National Collage Society 2010 Exhibit

My mixed media assemblage, "Incubation", was accepted in this years juried show. Click on this link to view the full exhibit        http://www.nationalcollage.com/2010exhibit1.html

This piece began as a child's toy tool box I found on ebay. I altered the surfaces with milk paint, beeswax, crackle medium and collage papers. The wooden game parts, buttons and key are vintage found objects. I have collaged my original drawings, photographs and journal pages to make up the background.

This view shows the box closed and a drawing in pencil on the front.

This is a close-up of the shelf that swings out. I made the small egg from polymer clay and painted it.

The little nest is made from thread, straw and lichens, these eggs are blown glass beads

Another polymer clay egg

A detail of the crackle paste and beeswax

More Pages.....

Mushroom Spore Prints

When I tried making these prints I was totally amazed at how easy it was. The secret is to use the freshest mushroom caps possible, these were only a few hours old. I collected them in my backyard. Cut off the stem as close as possible without destroying the gills. I used plain computer paper for some and onion skin typing paper for others.  I experimented with tissue paper also, but it was very thin and soaked up too much moisture. The caps are placed gill surface down and covered with a bowl or plastic container for a few hours. If after this time you notice the spore sprint showing white spores, it can quickly be moved to a black piece of paper. The longer they are left under the bowl the darker the print. The last one was left overnight and it has a beautiful rich velvety brown color. I'm hooked and can't wait to make more. I'd like to get a print on tissue to use in my encaustic work. When the wax is applied the tissue disappears and all that is left is the print. A spray fixative has to be applied to the finished prints before using them. I will photograph some of the ones I made on the black mat board and post next time.