Love Tree

This is one of the largest collages I have ever made - it's 30" x 48" on gallery wrapped canvas made using paper (primarily an old map of the US), acrylic paint, and ink. It's titled "Love Tree."



xo Abby

My Favorite Materials

My stash of paper organized by color

I suppose every artist a favorite medium or two to work with. As a collage artist, by far, my favorite is paper. I had been collecting paper for years, even before I had any inkling I would become a collage artist myself! I guess a tiny unspoken part of me knew deep down I would need it some day - funny how our truth calls to us in ways we don't understand at the time.

So I thought I would share some photos of my paper collection, in addition to some other materials I've collected more recently that I love to work with. I'm amazed sometimes I have any room to create anything at all with all this stuff!

Bins full or more paper sources - old calendars and maps

More paper - rolls that are to large to fit anywhere else,
so I have them in a gift wrap organizer

And of course the scraps I could never throw away!
I keep them organized by color in Ziploc bags!

Honorary Mentions

My collages wouldn't be collages without the glue - here is my favorite Liquitex fluid matte medium. Holds most light to medium weight paper, dries clear, and makes a great top coat/sealant. Love it!

In the past year or two I have really begun to
incorporate acrylic paint into my work

And finally, my Ranger Distress Ink.
I love to use this ink (applied with my finger) for shading and definition.
It can really make a piece come to life!

If anyone would like to share their favorite materials, I'd love to hear!

xo Abby

My Visit to the the Art Institute of Chicago

Last month during my trip to Chicago I was lucky enough to spend some time at the Art Institute. Since realizing I was an artist myself, about 5 years ago (you can read my story here), going to museums has become a much more intense experience for me. I've enjoyed art my whole life, but now am just awed by the impact art has had over the centuries, the age of certain pieces I've seen, and the idea that people have simply been making art since the beginning of time.

The Art Institute of Chicago is definitely one of the best museums I have ever been to. Their collection of Ancient Indian/Eastern art was amazing as well as a huge Impressionistic Wing and Modern Art areas.

Here are some photos I wanted to share:

This statue was right in the entrance foyer - I found it very striking!

Ancient statue of Hindu deity Ganesh, Remover of Obstacles

A famous Van Gogh painting The Bedroom
I have a print of this in my art studio! So cool to see in person

Seated Buddha statue from the 12 th century

xo Abby

New Work Monday

So, after spending most of this past year working on large scale collages (30" x 40" !) for my solo art show this past May (see here), I am having fun making art on a smaller scale.



I found this old Funk and Wagnalls New Standard Encyclopedia Volume X from 1931 about 7 years ago at a garage sale, and it has just been sitting in my art room, lost, until I finally decided to put it to use. One of the things I love about mixed media collage is that you can turn old into new, and breathe new life into things. Oh, in case you are wondering, I did check to see if it was worth anything before I started ripping it up!


With fall coming, I decided to focus on trees and leaves cut from the book pages over a layered background of hand painted tissue or textured paper with a bubble wrap imprint. I have 2 done so far, but am working on several more! These little collages are 4" x 5" on stretched canvas. I plan to sell them at the upcoming craft show I am doing The Clover Market September 18th in Ardmore, Pa.

The Ferris Wheel

Last month during a trip to Chicago I had the chance to ride a Ferris wheel, which I haven't done in a long time. A really long time! As a 42 year old woman with no children, the opportunity just doesn't come up that much. But visiting Navy Pier with my 4 nieces and nephews, I didn't have much choice in the matter.

There is something so joyful the image of a Ferris wheel evokes for me. I guess it reminds me of my own childhood summers and adventures at amusement parks. So I thought I'd share this photo I took.


As an adult, I am pretty afraid of heights. But even I know to always ride the Ferris wheel when given the chance. Always. And as long as everyone kept their fingers and toes inside and didn't stand up, I was fine :)

What I've Been Up To...

Well, I recently made a resolution to post twice a week, but life got in the way a bit. Oh well, it's time to begin again....

So, I have a few things in my creative life going on that I'm excited to share. Firstly, I have started an e-course this week called Flying Lessons presented by Kelley Rae Roberts. The subtitle is Tips and Tricks to Make Your Creative Business Soar. I have had a very exciting year creatively (my very first solo art show in May!) and am ready to continue to grow my creative business :)





Secondly, I will be participating in my very first craft show this Fall at the Clover Market in Ardmore, PA. I feel this market is a very good fit for me, and I have been delving into the world of craft show preparation! There are lots of things to consider - I have already purchased my tent, but I am still ruminating over how to best display my art. It's all fun stuff though :) I will definitely be posting more updates about the show as it gets closer!