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Collage Discovery Workshop: Make Your Own Collage Creations Using Vintage Photos, Found Objects and Ephemera
Unlock the Artist Within Collage is the perfect medium to help you unleash your creative potential. You can gather materials from just about anywhere, glue them down on a surface and magically create a work of art. There are no mistakes, only discoveries. What could be more exciting? In Collage Discovery Workshop , acclaimed collage artist Claudine Hellmuth shares 15 of her favorite collage techniques and invites you to play with basic collage materials in new and imaginative ways. Along the way, Claudine guides you with friendly advice on how to develop your artistic voice and turn an ordinary collage into something special. Learn how Don't wait another day to express yourself with collage. You never know what surprising discoveries await!
128 pages, Paperback
First published November 24, 2003
24 people are currently reading
639 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 27, 2009
This book is a how-to-book for collage artists. This is hands down the best book I have seen on this subject. I probably own about 4/5 collage artist type books (one of which will be another review soon and should have happened before this one as I read it before this one.) But this book has good techniques, good instructions, good photographs and is just in general offer clear, helpful, practical advice for collage artists.
If you don't believe yourself to be an artist or creative, but would like to create I really urge you to pick up this book as I feel you would find practical, easy, straight-forward ideas to spark ideas in creating. Scrapbookers I think would also really enjoy this book - giving your pages another dimension that you might not have thought about before.
Things I have always wanted to learn how to do or had problems with she explains in just a way that I got and now am able to do because of her clear instructions and techniques. Things I have dreamed about or seen in my head can now reach the canvas and paper because I have valuable insight on how to make it happen. This book has helped me as an artist and it has been exciting to see the transformation to my art as well as my process in creating.
I have read this 3 times with the last being Jan. 26, 2009
If you don't believe yourself to be an artist or creative, but would like to create I really urge you to pick up this book as I feel you would find practical, easy, straight-forward ideas to spark ideas in creating. Scrapbookers I think would also really enjoy this book - giving your pages another dimension that you might not have thought about before.
Things I have always wanted to learn how to do or had problems with she explains in just a way that I got and now am able to do because of her clear instructions and techniques. Things I have dreamed about or seen in my head can now reach the canvas and paper because I have valuable insight on how to make it happen. This book has helped me as an artist and it has been exciting to see the transformation to my art as well as my process in creating.
I have read this 3 times with the last being Jan. 26, 2009
July 6, 2008
Feast your eyes on Claudine Hellmuth's collage style!
Not only does this book include beautiful (and instructive) photographs of Claudine's collage work, but the reader is also treated to many versatile techniques, all presented in Claudine's engaging and thoughtful conversational style, along with very helpful discussions of design issues.
The first part of the book focuses on adding several techniques to your artist "toolbox". For example, Claudine offers explanation and instruction for several different types of image transfer techniques, from transfers using common tape or laminate to more unusual transfers using heat or even Elmer's clear caulk material. And forget about messy glues and decoupage mediums -- Claudine suggests an interesting way of using beeswax in assembling and even coloring your collage. Several other techniques i.e. peeling paint, will lend themselves to applications in many other media. There is also an interesting lesson in assembling a "frame" for your finished pieces that is both simple and effective. I found all of her instructions to be exceptionally clear and easy to follow.
Finally, I found Claudine's collage style to be refreshing. These days it seems that collage means seeing how many interesting or artsy things you can pile onto a canvas or paper. Yet Claudine's style is refreshingly spare, proving that it isn't quantity that counts, but quality. And there is plenty of quality in this wonderful and inspiring book!
Not only does this book include beautiful (and instructive) photographs of Claudine's collage work, but the reader is also treated to many versatile techniques, all presented in Claudine's engaging and thoughtful conversational style, along with very helpful discussions of design issues.
The first part of the book focuses on adding several techniques to your artist "toolbox". For example, Claudine offers explanation and instruction for several different types of image transfer techniques, from transfers using common tape or laminate to more unusual transfers using heat or even Elmer's clear caulk material. And forget about messy glues and decoupage mediums -- Claudine suggests an interesting way of using beeswax in assembling and even coloring your collage. Several other techniques i.e. peeling paint, will lend themselves to applications in many other media. There is also an interesting lesson in assembling a "frame" for your finished pieces that is both simple and effective. I found all of her instructions to be exceptionally clear and easy to follow.
Finally, I found Claudine's collage style to be refreshing. These days it seems that collage means seeing how many interesting or artsy things you can pile onto a canvas or paper. Yet Claudine's style is refreshingly spare, proving that it isn't quantity that counts, but quality. And there is plenty of quality in this wonderful and inspiring book!
September 1, 2016
I found this a very useful introduction to collage. Claudine Hellmuth explains very clearly several basic techniques for making collages (including peeling paper, peeling paint, textured paint) and image transfers, as well as using wax as a collage medium. The instructions are very well illustrated and there are several tutorials that easily take a beginner from the start to the end of projects to create some fun and whimsical collages. Hellmuth also guides readers in composition and gives ideas for personalizing their art.
But non-beginners are unlikely to learn much from the book and its scope is somewhat limited. Most of the ideas are for creating collages using old photos and found items (there is a chapter on techniques to give objects an vintage look). Hellmuth's collage style is distinctive but does not vary much; I like their simplicity but they don't have much depth. I'd advice any prospective buyer to take a look at the book before buying to make sure they like her style and wouldn't mind getting a "sameness" feeling while reading the book.
3.5
But non-beginners are unlikely to learn much from the book and its scope is somewhat limited. Most of the ideas are for creating collages using old photos and found items (there is a chapter on techniques to give objects an vintage look). Hellmuth's collage style is distinctive but does not vary much; I like their simplicity but they don't have much depth. I'd advice any prospective buyer to take a look at the book before buying to make sure they like her style and wouldn't mind getting a "sameness" feeling while reading the book.
3.5
January 29, 2019
Not really a book you read cover to cover, but it's a wonderful guide to the craft. The fact that it was published several years ago and still remains relevant is a good sign.
November 26, 2008
This book is excellent -- it has easy step-by-step instructions for all kinds of techniques, with big useful pictures, lists of tools & supplies, etc. I was able to successfully execute all 4 types of image transfer (caulk, contact paper, heat, and wax) the first time I tried.
February 16, 2008
The author, Claudine Hellmuth, shares 15 of her favorite collage techniques. She guides you along, with friendly advice, on how to develop your artistic voice and turn an ordinary collage into something special.
June 21, 2009
Another way of looking at collage. I learned several new techniques and ways to use some of my art supplies that I hadn't thought of (fun when that happens!) Found most excellent projects to try, my own way.
January 21, 2019
Fascinating and informative. A little too advanced for me, though!
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January 5, 2011I found this book inspiring... it gave me plenty of ideas to try. Some of her artwork looks a bit dated to me, or maybe just not to my taste, but she teaches several relatively simple techniques for collage that would never have occurred to me. Very fun!
August 21, 2012
Alot of hype seemed to follow this book but I just didn't see it myself. There is great information and ideas to check out and the style is certainly Claudine through and through. This does show you how to use pieces of ephemera to make your pieces really interesting.
August 12, 2013
I really loved this book. Claudine is a clear and encouraging instructor, and the way she describes her process throughout the book is very helpful. I tend not to be drawn to the same kinds of images she uses, but I learned a lot in the areas of technique and process.
July 14, 2007
This book makes my mind race..what kind of project can i do next....
February 5, 2008
Some really interesting techniques for collage and some beautiful examples of the author's work
February 11, 2008
Excellent. Working with it now as I create some new collaged journal covers.
September 14, 2008
Fascinating book...it certainly makes me wish I could take an actual workshop with the author.
October 25, 2008
This book is excellent and I learned several new techniques with its easy step-by-step instructions and guide to which new tools & supplies you need to accomplish some great collage work.
November 4, 2009
Classy, beautiful, and inspiring. If you like Etsy, or Anthropologie--you'll love this. Also, check out her great website: http://www.collageartist.com/links.htm
January 16, 2010
Great book for us wanna be artists who need a step-by-step guide with pictures.
March 13, 2010
Incredible . . . I can't wait to get some paint on my fingers! This book easily met or exceeded my expectations.
May 14, 2012
excellent.
great photos, instructions, and inspiration.
how to rust bottlecaps and mint tins, how to decide on composition...
must try practically everything in here some day!
opl.
great photos, instructions, and inspiration.
how to rust bottlecaps and mint tins, how to decide on composition...
must try practically everything in here some day!
opl.
September 1, 2012
Absolutely loved the way this book was organized and the projects that it included. Claudine Hellmuth is a brilliant artist and wonderful teacher- can't wait to read the next book!
February 24, 2014
fun projects
December 1, 2013
Great ideas and techniques.
July 25, 2008
My first book for mixed-media-art and I sure still love it!!!!
February 2, 2009
gave me some basic to what i see and want to do
August 12, 2009
love this book to pull ideas from!
May 1, 2015
Didn't like her style or presentation.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews