Holiday Blog Hop - Craft Attitude Collage Tutorial

Welcome to the Craft Attitude Holiday Blog Hop!

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)

 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.

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.

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Secrets, Life and Videotapes!

If you are reading this post, more than likely it's because you've been to The Altered Page and learned about Seth Apter's new book "The Mixed- Media Artist: Art Tips, Tricks, Secrets and Dreams From Over 40 Amazing Artists" and how he is featuring 30 Artists 30 Days .

Thanks for taking the time to visit and Congratulations Seth!

Waves of gratitude flow through me each day when I view work of other artists included in this book.  I mean that.  To be among them is a true gift.   I can't imagine life without continuing to explore my creativity daily, and this, well, it really encourages me. 

My work in Seth's book took on more than what I'd initially anticipated.  As many of you already know,  he has a knack at digging below the 'surface' and is gifted  in 'drawing out' artist's  thoughts, motivations, desires, and visions.  It's no surprise considering that, apart from his artistic endeavours,  he also holds a PhD in psychology. 

As a positive consequence, many of the questions he posed in this process shone the spotlight on several of my own thoughts/musings and encouraged me to reexamine them in detail.

 

Over several weeks, one of these thoughts became a goal* and finally  transpired into this 47 second video below (which shows just a smattering of an estimated 150 iterations and edits.)

*To provide a tiny glance into my digital art process and provide viewers with an opportunity to understand and better appreciate this emerging new media.

In real time, "The Chairman" took over 40 hours  to complete, not counting the photographic elements, nor the time spent on the initial old  tattered drawing (circa 1980's) I dug up from an exercise in Betty Edwards book "Drawing From the Right Side of The Brain". 

I hope it will give you a glimpse from my side of this computer screen  and increase your understanding  of how new media  has far more in common with non-digital, traditional art techniques than what immediately meets the viewer's eye.

 "The Chairman" - From a Graphite Drawing to a Digital Collage - Trudi Sissons Two Dresses Studio

As for the secrets and dreams behind what inspired me to create "The Chairman" - well, you'll have to read about them once your copy of  Seth's book arrives.   They may surprise you!

As always, comments and feedback are appreciated.

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After a full week of stressful events, one of which was a big scare over whether one of my daughters would have to undergo surgery involving her CNS, another involving a very scary plumber who I feared was going to attack me, I decided I needed some pure one on one time with my imagination. 

This digital illustration had several incarnations until it finally became my imaginary Victorian Stripe and Polka Dot Maker Machine. 100% fun to create with images from two of my favorite designers - Tumble Fish Studio and Itkupilli. I hope this tickles your own imagination!

Digital Illustration:

The Imaginary Stripe and Polka Dot Maker

Image Credits:  Tumble Fish Studio and Iktupilli

Copyright 2013 TwoDressesStudio

All Rights Reserved

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The Tunnel

"The Tunnel"

Digital Art

Image Credits with thanks to Holliewood Studios - Altered Reality

Copyright 2013 TwoDressesStudio

All Rights Reserved

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It's not a dream, It's not a dream....

 Good Evening Folks,

Mindi is off this week.  I am pleased to announce, due to popularity, and with a bit of coaxing with treats, she (Mindi)  has accepted  responsibilities here at Two Dresses to assist me as a  part-time blogger, volunteering for literally the price of a small piece of bacon.  Now, it`s my job to bring some home!

This week I have had to pinch myself a couple of times to make sure I wasn't dreaming.  I've always subscribed to the idea that if something is too good to be true, then...well, you know the rest.  I also have a tendency to hesitate announcing anything until it is 'signed, sealed and delivered.'  But now the 'cat is in the bag' - I'm delighted, proud, pumped and overall giddy to share my news...

First, I received an email from Seth Apter to announce his second book titled " The Mixed Media Artist:  Art Tips, Tricks, Secrets and Dreams from 40 Amazing Arts" is now listed on Amazon for pre-purchase.  I have two pieces of artwork featured in his book, along with a link that will go live  to an exciting stop-motion video of one of these pieces as it progresses from a graphite pencil drawing to a full color collage. 

-The Mixed Media Artist - 

Art Tips, Tricks, Secrets and Dreams From Over 40 Amazing Artists

Author - Seth Apter

Secondly, in December 2012 (aka best.gift.ever) I received word that I was among the winners in a competition hosted  by  Artists Network culminating in this hardcover book -  Incite: Dreams Realized - The Best of Mixed Media.     "Over 100 of the most inspiring works from the mixed-media art community are featured under the theme "Dreams Realized," offering readers a level to aspire to. This premier competition book will unite artists from around the globe and will showcase the power of positive intention!"

"Incite" is also now listed for pre-order via Amazon.  Preordering prior to publication equals savings of approximately 35%   Both books are due to be released at the beginning of  October 2013!

Incite - Dreams Realized - The Best of Mixed Media

Publisher - North Light Books

Thanks for visiting and also for your encouragement in the form of comments to keep me blogging for the past six years!

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My new Haircut and Mom's Craft Attitude India-Ah Treasure Box

Mom just asked me to publish a quick post to let you know she's been busy taking photos of me and Buddha but will be back sometime soon!  We're hoping the snow will all be gone on Sunday.  I don't like "going" in the snow - it's so cold and even colder now with my new haircut.

Happy Weekend Blogland!

xox
Mindi

Oh, I almost forgot,  besides the photos, she also  made this box last weekend.  It took her for-EVER!    It's made out of Nepalese handmade Lotka papers, layers of Craft Attitude , the curio feet come from Tim Holtz's Ideology line and the images from Iktupilli.  She called it "Indie-Ah".

"Indi-Ah" - Mixed Media Box

Copyright 2013 TwoDressesstudio

All Rights Reserved

Art - Trudi Sissons

Images - Iktupilli

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Finger Tip Heaven - Random Snapshots with Craft Attitude

                                   Snapshots of Mixed Media Applications with Craft Attitude
   

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Holy Cow!

Keeping the momentum of blogging "top of mind" - today's "share" from yesterday's creating - please enjoy !

"Holy Cow" - Sacred Celebrations

12x12 digital collage

Element Credits with thanks to Iktupilli Holliewood Studios (flames) and Lorie Davison (background)

Art - Trudi Sissons Copyright 2013 Two Dresses Studio

All Rights Reserved

 

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Returning to Artful Blogging.... Family First

Today I am back to the blog hoping to post  work I created in the last six months in 2012 as well as posting a few snapshots from the CHA show in January! 

But before that,  I've also decided to share with you a bit about my absence from blogging for several months.

In June last year I had to switch my focus  to  my Dad who had his 86th birthday in May.  If you met my Dad, you'd fall in love with him.   He always has a joke to tell, a good word to say, and something from his past that always reminds me of how important the simpler things are in life.  

At 86 he still golfs at least once a week and when the golf courses close, he takes up bowling.  His rescue dog - Fergie is never far behind him.  She's an elderly toothless Bichon he adopted shortly after my Mom passed away.  If I can't reach my Dad on the phone normally it's because he is  out for a walk with Fergie. And you can set your watch to their schedule of walks that occur three times a day.

Unfortunately, Dad has had to weather several years of financial stresses  because he lent a large sum of money to a family member who had not been able to repay him.  So Dad and I worked together over the summer and fall and things are finally back to where he does not have to be anxious about his finances and I can relax knowing he is OK.

Here's a photo of my Dad  and my daughter Hayley opening presents at my daughter Hayley's home at Christmas this year.  He looks almost as though he's the present in the box!    What a dear sweet man and a true gift!

Christmas 2012 - Dad and Hayley at Hayley's

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In My Mind's Eye

I thought I would pepper some of the older work I will be posting with some new digital collages as well. Hope your Monday is off to a good start to the week!

In My Mind's Eye

Digital Collage

Image Permissions: itkupilli, Tumble Fish Studio and Public Domain

artwork Copyright 2013 Two Dresses Studio

All Rights Reserved

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