Shimmer Sheetz

Shimmer Sheetz Sunday: Adding Sparkle to Mixed Media

October 15, 2017

By Judi Kauffman

I am here today to show you how to incorporate Shimmer Sheetz into mixed media artwork.

I’ve noticed that most mixed media projects include almost exclusively rusty metal, found objects, lots of layering and textures, but rarely anything that sparkles. In other words: Old valued over new, bumpy over smooth, torn over hard edge. In other words: Not particularly my style or preference. I love color, I love artwork and objects that reflect light.

This brought to mind something my grandmother used to ask if we were doing something only because that was the way it had always been done, what was expected: “Where is it written?”

Where is it written that mixed media can’t have glittery, shiny elements and bright colors? After all, the books and articles I’ve read about mixed media usually say “go with the flow, be true to your muse, let out your inner child, there is no right or wrong!” (My inner child likes charm bracelets and big earrings, thank you!)

I incorporated quite a bit of Shimmer Sheetz and even though I often sand the surface to tone it down, this time I chose bright Ruby Gemstone and let it provide a LOT of sparkle. Depending on the way the light hits it, there are shades of orange and purple along with the ruby red!

But I could have used only the tiny little ovals (the small pieces at the left of the project that are the leftovers from the vertical strip sewn down at the right side). Or only the two horizontal bands that look more like ladders. Or just the stems! (A little or a lot, there is no right or wrong – I’ll say it, too…)

Yes, there are some torn papers, but most of the pieces were die cut or carefully cut with ruler and straight edge.

No instructions today – this is FYI (For Your Inspiration). Everyone has different collage papers so my mixed media project could not be precisely duplicated, nor is it my hope that you try to replicate it.

THINGS TO NOTICE (AKA Design Strategies)

Allow elements to overlap.

Include some subtle sparkle along with the Shimmer Sheetz to tie things together. The skeleton leaves are silver metallic. The origami paper strips have metallic gold AND metallic silver in the printed pattern, along with a bit of purple that is an exact match for the cotton cord. Accidental? No. Intentional.

Use an awl to pierce holes and sew some of the elements in place.

Make sure to include some diagonals for motion (stems and skeleton leaves).

Add elements that are transparent as well as opaque.

 

TIPS

Back the Shimmer Sheetz with Clear Double Sided Adhesive Tape prior to cutting. This makes it easy and fast to adhere the large strips and small leftover pieces!

If you plan to display your work, start with a substrate that fits a standard size frame or shadow box rather than an odd size or work directly on a stretched canvas and allow the collage to extend onto the sides.

Use the same idea to make mixed media cards instead of art to display.

Experiment in your art journal!

REMINDER

If you have not previously die cut Shimmer Sheetz, review Els van de Burgt’s YouTube tutorial. A metal adaptor plate or Big Shot machine with Precision Base Plate is required.

Supplies:

Elizabeth Craft Designs:


Other:

Collage papers

Skeleton leaves

Matte medium

Paper cord

Awl

Sewing needle with big eye

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  • Marjorie DUMONTIER October 16, 2017 at 12:03 pm

    This is a great creation !

  • Toni P October 15, 2017 at 1:40 pm

    Beautiful, Judi! Love your mix of textures and elements.

  • Holly Young October 15, 2017 at 1:39 pm

    Great mixed media project. I especially like the lacing you did on the side. You have added so many interesting things to draw the eye.

  • Carolyn L October 15, 2017 at 8:44 am

    Judi, I agree 100% with your Grandmother’s question: “Where is it written?” The answer to that is especially pertinent to art. There will always be trends and trendy followers because it is safe, among other reasons. Fine and good.
    But your own heart has to be happy with your creations which is, to me, the main reason Mixed Media is a comfortable venue for a lot of us. Slap that bright paint, throw that sparkly glitter, make something that shines! If you like it, that’s all that matters.

  • Jean marmo October 15, 2017 at 8:28 am

    This adds a whole new dimension to mixed media! Love this!

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