVG cut files, tutorials, ideas and tips go to The Art Of Creativity 2 Pinterest page:

https://www.pinterest.com/Creativity2Art/silhouette-cameo/

Feel free to share your creations on The Art of Creativity 2's Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/theartofcreativity2

WHAT IS A MOTHER?

MOTHER'S DAY 2015

THE DEFINITION OF A MOTHER

noun

a woman in relation to a child or children to whom she has given birth

verb

bring up (a child) with care and affection.

"the art of mothering"

dated

give birth to

I am a very proud Mother of two amazing, very different children.  My Son, who is 21 (I really don't feel that old to have a 21 year old child)  is an academic, in his 2nd year of Varsity studying a B.Com and my Daughter is 16,  a creative, who is in her 2nd last year of High School.  

The following are some quotes which touched my heart:

• 'Mothers hold their children's hand for a short while, but their hearts forever.' - Anonymous
• 'Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother.' - Oprah Winfrey
• 'A mom's hug lasts long after she gets go. '- Anonymous
• 'Most mothers are instinctive philosophers.' - Harriet Stowe
• 'A mother understands what a child does not say. - Jewish Proverb
• 'Your arms were always open when I needed a hug. Your heart understood when I needed a friend. Your gentle eyes were stern when I needed a lesson. Your strength and love has guided me and gave me wings to fly.' - Sarah Milan
• 'To the world you might just be one person, but to one person you might just be the world.'- Anonymous

Follow my Mothers and Women Board on Pinterest for more Mother's Day Quotes, Poems and Inspiration

Here's to Good Women,

May we know them,

May we be them,

May we raise them

WHAT'S TRENDING THIS SEASON?

ADULT COLOURING THERAPY, is this season's trend

I hear you asking: "What is Adult Colouring Therapy?

Why did we ever stop colouring in? Were you told that colouring in, arts & crafts were only for children? Well, if you are like me and life has become so stressful then colouring is your answer.
Think back to when you were a youngster, and how relaxed and in the zone you were, when you were colouring. I know that it was one of my favourite past-times and I have even kept one or two of my childhood colouring books for posterity reasons.

If you don't have the time for Arts and Crafts, and the expense of all the materials, go buy yourself an adult colouring book or download the images from my Pinterest Page: Adult Colouring Therapy 

Make yourself a cup of coffee or in my case, a cup of tea, switch off all the distractions and devices and find your inner child who is waiting to be unleashed and colour away all your stresses.  Adult colouring is not only for every adult who needs a creative outlet, but for any adult who needs to de-stress.  In Fact, Therapists suggest colouring for personal development and relaxation.

You will find colouring pages from Mehndi Designs to Nature Mandalas, SteamPunk Designs to Tessellation Patterns, Art Nouveau to Floral Designs, and the list goes on. The designs are more intricate, hence they are more for Adults than for Children.  There's no right or wrong way and each page, even if you colour the same image, will yield a different coloured in image depending on your mood and materials used.

Some of you will use the traditional crayons, however, why stop at that? Why not try pastels, colouring pencils, watercolour pencils, markers or even glitter pens. Download the image on different types of paper, such as watercolour paper or card stock or even textured papers. Don't forget to place a scrap piece of paper/wax paper behind the page you're working on, to prevent any bleed through.

Let the Magic begin....

Image from

http://www.clipartandcrafts.com/coloring/adultcoloring/pages/seahorse-mandala-coloringpage.pdf

"Every child is an artist. 

The problem is staying

 an artist when you grow up." 

- Pablo Picasso 

WHAT ARE YOU DOING FOR EARTH DAY, 22 APRIL?

EARTH DAY, 22 APRIL

What are you doing for Earth Day?

Earth Day celebrates it's 45th anniversary and you can find out how you can make a difference from your own home, It's our turn to Lead

A few years ago, I had the pleasure of presenting an up-cycle workshop to a group of kiddies at the Reach for a Dream Camp Sunshine.

We used the charity money tins (these are used to collect money from various establishments to raise money for this very worthy charity who make Dreams come true for terminally ill children).  As the tins had just be counted, by me (part of my volunteer work for Reach for a Dream) and they were just lying around, I thought what better way to re-use them at the same charity and show the kiddies how they can make their own pencil holders.

I prepared the coloured sugar paper just a little bigger than the tins.  The kiddies then glued it to the tin and overlapped the top edge to give it a neat finish.  They then decorated the tins as they pleased.

Another up-cycle was using the washed juice bottles from the camp as a 'message in a bottle' project.  The kiddies filled the bottle with sand, some small shells collected from the beach, wrote a message and placed it in the bottle and then decorated the outside of the bottle with some googly eyes and other bits and bobs.

We had a fun-filled day and they got to walk away with up-cycled goodies that they could put to good use and we prevented these products from landing up in the landfill. 

BLOGLOVIN

What is Bloglovin?

• Bloglovin, is a tool to help you to keep up-to-date with all the blogs that you follow, all in one place.

• It is allows you to follow your blogs on any device.

• You can explore other interesting blogs from anywhere by browsing popular posts.

• Follow blogs on your favourite topics.

It's easy to click on new posts from the feeder,

Leave comments, and

Pin images.

• Grow your blog to a larger audience/fan base.
• Easily see how many people are reading and following your blog.
• Claim your blog by registering for a new account via email or login in with Facebook.
• Follow the prompts and Bloglovin' will generate HTML code for you to cut and paste, you'll soon be on your way to start your own Bloglovin' experience.

Follow The Art of Creativity Studio on Bloglovin

HAPPY EASTER

It has been a long absence due to family matters, however, I'm hoping that those issues are now resolved and I can continue with my Creativity. I have missed working in my studio and look forward to returning to it soon.

I created this painting last year in honour of our family pet, Hopsy. Whilst living in the UAE, my children had been desperate for a pet, and continued to nag us for one. We have always had pets and obviously my husband and I eventually gave in, as a home without pets is a lonely one. Not long after we said okay did we inherited a tortoise, Chloe and soon after, Hopsy was added to the family. However, they were adamant that they also wanted a dog. Strays of Abu Dhabi was where we fell in love with Snowy, a Saluki and she joined our family of pets. 

Sadly, before the children and I left the UAE, Hopsy passed away. This is a tribute to her as she gave us much joy in her short time on earth.  Unfortunately, Chloe was not able to travel with us and she found a new home. Snowy is currently living the life in Cape Town, with us, and enjoys her walks on the beach. 

Wishing you all a Blessed Easter and much joy and happiness with your loved ones over the Easter break.