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A Silly Collage to Shake off Stress

A silly story involving Alfred Hitchcock popped up as I made this mixed media collage by Carolyn Dube

There was a stress intervention from the Muse at the request of my family. Grown up responsibilities had been getting the better of me.  As I played and added more layers to this collage, a ridiculous plot involving Alfred Hitchcock appeared.  The sillier the plot, the less stress I felt.

Watch Shaking off stress with a silly mixed media collage on Youtube.

The play began with the zipper being glued down with heavy gel medium.  Why heavy gel? Because I figured the zipper needed something strong to hold it in place.  I never guessed where this one zipper was going to take me.

The pink woman,  a flexible, dimensional collage element, was made with modeling paste and a stencil.  I used several modeling paste “decals” in this collage so how do I make these?  I share it step-by-step in my self paced workshop,  Modeling Paste Play.

A silly story involving Alfred Hitchcock popped up as I made this mixed media collage by Carolyn Dube

Why did I choose traverse for this collage? Because there is such a silly story traveling across this entire thing. I will admit that the story is a bit unbelievable, even by Hollywood standards.

Using stencils in a mixed media collage by Carolyn Dube

The plot of an Alfred Hitchcock movie evolved as the layers built up. It starts with a group playing bridge. This is no ordinary bridge game, this is one that requires courage.  Can you feel the suspense building?

A silly story involving Alfred Hitchcock popped up as I made this mixed media collage by Carolyn Dube

Those bridge players needed courage because the zipper monsters attacked them. How did they survive?  A heroine who saved the day!  Who? Well, she’s a mermaid…and the mortal enemy of zippers.  After all have  you ever seen a mermaid with a zipper? Now you know why!

I’ll admit it was not an exactly Oscar worthy plot but it did chase my stress away.  If there happens to be a Hollywood producer reading this who would like the rights to this story, I bet we can work out a deal.

A silly story involving Alfred Hitchcock popped up as I made this mixed media collage by Carolyn Dube

Here are the supplies I used. Some of these links are affiliate links which means I get a small percentage. It doesn’t cost you anything extra and it helps keep the free tutorials coming!

A silly story involving Alfred Hitchcock popped up as I made this mixed media collage by Carolyn Dube
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  • Mary C. Nasser September 19, 2017, 3:08 pm

    Brilliant, Carolyn!
    Looking forward to seeing you soon and getting silly and shaking off the stress with you!! xo

  • Laura September 22, 2017, 6:22 pm

    Thanks for the giggle! I always enjoy your video’s.

  • Murphy September 22, 2017, 7:34 pm

    Your videos make me smile! But I have a question: what do you do with all the things you make? I like to play with materials as well, but I am struggling with how to justify storing all of the products of my playtime? Do you keep everything?
    Thanks!

    • arie September 23, 2017, 4:03 pm

      I had the same question about all her wonderful pages. I am new at this and appreciate all the ideas. The main thing I have gotten from this is to just do it…start with some blob of paint on the paper and go from there. Thank you, Carolyn, for that.

    • Carolyn Dube September 26, 2017, 11:45 am

      This one is on the wall in my studio right now…and I do keep a lot of what I make or give it away. For me it all about the joy of the play, the process, and if you are looking for somewhere to give the play nursing homes and retirement communities are very appreciative!

  • Sharon Field September 22, 2017, 9:35 pm

    There may be many items in this collage, but the final result looks great! I loved watching the video and smiled all the while I did………….:)

  • Regula September 23, 2017, 1:29 am

    You are fantastic! I love your humour, your imagination and your playfulness. Thank you!