Question: I have heard a great deal about Mixed Media and Collage Arts, and I wondered if you could tell me more about this art/craft form and where I can find classes or places to learn more?  Also, are there online shops that sell these art supplies? Adrienne T., Pheonix, AZ

Answer: The Wikipedia defenition of Mixed Media is: Mixed media tends to refer to a work of visual art that combines various traditionally distinct visual art media. Wikipedia doesn't have a defenition of Collage Art, but, I did put in a request.  My defenition of Collage Arts is: 

Collage art is a similar term as mixed media. Collage art is different in the sense that it is a collage and not just a mixed media art form. Collage art is being used in many ways such as in ATC's (Artist Trading Cards), shadow boxes, altered books, etc. Many collage artists use similar art forms as mixed media. 

My first introduction into mixed media and collage arts was through my interest in Artist Trading Cards (ATC's). I also have fallen in love with the Cloth Paper Scissors Magazine.  I run to the grocery store every other month to pick up the latest edition.  There are several places to look online for project, information, and supplies and I will list them below, but one thing to do when you first start is to really pour over as much information as you can and if you have any local shops that carry the artwork of local artists you should be sure to stop by those shops on a refular basis for ideas and you may also be able to request a class or meeting with the artist (s).

Check out these online and offline resources:

For online classes, information, videos, and Retreats:

Anna Maria Horner

Altered Abbey

Claudine Hellmuth

Cloth, Paper, Scissors Magazine

CCPVideos

Art and Soul Retreat 

 

Shops/Suppliers of Mixed Media and Collage Art Materials:

Queens of Collage

Homestead Quilters

Tuscan Rose

Anima Designs

Question: I would love to use some of the flowers from my garden, are there tips for making them look nice?  I don't want an expensive book or class, but, just some information and tips on how to arrange a nice centerpiece.  Evelyn M., Boston, MA

Answer:  I was recently sent a link to the Better Homes and Gardens site for ideas on flower arranging, and I have to admit the arrangements that they have displayed are very beautiful.  Some look very simple and others not, but, they give great instructions and have a picture for you to use as a guide.  It is amazing to me that you can simply use one flower blossom and a little greenery and you're done!  Here is the link, I hope this helps!

Better Home's & Gardens Flower Arranging Course

Ask Anissa a question about crafts and Hobbies and she will give you the answer!  Sometimes, just having a sounding board or someone else to point you in the right direction is all you need. 

If you would like to Ask Anissa a question Live, visit BlogTalkRadio, and listen in on the new show!

 

AskAnissa: I'm a single mom, 24 and I have two kids. I'm a layout artist for a small design company and I allot most of my time doing layouts in front of my laptop. Most likely, it has been my sought hobby since I was in college. Whenever I'm at home and have nothing to do, I just doodle a lot in my computer using the Adobe Photoshop Software and try to do layouts for various things. But one day, I found myself thinking on what could be the best idea in order for me to have an extra income after a busy day from the design company I'm working with. I need it to sustain my kids' needs. It's a bit difficult on my part since I only have one job. I want other home-based jobs too. What can you suggest? – Anonymous

Answer: We all wanted the best for our children and finding the best is hard when your income isn't just enough for your family especially that you're a single mom. Basically, you have to ask yourself this question before doing other things that you expect to help you in your financial needs: "What am I good at?" Once you have sought an answer to that question, you will eventually have an idea on what you are going to do with your extra time. Everyone knows it's tough to be a single mom and so when you do things that you're good at, then you'll probably gain more income and the fun stays too.

As what you're saying, you are a layout artist. All layout artists have exceptional talents especially when it comes to designing new things out of nothing. They can make those colors blend and can insert images that could come up into a brilliant work of art. Also, you have mentioned that you use the computer a lot and allot most of your time in Adobe Photoshop. Don't you think it's a sign that you should do things which is related to your field?

Today, notepads are the way to go especially for entrepreneurs, office workers as well as students. They often wanted to have personalized notepads that they can use during discussions whether in school or at the office. So why not, give yourself a chance and start your own notepad business wherein you can give your clients an order sheet and let them write down what they wanted to see in their customized notepads whether they have their name on it or doodles per se. I believe, it won't take too much of your time since you have already an idea on what you are doing. You can have a special pricelist for your clients or whatever way you wanted it to be.

Starting a customized notepad business will not only make an extra income but it could also be self-fulfilling when you see that your customers are enjoying the work that you did. Always remember that when you are happy with what you are doing, you will eventually drive in more clients. That's how the law of attraction works!