Embarking on a 30-day challenge can be both an exhilarating and transformative experience. As an artist, I decided to take on the unique challenge of creating one artisan card each day for an entire month in 2024, posting it on Instagram and sharing my experience. This challenge was about stretching boundaries, exploring different ways of using thread and most importantly, showcasing my work with daily Instagram posts. This blog post aims to inspire, explain and document my progress, share insights about my creative process, and discuss materials I chose throughout this journey.

The Inspiration Behind the Challenge

Choosing to create one card a day stems from a desire to push my creative boundaries. It’s easy to fall into a rut when creating art, but setting a daily challenge offers a structured yet liberating way to explore new techniques and ideas. Furthermore, it serves as a fantastic opportunity to connect with others in the art community, gain personal knowledge on my daily habits and carve out space for my personal growth.

Creating artisan cards is not just about the final product; it's about appreciating the creative process. By interacting with different materials and styles each day, I gain insights that might influence my future artwork.

My Journey: What I Learned

Throughout this 30-day journey, I started with an outline of themes for each day. A list of different techniques, my watercolor palette bought for a workshop planning later in the year, a list of my favorite artist who inspired me and 30 blank cards!

Each day brought its own set of challenges and learning curves, making the creative process both engaging and rewarding. Additionally, posting my daily card on Instagram became increasingly challenging over time. Not just squeezing in daily time in my studio, but also finding time to post!

Day 1: Fragmented memories

For the first card, I decided to get inspiration from one of my favorite artists Sian Martin where I took a picture of a stunning Icelandic frosty nature, transferred it to a fabric and cut it up! Stitched the fragments back together, forming a circle on handmade paper to express continuity!

Day 2: Weaving a circle on paper

On Day 2, I wanted to explore the ever popular technique of drawing with thread on paper. I used a variegated thread that reminded me of the colors from the previous day, Icelandic Winter and dew a circle on watercolor paper, punched holes and stitched a weave like structure.

Day 3: Connecting fragments

On day 3 I made a collage, recycling materials from my stash. I connected these circled fragments to create a textured card that felt reminiscent of Spring. This technique opened new creative avenues by mixing different visuals and textures.

Day 4: Tick Tack Toe

Using stabilizer is a fundamental material of my work to date. It's easy to stitch, manipulate, burn and gives a structure. What about painting it? What to play Tick, Tack, Toe?

Day 5: Line drawing with thread and ink

Drawing a shape and giving it live with stitching came my focus on day 5. How do I incorporate stitch with drawing? I decided on a simple line drawing of a flower with ink pen. Not a specific flower, just the first thing that came into my mind and then I used the needle with red thread to draw lines! This was such a freeing experience. Just go with the flow and follow the process of making marks with thread.

Day 6: Stitching down natural objects

Out running I saw this piece of fallen stick and decided to see where it would lead me. My initial thoughts were to wrap it with threads, maybe natural hand dyed threads or use recycled threads that I could paint, but when I came home I laid it down on a watercolored paper and that was it. I stitched it down with invisible thread.

Day 7: Stitching down manmade objects

It was the day of cycling - yes there is a specific day allocated to cycling! Who knew? Not me, but I thought it was fitting to stitch down some wire with very strong nylon thread.

Week 1 finished!

7 artisan cards made and I was truly enjoying my time in the studio exploring different techniques. It was getting less and less difficult to post daily on Instagram, but I knew it would become more and more challenging as I had attempted to do a 30 day challenge before and had never gotten past the 10th day!

Day 8: 3D stitching on paper

Now I was getting more comfortable with exploring and wanted to try 3D stitching on paper. I knew from last week's experience that stitching on paper requires preciseness and accuracy, if you want the lines to be straight, especially if the lines were made of thread. I decided to find a 3D shape that had straight lines, but many sides and use black thread that wasn't smooth to make extreme shadows when the sun hit the shape.

Day 9: Dried paint

Inspiration comes from many places and sometimes cleaning up a studio gives rise to new directions, new possibilities to grow as an artist. Being in the NOW, requires me to shut down my brain, stop listening to the little voice in my head and just go with the flow. Enjoy the moment and forget about all the plans, organization and prejudgment of who I am and what I want to active. How precious to see one strip of dried paint turn into a collage of wonder.

Day 10: Weaving with different colored threads

I usually have an outline of what I want to create, an idea and then I allow it to manifest and flow organically, playing with materials, techniques and structures until I get the outcome I want. When it comes to weaving you need a plan!

I have attempted weaving in the past and I have seen some incredible artwork from some really talented artist. So on day 10 I wanted to try weaving on paper using 4 different colors. Let's just say, this technique requires some rhythm, concentration and time.

Day 11: Weaving with handmade paper

After yesterdays weaving experience, I took a long walk on the beach, contemplating why on earth I didn't connect with weaving, as so many artists use this technique to express their amazing, breathtaking view of the world. I was determined to give weaving another chance. This time I used handmade paper and thoroughly enjoyed making this card inspired by the beach.

Day 12: Ink and wool on watercolored paper

The fluid nature of ink allows for beautiful blends and unexpected textures. I used watercolor paper for its durability and ability to withstand wet media for the card of day 12. The result was an organic web of natural roots supporting the growth of wool flowers.

Day 13: Seed stitching on painted stabilizer

Stabilizer is a widely used base for many textile projects, from sewing cloths to making 3D structural objects. I find this material highly interesting and wanted to explore it's use as a surface for stitching. I found that one side is smooth and the other gives extremely cool texture when painted with acrylic paints. It was cool to see the seed stitch sink into the texture and give this simple stitch such a big impact.

Day 14: Collage with painted paper and sand

It was time to explore the endless possibility of painting my own paper with the mindset of stitching it down with threads and beads. I ended up glueing down beach sand, drawing with a gold pen, ripping the paper and stitching it down with silver thread, before attaching some beads to give it a bit more depth. This was such a fun technique, very carefree and full of surprising elements that made this card super enjoyable to make.

Day 15: Watercoloring and machine stitching circles

The fluid nature of watercolor paints allowed for beautiful blends and unexpected textures. I used watercolor paper for its durability and ability to withstand wet media. The result was a unique blend of vibrant beach card that set the tone for me creating circular blue structures on water soluble fabric with my 25 year old sewing machine.

I made it over the halfway mark!

This has been a fun personal challenge, with lots of scheduling conflicts while I try to prioritize my studio time. Finding my ideal time of the day in the studio has been difficult, due to a very busy family life. It's amazing how difficult it is to say no to your kids and stop doing household chores during designated studio time. Keeping the daily momentum and creative flow going for this project is interesting. Posting on Instagram requires different mindset to creating. I am having difficulty switch on and off! I read somewhere it takes 14 days to change a habit!

Well, I need more time!

Day 16: Exploring the buttonhole stitch

I love exploring different type of stitches. Seeing how a simple stitch can be changed by stretching and manipulating it to make rise to some creative outcomes. Most people know the buttonhole stitch, used to make holes for buttons on tops so they don't fray. This time I played with different types of threads as well as the length and width of the stitch to make a web like structure over some watercolored painted paper.

Day 17: Stitching on painted mixed media paper

I really like the exploring aspect of this project allowing me the freedom to play without boundaries. I painted some mixed media paper that I painted with watercolor paper and added a little bit of salt to make texture. This paper is a little bit thinner that what I had been using before, but it worked fine. Just needed to take a little bit more care when stitching, especially as I made double lines that made the paper weaker.

Day 18: 3D stitching on mixed media paper

I had used this technique before and really liked it, so I decided to try again with a more complex shape. I drew up the shape and made the holes. Started to stitch with a black thread and made a mistake. I took the needle up the wrong hole and it made me realize that opportunities for growth are endless. I just have to allow myself to step outside off my makeshift box that I think society has put me in or that I put myself in without realizing it.

Day 19: 3D stitching on mixed media paper

The card for yesterday should have looked like this! I made 1 mistake and it changed the outcome completely. It had an extra box coming out of the structure.

One mistake, one distraction, one thought, one step, one word....and you have a different outcome!

No better or worse, just different.

Day 20: Mixed media

Mixed media allows freedom. Freedom to express, freedom to explore, freedom be in the moment!

Day 21: Felting with Icelandic wool

Sometimes I am just homesick and revert to my weather beaten Island in the Atlantic ocean for comfort. When that happens I love using Icelandic wool with it's rough feel, sweet smell and incredible warmth it brings to my endless memories of my grandma knitting traditional Icelandic sweaters for export to have a little bit of extra income.

2/3rd of the project done!

As I venture deeper into the month, I think I am starting to run out of ideas or a pattern is emerging. Each day unveiling a new adventure, a new challenge to keep motivated.

I made it past the 10th day, the halfway mark and now I can see the end!

Day 22: Stitched 3D triangle with black threads

What shape are you? Not quite sure why I go back to this amazing technique. It looks very simple, it's not! It requires planning, drawing, extremely sharp pencil and a ruler.

Day 23: Making marks with needles

Today I explored making marks with my sawing machine, with and without a thread in the bobbing. I used a watercoloring paper, without stabilizer as it's thick enough to withstand the pressure of the machine making each stitch without bending the paper. I also explored stitching on the front and on the back of the paper. I made some really cool marks. Well worth exploring some more in the future.

 Day 24: Manipulating canvas

Today I wanted to see if I could use a crackle paste from Golden to make a snow like surface with cracks that opens up for new growth, the first grass pushing through the snow after a winter of hibernation.

Day 25: Connecting memories

Stitched individual memories onto handmade paper with silver thread that has a continues thread running through these tiny squares. I wanted to learn how to photo transfer a picture onto a fabric by using my printer. It was such a fun technique, but think working with bigger squares would make it more fun.

Day 26: Applique

Finally, on day 26 of my project my mind drifted toward the appliqué technique. Can I use this technique to express snowy branches in the moonlight.

Day 27: Silk threads, feathers and handmade paper

The sun has arrived with this mixed media card where I wanted to explore the possibilities of stitching down feathers, painting them and using silk threads to make a shape of a flower.

2 days left!

With only three cards left to create, I find myself reflecting on the journey so far.

Thought I would never say this , but think I will miss this!

Day 28: Machine stitching painted interfacing

Wanted to work with my sewing machine. I painted some interfacing with acrylic paint and started stitching straight lines. So satisfying when the paint started to come through the lines and reveal some incredible texture. I then hand stitched a red rectangle to give it a bit of a contrast.

Day 29: 3D stitched card for love

I stitched this with love, for love, for us, for people falling in love, for you, for me and for the world. We are stronger united!

Day 30: Stitched Mountain

My mountain to create

My mountain to climb

My mountain to conquer

I made it to the end!

For 30 days, I created and published artisan cards, explored various techniques, stitched daily with thread and needle, and posted my progress on Instagram.

Stretching my existence, stretching my mind, stretching my soul!

The Essential Materials

To successfully complete this challenge, I extensively researched and curated a list of materials that would enhance my work. In selecting these materials, my goal was to use quality supplies while promoting awareness about sustainability. Selecting sustainable sources was also a key factor—an aspect I believe resonates with modern consumers who are increasingly eco-conscious.

Benefits of Completing the Challenge

• Skill Enhancement: The dedication to creating daily cards honed my skills and introduced me to new techniques.

• Creative Freedom: Allowing daily experimentation opened the door to unexpected creations that I might not have planned originally.

• Community Engagement: Sharing progress online attracted interest and feedback from fellow artists, family and friends who inspired me and provided suggestions.

  
  

To stay organized, I set specific times each day to work on my cards. This habit formed a routine that not only nurtured my creativity but also instilled a sense of discipline to myself and my family.

Creating one artisan card a day for 30 days led to several opportunities to interact with followers, showcasing my progress and gaining followers. If you'd like to follow along, check out my Instagram at @amjcreativity

A positive and unexpected outcome was the interest I got from people wanting to buy my cards. Hadn't thought about that aspect, but I allowed it too materialize for those who showed interests. Currently I have only a handful of cards from this 2024 30 day challenge left via my shop!

Sharing the Experience

Engaging with the art community was one of the most rewarding aspects of this challenge. I received feedback, tips, and even started getting interests in the cards that I was making. This reaffirmed the importance of sharing your journey and being part of a creative network.

Networking opens doors to learning, collaboration, and, ultimately, artistic growth.

Final Thoughts on the 30 Day Challenge

This challenge has been more than just about creating cards; it has been a multi-faceted journey of personal growth and artistic discovery. The ritual of creating each day taught me discipline and fueled my passion, culminating in a diverse collection of artisan cards—each reflecting a little piece of my creativity.

If you’re considering undertaking a similar challenge—whether it's cards, paintings, or any form of artistry—plan it out, gather your materials, and let your creativity flow. It can be a beautiful journey of self-expression, opening doors to new styles and connections with others who share your passion.

Through this entire experience, I hope to inspire others to embark on their own creative adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beginner, the most important thing is to start creating and enjoy the process.

As I wrap up this 30-day challenge, I feel more connected to my art, my materials, and the wonderful community around me. I encourage each of you to find your own creative challenge and unleash your artistic potential!