Mini collages

Tag bookmarks

mixed media

by Miki Willa

I have had these tags for many, many years. I wasn't sure what I was going to do with them until now. They are great for making mini collage bookmarks. I can experiment with different papers and things from nature. I can try out different color combinations, and use background paper I don't think I would like in a larger size piece. They will make great little pick-me-up gifts. I have many more tags and many more fun ideas. Glad I hung on to them.

Working in layers

Tranquility and Happiness

6 x 4 mixed media on 300# watercolor paper

by Miki Willa

This is an example of a work that designed itself. I started out with a simple composition in mind. It got more complicated with each new element I added. As I layered the papers, some hand made and some from magazines, I felt it was getting too busy. I decided to unify it a bit with titan buff acrylic and a sponge. At this point, I was really liking the layers and textures created by the different papers and the sponge application. When that all dried, I chose some dark purple acrylic and rubbed it in selected places to highlight some of the texture. I also added the kanji for tranquility and for happiness, because the colors reminded me of both emotions. There was a point at which I was pretty sure this was going to be a throw-away. I am so glad I listened to that little voice inside me that told me how to make it work.