Antique Collages

Last week I taught a talented group of young girls different collage techiques at my collage camp through our local Recreations and Parks. One of the projects that I enjoyed the most were antique collages. We began by gathering old family photos. We took different types of paper, such as old sheet music, books and watercolor paper, then we soaked them in coffee over night to make them look old.

To build our collage we began with a 11x14 piece of cardboard that we tore to make look old. We then began to add the layers of coffee soaked papers ( they had been dried) and the photo on the top. We completed the collage by bringing it all together with vintage ribbon and lace that I had been saving. The two that I have posted are of my mother as a child and my dear Aunt Dot, when she was living in Pensacola Beach, Fl.

New Things to Share

It's been almost three weeks since my last posting because I've been so busy with summer.

The kids are going every direction possible, from camps to relatives to friends. What a great life for them. I just get to be the taxi. In between teaching summer camps and playing taxi driver, I have still been able to find a little time to do some creating. I was lucky enough to find a new wholesale bead source and went a little nuts. Take a look at my new creations. If you see something you can't live with out give me a call.

MAKING MOBILES THE ART CHIX WAY

The art chix are at it again. While visiting my sister during spring break she taught me how to make mobiles out of drift wood and junk, something we art chix love. I brought home as much drift wood as possible and alerted the girls to bring on their junk. We began by using simple wire and fishing line. We added a few mirrors and beads. I purchased one 20 foot copper pipe at home depot and cut it up to make the chimes. Each mobile came out great. They all have a personality of their own. I took an old wind chime from Grandmother's back yard, that was falling apart and added some bling to it and now it is new again. Matt thinks it's a little to flashy for the backyard but Lucy thinks the Fairies in the backyard will love it.