“Secrets” is an original, handcut paper and mixed media collage on 5″x7″ matboard.

Spent a whole day last weekend making painted papers for collage and had a blast playing with color and experimenting with mark-making. This background was one of those colorful little abstracts and I knew that the vibrant color would nicely offset some black and white imagery.

The lady is from a source that I’ve been dying to use, but have yet to find a perfect setting. She’s from a vintage “girly” magazine, with the theme of “BAD GIRLS U.S.A.” – and she was definitely a bad girl. The photo of our gal was taken in the back seat of a squad car! So she had some secrets.

Our guy was in a body builder ad from the same era, but his haunted eyes and expression seem to hide a secret, too. So this pair, I figured, could be the cover of a secret journal. What do you think they’re hiding?

“Always Kiss Me” is a mixed media collage on 6”x6” canvas board. Layers of vintage paper, acrylics, and gesso make this subtle piece stand out. The title sentiment “Always Kiss Me Goodnight” was typed on my vintage Royal typewriter onto vintage book paper.

“Lucky 7s” is an original mixed media collage. I’ll just let this design speak for itself. The piece is approximately 13.5” high and 9” wide. Sawtooth hanger on block of wood means this unique piece is ready to hang. A definite conversation starter.

“Faded Hearts” is an original handcut paper/mixed media collage on an 8”x10” wrapped canvas.

Sweet and understated, this abstract heart collage is ready to hang and would be a lovely gift for your Valentine. Original art that is fun, funky and functional!

“Mirror, Mirror” is an original, handcut paper collage on 5×7 heavy watercolor paper.

I love the juxtaposition between the sepia tones of the vintage catalog gal primping at her mirror, and the colorful flowers and wispy clouds that crisscross the design. Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all? Certainly this gal!

“Camo” is an original, mixed media collage on an 10×10 wood panel.

Fun, colorful and textured background matches this well-dressed doll in her green wool coat with the broken plaid design. The camouflaged outfit means she’s pretty well hidden, except the red ribbon on her hat, which might give away her location. Protective gloss finish and black edges make this wood panel collage ready to hang.

“Lace Me Up” is an original, mixed media collage on an 8×10 stretched canvas.

Lots of layered goodness in this collaged and acrylic background. Focus is on a sweet vintage corset, layered under a vintage dress pattern. Simple, yet complex and reminiscent of a different time in ladies’ lingerie. Protective gloss finish and black edges make this ready to hang in the powder room or dressing room.

“Flank Steak, Beef Cake” is an original, handcut paper collage on 5×7 heavy watercolor paper.

Start with a side of beef – who doesn’t need a refresher on wholesale cuts and how to cook them? Add a side of steamed carrots, and a stone statue peeking through the window – well – it doesn’t necessary make sense, but the flank steak/beef cake connection appealed to me – and I love the vintage cookbooks – especially pages like this. Let’s throw some meat on the grill and contemplate a simpler time.