February 15: Crafting Fun

First of all, my internet was down yesterday, thus no new blog post.  I do get frustrated with the internet service but as we are moving this summer, I am not inclined to switch at this point.  

After a warm day (in the 50's) I woke up to four inches of snow on Sunday!  Fluffy, but snow.  And the end of the week is forecast to be the the 60's here which means that it will probably be in the 70's in NYC!   We are still in February, right?

So this week's focus is on crafting fun which means I will share one craft a day.  The object is to have fun crafting something.  It doesn't have to be the craft presented each day, but I hope that seeing this craft will encourage you to spend time crafting every day.

Today's craft is a simple paper collage.  Although most items readily available, the result can be quite beautiful.  Here's what you need...

Tacky glue, cardboard base, paint brushes, pictures out of magazines, books, mailers, etc.  Diamond Glaze is optional but it does give a nice shiny finish that dries completely.  If you are having a problem finding pictures, try quilting or art magazines.

One word about tearing.  If you tear the piece you want toward you, the white edge will disappear and vice versa.  Check these pictures out...

To secure paper pieces to the background foundation, use a brush to make sure the entire back is covered in glue.  It does not need to be thickly applied, but it does need to be completely covered.  Then when you place the piece down, use the same brush and brush down the edges on each piece to secure them to the foundation.   

Collages can be centered on color like blue, or words, or things like flowers or faces, or have no particular focus.  

Start with a piece in the center...remember most of it will be covered.  Then continue with the corners and edges.  Check out these pictures showing progression...

You can use paper to finish the edges as shown below.  First apply to the front with glue...

Then apply the glue to the back.  You can finish the back by adding a piece of regular white paper.

Once the collage is dry, apply a thick layer of Diamond Glaze using a brush and let dry.  It gives the collage a beautiful, shiny finish...

Enjoy your crafting time...

Talk with you tomorrow...