Mixed Media Crafting and a bit of Decoupage

I suffer from insomnia. At 3 am when most people are asleep, you can find me glued to my telephone screen watching one, too many YouTube videos. Each video gives valuable insight and brings clarity to so many different topics. When encountering unfamiliar concepts, my first go to is google and this is quickly followed by YouTube especially when it comes to learning DIY projects and electronics. These are not my strong points so I am grateful for any form of instruction and a video is an additional bonus; a great one at that especially when it comes to people like myself who are visual learners. While learning how to perform certain tasks in photoshop, a video pops up and this was enough to grab my attention. A YouTube video on crafting. Now I did not just move from photoshop to crafting. I also watch videos on abstract techniques, acrylic paintings, abstract paintings, acrylic pouring and then surprisingly, a video on mixed media crafting appears. The title includes the word decoupage. Having no idea what that word means, I then seek help from my friend, google. Decoupage is an art style that involves gluing colored paper cutouts. This can be combined with paint and other decorative elements. Ahhhh, that sounds like something I would be into.

It is the use of bright colors, flowers, glitter and creative looks that continue to draw me in. I ask myself if I really need an additional hobby (I do paint, write, grow a garden) but why not give it a shot. Within minutes of watching more videos, I take out my wallet and make the investment in this new but yet unfamiliar territory. I receive the confirmation order for my vintage trinkets and paper flowers from amazon and that seals it. There is no turning back. Once an idea becomes planted in my head, the only thing left to do is to water it. Mixed media crafting looks playful and more importantly, relaxing. It also does not require a clear, well thought out plan. You just go with the flow of things and if this piece of paper looks good right here, then simply go for it (glue it in).

Being an artist, there is an array of paint, canvases, cardboard boxes and sequins amidst other art materials and supplies in my art pantry. However, there are some other elements I need to add my own personal touch to my project. Another lovely feature of this form of crafting is that you can use some of the most random things. Most days, I am usually stuck indoors so this gives me the opportunity to force myself outside and to soak in some sun.

Some fun facts about sunlight. Do you know that sunlight can definitely uplift your mood? It increases your serotonin levels and can help with anxiety, depression and starve off seasonal affective disorder.

Exposure to the sun is what my body needs while I walk around in search of random trinkets. This leads to the discovery of some rocks, pieces of wood, feathers, paper clips and old pennies. It is a fun adventure where my creative juices flow as I wait impatiently for my amazon prime delivery.

A friend even volunteers to bring me some old magazines. I spend my day cutting out different pictures that I feel drawn to, to give myself a head start. While doing so, it dawns on me that this is actually a very enjoyable way of recycling. While I wait for my supplies to arrive, most certainly, more time is spent on YouTube admiring the work of so many others while further educating myself on this form of crafting.

Finally, all my supplies arrive and I am more than ready to dive into this project. At times beginning something new can feel overwhelming, however, the key is the reason why you’re doing it. Do it because it brings you joy. It’s more about the overall experience and not necessarily the end result. Just pay attention to kids who throw paint or water everywhere. It’s the laughter and the joy on their faces that brighten up the day and what we will remember at a later time.

The project begins by cutting out a piece of a cardboard which serves as my canvas. When working, I try to revisit happy memories. While cutting pieces of paper and gluing them together, my precious grandmother comes to mind and her love for sewing. I recall my eyes being her eyes. I thread the needle for her and sit there and admire her while she sews. She tells me funny stories from her childhood and always gives me some of the best treats as payment for a job well done. I miss her very much. This makes me feel like she is present whenever I think of her and that alone makes me smile.

The background is painted and then the fun begins. Add lots of trinkets, flowers, hardware and vintage pieces. You will know when the project feels complete. While I choose to add bright colors, it serves as a reminder of home; life on an island with a 360-degree view of the ocean, feeling the breeze and basking in the sun. It reminds me of our gardens filled with beautiful, colorful flowers and the many bees and butterflies. Home is where the heart is and those colors sure transport me there.

As I add some final touches and make everything sparkle with glitter, it reminds me that there is so much that life has to offer. Have you heard of edible glitter? I didn’t until recently as it is a very popular cake decorating medium. I do enjoy the food network (and HGTV) too. Glitter also leaves a trail of sparkle wherever you go because we are all attracted to very shiny things. Another random fact. Apparently, our attraction to them comes from our instinct to seek out water. This need keeps us on the lookout for shiny things like shimmering water in rivers and streams. Thank goodness natural selection did not take away our attraction for some sparkle.

The project is complete with the use of multiple cut outs, a glue stick, and a final coat of paint to finish my masterpiece. This is now my newest hobby. I will keep on foraging outside, picking up pieces that I can’t wait to utilize in my next media project. It is easy and really fun. Similar to making collages and I encourage anyone to try it.

Here is another simple one.

This one is very colorful.