How to Create a Memory Collage (4 yourself or a Loved One)

     Are you someone who saves mementos like movie stubs, matchbooks, and sand from that special beach?  I am!  This project is wonderful because it allows you to use these things in a work of art that can be seen often.  The memories these "treasures" hold will not be locked in a box or hidden inside a page most often unturned.  It is also a great piece to make for a loved one, be it husband or best friend, as a tribute to the fun times you have shared.

    Simply begin with a base.  Here I used a piece of framed art I was tired of.  I just removed the frame and painted a base color over the print beneath.  Wah-lah!!  A nice fresh start with a frame to boot! This piece was too 3-D to replace the glass but it is not needed.  Now it's time for the fun part..
   I made this collage for an "old flame".  I never gave it to him.  Yay for me, because it is one of my favorites ever and now I can share the technique with you:)  The basis of this was mementos from times spent in Memphis, along with times in L.A. , along with a small bit of painting.  If you are not a "painter"-- fill in the gaps with solid color, words, or maybe a piece of poetry.  Hand-painting is not necessary to end up with a cool design.
     Here is a closer look at the things I chose to commemorate the memories:

UPPER LEFT:  a matchbook, often the center of our "ice-breaker" jokes, sand and shells collected while beach-combing in Los Angeles, my bag claim ticket

UPPER RIGHT:  Kroger receipt for our dinner cooked together, bowling wristband, painting of us kissing to fill space

BOTTOM LEFT:   another matchbook (from a Mexican restaurant we shared a great meal at), a photo of my writing on the wall "January & Keith" at an LA dive (which happened to be Charles Bukowski's fav hangout back in his day)..
Cheesy, but hey, sometimes cheese is good..Especially on pizza:)

BOTTOM RIGHT:  coaster from a bar, movie ticket bedazzled with cheap "jewels" and gold trim taken from a Chambord bottle.  I painted behind the ticket using white paint and then used a knife to cross-hatch texture and evoke a light, feathery feeling and add dimension. 

CENTER  (or more appropriately, OFF CENTER):  a flyer from B.B. King's where we shared a night of singing the blues


     I hope this has inspired you to do something fun with all those things you're significant other laughs at you for saving.  Haha:) 
     Have fun with it!  Above all:  don't try to strive for perfectionism.  It's the love behind the work that makes it beautiful ..   

Painting soulful art is not Expensive

     You do not a great deal of money to paint, nor to create a masterpiece.  My favorite painting I have done was done with a .50 piece of tile I found in an old apartment, along with a few choice colors of acrylic paint.  I also added a few river rocks (using a glue gun) for dimension.  Choose a photo that is worth replicating, preferably one nature ridden, as it is easy to embellish realistically. Select a photo that is dear to you and your soul,  just paint an outline, wash with a few prominent colors, and embellish the rest.  The work of art will be a treasure to you for a lifetime.  That is exactly how I feel about my "Searching the Sea" piece.  It may not be worth much to the average collector; yet I would not sell it in a million years.  Have fun and create a piece of yourself to last throughout the years!  Please send us a pic of your work:)

***acrylic paints cost as low as .50cents per tube***

***quick note about the piece above:  there used to be small pebbles glued to the bottom left, as well.  Through the years  and many moves they have fallen off.. Guess I should get a few more to glue on there!***

"Perfectionism is self-abuse to the highest order."--Anne Wilson Schaef

     So I embark on the journey of blogging.  My intentions are: securing a spot of sharing  crafting ideas, enlightening others spiritually, learning how to oil paint,  and laying a foundation for my son to see how far he has grown.  And all the while, I hope to learn along the way.  Maybe things like you are never to begin a sentence with the word 'and'.   I can only hope to put my "perfectionism" aside and enjoy the ride.  Want to ride shotgun?  :) 


*****My political feelings/ knowings are strictly put aside; along with other "non-related items" that are irrevelant to this page*****