Create Today!

Today is Create Art Day! I am working on "Gardens Soliloquy" - a Collage I started a few weeks ago. It just didn't feel finished to me. A book that has inspired me is "The Art of Handmade Paper and Collage" by Cheryl Stevenson.

I originally checked the book out of our local library. I kept renewing the book because Stevenson gives so many ideas and clear instruction. As often happens - I knew I had to buy my own copy. I found a used one on Amazon.

At first I referred only to Part Two of the book - The Art of Collage. The beautiful handmade paper that Stevenson uses in her art pieces inspired me to try my hand at making paper (Part One). I have never had an interest in it before. But - - I'm hooked. It is addicting. And, so much fun. It is messy so the paper making is done on the patio outside of the studio.

I'm recycling paper - everything from junk mail to paper bags has found its way into the slurry/pulp. I've taken some kidding - "You're tearing up paper to make paper?" "What are you going to do with the paper?"

I love looking at the paper, and handling it. A friend of mine has handmade books for her poetry. I'm hoping she will show me how to use some of the paper that way - are you listening, Kim?

I've also started a new collage with dried flowers that my friend Francie gave me. The background for the flowers is a piece of purple handmade paper from my growing stash of paper.