Title: 5 Kisses
Fandom: Donald Strachey Mysteries
Rating: G
Media: mixed-media collage
A/N: If it weren't for this comm, I don't think I'd be exploring other forms of fandom expression. Thanks for the push!



This photo is quite large, but it saves you from having to look at a bunch of detail shots. I couldn't resist adding the little circular shot as "one for the road."

I used foam core as a base, scribble-painted paper in ultra blue, purple and metallic bronze acrylic, some sparkly fabric I got at the fabric store for a buck, several kinds of cardstock and movie screencaps. Almost everything is taped on because I'm going to replace these photo printouts with actual black-and white photos. I also want to make better photo frames. The types I tried to make didn't turn out right, so in desperation I made what an artist friend calls "emergency matting."



Anyone can make scribble-painted paper. In fact, it's a great project for kids. I saw the technique in Adventures in Mixed Media by Jane Davies. I couldn't find an online tutorial, but here's what you do:

Supplies:

Sheet of paper (copy paper will do)
Acrylic craft paint (I always use 3 colors, but two would work fine)
Old credit or gift card (or a piece of plastic that looks like one of these)

Instructions:

Dribble paint on the paper in dots and squiggly lines. Don't use too much at first, just enough to get used to the technique. Scrape the card across the paint, mixing it.

That's it! You'll find yourself wanting to experiment with different colors and patterns. I advise doing all kinds of combinations (metallic paint is especially great for this) just to see what you like. Also, I keep a sample of every color combination in case I want to come back to it. Just be sure to write down which colors you used.

Also, Jane recommends spraying a fixative on the paint or painting it with Mod Podge or a similar product. I tried both on a sample paper and found that Mod Podge gives the paint a softer look while the spray fixative (I used Krylon) brightens it up.

Jane also recommends ironing the paper once it's painted, just to make sure it stays flat. You do this by setting your iron on polyester. Place a sheet of baking parchment under the paper (paint side up) and place another sheet over it, making sure the parchment is a little bigger than the painted paper. Iron for just a few seconds to flatten the paper. Do this before you apply the fixative. I didn't apply my fixative until I had the paper glued to the foam board. I used Elmer's spray glue for that since I didn't want bubbles under the paper.

You can experiment with paper, too. Jane says she uses brown grocery store bags, newspapers and newsprint sheets. I think the technique might work on fabric, too, but I haven't tried that yet. Maybe next challenge!