The process is quite simple and surprisingly satisfying. It’s also a way to revisit the swatches and remember which colors and color combinations I used as well as clear off my desk… for more projects of course!

They look great in front of my window and have a soothing effect as they turn and sway with the breeze.

The process is straight forward. I like to arrange the circles in a way that alternates cool and warm colors.

I set the first circle on the machine and begin stitching, adding one at a time.

I trim the string at the end of the strand and secure the top with a metal ring, I got these at a local craft store because they are relatively small, any ring will do.

The final product are strands of watercolor circles stitched together. I’ve made a variety of lengths. You can make them as long or short as you like.

I hope you enjoy making these colorful garlands for your home!

Best,

Artintersect

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I found myself sorting through my watercolor experiments and swatches while creating art/junk journal packets. You can find these in my shop.

I’ve always enjoyed mixed media and assembling different textures and colors into a unique composition. Using up watercolor swatches is a way of incorporating bits of paintings and doodles into larger work, I like making my own collage materials.

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Watercolor paper is the perfect weight for machine stitching. I’ll be sharing some larger works on canvas soon.

Stitching the assembled idea feels more tactile to me that simply gluing. It creates texture and additional depth.

Sometimes I paint additional watercolor on the assembled collage.

Anyway, hope you try this method of creating an assembled collage and share!

Best,

Claudia

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Here are the different papers I tried.

Here is how I set up my test.

I used a couple of granulating Daniel Smith watercolor paints and one watercolor mix I created using two different colors.

These are a couple of my favorites based on the texture and way the granulation separates.

More swatch samples and paper testing to come!

I have been working on a series of art journals for my shop. The journals include collage materials and some blank pages along with bits of original artwork and color swatches. The idea evolved because I wanted to use my watercolor explorations, sketches and doodles in a creative way. Not everything is worth framing but everything informs my process and direction.

My first art journal includes more doodles and swatches than it does blank pages. I really like the cover. I got the idea to include additional collage material and bits of original artwork for fun.

Here is the final product. I am working on the last one, there are 7 limited edition one of a kind art journals in this series.

My next series will have more blank pages and possibly some writing or prompts.

See you next time!