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Saturday, September 6, 2008

My First Tutorial (Sort Of)

At Step Outside Your Box today the challenge is "Backgrounds" and at Saturday's Workout, it's "Tissues," so I thought I'd show you a method I use to make backgrounds using paint and tissue paper or napkins. I know it's not rocket science, but a few people have asked what medium I use for intensely colored backgrounds. So, here you go: I started with a page in my journal and gave it a good brushing with plain water. Then, I squirted acrylic paint directly onto the page and brushed it all over. I tried to let that dry naturally, but I got impatient and hurried along the process with a blowdryer.



Next, I went back, rewet the page, and started adding layers of watercolor. I did this until I was satisfied with the effect, and then, I let that dry. With this page, I used the same process for the pink and the turquoise backgounds.



Then, I brushed red and white striped tissue paper with the same pink acrylic paint, and, when it was dry, I used fancy scissors to cut out little tissue pieces, which I added as collage elements, along with a doily, paper roses, and antique bird and butterfly images. The Victorian girl came from one of the 1907 Burr Atlantic Monthly Magazines from my sweet father-in-law, Ira. I photocopied the vintage images to preserve the originals, and then handtinted the copies with Prismacolor pencils. Here's the end result, which I think I will use as a special Valentine for Mr. Al. He especially likes the collages I make using pictures from his father. so I can say that the valentine is from both of us. Ira would like that too.

12 comments:

Rosie said...

Beautiful and vibrant, like all your collages Alberta! TFS your technique... and I adore what you wrote about your Mum! What a fab tribute!

Sharon Tomlinson said...

Very very cool tutorial. Your results are beautiful! And the image is wonderful too.

DMG said...

You taught me everything I know about napkins, Sharon!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your lovely tutorial. I have a box full of tissue paper and this will give me a new challenge. Your blog is just wonderful.

Sandy said...

Wow Alberta what a wonderful tutorial. Thanks for this.

Your creation is unbelievable again. Brilliant work. Love them.

Thanks for this gorgeous entry to Saturday´s Workout.

Faye said...

Alberta and Ava, what a beautiful use of tissue paper and napkins to create a gorgeous work of art. Yes, it would make a very nice Valentine's Day card.

http://truutske.blogspot.com said...

What a very very great card.
The colors...the image ...great work.

Kreativgeschwafel said...

really wonderful!

Char said...

Great piece. Bright and lovely.

Giggles said...

As always some of the most vibrant collage on the net and you know me. I love color! Thank you so much for the sweet tutorial... such a nice gift to share with the blogging world! Much appreciated! I didn't realize you had to wait between layers!!

Hugs Sherrie

Gayle Page-Robak said...

Beautiful!

Lynn said...

Just beautiful, the background almost looks digital when you are finished it all blends so well together, and I always love a bit of lace or doily :)
Thank you for sharing your technique.
Lynn