Mixed Media Collage inspired by, Clare Youngs
The most important thing is that you love what you are doing, and the second that you are not afraid of where your next idea will lead.
-Ray Eames
I am delighted to welcome the dynamic and wildly creative Karen and Alice of Let’s Make art UK to the blog. A few years ago the ladies at LMA tagged me in a photo on IG and it was artsy-girl-crush at first sight. What these ladies can do with a paper sack and a few rolls of vinyl will blow your mind. I am going to share a teaser with you guys but promise me you will pop over to their feed for a long leisurely scroll + follow. These magical babes started Let’s Make Art in 2012 with a “bag full of their own supplies and a lot of imagination”. Since then, Let’s Make Art has grown into one of the most sought after mobile studios in the UK. Today they bring their unique and inventive approach to art making to schools, museums, galleries, libraries, shops, restaurants and festivals! Bravo ladies!
costumes made with paper sack and vinyl, Let’s Make Art UK
birds, animals and faces by, Clare Youngs
The featured artist for today’s mixed media project is UK based illustrator, textile designer and author Clare Youngs. Clare went to school for graphic design and got her start in packaging but she always had a deep love for the handmade. In 2009 she left her career in the design industry to work with her hands full time. Clare is best known for her printed paper collage work but her artistry stretches far and wide. When she isn’t printing, cutting, folding paper or sewing stitches she is teaching workshops and writing books (she has authored 17 books). If you aren’t already following her on IG - you must! She shares daily makes and the sweetest behind the scenes from her lovely studio on the coast of Kent.
Animal Parade | Creative Collage | Woodland Creatures - 3 of 17 books by, clare youngs
In addition to Clare’s work, Karen pulled inspiration from Mid Century and Scandinavian pottery and fabrics. In particular: John Clappison for Hornsea, John French for Arklow, Robert Jefferson for Poole pottery and Aldo Londi for Bitossi.
1. John Clappison for Hornsea 2. John French for Arklow 3. Robert Jefferson for Poole 4. Aldo Londi for Bitossi
Materials:
assorted papers - gift wrap, magazines, packaging etc
collected *ephemera
*ephemera is generally defined as collectible memorabilia that was used for a short term purpose. Think show tickets, ticket stubs, playing cards, postcards, news paper clippings..
stamps
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a lovely ephemera collection - clare youngs on instagram
Clare uses a variety of paper in her work; maps, tickets, photographs, typography and magazine pages. So the first step is to gather your papers. This is a great opportunity for using recycled wrapping paper, packaging, catalog pages, old artwork etc.
Once you have gathered a nice stack of assorted paper it’s time to add some texture. Lots of different mediums can be used to achieve interesting patterns and textures. There are not rules just have fun creating!
Grab an ink pad and some interesting shapes. If you don’t have stamps on standby you can create your own with cardboard, cork or foam.
Newsprint or magazine pages create an interesting base for paint splats and stamped patterns!
Oil pastel rubbed on colored construction paper adds wonderful texture. You can add another layer of interest with some hand painted brush strokes
It might help to sketch out your design before you start to paste your collage.
Once you have decided on your design shape add different textured and geometric papers to enhance your design.
