Teaming up with the enthusiastic and uber talented Jonathan Fong, equally talented jewelry craft expert Candie Cooper and other well known Arts/ Crafts/Design professionals and enthusiasts, I am delighted to share with you a relatively new and exciting collage technique I've developed and test over the past several months. I call it the "Collage Under" and I'm excited to share this exciting new image transfer technique.
In this step by step tutorial, I will walk you through a few simple steps showing you how easy it is to combine a few scrap papers ( you most probably have on hand) along with one sheet of Craft Attitude, to create a one-of-a-kind mixed media collage.
I love receiving handmade gifts - nothing feels more meaningful to me in these days where time is such a valued commodity. Why not begin today and in less than a few hours, create an inexpensive but great gift for one of your friends or family members this holiday season?
"My Baby Sister - A Special Gift"
8 x 10 mixed media collage
Mixed Media Artwork by Trudi Sissons
Image Credits: Tumble Fish Studio - Winged Splendor and Merry Merry Kits
Copyright 2013 All Rights Reserved
Skill Level: Beginner-Intermediate Mixed Media Craft Enthusiasts
Time Required: 2-4 hours max
Here's a list of what you'll need:
* 1 sheet of Craft Attitude Art Film (you can buy any one of the various packages of "Attitude" - they all contain exactly the same product, just different instructions explaining different ways to use it)
* UHU stic - acid free glue stick that dries clear (or other comparable brands, like Mod Podge or Elmers)
* Photograph - I used a vintage image from Tumble Fish Studio's "Winged Splendor" kit available from DeviantScrap But, why not add that extra personal touch to your gift by using your own vintage family photograph? The Graphics Fairy also has a large selection of vintage photographs available at no cost.
* An assortment of left over scrap paper bits (if they're handmade or cotton, even better!)
* One page from a book slightly larger than the finished project dimensions (I used a vintage paper from an old dictionary)
* an Inkjet Printer
* a brayer or similar roller (in a pinch, use your finger tips...I often do)
* Golden Artist Colors - Soft Gel Matte #3010-5 (optional as a final top coat and/or as an adhesive)
* Optional - Mat and Frame (see Step 5 for money saving tips)
* a brayer or similar roller (in a pinch, use your finger tips...I often do)
* Golden Artist Colors - Soft Gel Matte #3010-5 (optional as a final top coat and/or as an adhesive)
* Optional - Mat and Frame (see Step 5 for money saving tips)
Steps:
1. Gather up a collection of complimentary paper scraps combining different colors and textures.
2. Using whatever image software program you have, print your photograph on to Craft Attitude, remove it from its carrier sheet and place it on your work surface shiny side facing up.
Photograph used - Copyright Tumble Fish Studio's "Winged Splendor Kit"
(see above information to purchase this image)
Tip: If you like, go ahead and test different compositions by placing different papers under the transparent art film image until you are satisfied with your composition. I decided on the arrangement above and then numbered which scrap I would glue first and so on. A bit of planning at the start of your project may save you time overall.
3. Glue each scrap of paper right side up, then turn it over and adhere it to the shiny side of the Craft Attitude art film. Using a brayer or your fingers, smooth the surface to ensure maximum adhesion. Repeat, layering each scrap until you have achieved your desired composition.
Front and Back of Collage - Work in Progress
4. Take the final large printed page from a book or dictionary, cover it with glue and adhere it on top of all of the other smaller scraps, again using a brayer to ensure a full adhesion. This layer will cover any spots not covered with the other paper you've attached and shine through to the top. It also provides a good substrate to hold your final piece together.
5. Attach your collage to a mat and frame and PRESTO - another gift ready to go!
Tip: To save money, size your final piece to standard sizes - 4x6, 5x7, 8x10. That way you'll be able to buy ready made mats and frames at a fraction of the cost of having your artwork professionally framed. Michael's often has 40% off a large selection of their standard frames too.
The images below illustrate the final collage (both front and back) and a sequence of photos as it progressed from start to finish.
5. Attach your collage to a mat and frame and PRESTO - another gift ready to go!
Tip: To save money, size your final piece to standard sizes - 4x6, 5x7, 8x10. That way you'll be able to buy ready made mats and frames at a fraction of the cost of having your artwork professionally framed. Michael's often has 40% off a large selection of their standard frames too.
The images below illustrate the final collage (both front and back) and a sequence of photos as it progressed from start to finish.
Now it's your turn! I would love to see your mixed media collages using Craft Attitude. You can mail me at trudisissons@shaw.ca with a link to your work.
For questions about where you can purchase Craft Attitude please visit their website at www.craftattitude.com
Press here to be redirected to Craft Attitude - FREQUENTLY ASK QUESTIONS
Happy Creating and Happy Holidays from my home to yours.
