Stash Busting Mixed Media Style

I have been doing a bit of stash busting art journaling. I have been using left over papers that I used on other collages and cutting or tearing them into smaller pieces than I usually do to use us more and get rid of them.  For example, in the collage above, I used a series of strips of patterned paper fr the collage base.

In the other example below, I used a whole package of coordinating embellishments. I have been having fun challenging myself to us things up to make some space (hmmm space for more supplies perhaps??).

 

Craft Attitude and Me

Each Craft Attitude sheet is the same material, so you can use any kit.

In the most recent issue of Cloth Paper Scissors magazine, mixed media artist Trudi Sissons wrote an article about using a product called Craft Attitude. Here is how the product is described on the web site: “Craft Attitude isn’t transfer paper. It’s a new, patented technology that allows your printed inkjet image to be separated from its original paper carrier and become part of a new surface when applied.”

How could I not want to try this? Once the item arrived, I printed a test image from an antique magazine I have to work with. The Craft Attitude company suggests using a desktop laminator or an iron to fuse the image to paper. I tried my iron, but could not get it to fuse to blank watercolor weight paper when testing it.

I have noticed, though, that many people use glue to adhere the image they are using, so I tried this on the test image with DecoArt Decopage glue - my favorite collage glue. That worked very well and dried clear.

So, I went ahead and created a collage first, then adhered an image on top with the collage glue. This method has worked best so far for me.

Collage with printed Craft Attitude image on top.

 I would love to figure out why I cannot get it to work with heat, though.

 

The Mad Journaler

Lately, I have been in a creative firestorm, creating journaling pages every spare minute. The Journal above has been completed and I almost cannot close it!

I am also enrolling for the first time in the wildly popular The Documented Life workshop. A new round begins on Friday  so I am anticipating that.

I am also in t he middle of trying out different techniques for painting on/altering pictures.I purchased an older, 2010 book used called Image Art Workshop by Paula Guhin.

Collage To Go

Me being pushed by Liam at the airport in Florida. 

There are two trips on my horizon. One by car and one by plane. Last month, while spending a week in Florida, my back went completely out, and I could not walk very well. Being confined to bed most of that trip made me very stir crazy. I kept wishing I had brought some of my craft supplies, since I could at least paste some stuff down from bed (even if this were more of a traditional  glue book without the paint I usually add).

Now, with two trips coming up in April, I have been searching for some tips on traveling with art supplies. Everything I can locate on YouTube and blogs talk about taking supplies for things like sketching or watercolor. Since I am more of a true collage person, I soon realized I would need to adjust some of those recommendations.

Picture from Stillman and Birn

I usually work in a 9 x 12 journal. But, for travel, I will be using the much smaller Stillman and Birn 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 Zeta series journal. I also purchased a Bag in Bag from Ebay. I will be taking the following with me:

• 2 black Pitt pens
• 1 metallic pen
• Page bling of some kind
• Stickers
• Random ephemera
• Glue sticks
• Glue dots
• Baby wipes
• Scissors- shorter than 4 inches for the plane unless you check it. 
• Possibly a stamp and ink pad?
• Possibly some pastels?

ICAD Month Two

Fourth of July Mixed Media Collage

Well, I have now entered my second month of the Index Card a day Challenge being hosted by Daisy Yellow. I am having so much fun! I have been testing out lots of techniques that are new to me. The Index Cards allow me to test them on a small scale, which is less intimidating that a big, blank journal page.

One technique I have become obsessed with is using opaque items like tissue paper in the collage. Here is a selection of recent cards I have done:

More Index Cards

The bottom card is an encaustic collage! Surprisingly, I can do hot wax on an index card.

I have now arrived at day 30 - my first month mark- of the Daisy Yellow Index Card Challenge! Above you can see a sampling of more recent cards.

I continue to be amazed at how well the index cards hold up to heavy mixed media- I have been gluing two together to make them heavier, but even so it is impressive! 

I also continue to be inspired by the wonderful cards being produced and posted on Facebook and Flickr. I have learned some great techniques I am looking forward to trying out. 

Sacred Heart Index Card

Day 2 for the 2013 edition of the Daisy Yellow Index Card a day Challenge.

I went with this collaged background and then painted a Sacred Heart (one of my favorite images) in luminescent paints. I then stamped a cross on top. I wanted to draw a Sacred Heart because I was on my way to church when I created it.

Art Journals and Encaustics

Beautiful art journal page by Julie Ann Shahin. Check out more of her beautiful work here.

For some strange reason art journaling has been calling to me. Art journaling is the process of recording thoughts and feelings using art, words, and colors. I listen to lots of artist interviews on various podcasts, and many of them say that art journalling helps keep creativity flowing and allows for experimentation.

I do have a history of paper crafts and collage in my past (including scrapbooking). So it could speak to those parts of me as well.

Public domain image

I also have a growing fascination with encaustic (wax) painting. When I view paintings done with encaustics, I love the effect it has. Although traditionally done on a hard surface, I have been researching its use on paper. I was thinking maybe I can combine art journaling with encaustic techniques. 

I Hope everyone has a Happy Easter!