How to Make Inchies - 1" Pint Sized Mixed-Media Art
Yippee! Another batch the 1" collage squares are complete!
Missed This? Read about it here..
Batch 2 of 100 mixed-media inchies created by: © Christy Hydeck in Raleigh, North Carolina
Well, Whatcha think?
I'm both stunned and touched at the enormous response I've received to these, and all the questions asked about my process for them...so here's a mini tutorial, for these adorable mini squares.
1" x 1" Collage Squares - A Mini Tutorial, For Mini Art
Supplies:
Please note these supplies are what I used - you can easily substitute any of them for something you prefer or already have.
- 140lb Watercolor Paper
- Paper Cutter or 1" Craft Punch
- Ink Pads: I Like brown + black
- Small images to collage, Rubber Stamps
- Old books to cut up
- Glue Sticks
- DIstress Inks
- Faber Castell Pitt Artist pens
- Embellishments - rhinestones, sequins, flowers - whatever you desire
- Brayer or Bone Folder
- Non-Stick Tweezers
How To Make Inchies In Batches:
1) Create any kind of painted background you desire on the 140lb Watercolor paper. Randomly add stamped images and text scraps for more interest.
2) Using the paper cutter, cut the entire sheet into 1" x 1" squares . You could also use the 1" punch, but i find this takes longer.
3) Stack them in groups of 10, then ink all edges in brown, or black ink. ( Some may not take, it's ok.. you'll need to re-edge some later anyway)
4) Go through your images, cutting out small ones --tiny faces, birds, an eye, a profile.. think bold.. don't try to cram too many onto a square, simplicity works best here. Look for one element of a photo, that can stand alone.
5) On each square, adhere images with a quality glue stick. For maximum adhesion, burnish the images with a bone folder or brayer if desired.
6) Look in old books (the indexes are fabulous for these) for small print. Start cutting away phrases and words that speak to you + suit your images. Match them up with the square you'll place them on.
7) Use non-stick tweezers to place the text onto the squares after you applied glue to them, its much easier to place it accurately!
8) Color your text, or somehow integrate it into your piece for a finished look. Personally, I like Distress Inks for coloring, and Faber Castell Pitt Artist Pens (brush nib) . You can also use ink on the edges of the text if you have the patience.
9) Now have fun! Add hand drawn elements, shadow your images, embellish with mini gems, rhinestones, flowers and whatever it is your heart desires.
See? It really is simple!
I found that by doing it in batches + stages, you cut a bunch of time. These mixed-media inchie sized art really do rock, and I'm trying to keep mine to the same standards I hold my other art to. I can't wait to see what you create as well!
-- Hope you enjoyed! - Chrysti
