The art of swapping

I am now doing a swap of collage and mixed media materials with artists I met doing Flying Lessons. While getting the pile ready I got really inspired with some of the colours and textures and couldn't resist having a play. The Flying Wardrobe in Witchie has a great stash of old music scores, patterns and booklets just dying to be torn up and painted on and this is one of my efforts. I textured up the background with modelling paste & this is beautifully absorbent for both watercolour paints & chalk. The chalk can be blended with your finger for really nice effects.

MY TIP: draw those flowers on your table, even a quickie of just one flower. You can use it in another piece later & you will feel you've done something for yourself today.

The art of procrastination

I've recently finished reading this wonderful book and haven't accomplished much else. "Pretty little things: collage jewelry, trinkets, keepsakes by Sally Jean Alexander.
Sally Jean's website

If you've still got bits and bobs left over from your other crafts or have a penchant for collecting found objects this book of projects is for you. Especially if you also like working with metal. It offers an enlightening glimpse into the artists world. This book has a beautifully balanced color scheme and wonderful page presentation in photography. You'll be tempted to get messy for sure. The book cover and link to more details are at the bottom of her website.

Collage with embellishments

This was a tearing frenzy of tissue paper and Indian-made silver flecked papers. It was a good way to clear out some anger and frustration. A few days later I revisited this piece and the random tears were taking the shape of a posy of flowers so I continued on with children's metallic glitter glue and pale pink bling and it has turned out quite soft and feminine.

For the 1/2 dozen sparkles I used here I was required to share just as many (and the rest) with Fleur on her artwork. It can be frustrating to part with these little treasures but I try not to be too precious and say "sure you can have some" hoping the novelty will wear off.

When a parcel arrived for her from overseas and out tumbled an array of unusual bling I immediately wanted some for the wands on my fairy cards. Her response to my request was of course "sure mum, you can share some of my bling". Lucky I shared mine in the first place!