IMG_0587, originally uploaded by papercoyote.
This collage started out as an experiment using John Talbot’s method of ironing papers onto board. Basically, you apply glue to the papers, let them dry, compose your collage, then iron the papers in place. The theme of girlhood fantasies of future love seemed to grow out of nowhere, and the pink and green theme seemed appropriately rose-y. I’m not even much of a girly girl, although in my youth I had a few girly phases, so this one is a bit of a mystery.
I was primarily inspired by the title on some sheet music (where the title of this piece came from), and by a lovely collage I saw on another blog — Love Letters by Kathy McCreedy. While my color scheme is quite different, I embraced the multi-layered complexity of the collage. Not being a calligrapher, it also inspired me to practice some handlettering/mark-making, which I then cut up to make smaller collage elements. I also love the little hearts, and so went out of the way to try it since it fit so well with my romantic theme. I typically tear things up, so using a punched shape in repetition was a challenge for me, but I’m happy with the result. And the pink was a nice break from all the beige, cream, tan and black I typically use!
Thanks Kathy for the inspiration, and Thanks Michelle for the challenge – I loved your definition of craft vs. art, and you’ve inspired me to keep pushing my envelope.


May 10, 2009 at 10:34 pm
Oh my! I LOVE what you’ve done here!!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your very kind words and credit as inspiration! Interesting that you mention John Talbot, as I am a huge fan of his work, too! I’ve just never tried to adhere paper the way he does… but talk about talent, right?!? Again, thank you so very much, and I think your collage is gorgeous. Keep up the great work! xoxo
June 4, 2009 at 10:16 pm
Michelle – thanks for coming to play on our team! How cool that you have been inspired by our own Kathy! What a pretty piece. It’s been a while since I’ve heard Jonathan Talbot’s name…I’ve never tried his ironing method. Thanks for sharing your work, and your process, and your influences on the way to making it your own.
June 5, 2009 at 8:14 am
This is a beautiful “rosy” piece ! So many lovely little details to look at !
Nice Job Crusader !
June 5, 2009 at 10:53 am
This is so cool! I’ve really never done anything quite like this but it’s sure inspirational..I really like the color and romantic motif.
June 5, 2009 at 4:38 pm
This is beautiful, I love all the complex texture and the color scheme is so – calm. I’m going to check out John Talbot. I am a regular visitor to Kathy’s blog, I love her work, too! Thanks for sharing this.
–Jane
June 6, 2009 at 11:09 pm
This is really lovely, the pinks all work so well. I especially like the torn piece of paper that mentions “THE PINK LADY” – very cool.
June 16, 2009 at 10:40 am
We all have a little girly girl hidden in there somewhere, don’t we? I think this is beautiful!
July 5, 2009 at 9:31 pm
Just beautiful! Thank you for sharing. You’ve inspired me with this beautiful piece
Nerissa