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.
Great finds! That string looks cute.
Love the collage, especially the chick drawing. And your rummage sale goodies are wonderful!
Love the fabrics. Your so lucky!
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.
the collage is stunning!!
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!
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!
How fun! You found some great things.
Wonderful finds! I love church-y rummage sales and thrift shops.