What do you think?
Rate this book
Collage Your Life: Techniques, Prompts, and Inspiration for Creative Self-Expression and Visual Storytelling
Requiring minimal equipment--just scissors, glue, paper, and pens--collage is an accessible craft that offers limitless creative possibilities. Like meditation or journaling, making collages can be an avenue for self-reflection and artistic exploration.
In Collage Your Life, artist and teacher Melanie Mowinski teaches a variety of core techniques including lettering, stamping, stencilling, transfers, and adhesive methods, and provides dozens of prompts to jumpstart the creative process and encourage crafters to explore the versatility of collage, such as make a self-portrait; disrupt your routine instincts; incorporate text; assemble mementos from a trip; process anger or anxiety; collage with others; or try creating block-out poetry with pages from a magazine.
Inspiring examples of the author's work along with that of other collage artists are featured throughout. Crafters, journaling fans, scrapbookers, and artists alike will find guidance and support for developing their own distinctive collage style, whether the goal is to create a visual record of daily experiences and special occasions or to expand a creative journaling practice.
In Collage Your Life, artist and teacher Melanie Mowinski teaches a variety of core techniques including lettering, stamping, stencilling, transfers, and adhesive methods, and provides dozens of prompts to jumpstart the creative process and encourage crafters to explore the versatility of collage, such as make a self-portrait; disrupt your routine instincts; incorporate text; assemble mementos from a trip; process anger or anxiety; collage with others; or try creating block-out poetry with pages from a magazine.
Inspiring examples of the author's work along with that of other collage artists are featured throughout. Crafters, journaling fans, scrapbookers, and artists alike will find guidance and support for developing their own distinctive collage style, whether the goal is to create a visual record of daily experiences and special occasions or to expand a creative journaling practice.
224 pages, Paperback
Published June 21, 2022
81 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
December 20, 2021
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Collage Your Life is a beautiful craft book full of I spiraling, prompts and guidance.
I've always wanted to make a scrap book and keep scraps of things but get nervous in how to display and use them. This book has given me so many ideas and lots of inspiration. The author gives advice and information on everything from glue and cutting tools to projects and materials. This is so beautifully put together and I'm now itching to get started on my own scrap book very soon.
This is a great book for beginners like me but could also be inspirational to people with experience in scrapbooking too.
Collage Your Life is a beautiful craft book full of I spiraling, prompts and guidance.
I've always wanted to make a scrap book and keep scraps of things but get nervous in how to display and use them. This book has given me so many ideas and lots of inspiration. The author gives advice and information on everything from glue and cutting tools to projects and materials. This is so beautifully put together and I'm now itching to get started on my own scrap book very soon.
This is a great book for beginners like me but could also be inspirational to people with experience in scrapbooking too.
December 18, 2021
This is an excellent guide to collage in many ways and has a great deal of information about supplies, techniques and inspiration. The style of the projects reminded me quite a lot of ATCs (altered trading cards). Most of the examples are not really my style of artwork and I can't put my finger on why I didn't enjoy it more, but that's on me and not a fault of the book. I think perhaps it was just too packed and cluttered with projects and art and words, which shouldn't be a bad thing but somehow felt claustrophobic for me. It will be an especially good fit for those new to collage and crafting, but who want detailed instructions and more sophisticated tutorials. Loaded with photos.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
December 2, 2021
I'm probably the most critical reviewer of this guidebook. As a youngster, we were introduced to collaging and I learned most of the topics presented albeit in a more simplistic format. I somehow thought this book would help me in my scrapbooking pages, but it hasn't presented anything new that I'm not already incorporating in my pages and photos.
The content might be a little too overwhelming for the beginner and some of the products used are more than household items. So, this book wasn't a hit with me. Two okay stars.
The content might be a little too overwhelming for the beginner and some of the products used are more than household items. So, this book wasn't a hit with me. Two okay stars.
October 31, 2024
I am not padding my goodreads stats! I am reading non-traditional media.
This was an insightful piece that not only taught the basics of collaging, but also presented works from myriad other artists for inspiration and technique discussion.
I loved the one page spreads that taught digestable art theory topics that were readily applicable for artists of any skill level.
This book embraced the fun and creativity of collaging and did not carry the pomposity of other collaging guides.
A resounding 5/5 from me!
This was an insightful piece that not only taught the basics of collaging, but also presented works from myriad other artists for inspiration and technique discussion.
I loved the one page spreads that taught digestable art theory topics that were readily applicable for artists of any skill level.
This book embraced the fun and creativity of collaging and did not carry the pomposity of other collaging guides.
A resounding 5/5 from me!
October 28, 2021
This book really draws you in. For the colour and art alone it is worth a read. It is very bright and imaginative and gave me so many ideas of things to try. The brilliant thing about creating collages is anyone can do it and you don’t need much to begin. This book goes over how to get started, different techniques to use and most helpfully some prompts to set you off and find your style with. I think this book is pretty versatile for both complete beginners and people wishing to expand into different art forms or try something a bit different.
Thank you very much to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you very much to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 23, 2022
I borrowed this from my local library and liked it so much that I bought it! Great ideas here.
November 30, 2021
Full of clear, full-color illustrations and photos that demonstrate design ideas, collaging techniques, and graphic suggestions, this book is a treasure trove for anyone who enjoys collaging or crafting. Lots of step-by-step instructions to help you stencil, letter, stamp, glue, and get more creative in what you cut, how you put it together, and where you put it. I loved this book and am grateful to Netgalley and Storey Publishing for letting me enjoy a free copy in exchange for my honest review. But really, this is a book I want to own as a hard copy so I can fully enjoy the illustrations and refer back to it as needed. Would make a great holiday gift for anyone you know who loves crafting.
January 25, 2022
Woman of my own heart! I have saved so many cards, letters, feathers, leaves, etc... I am a crafter and try to incorporate ephemera, but there is just so much! I am somewhat familiar with the idea od collage, but havn't ever pursued it artistically. This book might just be what I need to get started! Loads of ideas and how-tos. Step-by-step on tools, colors, and techniques. Incorporating stencils and rubber stamps.... Great book! I look forward to purchasing it!
I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley i exchange for a fair review.
I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley i exchange for a fair review.
June 22, 2022
"If it inspires you somehow, use it."
The author/artist demonstrates how using collected materials, and simple around-the-house materials, you can create beautiful and fascinating works of art using collage. Some of her featured projects also use rubber stamps, and stencils. There are plenty of prompts that will help jump-start your creativity, including profiles of other artists, along with examples of their work.
There's even a section on creating books that will showcase your projects.
This is an invaluable resource for inspiring both beginner and experienced collage artists.
Thanks to NetGalley, and Storey Publishing for the chance to view this lovely book.
The author/artist demonstrates how using collected materials, and simple around-the-house materials, you can create beautiful and fascinating works of art using collage. Some of her featured projects also use rubber stamps, and stencils. There are plenty of prompts that will help jump-start your creativity, including profiles of other artists, along with examples of their work.
There's even a section on creating books that will showcase your projects.
This is an invaluable resource for inspiring both beginner and experienced collage artists.
Thanks to NetGalley, and Storey Publishing for the chance to view this lovely book.
October 20, 2021
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a beautiful book!
Mowinski shares basics for creating a collage including supplies, preferred glue, and other tips. There are beautiful pictures outlining how to make a collage along with prompts for different themed collages.
It's a good book for those looking for different mediums and ideas to be creative with.
This is a beautiful book!
Mowinski shares basics for creating a collage including supplies, preferred glue, and other tips. There are beautiful pictures outlining how to make a collage along with prompts for different themed collages.
It's a good book for those looking for different mediums and ideas to be creative with.
January 16, 2022
As a beginner collage artist, I was drawn to Melanie Mowinski’s Collage Your Life on NetGalley to see if I could find inspiration, new techniques, or general principles for collage creation. I obtained a copy and wish to give my unbiased opinion. I have to say I found a great deal of usable information in this title.
The book jumps right into the collage process without any long introduction or explanation of the author’s background and experience, which I honestly appreciated. The information on tools, adhesives, materials and ephemera, etc. was well documented and illustrated. It provides a clear picture of how to get started in collage without providing limitations to the artist’s personal preferences and aesthetic.
The author spends time going over general design concepts and color theory. This is at a pretty basic level, but there is enough here to get the process started and to inspire the beginner. I don’t expect a book of this type to deeply cover these concepts as they can be more fully explored through other books, online, classes, etc. This is true of many of the techniques described, as well. There is enough explanation, and adequate illustration to get the beginner going on a variety of techniques.
The best part of Collage Your Life is the incredible volume of inspiration. Many artist’s work is presented with a brief overview of their use of materials and techniques, as well as their personal preference in collage. A beginner can see how an artist chose to use the medium to tell their story or their viewpoint. In addition, the author has created a series of prompts to help the beginner get started their exploration of materials, techniques, and story telling. The prompts can push the beginner to experiment and push past the fear of making “bad” art, as the author states.
I found reading Collage Your Life to be very inspirational and motivated me to dig through my garbage for found materials. This is the type of book a new artist to a medium needs - information and inspiration to get them started without formulaic instruction that limits their creativity.
The book jumps right into the collage process without any long introduction or explanation of the author’s background and experience, which I honestly appreciated. The information on tools, adhesives, materials and ephemera, etc. was well documented and illustrated. It provides a clear picture of how to get started in collage without providing limitations to the artist’s personal preferences and aesthetic.
The author spends time going over general design concepts and color theory. This is at a pretty basic level, but there is enough here to get the process started and to inspire the beginner. I don’t expect a book of this type to deeply cover these concepts as they can be more fully explored through other books, online, classes, etc. This is true of many of the techniques described, as well. There is enough explanation, and adequate illustration to get the beginner going on a variety of techniques.
The best part of Collage Your Life is the incredible volume of inspiration. Many artist’s work is presented with a brief overview of their use of materials and techniques, as well as their personal preference in collage. A beginner can see how an artist chose to use the medium to tell their story or their viewpoint. In addition, the author has created a series of prompts to help the beginner get started their exploration of materials, techniques, and story telling. The prompts can push the beginner to experiment and push past the fear of making “bad” art, as the author states.
I found reading Collage Your Life to be very inspirational and motivated me to dig through my garbage for found materials. This is the type of book a new artist to a medium needs - information and inspiration to get them started without formulaic instruction that limits their creativity.
March 1, 2022
This book is a treasure! As a beginner art journalist, I found this book invaluable with its collected knowledge and teaching.
Main themes included:
• All tools and equipment needed to create
• Colour wheel, coordinating colours perspective
• Techniques and planning your creations
• Stamp and stencil making
• Lettering and stencilling
• Mixed media art
• Practice and work with what inspires you
• Artist showcase and creativity
Reviewing this makes me feel anxious to get back to my practice of creating, collecting and mindfully being.
Thank you to the publisher for my eARC copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Main themes included:
• All tools and equipment needed to create
• Colour wheel, coordinating colours perspective
• Techniques and planning your creations
• Stamp and stencil making
• Lettering and stencilling
• Mixed media art
• Practice and work with what inspires you
• Artist showcase and creativity
Reviewing this makes me feel anxious to get back to my practice of creating, collecting and mindfully being.
Thank you to the publisher for my eARC copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 8, 2022
Received a review copy from Netgalley
This was a very nicely laid-out book about collage. While it does say it's good for beginner to advanced collage makers, I feel like it's definitely an intermediate level as there are some terms and items that people who haven't crafted before may not be familiar with. It covered many different areas of art and art theory. The first section discussed colour theory, collage supplies, and tools often used with collage. The second section discussed collaging techniques, as well as adhesives and mixed media that could be used to create collage such as stamps and stencils. The third section was a collection of 55 diverse prompts showcasing many different artists and their styles.
Overall a really nice book.
This was a very nicely laid-out book about collage. While it does say it's good for beginner to advanced collage makers, I feel like it's definitely an intermediate level as there are some terms and items that people who haven't crafted before may not be familiar with. It covered many different areas of art and art theory. The first section discussed colour theory, collage supplies, and tools often used with collage. The second section discussed collaging techniques, as well as adhesives and mixed media that could be used to create collage such as stamps and stencils. The third section was a collection of 55 diverse prompts showcasing many different artists and their styles.
Overall a really nice book.
July 24, 2022
Colorful, creative, inspiring, and instructive. This is the perfect intro to collage for beginners but also has useful tips for more experienced artists. Brimming with beautiful designs, this is far more than a basic instructional how-to book. I plan to turn to this again and again for reference and just to leaf through. I simply must have a paper copy for my collection!
Thank you #NetGalley #StoreyPublishing and #MelanieMowinski for the digital ARC of #CollageYourLife in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you #NetGalley #StoreyPublishing and #MelanieMowinski for the digital ARC of #CollageYourLife in exchange for my honest review!
June 8, 2022
I’m not sure what to feel about this book. It has plenty of instructions and explanations, so it’s great for beginners, but at the same time, I think, because of the title, I was expecting something more scrapbook style and instead the examples were very artistic, which is not an aesthetic I enjoy much. As someone who studied design in college, if you have one of those illustration techniques or different mediums in art classes, this would be great for that.
June 23, 2022
Collage Your Life by Melanie Mowinski
Techniques, Prompts, and Inspiration
Creative self-expression and visual story telling
Beautiful, succinct, complete, and filled with wonderful creative ideas – This is a book I would love to own!
What I liked:
* The introduction spoke to me, made me think about what *I* like and would love to create with what I have collected or might collect in the future
* The illustrations of completed projects as well as photos of steps in creating finished projects
* The lists and descriptions of tools and materials
* The artistic information related to the building blocks of design – complete and informative – elements, color, principles, composition, etc
* Techniques: some I had seen before and some new and intriguing
* How to add text
* How to make your own stencils and stamps
* A variety of ways to create your own books
* The prompts…a teacher’s or artist’s treasure trove of ideas
What I didn’t like:
* I can’t think of one thing I didn’t like
Thank you to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Techniques, Prompts, and Inspiration
Creative self-expression and visual story telling
Beautiful, succinct, complete, and filled with wonderful creative ideas – This is a book I would love to own!
What I liked:
* The introduction spoke to me, made me think about what *I* like and would love to create with what I have collected or might collect in the future
* The illustrations of completed projects as well as photos of steps in creating finished projects
* The lists and descriptions of tools and materials
* The artistic information related to the building blocks of design – complete and informative – elements, color, principles, composition, etc
* Techniques: some I had seen before and some new and intriguing
* How to add text
* How to make your own stencils and stamps
* A variety of ways to create your own books
* The prompts…a teacher’s or artist’s treasure trove of ideas
What I didn’t like:
* I can’t think of one thing I didn’t like
Thank you to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
November 2, 2021
[Review of uncorrected page proofs]
Most of us have made collages. We've used child safety scissors to cut pictures from old fashion magazines and made a sticky mess pasting them onto construction paper. And, really, it's still that much fun; but if you read this book, you won't have to worry about the sticky mess part. "Collage Your Life" covers the materials you'll need (construction paper probably isn't the base layer you want to rely on), techniques & design basics to give your work depth and perspective, the merits of various adhesives, and provides prompts to get your imagination moving beyond those kindergarten collages. One section demonstrates how to make your own book (junk journal, smash book, etc.) to house your collages. "Collage Your Life" shows how you can use collage as a method for visual journaling. Bonuses include how to make your own rubber stamps and stencils. Definitely inspiring and a great way to use craft supplies and materials you probably already have on hand. Several collage artists are highlighted in the book providing further inspiration.
Most of us have made collages. We've used child safety scissors to cut pictures from old fashion magazines and made a sticky mess pasting them onto construction paper. And, really, it's still that much fun; but if you read this book, you won't have to worry about the sticky mess part. "Collage Your Life" covers the materials you'll need (construction paper probably isn't the base layer you want to rely on), techniques & design basics to give your work depth and perspective, the merits of various adhesives, and provides prompts to get your imagination moving beyond those kindergarten collages. One section demonstrates how to make your own book (junk journal, smash book, etc.) to house your collages. "Collage Your Life" shows how you can use collage as a method for visual journaling. Bonuses include how to make your own rubber stamps and stencils. Definitely inspiring and a great way to use craft supplies and materials you probably already have on hand. Several collage artists are highlighted in the book providing further inspiration.
February 13, 2022
I’m not very artistic but I keep a bullet journal and this book gave me some great ideas of collage styles that I can try out. I feel confident to trial some of the techniques. They were well explained and it’s a good book for beginners.
November 29, 2024
This was really lovely and inspiring.
September 7, 2023
A great book for beginners. I appreciated the brief section on design principles and elements as well as the overview of color theory. There were tons of images and prompts for inspiration.
November 18, 2021
3 crafty stars
Collage Your Life is a valuable resource for anyone new to collage. Mowinski takes us from simple steps and techniques to more complex ones in a well-organized way. Build Your Materials covers general tools, materials, color and design basics. The second section develops techniques including using paper, fabric, feathers, and found objects. She shows how to carve stamps and make stencils. I Particularly enjoyed the 55 Prompts to jumpstart projects of many types. The idea generating cards are also inspiring. The last main section suggests what to do with the collage pieces you’ve created.
The many accompanying photos are bright and colorful, making each step perfectly clear. Words are at a minimum – an asset when wanting to grab the concept quickly. The book ends with a reading list about creativity and online resources, as well as a comprehensive index.
The author encourages ‘playing’ with the collage pieces in a non-judgemental way. Just make something! Many samples by professional artists are included.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Collage Your Life is a valuable resource for anyone new to collage. Mowinski takes us from simple steps and techniques to more complex ones in a well-organized way. Build Your Materials covers general tools, materials, color and design basics. The second section develops techniques including using paper, fabric, feathers, and found objects. She shows how to carve stamps and make stencils. I Particularly enjoyed the 55 Prompts to jumpstart projects of many types. The idea generating cards are also inspiring. The last main section suggests what to do with the collage pieces you’ve created.
The many accompanying photos are bright and colorful, making each step perfectly clear. Words are at a minimum – an asset when wanting to grab the concept quickly. The book ends with a reading list about creativity and online resources, as well as a comprehensive index.
The author encourages ‘playing’ with the collage pieces in a non-judgemental way. Just make something! Many samples by professional artists are included.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2022
If you've never done collage before, start with this book! As opposed to most craft books that give the basic techniques a quick refresher that leave you wanting, Collage Your Life goes through the techniques very thoroughly and in great detail. (If you've done any art before, it may be too thorough.) However, the descriptions are enhanced by a coffee table book's worth of collage art to inspire you and an entire section full of prompts to get you started collaging. Beginners, come for the instruction; more practiced, stay for the art.
February 13, 2022
I was offered this book as an ARC via NetGalley and have to say that it is one of the most comprehensive collage books I have come across in a while. Although I am studying textiles, I am still finding my feet where collage is concerned but this book assumes no prior knowledge at all.
If you are a complete novice and want to try this very accessible artform Melanie Mowinski takes you through the absolute basics on everything from the best ways to apply glues and adhesives, colour theory and design basics. As someone who already is working with collage and has a fair amount of experience in other types of art and craft there was a multitude of information including an enormous number of examples of current collage artists (a great resource for inspiration and finding contemporary practitioners as part of your research if you are taking a formal course).
If once you have grasped the basics and explored other practitioners you are still hitting an artistic block this book contains 55 prompts to get you working. Making a start is always going to be the best way of getting past this so having a book to hand where you can open it to a random prompt to get cracking is ideal. There are even prompts that help you link your work to emotional or mental health challenges if this is something you want to explore but are unsure where to start. All the prompts are very accessible and usually involve around 3 basic instructions that can be taken as broadly as you want. It may be that you only need one of the 55 to speak to you and unlock those possibilities floating in the back of your mind!
I also liked that there was a short chapter on book binding. This is a pretty huge topic in itself but the chapter covered all the essential information you will need to make a couple of different styles of books to keep all your artwork safe which was a nice addition.
Like all collage, you may need to start looking at papers differently to create your own collection of papers to work with but the author is very enthusiastic about using whatever you have to hand. Who doesn't receive some sort of post, junk mail or find 'rubbish' these days? Melanie Mowinski encourages you to start with whatever you already own and begin to explore, experiment and express yourself. Next time you receive a letter in the post take a peep at the inside of the envelope and turn a potentially depressing bill into a work of art!
If you are a complete novice and want to try this very accessible artform Melanie Mowinski takes you through the absolute basics on everything from the best ways to apply glues and adhesives, colour theory and design basics. As someone who already is working with collage and has a fair amount of experience in other types of art and craft there was a multitude of information including an enormous number of examples of current collage artists (a great resource for inspiration and finding contemporary practitioners as part of your research if you are taking a formal course).
If once you have grasped the basics and explored other practitioners you are still hitting an artistic block this book contains 55 prompts to get you working. Making a start is always going to be the best way of getting past this so having a book to hand where you can open it to a random prompt to get cracking is ideal. There are even prompts that help you link your work to emotional or mental health challenges if this is something you want to explore but are unsure where to start. All the prompts are very accessible and usually involve around 3 basic instructions that can be taken as broadly as you want. It may be that you only need one of the 55 to speak to you and unlock those possibilities floating in the back of your mind!
I also liked that there was a short chapter on book binding. This is a pretty huge topic in itself but the chapter covered all the essential information you will need to make a couple of different styles of books to keep all your artwork safe which was a nice addition.
Like all collage, you may need to start looking at papers differently to create your own collection of papers to work with but the author is very enthusiastic about using whatever you have to hand. Who doesn't receive some sort of post, junk mail or find 'rubbish' these days? Melanie Mowinski encourages you to start with whatever you already own and begin to explore, experiment and express yourself. Next time you receive a letter in the post take a peep at the inside of the envelope and turn a potentially depressing bill into a work of art!
August 14, 2022
An Approach between Art, Self-Expression, and Storytelling
Melanie Mowinski presents "Collage Your Life. Techniques, Prompts, and Inspiration for Creative Self-Expression and Visual Storytelling", published by Storey Publishing. The book contains four parts: 1) Build Your Materials, 2) Develop Your Techniques, 3) 55 Prompts to Jumpstart Your Practice, and 4) Create the Container. I like Mowinski's statement: "Let the ephemera you collect and love guide you to create. Doing so just might lead you to your own visual style. You might discover you like bold imagery on a muted background, or three-dimensions paired with flat stylized shapes. You may like to include feathers or found objects in compositions, or decide that you only want to use the color green. Whatever it is, it is YOU" (p. viii). She also says: "What you make doesn’t matter. All that matters is that you make something" (p. viii, 2). Mowinski begins the book with chapter that builds the skills but offers a lot of creative inspiration throughout the whole book. The book is very inspirational and aesthetic. I like also the last chapter where the author shows how to create collage books out of simple materials. The book also includes a reading list, a list with information about resources, materials and inspirations. She lists the featured artists as well as the contributors. It is also very helpful that the book contains an index. I recommend this book for all who are interested in collages, might they be beginners or advanced artists.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#CollageYourLife #Netgalley
Melanie Mowinski presents "Collage Your Life. Techniques, Prompts, and Inspiration for Creative Self-Expression and Visual Storytelling", published by Storey Publishing. The book contains four parts: 1) Build Your Materials, 2) Develop Your Techniques, 3) 55 Prompts to Jumpstart Your Practice, and 4) Create the Container. I like Mowinski's statement: "Let the ephemera you collect and love guide you to create. Doing so just might lead you to your own visual style. You might discover you like bold imagery on a muted background, or three-dimensions paired with flat stylized shapes. You may like to include feathers or found objects in compositions, or decide that you only want to use the color green. Whatever it is, it is YOU" (p. viii). She also says: "What you make doesn’t matter. All that matters is that you make something" (p. viii, 2). Mowinski begins the book with chapter that builds the skills but offers a lot of creative inspiration throughout the whole book. The book is very inspirational and aesthetic. I like also the last chapter where the author shows how to create collage books out of simple materials. The book also includes a reading list, a list with information about resources, materials and inspirations. She lists the featured artists as well as the contributors. It is also very helpful that the book contains an index. I recommend this book for all who are interested in collages, might they be beginners or advanced artists.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#CollageYourLife #Netgalley
December 16, 2021
This book is packed full of inspiration and ideas for the reader to create their own collages.
It begins with lots of useful information, for example, about materials you might want to use, or tools that might come in handy, plus an overview of colour theory, the principles of composition and a guide to some techniques you may want to try. All are illustrated with colour photographs.
Throughout the book there are full colour examples of the author's own work plus a multitude of works from other collage artists.
The second half of the book has 55 prompts to "jumpstart your practice". These are a great way to get you making, so often the hardest part of art is that first mark on the paper. The prompts aren't full step-by-step instructions, but thoughts and ideas and suggestions of techniques to try. These also have examples of relevant collages to accompany them. Interspersed between the prompts are short profiles of professional collage artists,
At the end, there are also instructions on how to make idea-generating cards to help you get creative. The book has a long list of suggested cards covering the topics of medium and technique, elements and principles of design, narrative, portraits and more. I really like this idea and can see me putting this into practice, and not just for collage art.
This is a great book for kickstarting your creativity and get you making some collages. There is also lots of information that could be transferred to other art forms. I recommend this book.
Thank you to Storey Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC
It begins with lots of useful information, for example, about materials you might want to use, or tools that might come in handy, plus an overview of colour theory, the principles of composition and a guide to some techniques you may want to try. All are illustrated with colour photographs.
Throughout the book there are full colour examples of the author's own work plus a multitude of works from other collage artists.
The second half of the book has 55 prompts to "jumpstart your practice". These are a great way to get you making, so often the hardest part of art is that first mark on the paper. The prompts aren't full step-by-step instructions, but thoughts and ideas and suggestions of techniques to try. These also have examples of relevant collages to accompany them. Interspersed between the prompts are short profiles of professional collage artists,
At the end, there are also instructions on how to make idea-generating cards to help you get creative. The book has a long list of suggested cards covering the topics of medium and technique, elements and principles of design, narrative, portraits and more. I really like this idea and can see me putting this into practice, and not just for collage art.
This is a great book for kickstarting your creativity and get you making some collages. There is also lots of information that could be transferred to other art forms. I recommend this book.
Thank you to Storey Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC
January 19, 2022
Get ready to set your creativity free!
As someone who has the trifecta of - owning far too many craft items, a need for perfection and a desire to release my creativity - Collage your life is a beautiful introduction to getting started with what you’ve got, experimenting and enjoying the process of collaging.
Guided by well over 50 collage prompts and insight into the how-to of creating your own collage books at home, you’ll finish Collage Your Life feeling confident and comfortable in your ability to go forth with a regular collage practice.
I mean, that’s after you get over the materials section and realise that you don’t own a bone folder, gesso, compass, versa-tool, half a dozen substrates of paper and glue beyond a glue stick. Despite not making a single trip to the craft store I was able to fulfill all of the collage prompts without the fancy equipment and only used the resources I had on hand - scissors, glue, paper (magazines and scrapbooking paper) and pens.
Nevertheless, I had an absolute blast getting reunited with my creative self as I experimented with colour, shapes and a few new techniques that I now adapt into my art journaling practice.
Despite a lot of the prompts being known by those that have engaged in prior collaging, scrapbooking, or art journaling you’ll still benefit from having Collage Your Life as a resource in times when you get a little bit stuck and need a nudge forward.
Special shout out to Melanie Mowinski, Storey Publishing and Netgalley for early access to Collage Your Life.
As someone who has the trifecta of - owning far too many craft items, a need for perfection and a desire to release my creativity - Collage your life is a beautiful introduction to getting started with what you’ve got, experimenting and enjoying the process of collaging.
Guided by well over 50 collage prompts and insight into the how-to of creating your own collage books at home, you’ll finish Collage Your Life feeling confident and comfortable in your ability to go forth with a regular collage practice.
I mean, that’s after you get over the materials section and realise that you don’t own a bone folder, gesso, compass, versa-tool, half a dozen substrates of paper and glue beyond a glue stick. Despite not making a single trip to the craft store I was able to fulfill all of the collage prompts without the fancy equipment and only used the resources I had on hand - scissors, glue, paper (magazines and scrapbooking paper) and pens.
Nevertheless, I had an absolute blast getting reunited with my creative self as I experimented with colour, shapes and a few new techniques that I now adapt into my art journaling practice.
Despite a lot of the prompts being known by those that have engaged in prior collaging, scrapbooking, or art journaling you’ll still benefit from having Collage Your Life as a resource in times when you get a little bit stuck and need a nudge forward.
Special shout out to Melanie Mowinski, Storey Publishing and Netgalley for early access to Collage Your Life.
June 24, 2022
This guide is as much "Why collage?" as it is "How to Collage?" The author invites readers to make art a daily practice (and collage specifically) as she guides us through challenges that exercise and investigate feelings as well as explore techniques, styles, and media (supplies).
A wide range of artists are profiled, with styles and motivations as different as they are. Where one paints her own colorful and harmonic paper to create cut-out paintings, another combines bright and dynamic magazine cut-outs for a playful visual.
Using printed words is also encouraged, to express the artist's beliefs, a message, or a poem of some sort.
The opening subject surprised and impressed me the most; learn to be okay with creating bad art. Nobody makes masterpieces every time. Sometimes moving on, starting again, or using one piece as parts for another work is necessary. Don't stake your ego on perfection!
This was an interesting and fun journey through an art I knew little about, and I feel confident that I can combine my experience with this new information, and start collage myself!
4/5 Stars
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the free preview of this ebook; the review is voluntary.
#CollageYourLife #NetGalley
#StoreyPublishing #StoreyPublishingLLC
#MelanieMowinski #MelanieMowinskiAuth
#ScrapbookingBooks #MixedMediaCraft
#PaperCraft #HowToCollage
#CraftsandHobbies #MixedMediaArt
#NonFictionVisualStorytelling
A wide range of artists are profiled, with styles and motivations as different as they are. Where one paints her own colorful and harmonic paper to create cut-out paintings, another combines bright and dynamic magazine cut-outs for a playful visual.
Using printed words is also encouraged, to express the artist's beliefs, a message, or a poem of some sort.
The opening subject surprised and impressed me the most; learn to be okay with creating bad art. Nobody makes masterpieces every time. Sometimes moving on, starting again, or using one piece as parts for another work is necessary. Don't stake your ego on perfection!
This was an interesting and fun journey through an art I knew little about, and I feel confident that I can combine my experience with this new information, and start collage myself!
4/5 Stars
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the free preview of this ebook; the review is voluntary.
#CollageYourLife #NetGalley
#StoreyPublishing #StoreyPublishingLLC
#MelanieMowinski #MelanieMowinskiAuth
#ScrapbookingBooks #MixedMediaCraft
#PaperCraft #HowToCollage
#CraftsandHobbies #MixedMediaArt
#NonFictionVisualStorytelling
May 17, 2023
Collage Your Life: Techniques, Prompts, and Inspiration for Creative Self-Expression and Visual Storytelling was written by Melanie Mowinski.
Summary: Various collage techniques are covered in this book designed to give prompts, ideas, and help readers develop their own collage style.
My Thoughts: This book just wasn’t for me. I had thought from the description that a beginner could dig into this book, but I was quickly overwhelmed.
The book starts out with a list of supplies that can be used for collage, along with tips on how to use them. There was SO much information in this section.
I think it would be a good reference section for someone who has been doing collage for a while, as I am sure the tips discussed would be great for problem-solving issues, and learning more about collage.
I just felt I was already lost from the beginning, and it made me feel like the book was just too advanced for me.
If you have experience in collage, this might be the right fit for you, but I unfortunately, just wasn’t able to get into it.
I would like to thank Story Publishing for providing me a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my review. Thank you.
Summary: Various collage techniques are covered in this book designed to give prompts, ideas, and help readers develop their own collage style.
My Thoughts: This book just wasn’t for me. I had thought from the description that a beginner could dig into this book, but I was quickly overwhelmed.
The book starts out with a list of supplies that can be used for collage, along with tips on how to use them. There was SO much information in this section.
I think it would be a good reference section for someone who has been doing collage for a while, as I am sure the tips discussed would be great for problem-solving issues, and learning more about collage.
I just felt I was already lost from the beginning, and it made me feel like the book was just too advanced for me.
If you have experience in collage, this might be the right fit for you, but I unfortunately, just wasn’t able to get into it.
I would like to thank Story Publishing for providing me a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my review. Thank you.
December 15, 2021
What an absolute treasure of a book this is. I started handcut collages myself a few years back and have mostly learnt by doing. This book is absolute gem for both established collage artists and those who are considering taking it up and giving it a try. The first part of 'Collage Your Life' runs through the materials you might want to consider using from adhesives to papers and cutting equipment. It's all a very clear introduction to the tools of the trade. This book is peppered with profiles of collage artists and their stories, along with eye-catching collages showcasing the different styles of collage. My absolute favourite part of the book is the '55 prompts to jumpstart your practice.' There are so many great ideas here and I can't wait to dive in and give some a try. I have read quite a few books on collage and this for me, dives a little bit deeper. I can't wait to buy the hard copy and really kickstart my collage practice in the 2022. Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an advance copy.
December 13, 2022
This book was received as an ARC from Storey Publishing - Storey Publishing, LLC in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
At first, I added this book to my list for new craft collage ideas, and I ended up getting so much more. When I was a child, I loved cutting out pictures from magazines, and collaged my notebooks, posters, and much more. When I was cutting, gluing, and taping I did feel a sense of Zen, and the activity was therapeutic. I admire Melanie Mowinski's knowledge, creativity, and ideas she expressed in this book, and being a former art teacher made her knowledge very credible. There is a collage to fight any mental battle, and everyone can find a collage suitable for them. I highly recommend this book for anyone. Anyone can make a collage, and everyone (whether they admit it or not) is struggling with a mental battle, and this is a healthy way to overcome it.
A creative, powerful, and effective book presented in a brilliant fashion. This book deserves 5 stars.
At first, I added this book to my list for new craft collage ideas, and I ended up getting so much more. When I was a child, I loved cutting out pictures from magazines, and collaged my notebooks, posters, and much more. When I was cutting, gluing, and taping I did feel a sense of Zen, and the activity was therapeutic. I admire Melanie Mowinski's knowledge, creativity, and ideas she expressed in this book, and being a former art teacher made her knowledge very credible. There is a collage to fight any mental battle, and everyone can find a collage suitable for them. I highly recommend this book for anyone. Anyone can make a collage, and everyone (whether they admit it or not) is struggling with a mental battle, and this is a healthy way to overcome it.
A creative, powerful, and effective book presented in a brilliant fashion. This book deserves 5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews