Focus on Text Part 3: New Materials
Focus on Text Part 3: New Materials
Using printer friendly materials to add text to collage & a look at wet verses dry collage methods.
One of the reasons I started making little collages is to find a purpose for a growing collection of vintage materials and to tread lighter on the planet by minimizing the consumption of new products. However, I also appreciate products that help me preserve history and text in new ways and I decided to buy two products to augment my collaging possibilities - Printable Vellum Paper and Fabric Transfer Paper.
Paper Junkie’s Translucent Vellum Paper
In this piece, I printed a favorite line of text I recently read as research for another project from the book, “When a Loved One Has Dementia” by Eveline Helmink, onto the vellum paper.
“…all that separates us from one another is time and place.”
I love how the text easily floats above the image on the postcard and is easily tacked down with a few machine stitches. The photograph (found in a local antique mall) is printed on vellum paper as well.
(I plan to hang this in my studio as a little keepsake reminder of the special moments and unexpected lessons I experienced while completing the project for which I collected the quote.)
Trans Our Dream Heat Transfer Paper
In this collage, I printed my short poem, “Catch the Wind,” onto fabric transfer paper and ironed it onto a bit of canvas remnant before adding it to this eclectic collection of materials. While it was secure enough on the canvas to not require stitching, I added the machine stitches anyway as a design element.
Both these products provide fast and easy ways to add a bit of text to your collage work. If purchasing new products, however, is not the direction you want to take, it’s always fun to practice those handwriting skills and transcribe your favorite text onto all kinds of paper for your collage. Personally, I enjoy using blank pages from vintage books or printmaking paper scraps I have from other projects. However, I find I can tolerate my handwriting best when I secure the paper with a coat of medium or wax over the top, allowing the paper to have a little more translucency and giving it a delicacy and warmth that it might lack otherwise.
For this collage method, I prefer using the following products (in addition to these local-to-me* art supply stores that offer in-person and online shopping).
Dorland’s Cold Wax (Available at local art supply stores, including the Art Department in Salem, Oregon)
Gamblin Cold Wax (Made in Portland, Oregon and available at local art supply stores, including The Merri Artist in McMinnville, Oregon).
Natural Acrylik Medium (Yes, that’s spelled correctly - this plant-based eco-friendly product is the first I’ve seen of its kind. Available at Natural Earth Paints).
While for my smaller collages, I prefer to work with a “dry” collage method, for larger collage art like “Heartbeat”, I find it makes more sense to work in a more traditional “wet” collage style.
What is a “dry” versus a “wet” collage?
Dry Collage: I use this term to describe collaging in a way where the papers I use retain their original texture and properties by keeping the collage materials “dry.” With this method, I hold pieces together with my fingers, binder clips, or a dab of glue stick while I work. I do not coat the materials with any medium or paint at any point in the process. This method allows me to showcase the original properties of any paper or fibers and easily add stitches (by not having to stitch through heavy layers of dense, cloying, or rubbery textures that would make the process difficult, if not impossible.)
Wet Collage: I use this term to describe collage methods that coat the materials with glue, wax, medium, or any other non-porous substance. This method works best when adding color or texture with paint or other wet materials, for adding transparency to papers, or for creating layers and textures using a variety of materials. It can also add a layer of protection to the final piece and any delicate materials being used.
However you choose to collage, I hope that in today’s exploration of materials, you were able to find something new and interesting to try!
Until next time - Happy collaging!
~ Jennifer
*Having owned and operated a small art supply store and gallery in Corvallis, Oregon, for a short time about 10 years ago, I definitely appreciate the need to support small, locally owned businesses - especially in the field of arts. While I don’t always make the effort, I always feel better about my purchase when I do so - as I’m sure you do too. Thank you for joining me in supporting your local art supply store when/where you are able. And feel free to give a shout-out to your favorite local supplier in the comments.
Did you miss Focus on Text Parts 1 and 2? Links below.
Looking forward to the next topic?
Creating BALANCE is coming soon!
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