Monica Moody - 101 More Mixed Media Techniques

Not all those who wander are lost. J.R.R. Tolkien

W Wonder

A Assemble

N Nurture

D Discover

E Experiment

R Refine or Relax

This describes how I feel about art. As an artist, I am not bound to one path or destination. Its more about the journeywhat I discover, how I explore, and who I become along the way.

A beautiful work of art may be the desired destination, but it is the process itself I adore most. I love to WANDER.

Wonder: Im inspired by the wonder of experiences, such as music, nature, and emotion. Sometimes my wonder is simpler: I wonder what a purple owl would look like?

Assemble: I assemble tools and supplies, or at least what I suspect Ill need. The list almost always changes.

Nurture: I nurture my inner child by playing. Occasionally, I have to remind myself to do this. Just let go!

Discover: Through playing, I discover a new technique or the direction I want to go with a specific piece.

Experiment: I feel like a mad scientist in a laboratory when creating because I experimentalways. I may learn how not to do something, or I may devise a unique procedure or style.

Refine or Relax: I have to make a decision, which is often the most difficult part for me. Does a piece need more layers or detail? If so, refine. Does it work as is? If so, relax! Dont overwork it.

Creating with mixed media allows me to enjoy and constantly learn from my journey. There are no rules, and the possibilities are limitless. I am free to wander, and so are you!

Monica Moody

In this book youll find instructions and inspiration for 101 mixed-media techniques. You can use these techniques individually or combine as many as you wish to create mixed media art.

Each section includes a list of the materials youll need for the techniques in that section. Review the techniques before you get started to ensure you have the proper materials. But remember: Mixed media is a flexible art form. If you dont have an item listed, use your imagination and see if you can find something else to use!

There are 17 sections of techniques in the book. You can mix and match from any of these sections to create unique works of art:

Borders & Edges

Embossing & Casting

Drips, Drops & Sprays

Aging & Antiquing

Pens, Pencils & Pastels

Yarn & String

Fabrics & Fibers

Using Metals

Resists & Masking

Alcohol Inks

Watercolor Monotypes

Pyrography

Washi Tape

Alternative Surfaces

Spray Ink

Ephemera

Gelatos

Borders & Edges

with Cherril Doty & Marsh Scott

Artists often ignore the edges of their works; however, borders and edges can enhance certain themes or create a unique frame. Adding borders or otherwise finishing off the edges of a work also creates visual interest in a piece.

Materials

Substrates (with or without completed artwork)

Ruler

Variety of edging scissors (pinking shears, fabric shears, edge-cutters)

Rotary cutter or paper trimmer

Watercolor paper

Container of water

1 brush

Old cookie sheet or baking pan

Lighter

Acrylic paints

Acrylic medium

Acrylic gel

Painters tape

Assorted printed papers

Deli paper

Sea sponge

Used dryer sheets or dry baby wipes

Cosmetic sponge

Blunt, short-bristled brush

Rub n Buff or gilders paste

Cut, Torn & Colored Edges

Cut and Torn Edges

Tearing: This can be done with wet or dry paper. Dry tearing creates an even edge, whereas wet tearing creates a deckled effect. For wet tearing, watercolor paper works best.

Cutting: Hard edges are created using a mat knife, rotary cutter, or paper trimmer. When cutting, cut along the outside of the ruler so the artwork will not be damaged. Thick, textural pieces may take several cuts.