Mini Collage Book

I have finally completed my mini collage book. I didn't start off with any particular theme in mind, except that I used pages from a paperback printed in a Far Eastern language as the base for each collage.

To recap: the book measures 4” x 5”, using black paper with a glued spine. The covers have been collaged with book pages, teabag paper, leaves, printed tissue, gesso and a postage stamp. A printed paper band acts as a closure.

The 17 collages measure 3” x 4” and utilise the small sample pads of paper sent to me by Hahnemuhle. These were coated with gesso on both sides then collaged with book pages, printed tissue, teabag paper, stamps and tiny sketches, with varying additions of paint, ink, pencil, texture paste, fabric and thread. Instead of gluing the collages into the book, I used transparent photo corners which worked quite well.

The final four collages

The completed book

See also -

The start: 

In progress:

Print workshop

At our local art group meeting last night, six of us set up tables around the hall with materials and examples of our individual printing techniques, with colleagues able to browse, watch mini demonstrations and ask questions.  We had lino printing, gelli printing for collage, Japanese woodblock, pastel painting with handcut stencils, inkjet and laser print transfers. It was a very successful and interesting evening, but unfortunately I was so busy with my display, in addition to trying to get a quick glimpse of what everyone else was doing, I completely forgot to take photos for our website write up.  I am hoping those participating will send me some notes and photos so I can rectify the matter. (Additional notes and images have been added here.)

My set-up included lino and Softcut, as well as handmade foam stamps, paste grain papers, printed tissue, mulberry and drawing paper which I use for cards, artists books and collage.

Sample papers, printing blocks and tools

Booklets and cards using handmade printed papers

May sketch outing

This Saturday, nine of the Swindon Sketch Group met at the town's Queen's Park with most of us working around the pond area in front of the cafe. After completing my quick sketch of the bridge and surrounds I wandered off to find another subject.

The Secret Garden (originally the Rose Garden), is now a community run garden with raised beds for both vegetables and flowering plants. It was sheltered and warm and I found a clump of creamy white aquilegia* to sketch. I was approached by a lady who was gardening in one of the areas and she commented - “I saw you with a notebook and thought you were from Britain in Bloom”!

*According to Wikipedia, the genus name Aquilegia is derived from the Latin word for eagle (aquila), the flower petals resembling an eagle's claw; the common name “columbine” (Latin for “dove”) is due to the resemblance of the inverted flower to five doves clustered together.

Both these sketches were done in the Hahnemuhle Grey Book, hence the need to use white gouache to highlight lighter areas.

The Bridge over the Pond - pen and wash plus white gouache

Aquilegia studies - pencil and watercolour plus white gouache

Mini collage book

Four more mini collages to add to the collection:

I have made a small glued spine book for these and, rather than stick the collages to the pages, I have used photo corners. The book measures approx. 4" x 5" and due to the thickness of the inserts I made a paper band to keep it closed.  To date there 13 collages and I still have four more pages to fill.

Collaged front and back covers  

Front cover and paper band closure

Inside view

See also

The start:
https://paperpaintandprint.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/mini-collage.html

The finish:
https://paperpaintandprint.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/mini-collage-book_28.html