Episode #2:

Creating an EcoCreating an Eco--friendly friendly AssemblageAssemblage using found objectsusing found objects

LoriKreinStudios.comLoriKreinStudios.com

Watch “Lori Krein’s Art Studio”San Jose Comcast Channel 15

Mondays at noon!Or watch on demand…www.CreaTVsj.com

IntroIntroI’ve always been a creative person, but I was never good at drawing. Once I discovered collage, I never looked back. The most common questions about collage are about where to get the specialty art papers. At the end of this ebook, there is a list of resources. Send me photos of you work! I will put them on my website. Here’s your chance to share your creations with the world!Questions? Email me at LoriKrein@gmail.com, or contact me through my website, www.LoriKreinStudios.com

Supplies and PrepSupplies and PrepYou will need:

– One piece of lokta or other art paper, for the background– Plastic box frame– WeldBond or other strong craft glue– Acrylic matte medium, Mod Podge, or watered down white glue Small paint brush,

scissors – Found objects (beads, clay tiles (see next slide for instructions), old jewelry, washers,

etc.)– Paper towels, small container of water, rag or old towel

To prepare for this project, cover a table with newspaper or an old tablecloth. Wear an apron or old clothing.

Plastic boxframe

Specialty art paper for the background

Acrylic Matte Medium and Weldbond

Found Objects and clay tiles

How to Make Clay TilesHow to Make Clay TilesPurchase rubber stamps and clay from your local craft Purchase rubber stamps and clay from your local craft store. store. SculpySculpy or any other clay that you can bake in your or any other clay that you can bake in your over will do.over will do.Roll out the clay. Press rubber stamps into the clay to Roll out the clay. Press rubber stamps into the clay to create designs. Cut into squares. Bake according to create designs. Cut into squares. Bake according to package directions. package directions. Allow to cool. Allow to cool. Paint the tiles with colors of your choice.Paint the tiles with colors of your choice.Before the paint dries, wipe off the excess with a small Before the paint dries, wipe off the excess with a small piece of a damp sponge, to create the antique look.piece of a damp sponge, to create the antique look.Now your tiles are ready for use!Now your tiles are ready for use!

Step 1: Prepare the BackgroundStep 1: Prepare the BackgroundCut the background paper slightly larger than the box frame. Make sure the piece is large enough to fold around the sides of the box.Cut the corners (see photo) to remove excess paper, which makes it easier to glue down the corners.Remove the cardboard backing from the box frame and set aside.Apply a coat of matte medium (thinned a little bit with water) to the paper.Place paper onto box frame. Starting from the front, smooth out the paper with your fingers or paint brush to remove all the air bubbles! Its easier to do this if you paint another coat of matte medium onto the top of the paper. Continue smoothing it out around the edges, and press the paper onto the sides of the box, then wrap around the back.

Cut the paper to size.Remove the cardboard

backing from the box frame. It will look like this when covered.

Step 2: Assemble the Found Step 2: Assemble the Found ObjectsObjects

Gather your found objects. Lay them out on the surface of your box frame until you find an arrangement you are happy with.Start with the larger pieces then fill in with smaller ones.Begin gluing the pieces in the middle first, then work your way out to the pieces on the edges. Use a small paint brush to apply the glue onto each piece. This will give you better control over the amount of glue you use.

Step 3: Let it DryStep 3: Let it DryAfter you finish gluing on all the pieces, allow it to dry for 24 hours.

Step 4: Final CoatStep 4: Final CoatAfter the assemblage has dried, you can coat it with water-based polyurethane. I like to use gloss, but you can also try a matte finish. Mod Podge also works great!If you used a plastic box frame, put the cardboard backing back in place so you can hang your artwork on the wall. If you used something else as your canvas, you will need to add a hanger onto the back. Congratulations, your DONE! Now, wrap your creation and give it as a gift or hang it in your home and enjoy!

More ExamplesMore Examples

More examples of eco-friendly assemblages.

ResourcesResources

Decorative Art Paper:Artpaper.comFlaxart.comPaper-source.comHandmade-paper.us

Other art supplies (rubber stamps, clay, canvas, glue, brushes, matte medium, etc.)MichaelsAaron BrothersUtrecht

Thanks!Thanks!

I hope you enjoyed this ebook! Visit www.LoriKreinStudios.com to see more of my artwork.Check out my other ebooks! I’ll be adding more each week. Watch my show, “Lori Krein’s Art Studio” Mondays at noon, on CreaTV, Comcast channel 15, in San Jose, CA or on demand at www.CreaTVSJ.com