The peeled paper technique can be used to create a textured area on any collage.  You’ve got to select very heavy paper for this technique: extra-heavy watercolor paper or hand made papers are generally best.  If the paper is heavy enough, you can create multiple peeled layers in each spot.  With the 300 lb watercolor paper I chose, only one peeled layer was possible without risking breaking through the backing.

Psalm 63: 6-8
On my bed I remember you;
I think of you through the watches of the night.
Because you are my help,
I sing in the shadow of your wings.
My soul clings to …read more

I have a couple of young friends whose mother passed away from brain cancer a few years ago.  I didn’t know her as well as I know her sons, because I’ve traveled and worked with them on youth group trips for years.  Knowing what fine young men she raised, I feel that she was an exceptional woman, one of the many whose legacy will live on through her children.
Her youngest son, Nick, founded a non-profit organization in his mother’s memory, the mission of which is to help fund the basic needs of children in developing countries.  He calls it Cling.
That …read more

Jason and Faye, of Rag & Bone, posted about this gorgeous wall piece that they made from book pages.  Now that’s what I call creative recycling!  There’s always something wonderful being posted or discussed on the  Rag & Bone blog, and don’t miss their Bindery either!

Technique Tuesday!
We’ve explored lots and lots of fun collage techniques over the years. I figured it was past time to compile some of the methods. This post doesn’t include all the techniques like image transfers and making background papers…those posts have been compiled elsewhere!
Collage and Quilt Techniques

Technique Tuesday!
Here are some of my favorite methods for creating background papers to use in mixed media art, both physical and digital!  I like to update this list from time to time so that you will always have the information right at your fingertips

Links to Background Papers Tutorials

Technique Tuesday!
We’ve gone over a LOT of different methods for doing image transfers over the several years that I’ve been with you, and I like to recompile the list every so often.

From transfers using polymer medium to fail-proof kits, all the image transfer links are here. 

Frosty Frieze
Artist: Nancy Tobin
Websites:
www.nancytobin.com
www.nancytobin.etsy.com
www.nancytobin.wordpress.com
Frosty Frieze is a 6-x-6-inch painting on a hardboard panel.
I work by building up layer upon layer of acrylic medium, paint and painted paper that I have either cut with scissors or knife. I use many techniques along the way; stenciling, sponging, delicate brushwork, drawing, and even spray painting. For this painting I incorporated glitter as well.
The end effect I hope for is that of peeking into another world, a place that seems both familiar, and yet strange.

Don’t forget that there are lots of other methods for doing image transfers here on Layers Upon Layers.  You can always find an up-to-date list in the Pages section in the right-hand sidebar, but here’s the list again, with the new Tilano transfer kit added
Polymer medium transfer film
Paper image transfers – plain and photo paper
Fabric image transfers – t-shirt and transparencies
Contact paper transfers (aka Packing tape transfers)
Caulk image transfers
Polaroid image transfers
Digital Polaroid image transfer
Contact printing
New digital ground products from Golden’s
Waxed paper transfer
Tilano transfer kit

Autumn Equinox
Artist: Carol Wiebe
Business name: Silverspring Studio
Location: Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
Website:
SilverSpring Studio

The Summoning
Carol, how do you describe your work?
I’ve followed the creative path in many different ways in my life: drawing, papier mache, stained glass, crochet, painting, sewing, pottery, collage, computer art. At this time, I feel so fortunate, because I can now combine the skills and actual materials from this diverse skill set into what I call mixed media art quilts. Basically, I paint on fabric, or paint, draw and make prints on paper. These are then sewn together in a quilt sandwich. Afterwards, I paint the quilt …read more

Get Out of My Own Way
Artist: Theda Sandiford
Business name: Theda Dotcom LLC
Location: Union City, NJ
Website & Blog:
Miss Theda
Bondgyrl flicker album

Inner Beauty

Theda, how do you describe your work?
My work is a collection of feelings and emotions that have made me suffer in the past. However, through the process of creating the work, it turns my pain into beauty to release its hold on me thereby creating a feeling of freedom in its wake.
What is your creative process like?
I start by reading my journal for the week and see if there was a recurring theme that repeated …read more