Tales from the Observer: Make the Mall Your Living Studio!

Spirograph by Lupsiberg

For a decade now I’ve been frequenting a number of shopping malls in our city. While I enjoy the solitude of working in my studio, I often feel the urge to get out and be amongst people. It might seem strange, but I’ve found I get more writing and reading […]

How Writing Can Inspire Your Collaging

Michelle Casey, "Resurrection", Collage/Mixed Media Journal Page, 8.5 x 6 inches, January 2010. Text in handwriting: "I can't let go… you consume my soul."

So, some of you more timid souls might have gotten out your pens and markers and went about writing on your collages as I encouraged last week. If so, […]

Imagine: Making Your Dreams Real

"Imagine", Mixed Media/Collage Journal Page, June 19, 2011

Recently, many of you have received my holiday card, “Imagine”. So, I thought it might be nice to give you a little background on the piece.

As an artist, the question: “what if” propels my imagination when I’m collaging or making just about any form […]

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 […]

Vision Board Workshop at Dragonfly Dreams: Living the Dream

Maggie Jordan, Vision Board (detail), Collage, November 2010

Sheila Cain-Sample, Vision Board (detail), Collage, November 2010

Olive Jones, Vision Board (detail), Collage, November 2010

Wendy Southin, Vision Board (detail), Collage, November 2010

Ruth Watt, Vision Board (detail), Collage, November 2010

Part Two:

Vision Board day […]

Vision Board Workshop at Dragonfly Dreams: Living the Dream

Michelle Casey, Vision Board (detail), Collage, May 2010

Part One:

Part of the vision board dream I created for myself a couple of years ago was a desire to be a great art teacher. Each time I hold a class, I feel myself slowly […]

How Mixed Media Collage Journaling Books & Classes Freed My Creative Spirit

"Pieces of Me II", Ottawa Public Library Postcard August 2010

As I prepare for my second show of journal pages next month, I’m anxious to share my discovery of journaling with you. In 2003, when I found myself depressed with life and art, I turned to Julia Cameron’s book: The Artist’s […]