....Circles and Dots....

I've been playing with circles again! I wanted to create some different patterened paper to use in my collage work and this is the first lot that I've come up with. I can see myself really enjoying these!

This top photo shows the order on which the dot idea grew. I took the small samples to bigger paper after this and found that I couldn't do it with the original pen (felt tip) I chose because it was too dry to smear when I brushed it with coffee. By the time I got even half a page of dots done it was too dry! Atleast it was an easy fix with a different pen!

I love the old weathered look achieved by the coffee and ink blending slightly.

I spent ages just looking at this pile just as it is here... tranfixed and totally absorbed in the thought process going on. There's nothing high tech or high skill about these yet I get the feeling that these are some how important in my artistic journey....and not just because I like the way the look!

Play time!

Click the image to see everything larger.

It's been a busy week here. I did work experience at a local art place which was really cool. It was pretty laid back and I'm going to go back and help hang exhibition in October all going well! I've also made my first book with covers made some thick sheets of handmade paper, no fancy binding (still to learn that) but it's really cool to see an actual book that I made and I know I will be doing some more. I will post pics as soon as I've finished embellishing the cover!
I just figured out what the 'make a collage' button does in Picassa. It's not rocket science but it looks really cool! In brief the collage shows different background papers that I have been playing around with. Indian ink and water, wet ink and salt, wet paper, paint and salt, wax drippings (my son did some too.) You can see the mountains I painted on the placemats.
They're not masterpiece's but it was great to break through some of my self-imposed pressure when it comes to painting! I did actually enjoy it so there should be more to come!
Last but not least... a beautifully rusted muffin tin! I am going to have to do some rust dying I think!

I received an award from Nancy at Openings Connecting which is much appreciated. I will post it in my next post and make my tags. Thanks Nancy!

Collage for Art Auction.

Title: Noble. 1 of 1 created specifically for the art auction.

I've made this for an art auction to raise funds to support scholarships for school leavers from low income families who wish to continue their education after leaving school. I was approached by an organiser who had seen my collages for the International Collage Exchange and liked them enough to ask if I would be willing to donate a piece. So here it is! I chose the title 'Noble' because I liked the meaning and it's appropriateness for the auctions cause. Other artists donating work include the likes of Dale Copeland so it's nice to know 'Noble' will be in very good company!

My usual collection of papers! Handmade, hand-painted, ink leaf prints, coffee dyed paper, nest photo, op-shop thread, dictionary definition, magazine scrap and the last piece of ledger paper from Debrina! I love the thread especially the piece that has come a bit loose and the fibres have twisted. I actually thought I would use my new print but hello! There's that nest again!

I love the loose layered look. I've dabbed the backs with glue in places to help secure it and allow me to use minimal stitching. It's not entirely decorative. The first 3 layers are mainly held together with the stitching. I hope the people bidding at the art auction love it just as much!

My daughters op date is nearly here again so I hope to spend some more time immersed in papery treasures before we leave for the hospital. I may even take a stash with me:)

Dropping by some blogs today so I will *see* you all soon!