Layers: Inspired Collage for Paper Projects with Meaning

I am an art teacher and though I am advanced with bookmaking and collage techniques, I'm always looking for new ideas (cheap ones!) to use with my students. I was impressed with the innovative artworks that are presented in this book. The projects are essentially "book" ideas, although she does present interesting frame and clipboard concepts. If you're looking for detailed info about collage, this probably isn't the book for you. This book also has a short section in the beginning with some basic techniques. Not being a die hard scrapper, seeing her techniques of distressing was interesting. If you are a beginner, you would appreciate the details about attaching eyelets and such. If you're looking for some new ideas, you really can't beat this book for the price. At the time of this posting, it's .98 NEW.

Shari's book is simply amazing! She uses so many different elements to create wonderful pieces of art! I love how she has put so much of herself into this book. It's like I know her! Many of the items in her book, I have in my craft room. ANd I just love how she uses found objects in her project to create that collagy look to them. Makes me want to go out now to find items to use on my own projects! Although, I bet I can find the found objects in our garage right now! Thank you for creating such a wonderful book!

Shari Carroll's book is a unique approach to collaging her life experiences. Rather than putting them all on pages in a scrapbook, she has chosen many creative objects to present them. There are so many, but some of them are chipboard made into a chalkboard, old electrical outlets to make accordian picture frames, matchstick boxes to make a collapsing case(template included), wire screen to make a booklet, a darling door hanging made out of chipboard circles, and brown paper bags to make a booklet. Of course, all of these are collaged with bought and found items. As a crafter, I have the majority of the materials needed: papers, glues, brads, eyelets, stickers, all the tools except the Japanese screw punch(but I do have an awl), buttons, etc. Most people should have access to the found objects needed, such as brown paper bags, matchstick boxes, old electrical outlets, wire, old books, washers, old door knobs, etc. I do not have a wine case, but I do have some old wooden cannisters which would work for that project. With some creativity, many of these projects could be adapted to meet the artist's needs. I would have to buy the chalkboard spray but seldom do I start any new project without having to buy something. As far as collaging with meaning, everything in this book that is collaged has deep meaning for the author. I love how she shares this meaning with the reader. Furthermore, many of the objects made can also be given as gifts to family and friends to honor them for being a part of her life. Kudos to Shari Carroll for a book well done.

I think this is a fantastic book for the beginning to above average crafter/artist. Of course if you are professional or very seasoned artist you probably already know the things in this book, so why would you be buying it? You'd be writing your own. For those of us budding artists that like or need inspiration and new ideas, this is the book to get!

This book is so amazing. You'll want to sit down and pour over every photograph and savor every little detail and LAYER of meaning. The author's love of life also shines through in the descriptions, making it a joy to read. Best of all, the materials used to create the projects in the book are readily available.