By now most of you know that I run the One Little Tag Craft Challenge group on Facebook- and our goal is always to make art in small form to practice techniques, experiment with new media, refine our artistic skills and treat ourselves to art time. (Which is why we work on tags- small surface!)

A while ago I started refining my process by making all of my tags and prepping my backgrounds at the beginning of my week- so it’s a call back to working in a series. (If you haven’t read that post, you may want to click over to read  why I think it’s so important.)

Last week I took that idea to the next level and tried “Speed Collage”- working on all 7 tags, at once, limiting myself to 30-45 minutes for the process. (That’s what happens when life sneaks up on you and you want to finish the challenge and make 7 tags a week and are stuck for time on the last day. Yes, it happens to everyone, even the group leader!)

So I decided to Periscope my last Speed Collage to share the idea with you- and as it turned out, it’s about 7 layers (like Bean Dip!) and it’s very forgiving and freeing.

Before we get to the video here are the seven layers I use:

1. Paint (or other background treatment.) You can use gelli prints, stenciled paper, just SOMETHING to make the background NOT PLAIN.
2. Magazine collage. This is cheap and quick and easy to prep. Just snip images and words that appeal to you RIGHT NOW. You can cut or trim them down as you work.
3. Translucent color. This marries the background with the collage images. I like watercolor crayons like Distress Crayons, Gelatos, NeoColor II, or Recollections. You also could use Spray Inks in this step.
4. Mark Making. Add more layers and colors with Scribble Sticks, crayons or markers. After all those color layers, making handmade marks add a “personal” layer.
5. Drama. This layer adds stencils, stamps or even more paint on TOP of your collage, so it adds texture and drama to the composition.
6. Embellishments. This is my stash-busting, focal-point layer. It’s a great way to use your washi tape collection, loose/leftover embellishments, rub-ons or foil- even found objects!
7. Gel Pen. I can’t seem to finish a piece until I’ve added a gel pen layer. It adds a personal, hand-drawn touch (like layer 4) and can define your shapes, outlines, and adds a bit of texture, too. I am in love with white, silver, and shiny black gel pens. 🙂

Let’s take a look at the video, where I explain it all…..

And now the products I used: (Amazon Affiliate links- by using these, you support my channel thru no added cost to you!)

*Pebeo Studio Acrylic Paints: http://amzn.to/2nqZ8oB
*Matte Mediums: (I used Ranger, but any medium will do.) http://amzn.to/2nHpyoJ
*Ranger Distress Crayons: http://amzn.to/2oj21Mq
*Wakely Scribble Sticks: http://amzn.to/2oph1VS
*Heat It Tool: http://amzn.to/2nDDQF7
*Kirarina Wink White Pen: http://amzn.to/2nHvpdO

And most importantly– here is the WHY you should try this:

• You are free of expectations. This is about the process, not the product. Let your mind rest and let your hands and eyes play for awhile.
• It’s quick. We all are stressed for time, and you can really crank things out if you limit your time.
• Use your materials. With seven layers, it will tempt you to use some of the products you have been purchasing but maybe not using. And it’s a great stash-buster for odds and ends you haven’t let go of. USE IT UP!
• Let your subconscious speak to you. With this exercise, your subconscious mind can have a little non-verbal chat with you. What images did you use? What themes do you see?

As I look at my own artwork, I’m a little surprised. We’ve had a big year with two moves in 6 months, each time to new states. I’ve been blue missing my hometown and family. But my art here shows me that I’m digging into my new life. The words I chose without thinking are pretty optimistic, and I see color and movement and busy-ness and fun. I’m actually a little surprised! But my self-diagnosis is that I’m probably adapting better than I thought I was and feeling overall pretty good despite the upheavals and changes.

Give it a go- and I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!

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About Jenny

Chief Craft Test Dummy, Craft Evangelist, Founder, Editor, bottle-washer, trouble-maker, and creative whirlwind.

• Spooky Spider Halloween Bookmark Craft - October 24, 2018
• Review and Demo of LDRS Hybrid Ink Pads - October 15, 2018
• Review and Demo of Nuvo Hybrid Inks - October 1, 2018
• Craft Studio Tour and Organization Ideas - September 20, 2018
• Wax Paper Resist Background Technique - March 20, 2018
• Comparison of Liquid Watercolor Markers/Pens - March 16, 2018
• SAI Japanese Traditional Watercolor Brush Markers- Review & Demo - February 23, 2018
• Rinea Metallic Foil Paper & Ghost Ink Review - February 21, 2018
• Jane Davenport debuts at Creativation 2018 & Watercolor Card - February 13, 2018
• Creativation 2018: New Product Showcase - January 20, 2018