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

arts collage arts Crafts mixed media

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

Blossoms Crafts Flower Arranging Flowers Gardening Hobbies

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!

 

Question:  I am a stay at home mom of four children.  I am always looking for ways to entertain my children, but I would like to be able to make something that we can all play with after.  Being summer, I have used up almost all of my good ideas….I thought that I had enough to last the whole summer.  I have gone to several sites like DLTK and Family Fun, but was wondering if you had any other great ideas!  Stephanie H., Dallas, TX

Answer: I have been wondering the same thing, until I saw about about 2 minutes of a PBS show (while I was putting dinner in the crockpot), on our local PBS channel.  I have written many articles on kids crafts, and have done a great deal of research, but having seen the 2 or 3 minutes of the PBS show, I decided I needed to know more.  I found the show and their website Donna's Day.  I fell in love with how simple her ideas were and yet, how wonderful they were.  In the episode I saw, she made a lettuce leaf and meat balls.  Of course these were pretend, but, they sure looked real!  And, the great thing about this is that they could be used over and over again which helps to find new ways to use the same crafts or projects. Here is what the episode was about:

Wild and Wacky Fun
Segment 1 - Fake Food
Segment 3 - Cedar Plank Salmon
Segment 4 - Newspaper Sculpture

There are many more to choose from and I think they are a great way to add more creative time/pretend play for young children and still be able to use the project or craft for later play times or crafts.

Another resource that I think alot of us moms overlook is Highlights magazine.  I think its a great idea to have your subscription, but, they do have a great deal of information online.  I suggest taking a look there also, especially if your children are between the ages of 3 and 12 years old.

activities for young children Crafts kids crafts making crafts summer crafts