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Playing with Collage
A how-to guide to making your own collages, brimful of fascinating hints and tips from a master of the genre.
Over the course of a 40-year career, Jeannie Baker has perfected the art of collage in the creation of picture-book classics such as Where the Forest Meets the Sea and Window , a Boston Globe-Horn Honour Book. Her stunning pieces, devised by assembling all sorts of different textures, are known all around the globe. Whether it's dried flowers or tiny shells, spaghetti or postage stamps, she uses the world around her to make work that is astonishingly beautiful and deeply creative. And she focuses on a range of important issues including the environment, land degradation, family, society and sustainability. In Playing with Collage , she shares her secrets at last - and encourages her readers to get creative. Within each of this book's four main sections, Jeannie presents an abstract collage of her own and offers suggestions and starting points for beginners. There are no right or wrong answers in this treasure of a book, it's all about trusting your instincts ... and playing!
Over the course of a 40-year career, Jeannie Baker has perfected the art of collage in the creation of picture-book classics such as Where the Forest Meets the Sea and Window , a Boston Globe-Horn Honour Book. Her stunning pieces, devised by assembling all sorts of different textures, are known all around the globe. Whether it's dried flowers or tiny shells, spaghetti or postage stamps, she uses the world around her to make work that is astonishingly beautiful and deeply creative. And she focuses on a range of important issues including the environment, land degradation, family, society and sustainability. In Playing with Collage , she shares her secrets at last - and encourages her readers to get creative. Within each of this book's four main sections, Jeannie presents an abstract collage of her own and offers suggestions and starting points for beginners. There are no right or wrong answers in this treasure of a book, it's all about trusting your instincts ... and playing!
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2019
45 people want to read
About the author
Jeannie Baker
26 books89 followersJeannie Baker is the author-illustrator of a number of children’s picture books, including the critically celebrated Mirror and the award-winning Where the Forest Meets the Sea. Born in England, she now lives in Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 10, 2024
I love Jeannie Baker's collage art that illustrates her children picture books.
This book is also aimed at children and introduces them to the art form of Collage and the materials that can be used using lovely photographic illustrations.
A gorgeous one to flick through. Glad that my local library holds a copy that I could share with my grandchild.
This book is also aimed at children and introduces them to the art form of Collage and the materials that can be used using lovely photographic illustrations.
A gorgeous one to flick through. Glad that my local library holds a copy that I could share with my grandchild.
November 17, 2019
MY THOUGHTS:
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
This is a fascinating book geared toward older kids. I would recommend it to those ages twelve and up. Even adults would enjoy this book.
Creating art using natural items found all over our planet is such a rich and rewarding accomplishment. Using all kinds of different colors, textures, textiles and combinations, the author shows you how to create stunning collages that could be frames and hung in your home to match décor, or, used to make very beautiful gifts for others.
It’s a perfect gift for artsy folks like myself who are always on the prowl for that one different yet special gift.
The author provides very clear and precise instructions and diagrams to follow, making color and texture pairings and suggestions as she moves the creator along. She helps you to identify things you can use from locations nearby such as from woods, fields, beaches or even from your very own kitchens. She tells you about the tools to use and even gives some tips to make the best collages that you can.
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
This is a fascinating book geared toward older kids. I would recommend it to those ages twelve and up. Even adults would enjoy this book.
Creating art using natural items found all over our planet is such a rich and rewarding accomplishment. Using all kinds of different colors, textures, textiles and combinations, the author shows you how to create stunning collages that could be frames and hung in your home to match décor, or, used to make very beautiful gifts for others.
It’s a perfect gift for artsy folks like myself who are always on the prowl for that one different yet special gift.
The author provides very clear and precise instructions and diagrams to follow, making color and texture pairings and suggestions as she moves the creator along. She helps you to identify things you can use from locations nearby such as from woods, fields, beaches or even from your very own kitchens. She tells you about the tools to use and even gives some tips to make the best collages that you can.
June 7, 2019
Nearly every Australian is familiar with the artwork of Jeannie Baker. Her gorgeous collages have been the basis of many books, and now this book shares some of her passion, inspiration, tools and techniques. This is a beautiful book, and sure to be a great hit in the school library with both staff and students.
November 19, 2019
For all kinds of artists, those young ones who need oversight and those who have started, but need more ideas. In beautiful pages with many, many examples, Jeannie Baker has created a 'how-to' collage book to learn much from. For example, there is an introductory page to "paper" with her own example, a second double-page telling how to create a paper collection, ending with a 'how-to' play with paper. Jeannie includes similar pages for nature, the beach, and the kitchen! If you love to do art and want to learn more or want to work with students in this medium, this would be a marvelous addition to your art books!
Thanks to Candlewick Press for the copy!
Thanks to Candlewick Press for the copy!
January 4, 2022
I think the book would be more valuable as a teaching tool if children could see the result of all the items collected.
I'd bring in one of her other books such as her WINDOW ( couldn't make the link work) to show completed collages.
They really are amazing but from this book you'd never know !
I'd bring in one of her other books such as her WINDOW ( couldn't make the link work) to show completed collages.
They really are amazing but from this book you'd never know !
October 27, 2019
The views of the rolling hills this autumn having been breathtaking. The brilliant reds, yellows and oranges are becoming more muted now, leaning toward shades enriched with brown. It's easy to imagine a master placing each tree in a special place on each hill to supply us with this every-changing work of art. Although we have the spectacular contrasts of white and black with the coming of winter, in the spring unimaginable shades of green will supply us with a similar motif as buds burst forth and turn into leaves. And summer is a blast of panoramic color, a blend of trees, flowers, grasses, birds, butterflies, bees and other assorted flora and fauna.
These scenes offered to us are both lessons in artistic design and the use of materials. Two nonfiction publications this year focus on the technique of collage and both rely on what is offered in the natural world.
The second release is written and illustrated by another renowned collage artist. Her work has received recognition, nominations and awards in the United States and internationally. Playing with collage (Candlewick Studio, an imprint of Candlewick Press, October 22, 2019) written and illustrated by Jeannie Baker is a journey in creativity for readers.
My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...
March 27, 2020
Jeannie Baker’s Playing With Collage has been announced on the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s (CBCA) short-list for the Eve Pownall Award for Information Books, 2020.
Baker invites children to explore their world through the medium of collage and materials from nature, the kitchen and different types of paper. Most importantly she tempts play and exploration of their world.
Starting with the basic tools of creating collage and tips for use of different materials, with beautiful visuals of the collage materials, but nothing complete, her descriptions include, “woven, crumpled, frayed, ragged and wispy”. Two-page spreads of suggested materials are displayed in an attractive manner to invoke investigation and examination of the natural world, where the possibilities are limitless. However, there are suggestions to ensure the environment is protected whilst collecting and also on how to prepare the materials for use.
Colour, texture, grouping and shapes are central aspects of Jeannie Baker’s work. She encourages her audience to explore different layouts and combinations of the materials and most importantly, to play. Recommended for children 5+, readers of all ages will appreciate the beauty of the visuals and the endless possibilities invoked.
Baker invites children to explore their world through the medium of collage and materials from nature, the kitchen and different types of paper. Most importantly she tempts play and exploration of their world.
Starting with the basic tools of creating collage and tips for use of different materials, with beautiful visuals of the collage materials, but nothing complete, her descriptions include, “woven, crumpled, frayed, ragged and wispy”. Two-page spreads of suggested materials are displayed in an attractive manner to invoke investigation and examination of the natural world, where the possibilities are limitless. However, there are suggestions to ensure the environment is protected whilst collecting and also on how to prepare the materials for use.
Colour, texture, grouping and shapes are central aspects of Jeannie Baker’s work. She encourages her audience to explore different layouts and combinations of the materials and most importantly, to play. Recommended for children 5+, readers of all ages will appreciate the beauty of the visuals and the endless possibilities invoked.
September 23, 2019
The artist Jennie Baker brings the craft of artistic collage to a new height showing intriguing combinations of materials with which to create beautiful visionary pieces of art. More of a craft than traditional art, the use of textual materials pieced together stunningly are used in the playful art form of collage.
This is a great book for school libraries and teachers of art as well as elementary and preschool. Hands of all ages will enjoy the creation of long lasting or temporary artistic expressions using materials they find about their normal day-to-day living.
Here in the fall of the year and at the beginning of the school year, I can see this as a useful, enjoyable guide for persons of all ages.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own, alone and are freely given.
This is a great book for school libraries and teachers of art as well as elementary and preschool. Hands of all ages will enjoy the creation of long lasting or temporary artistic expressions using materials they find about their normal day-to-day living.
Here in the fall of the year and at the beginning of the school year, I can see this as a useful, enjoyable guide for persons of all ages.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own, alone and are freely given.
November 3, 2019
One day, Sloth sees a strange leaf on the forest floor - it's actually a super hero comic book. After reading it, Sloth decides he can be a superhero, he already has a mask - all he needs is a cape. But when Sloth is too slow to stop Anteater from stealing everyone's mangoes, he has to use his stealth and invisibility to save the day.
Oh my! I laughed out loud and had to share this book with the people around me as I read. So funny and educational - the end papers have some very interesting sloth facts. I'm reading it again right away - - very slowly this time.
For this and more of my reviews, visit http://kissthebookblogspot.com
Oh my! I laughed out loud and had to share this book with the people around me as I read. So funny and educational - the end papers have some very interesting sloth facts. I'm reading it again right away - - very slowly this time.
For this and more of my reviews, visit http://kissthebookblogspot.com
September 8, 2020
This is a beautiful nonfiction book about collage by Jeannie Baker who created the ecologically-themed picture books Where the Forest Meets the Sea, and Window. This goes beyond paper collage to using vegetation, items from the beach and the forest, and kitchen spices to inspire creativity. I will be using it to inspire children in a virtual program on collage at the end of the month.
August 9, 2019
3.5 stars for this visually stunning homage to collage
November 20, 2019
Its written for children but it gives very little instruction in how to collage. The book just shows what to look for. Very disappointing.
May 29, 2020
A wonderful introduction to collage artistry with great, accessible tips for budding creators.
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May 21, 2022This is a lovely book for all ages.
June 6, 2022
Inspiration from one of the best. Jeannie Baker's books insist on spending hours enjoying and engaging with her art.
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March 31, 2019Magpies review
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews