The Cloth Paper Scissors Book: Techniques and Inspiration for Creating Mixed-Media Art

by Barbara Delaney

Where paint, paper, fabric, metal, and wax all come to play! Uncover the very best articles and projects from Cloth Paper Scissors magazine. Editor Barbara Delaney has assembled a gold mine of hands-on inspiration and ideas for mixed-media artists of all types. Explore the exciting worlds of collage, journaling, encaustic, printing, assemblage, and more. Learn how to make interesting surface designs with Beryl Taylor , how to keep a uniquely-you sketchbook with Jane LaFazio , and how to transform a basic photograph into a whimsical wonder with Kelly Nina Perkins . The only rule in this mixed-media guide is that there are no rules. In addition to the tips and techniques, the experts elaborate on their favorite tools and mediums, including paintbrushes, adhesives, papers, waxes, found objects, and more, taking the guesswork out of achieving tricky effects. Perfect for all skill levels, The Cloth Paper Scissors Book showcases inspiring projects for both those who are new to the world of mixed media and those who already love mixed media and are looking for exciting new ideas.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Crafts

160 pages, Paperback

First published October 4, 2011

Reviews

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not so much a book you read and put back on the shelf, but more a book you will dip into often and keep on hand for reference. Many tips and techniques that you can keep coming back to and trying out, Fans and collectors of the magazine might not need a "Best of" type compilation, but this is a great intro for someone new to CPS, or indeed mixed media.

[Galen G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this "how-to" book that gives step by step instructions on everything from using acrylic paints to collage to stitchery, among other techniques and media. A good book for both beginners and those who want to learn a new skill.

[Caroline · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wouldn't do some of these exercises. Only a few that I'd try.

[MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Lots of good information for collage art like Elizabeth St Hillaire does. Also called paper painting. I will be referring back to this one again and again!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely not for the beginner, but rather for those already crafting and are looking for inspiration or want to try new mediums. I’m impressed by the author’s creativity.

[liberal sprinkles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never read a print issue of Cloth Paper Scissors though I'm a fan of the website, so the projects in this book were all new to me. Most of the techniques weren't, but I found the book well-edited in its choice of articles providing an excellent range of projects using different mediums, from fabrics and papers to wax and found objects. The techniques covered are also wide-ranging. There are chapters on printmaking and surface design; journals and bookmaking; collage and assemblage, mixed-media stitching; other mixed media like encaustics and working with metal.

Unless you subscribe to the magazine and have already read these articles (all previously published in print), I think there's enough in this book to inspire a person to make art, whether by replicating the projects using the step-by-step instructions, or by adapting the ideas to create a personal, unique piece. I do all kinds of crafts, from jewelry-making to sewing, mixed media and bookmaking, so I liked the wide variety of projects; this may not be everyone's cup of tea.

If you're unfamiliar with mixed media or art in general, there is advice on getting started and finding inspiration (although I think most of the projects are better suited for experienced artists and crafters). If you are thinking of making money from your craft, there is a chapter at the end on selling your art.

Overall, the book gave me a good impression of the magazine. If the articles and projects are always so varied and interesting, I'd consider paying for an overseas subscription.

[Amanda Walden · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were a lot of techniques in here that I want to try. I also loved the eye candy photos of the projects. So inspiring!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of great ideas and inspiring.

[Tracee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Cloth Paper Scissor mags

[Carol Surges]

I wasn't familiar with the magazine by the same title, only picking up this book because of an interest in assemblage and related techniques. I was pleased to find a wide assortment of mixed-media techniques from keeping an art journal to selling art on Etsy and when money is tight. The articles nicely organized by general categories and written by different contributors. I later discovered that these were actual pieces from previous issues of the magazine.

The book itself is eye candy with lots of photographic illustrations and a nice lay out. My only quibble was with the directions. They are nicely numbered and read well but there were no accompanying illustrations with visual clues. These would be helpful for those of us who are visual learners and I'm assuming most of the people interested in this book are.