Weekend Creative : February #2 : punch collage

Weekendcreative_3
Creativeweekend_punch2


This weekend's project is inspired by Margaret's heart collage (just right for Valentine's Day) and Australian artist Catherine Swan's beautiful paper butterflies (read more of her story + see the size of her art here). I originally discovered Catherine's work through Oh Joy.


Repetition is one of my most favorite principles in design and punches are one of my favorite products. I use punches to create repetition all the time when creating scrapbook layouts + minibooks (especially using that square Giga punch ). This new little collage will be replacing my holiday collage that has been above my sink since November (will be storing the collage with my holiday stuff + will pull it out and stick it back in the frame for next year).


This collage was created using a Martha Stewart butterfly punch and a variety of different scraps of paper: junk mail, scrapbook paper, pages from old books, etc. My white sheet of background cardstock was cut to 10x8 to fit into the mat of the black frame. I used tiny foam dots as adhesive. There's no real method to choosing which papers to use - I tend to go for a balance between text, lines, dots, etc.


The basic prompt: create a collage (or a scrapbook page) using two things (1) a punch of some sort and (2) the principle of repetition to bring it all together. Here's some additional punch shapes if you are looking for something to add to your collection: heart, star, postage stamp.


Creativeweekend_punch1


Have a great weekend!

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185 thoughts

  1. Jo says…
    02/08/2008

    That it absolutely beautiful and so simple, love it.

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  2. Michele Stevenson says…
    02/08/2008

    That is so cool and even better it is "do-able." Thanks for the wonderful insporation!
    Michele

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  3. mary walmer says…
    02/08/2008

    I LOVE this idea-here is a link to my version that i made today-I used a paper shaper punch-the size is about 6X8.
    http://morningsunstudio.typepad.com/morning_sun_studio/
    thanks for the inspiration!!
    mary
    morning sun studio

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  4. teresa says…
    02/08/2008

    So pretty! I did a smaller version about 2 years ago for one of the CK Magazines!

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  5. Tamara Nicole says…
    02/08/2008

    super cute and fun, yet classy and simple. I love it!!!

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  6. Maggie Holmes says…
    02/08/2008

    ali, i am in love with this!! so much fun!! something i must do!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. Amber says…
    02/08/2008

    gorgeous! Gotta make one! I'm thinking this would be a GREAT holiday idea too...I"m picturing little christmas trees, stars....hmmmmm

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  8. Jennie says…
    02/08/2008

    How beutiful isn't that? Very inspiring!!

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  9. Heidi says…
    02/08/2008

    I absolutely love the butterflies! Amazing collage. The colors, everything.
    I decided to do a large collage for my wall today. Thanks for the inspiration.
    I posted pictures here:
    http://mthopeacademy.blogspot.com/2008/02/making-me-happy-today.html
    Thanks again for the prompt!!

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  10. Lesli says…
    02/08/2008

    That collage is absolutely beautiful!!! I love that butterfly!

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  11. Erin Taylor says…
    02/08/2008

    This project is awesome! I ran to Michaels tonight to pick up the punch and frame, and the whole thing only took me about 90 minutes. You can see my finished look on my blog:
    http://erintaylor718.blogspot.com
    Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. anna says…
    02/08/2008

    love it! truly inspiring. Off to make a valentines one :)
    have a great weekend Ali xx

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  13. sue says…
    02/09/2008

    That butterfly punch is on my shopping list and I love that project so much! I'm needing something to remind me that spring will be coming and this might just be the thing!
    Sue

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Steph H says…
    02/09/2008

    I just have to say: You get pretty junk mail. I don't think any junk that comes through these doors would be cute enough for the butterfly punch :)

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  15. Beth in Wisconsin says…
    02/09/2008

    The butterflies appear to "hover" - there is a drop shadow. Did you just use the pop dots to elevate them or did you also gently bend the butterflies to give them more depth?
    Thanks for sharing this idea! It's going to go right along with my word (change) and will visually encourage transformation!!

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  16. Susan Harrison says…
    02/09/2008

    I did this!
    I used the Martha Stewart punch that is round with points around circumference. Loved it! I also punched my kids' faces out of some extra pics and their four faces appear with the other patterns - hanging in my kitchen this very minute.
    This girl loves a completed project!
    Thanks, again, Ali
    -Susan

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  17. SmilynStef says…
    02/09/2008
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  18. Carrie D says…
    02/09/2008

    This is beautiful Ali! Thanks for sharing!

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  19. Bree says…
    02/09/2008

    I l--o--v--e butterflies and I l--o--v--e that collage. Awesome.

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Claudine says…
    02/09/2008

    I love the butterflies! Perfect to make with a martha craft punch. May have to make one with all my scraps! Thanks for sharing!

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  21. susan opel says…
    02/09/2008

    This...
    is freakin'
    GORGEOUS!

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. dr lyn says…
    02/09/2008

    This one rocked -- thanks for sharing it! It was a crafting Saturday in my house -- I made one and my 4.5 year old twins made one -- Too cool! Pics are posted on my blog:
    http://lynlepre.typepad.com/lifeinpajamas
    I'm already looking foward to next week!

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  23. Jessica says…
    02/09/2008

    hello - love the punch butterfly idea as a collage. I don't own a single punch (more of a money, than a principle thing), but I might just have to change that :)
    Anyway, I'm mostly commenting because I loved a post you had a week or two ago about the felt book. I was planning to make one, but had some computer challenges over the last several days and haven't been able to get to the instructions.
    Now it's been too long and it's not on the main page. I don't see any archives and I actually don't even see an email or contact information.
    I apologize for my incompetence, but is there any way to view that post again? Please help me!
    Thanks!
    ~Jessica

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  24. Bek Geach says…
    02/09/2008

    Okay... I have a five month old babe today.. but I didnt back THEN...
    http://rebeccageach.blogspot.com/2006/12/art-inspirations.html
    AND I STILL havent done it... thanks for the FURTHER inspiration Ali :) LOL! I will likely get it done soooooooon ;)
    You are the MOST inspiring person I have ever had the priviledge and delight to meet.
    Thanks for sharing your passion and enthusiasm, you really are a world treasure!
    Bek ~Aussie Chick~

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. kelli says…
    02/09/2008

    Woo HOO I am post #100. Cute idea Ali...I wondered why I needed a butterfly punch! Thanks for the inspiration chick!

    Reply 0 Replies

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