Kathy Johnson
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Monday Concertina Sketchbook Collage - November

11/30/2023

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​Throughout this year, there were several times I didn't know until the very last minute what colors I'd use in my Monday collages for that month. Other times, like this month I knew beforehand exactly what I wanted to use. 
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​Week 1
I thought rusted papers sounded like the perfect thing to use for November, of course, with a few bits of turquoise thrown in too.
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​Week 2
What would I do without the French knot, it's my very favorite polka dot.

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​Week 3
I've been lucky to have friends who gift me rusty things like the 2 1/4 inch washer that made the large print in the middle of this collage. That's a big washer!

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​Week 4
Rustic and weathered-looking rusted papers.

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Finished 4 panel concertina
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Small collages made from the scraps left on my table at the end of the month.
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​You can read more about these monthly concertina sketchbooks and how they got started here.
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Are you ready to get rusty?

1/18/2021

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​I hope you're having a great start to the new year!   

I've been having lots of fun making piles of rusty papers and coming up with projects for a class I've been wanting to teach for some time now. I have a rust printing for fabric class on Skillshare but since I'm a collage artist at heart I've been thinking about rusting paper. for some time now.
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The first time I got the chance to experiment with rusty metal and paper was kind of by accident or I should say after an accident. I broke my right hand and couldn't write, type, stitch or glue anything so all the projects I had going at the time had to be put aside for about 6 weeks. What I could do though was arrange washers, nails, and other odd bits of rusty metal on paper with my left hand. I took over the basement and tried everything I could think of or had read about on the process of rusting. ​
I'm excited to share my new workshop Rust Printing on Paper. It's the result of all that research and experimenting. So if you are a collector of rusty metal like I am (or would like to be), have I got some ideas for you!

Rust Printing on Paper Workshop

In this workshop, you'll explore different techniques for making prints with rusty metal on a wide variety of papers. I'll show you how to use the rust marks as inspiration as you create an accordion book with a cover, added pages, collage elements, windows, weaving, and stitching.
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You'll learn how to bring shades of gray out of the rusty metal for different color variations and rust up some thread and string that can be used to stitch in the accordion book as well as on the collection of mixed-media collages you'll make on the last day. ​
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This is an instant access self-paced workshop
Show me all the details!

What's winter without a mug of good hot chocolate? 

A pretty dull winter if you ask me, especially if there are no marshmallows involved!
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I shared this recipe for green tea hot chocolate 3 years ago but thought I'd share it again because I think it's so good. This is a lighter version where you get the benefits of green tea and cocoa as you enjoy a treat that's not overly sweet. Most times I quadruple the recipe and store what’s left in the fridge for another time. Click the photo above to get a printable copy with the instructions for both a single serving and 4 servings. I won't tell anyone if you add some marshmallows too!
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"The snow is sparkling like a million little suns."
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- Lama Willa
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How to rust cans & make rusted thread tutorial

12/2/2020

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Stop!
Don't throw those tin cans away! 


Join me on Saturday, December 19th, 2020 at noon EST for a FREE tutorial.

I'll show you the quickest and easiest way to rust up those cans and lids so they can be used to make rust prints on paper and fabric and also for eco-printing.
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watch video
You can probably tell from my talk of rusty cans above that rather than tossing items in the trash or recycle bin I like to reuse or repurpose them whatever I can, especially if it will have something to do with art!
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I've got several classes in the works for next year where the focus will be on reusing and repurposing every day easy to find materials. If you're up for it, here's a list of things you can do to get a head start:
  • Save some tin cans and lids, in a variety of sizes.
  • Search your own or a friend's basement and garage for rusty washers, bolts, and nails.
  • When you take a walk, look down - you wouldn't want to walk past and miss that perfect piece of rusty metal. 
  • When you're cooking, save the dry outer layers of yellow and/or red onions and store them in a plastic or paper bag.
  • Save postage stamps and the security envelopes you get in the mail. Have you ever noticed the amazing patterns on the inside? Blue and black patterns are the most common but if you're lucky you might find one in green, red, or turquoise.

Have fun collecting!

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    Author

    Hi, I'm Kathy an artist working in the mediums of collage, eco-printing, rust printing, and slow stitching who loves to teach. I enjoy sharing my process and guiding you on your creative journey. 

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