A couple of weeks ago, I decided to change up my routine…and I took everything outside to play. I figured that a change of scenery is always a sure-fire way to spark some new ideas. With the summer weather upon us and a more relaxed atmosphere with minimal deadlines for projects, play seemed like the perfect recipe for creative fun.

I set up a couple of tables on our outdoor patio with an umbrella to block afternoon rays. I pulled out some paint and finished the cradled panel sides of two collage compositions. Now I had leftover paint to use up…because nothing ever goes to waste…what to do?

Ever since discovering that I could make my own collage papers (I know…why did it take so long for that to dawn on me!?!) I use every opportunity to try out different designs. Though I could use any type of paper, I find I like working with deli paper sheets…their semi-transparent nature provides the ability to have paper layers underneath show through…another layer of collage love! And since I had to purchase a pack of 500 sheets, I have lots for experimentation.

My favorite tool to use when I need just a little bit of paint are those plastic lids from yogurt and cheese containers…since we can recycle the containers here in my community, but not the lids (what?) I have plenty of them. They are the perfect size for a little paint palette.

I’m really more into mark making than actually painting anything recognizable…the abstract marks merge nicely with vintage ephemera papers…kind of a yin/yang marriage of opposites. With the above photo you can see that I smooshed around an old foam bush on one piece of paper and on the other piece, I used a wine cork to make polka dots. No fancy materials here…just whatever is at hand!

Since I had paints handy…and I was in the garden…I pulled off a few geranium leaves and tried some monoprinting…painting the leaves and then using my brayer to transfer the image onto watercolor paper. Some versions worked better than others and it was fortuitous I was outside since it was a tad messy! I also used dried poppy stems for tiny polka dots.

All of this experimentation led me to stop and consider…I don’t think I’m the only one who might think this is fun…and so after a bit more of trail and error with printing, combined with my collage knowledge, I came up with a new workshop. At Play in the Garden will be my first in-person workshop since January 2020.

With vintage floral wallpaper, a bit of paint, and garden inspired papers that you’ll create that day, you will make a unique mixed media collage that even includes a bud vase fashioned from an old test tube.

The workshop will be held on Saturday, August 20 at my home in Everett…we’ll be outside on the garden patio but if the weather is uncooperative, we’ll be in my workshop studio with the door and windows open for plenty of fresh air. The workshop will run from 9:30am - 2:30pm and will be limited to 6 participants. The cost is $65 per person and includes all supplies and tools as well as light refreshments. Contact me at amy@studiofourcorners.com if you want to register.

Whether you can attend my workshop or not, I encourage you, wherever you are, to get outside and play…its probably something most of us should do more often!