I often find that I stumble upon an idea...in this case, a creative process...and then I see how many different ways I can use that process...in particular, using thread and nails to define a boundary...
Since I never like to throw anything away...I have been looking for months at a box of MOO business cards that I ordered...which I had screwed up my contact information...but I had 100 skinny cards...with my collage images...suddenly I had a eureka moment...what if I make a collage out of the cards...
I sorted the cards according to theme and/or color, looking for striking combinations...then I set out to have 6" rectangles cut out of 1"x6" pine boards (I love the guys in our Lumber dept. at work...always willing to help me out with my creative ideas!)
I painted the sides and back of each rectangle a solid dark color...and then created a layered paper design for the front which would be the background for each mini-collage. Since the mini-collages would be digital copies, I made the layered background different for each collage, using original ephemera...so the recipient wouldn't be getting a total original piece of art...but they wouldn't be getting a total reproduction either...instead, a combo of both!
I wanted a way to frame out each mini-collage...to make it stand out a little more from the background...so I hammered a small wire nail into each corner...and wrapped a length of silk buttonhole twist around the outside perimeter of the collage, securing the ends of the thread with a knot at one of the corners...
The type of this dictionary page was a little too intense...a layer of gray tissue paper tones it down...
I looked for papers that would relate to the collage subject...a geographic listing of towns is well suited for this travel motif...
And an old French letter is a great match for this collage...
Thirty of these mini-collages will be part of my booth at the upcoming Farm Chicks show...June 1 & 2...there's a giveaway going on over at The Farm Chicks blog for free tickets to the event...deadline to enter is Sunday night, April 21...so get over there right now...I want to see you at the show!
They are beautiful! I love the addition of the nails and thread, an unexpected frame that really highlights your collages. Love them!!
ReplyDeleteJane
Just beautiful!Love all your creative ideas.
ReplyDeletethanks Karen!
DeleteThe defined perimeter really does make these pop, and I love the little dangle piece of thread. Bravo on creating a most excellent hybrid of materials!
ReplyDeleteReally! I just can't keep up with you!!! Wow!!
ReplyDeletethese are terrific!
ReplyDeletethe image with the crow/typewriter/gears looks like you layered it with wax. . .just lovely. framing the collages is sheer genius.
Looking good! I too love the addition of the thread and nails to frame and define. Best of luck at the Farm Chicks show. It sounds fun!
ReplyDeleteWell Done and classy!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip about the gray tissue paper.
Love this Amy, Farm Chicks WATCH OUT!!
ReplyDeletethanks Liz!
DeleteLovely cards (in spite of the info errors) used perfectly! Another happy little mistake as Bob Ross would say!
ReplyDeletethanks Barbara - a happy little mistake indeed!
DeleteJust so beautifully constructed and fantastic mix of imagery - wow!!
ReplyDeletethanks Wyn...I like the mix of images too...telling it own "mini" story...
DeleteHi Amy, "GREAT" I really like the touch of leaving the thread ends hanging. Thanks for sharing. Blessings and smiles, Emilou :-)
ReplyDeletethanks Emilou!
DeleteI just discovered your blog and love it! Love your creative mind!!!
ReplyDeleteJulia - so glad you found me...thanks for visiting - hope you come back for more creative juice...
DeleteAmy, great use of everything! These are delightful, good luck at Farm Chicks.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this idea, Amy...really beautiful and original! I know you'll do great, and have fun at Farm Chicks!
ReplyDeleteAnd this is why we love you and your creative originality!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful collages, and they look especially amazing with the beautiful old nails and thread to frame them. Lovely!
ReplyDeletethanks Kim...the combo of materials does seem to tie nicely together (I know...bad pun!) thanks for stopping by...
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