Student Spotlight: Olive Jones’ Vision Board

Olive Jones' Vision Board, November 2010, 16 x 20 inches

If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear my friend Olive Jones might just be a distant relative of the famed archaeologist/adventurer Indiana Jones! She’s always off gallivanting somewhere across globe digging up amazing facts for her latest research paper! Olive […]

Student Spotlight: Maggie Jordan’s Vision Board

Maggie Jordan's Vision Board, November 2010, 16 x 20 inches

I had the pleasure of meeting Maggie Jordan, a participant, in my Vision Board Workshop last November at Dragonfly Dreams Studio. I was a bit nervous for her when she arrived at the workshop unsure of how her vision board would […]

Collage Tip #4: Creative Ways to Play with Text in Your Collages

Untitled, Mixed Media Journal Page, November 27 2009

Here are a few exciting ways to play with text and numbers in your collage and mixed media art:

1. Create text using “chance”: cut out words from newspapers, magazines or books. Place them in a bag and […]

Vision Board Workshop at the CCCC

Today thought I’d share some reflections and photos with you from last week’s Vision Board workshop held at the Crichton Cultural Community Centre (CCCC).

It was an absolutely freezing cold winter day (-32 degrees Celsius! brrrrrr) when five brave students made it out early Sunday morning to take my half-day workshop. I was glad […]

Creating Together: Finding a Sense of Belonging in Artist Groups

Artist/Book Maker Mary Kritz & I exchanging collage tips at the Crichton Cultural Community Centre 2010 Spring "Doors Open" Event

As I prepare for another Vision Board Workshop, I’m sitting here thinking how wonderful creating art with a group of passionate creative souls is. Although I enjoy the company of others, for a […]

Put All Your Troubles in a God Jar

My Newest God Jar, January 2011

Several years ago, I was feeling down and out about life. Living each new day was a scary thing. Terrified of what prospects the future held, I spent many a sleepless night. Turning a blind eye to the successful celebratory moments of my life, I viewed it […]

12 Days Until Christmas Collage/Mixed Media Gift Ideas!

If you’re like me, you probably still haven’t finished your Christmas shopping (Yikes!). Here are some recommendations for the creative soul on your list. Thanks to my friend Olive Jones for referring #s 1, 2 & 9:

1. Jane Davies: Collage Journeys: A Practical Guide to Creating Personal Artwork A thorough book on the subject […]

Student Spotlight: Jacinta Barroso’s Romantic Collage Journey

Romance in Europe, Collage/Mixed Media, October 2010, 9×6 inches, by Jacinta Barroso

It’s time for another student spotlight… this time from my Basic Collage workshop held in October. As a new instructor, it’s hard to know what to expect from students who are first time collagers (hey, I […]

My Nick Bantock Collage Postcard Adventure!

Lost Love, Altered Postcard, November 2007

Over the last month, in between preparing for workshops and submissions to galleries, I’ve been doing some research on artist/writer Nick Bantock. This December I hope to submit a postcard for a challenge paying tribute to his Griffin and Sabine trilogy: Griffin and Sabine: An […]

Collage Tip #2: There Must Be 50 Ways to Glue Your Collage…

Three Wishes, Journal Page October 27 2009

1. Permanent Glue Stick (my favs UHU, Coccoina (thanks Kelly Kilmer!), Lepage) 2. White Glue (like Elmer’s) 3. Clear Glue (Glossy Accents is great for embellishments on glass) 4. Gel Matte Medium (for thick papers and light objects) 5. Matte or Glossy Scotch Tape (for me […]