You can’t help yourself. You walk past that bizarre ghostly window; it’s darkened but you see a small flicker of something…something that lurks inside – but what? Taking a step closer you peer inside for a better look…

Mystery. The seen, the unseen… and everything in-between – that’s what this class is all about. We’re going to be creating something magnificent, magical, and very very mysterious.

The secret is in the multiple layers, but not just any layers: layers of semi-transparent and transparent materials where each layer creates a virtual veil that allows only subtle glimpses of the layers beneath. Every time you look, you’ll see something just a little different.

Created as a Master Class extension of my Collaging the Translucent class (though not a prerequisite), you’ll be guided through the process incorporating brand new methods of using transfers, resins, transparencies and acrylic sheets to create multi-tiered compositions of layered collage. With these innovations we will be able to create effects that mimic the look of printed glass, stained glass, glass etchings and encaustics.

Don your lab coat because in this adventure half of fun comes from playing the mad-scientist. We’ll be focusing on exploring and really pushing the boundaries of these techniques with lots of experimentation and play, then assimilate the best of those experiments into our project. By the end of this class you will have created a multitude of incredible layers. Our final project uses a cradled wood substrate as our base, we are going to combine layer after layer of transparencies, acrylic sheets, photos, textured papers, ephemera, textiles and found objects: both transparent and semi-visible design, focusing on light, reflection, vibrancy and jewel like depth to create a mesmerizing work of art.

Supplied Kit: $45

  • Cradled board substrate 6”X8”
  • Acrylic Sheet 6”X8”
  • Hardware for building our project
  • Use of Aves Epoxy Clay
  • Use of specialty adhesives
  • Use of resin
  • Silicone to create custom mold
  • Two Sheets of Acetate
  • Latex-free Gloves (1 pair)
  • Use of Golden Acrylic Paints
  • Miscellaneous Collage Items
  • Paper towel & Baby Wipes
  • Use of additional tools and items for our project

Supply List:

  • Photos from magazines, vintage photos, family portraits (we’ll be working about 6”x 8” as a reference), high contrast clear close-up of faces works really well – please make sure they are photocopies and try to have them copied onto glossy photo paper if possible.
  • Copies of some of your imagery on transparency (laser is preferred –look at class samples to get an idea of what to print on transparency
  • Paper, ephemera, tissue paper and collage items
  • Paintbrushes: bring a few in different sizes (at least one detail brush)
  • Water Container & Palette (paper plates will suffice)
  • Matte medium -8oz (will sound syrupy when you shake the bottle)
  • Gloss Gel medium-8oz (thicker, like a mayonnaise consistency)
  • scissors
  • Small assortment of found objects, things like: watch parts, wings, rulers, fabric trim, chains, old jewelry pieces just about anything

Optional Supplies:

  • Heat gun
  • Mica
  • Mica flakes
  • Gold leaf
  • Shadow box frame or wood box at least 2” deep with interior measurements of 8”X10” to inset your art into.
  • Extra pair of gloves



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