I Love My Jean Collage

I had some free time last night so I sat down at my craft desk with the desire to create a true mixed-media (i.e., not just paper), collage in my visual journal.  Happily, this piece came together fairly quickly.

The background papers are both vintage.  I found the dried carnation in the big dictionary that I use to press my ATCs.  I have no idea how old it is, but I was lucky to get it adhered before it completely fell apart.  I had to be extra careful applying the gel medium.  My "Jean" was free clipart in a Stampington magazine.


March is coming in like a lamb here.  It's chilly, but calm and the sun is shining.  Have a great day!

Supplies:
Strathmore Visual Journal (140 lb watercolor paper); spun sugar distress ink; vintage dictionary page; vintage poetry book page; female clipart from Somerset Studio magazine; old lace from my stash; dried carnation; pewter craft key (could be by K and Company?), aged with Stazon black ink; Spellbinders oval Nestabilities; Golden gel gloss medium.

Fraulein Collage

I made this collage in my visual journal using ideas provided by Mary Green in her February Green Paper Collage Club.  Because I am still developing my collage skills, I find it invaluable to have Mary's prompts and instructions.

I collaged a variety of vintage papers directly to my journal page using the blended paper technique, stamped the flourishes, and added some distress ink.  The German postage stamps were in a package of goodies from fellow collage artist Marie of Lost Bird Studio.  The photo was free clipart in a Somerset Studio magazine.

Looks like I'll have to shovel a little snow today.  Thankfully it's not too deep.  Have a great day!

Supplies:
Strathmore Visual Journal (watercolor 140 lb); various vintage text from a dictionary, geography textbook, sheet music, German prayer book, 1920s poetry book; white acrylic paint; frayed burlap and vintage photo distress ink; Stazon black ink; flourish stamps by Hero Arts, Inque Boutique, and The Unity Stamp Company; German postage stamps; free clipart photo; light charcoal pencil; matte gel medium.

The Boy Who Would Be King Collage

I've been itching to get back into making gluebook pages and I really want to get over my fear of tackling larger, mixed media collages on canvas.  The solution came to me last weekend at Hobby Lobby, when I saw these Strathmore Visual Journals on sale.  I bought the journal with 140 pound watercolor paper because it will hold up to multi-layer collages, acrylic paint, embellishments, and whatever else I want to add to it.  Let the experimenting begin!

This 5x8 inch collage was inspired by the title of a book that was in a stack of ephemera from fellow artist Barb.  The background page and Tutenkhamon image are from a 1930s art textbook that I bought last month at a flea market.  The nine refers to the fact that Tutenkhamon ascended to the throne when he was just nine years old.

Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies:
Strathmore Visual Journal with 140 lb. watercolor paper; royal ruby and glorious gold metallic paint by DecoArt; white acrylic paint; Golden gel medium; text and images from a 1930s art textbook; title from an unknown book; gold chipboard "thickers" letter by American crafts; medium charcoal pencil.