Inspired by Lisa’s terrific post about paper ephemera and collage-making on Whip Up, I made this little collage on Saturday afternoon during nap time. It’s 5″x5″ on cardboard. I used all sorts of paper ephemera from my collection, plus some rubber stamping, an original drawing of a little chick, and a curl of birch bark. One thing Lisa doesn’t mention in her article is the kind of varnish she uses. I have not had good luck with Modge Podge in the past – it seems to always make the support curl and leave icky bubbles on the collaged pieces. On a whim I decided to give acrylic gel medium a try, with no water at all, and it really worked well. The final piece lays flat and is pleasantly free of bubbles. I really enjoyed the freedom of the project. I’d like to try one with some stitching, too.
On Saturday morning I went to a rummage sale at a local church. I wasn’t sure when I saw the ad in the paper if it was going to be a big sale or not. It cost $1 to get in and it turned out to be well worth it. There were several tables of linens and fabric remnants right when I first walked in, and then lots and lots of other great stuff. Besides some cookie cutters, a fireman’s hat, and a toy ambulance for Roxy, I made off with these four great prints
a large piece of this folk print (there are lots of squares on it, each with a different motif, but I like this bird square the best)
This yellow and white canvas panel that might be perfect for the yellow and white apron theme of Tie One On this month
A vintage sewing pattern (shown here on top of a huge piece of burnt orange velveteen which I found, in addition to a big piece of soft white flannel)
some string and an instructional booklet from the 1950s containing map and globe activities for kids
with great illustrations to cut and use on – yep, more collages.
Adriana says
Great finds! That string looks cute.
sally says
Love the collage, especially the chick drawing. And your rummage sale goodies are wonderful!
Bee says
Love the fabrics. Your so lucky!
Rachel says
I love the collage. I’ve never done one myself, but may just have to try soon. The rummage sale goodies are amazing. I love every fabric you found.
lisa says
the collage is stunning!!
heather says
lovely collage!
there could probably be a whole post about various finishes!
i’m not sure if it would suit your particular needs, but there is something called ‘dorlands wax medium’… it’s amazing. it is a pliable soft paintable wax. it can be brushed on. you can add pigments to it, and you can also take something warm near it, like a light bulb and it can become smooth as it melts.
i used to love to paint with it, and it makes a lovely soft dull finish. it does dry and harden. it’s a great surface.
neet stuff!
Amanda says
Map and globe activites for kids??? Wow! Are they any fun? That would be a dream book to find, we’re map fiends here. You made out great at your rummage sale!
Dacia says
How fun! You found some great things.
Kristin says
Wonderful finds! I love church-y rummage sales and thrift shops.