Collage Unleashed

by Traci Bautista, Tonia Davenport (Editor)

The funky, colorful projects in Collage Unleashed encourage readers to turn off their inner critics and tap into a childlike sense of wonder and imagination. With projects that range from art books and fabric journals to mixed-media paintings, this -Showcases three of the most popular trends in papercrafting--collage, altered fabric and journaling -Features a wide range of techniques for crafters at every level, including crayon transfers, funky embroidery, freestyle hand lettering and creative book binding -Combines paper, fabric, beads, dyes, paints and more in unexpected ways Everyone from collage artists and book-making enthusiasts to papercrafters will want to put this title at the top of their personal wish lists.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Crafts, Reference, Journaling, How To

128 pages, Paperback

First published May 29, 2006

Reviews

[Darby · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was disappointed in this book. It was confusing to follow. It didn't have clear steps for techniques. One page even said to see something below -- and it wasn't there. It did end up being many many pages further into the book. I love the look of the fonts, wild and distressed looked. I mean that is the art I do so I love that style but for a how-to/inspirational book it was almost overwhelming to try to figure out where to start. Your eyes didn't go down the page like you normally do in a book. It just went from here to there. So I kept missing things. I would have to go over the page several times to make sure I got it all.

Good things about this book -- I love learning about making art books and book binding techniques. Although it doesn't spell it out step by step. It gave me enough information that I think I can figure it out. And the bindings were fun and beautiful so I can't wait to use them.

And the other thing it does it remind you to PLAY. Really I think that is the message of Traci Bautista is to just let yourself play.

[Melissa Kapow · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting ideas, beautiful illustrations, but disorganized and lacking in clear explanations. The style is a bit "late 2000s" in terms of fonts and inspiration jumbles. It felt a bit chaotic, but it was fun to flip through and I will definitely be trying some of the techniques I'd never thought of (like dying paper towels).

[Johnina Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of ideas

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

compelling

[Tara Flowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love learning new crafty techniques, and seeing the pictures. It really inspires. I definitely recommend.

[Georganne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Traci Bautista is an immensely talented mixed media/collage artist, and very popular. She seems to have a million ideas for creating her art, and therein lies the problem for me. Traci's art is, for me, overwhelming, not all that organized, and often not something I'd be interested in doing. Her use of color ranges from really pleasing to muddy looking and dark. Her designs can seem well thought out or very busy and chaotic. Another reviewer said her eyes didn't move down the page as in normal reading. Me too! My brain gets fatigued just trying to figure out what exactly she's doing and how. Even her chapter headings are difficult and annoying to view. Capital block letters randomly placed in a script font (as in "booK of rUins"). Multiple font styles used on every page (the instruction portions seem to always be in the smallest font). I realize this may be the publisher's ideas rather than Traci's. At some point (approx. 5-10 minutes after picking up the book), I feel compelled to look away.. then close the book and put it away. I've done this any number of times over the years I've had this book, so it's time to write a review, and give up on Traci. I'll give or sell this book to someone who can appreciate it more than I can, probably someone much younger than me. #3 stars for this young woman's talent and spirit.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very strong collection of collaged imagery and a great how-to for a variety of skill levels. The instructions are easy to follow for even the beginner, yet the imagery/examples are complex and inspiring for the more accomplished artists. This is a very strong asset to my classroom library.

[Sherry (sethurner) · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of many recent books about collage techniques and illustrated journaling. Unfortunately for me this one strikes me as organized haphazardly, with childlike effects that didn't make me want to go out and experiment.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Traci Bautista's book. There are so many wonderful ideas. The most important idea I took away from the book is to use your inner child while doing art. Be free and have fun! She has so many uses for collage. Check out her website at http://www.treicdesigns.com.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a little while to "get into it" but once I did it kind of started growing on me. For most people, they will be able to find plenty of fresh ideas and journal prompts to make this a worthwhile purchase. Or better yet, get it from your local library like I did.

[Erin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Quite possibly the worst art/craft book I have ever read. It was just a chaotic mess- the editor/author couldn't even pick a font! The instructions were terrible, the photographs were unattractive, and the projects left much to be desired. I would not recommend this at all.

[Aliza Tucker · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't know why this is the first book that shows up when you type collage in the search function thing --- is it listed in alphabetical order? I thought the book was a waste of money, unless your a 13 year old girl that likes hearts and butterflies and makeup and just about nothing else

[JayeL · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just bought this book to get some visual journaling inspiration.

[Tanya Minnick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book. Full of great ideas, images and techniques to try out. Another book I keep out most the time, for the walk by flip through :)

[Carmen Long · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting ideas, but not really my style.

[Shawna Millard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful ideas that were very useful to me.

[Elizabeth A · Rating 2 out of 5]

I dip into art and craft books regularly to keep priming the well. This one is okay. Some interesting book binding ideas, but overall not my style of art.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some good techniques in here, but it's missing a comprehensive overview. It's more craftsy than artsy.

[Terrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

A few new techniques but book too visually cluttered for me.

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for different ways to add color, texture and more to your collages.

[Cindy May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspiring. I can't wait to start some of the projects in the book.