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Mixed Media Ideas for the Scared and Skeptical

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“Mixed media” is one of the most intimidating phrases in a crafter’s vocabulary, but, on behalf of AllFreePaperCrafts, I’m here to tell you that it shouldn’t be. Mixed media crafts can be super simple, and you’re guaranteed to get some incredible results. Shaking your head already? Stick with me as I bust some common myths about this ultra-cool art form that’s taking the crafting world by storm.

 

Myth 1: There is no such thing as an easy mixed media project.

Mod Podge Photo Transfer Block

Most likely, you have some experience with mixed media already. If, for example, you painted heart on the front of a card and stamped it with a holiday greeting, you’ve done mixed media. Sharpen your skills with easy mixed media project ideas like this Mod Podge Photo Transfer Block.

The finished product may look like it was made by a professional, and that’s part of the beauty of mixed media. Once you master the technique, you’ll be able to crank out photo blocks for every occasion, and I guarantee that this delightful gift will be accepted with a smile.

 

 

Myth 2: Mixed media crafts are too expensive.Tissue Paper Dragonfly

Crafters tend to shy away from mixed media projects because they look as if they cost a fortune to make. Luckily, not every mixed media craft comes with a laundry list of fancy supplies. Some of the tutorials on AllFreePaperCrafts only call for a handful of materials.

Check out this Tissue Paper Dragonfly, a beautiful piece of mixed media art for beginners. You can hang it in your window and enjoy the pretty patterns it makes on sunny days. As its name implies, the main material you need for this project is tissue paper, and you probably have some from Christmas. Layer the paper, decorate it with markers, and you’ve got the makings of a gorgeous pair of dragonfly wings. Best of all, it didn’t cost you a dime!

 

Myth 3: Mixed media projects are too fancy for down-to-earth crafters like us.

Beautiful Mixed Media BookmarksMixed media has a reputation of being a little, well, stuck-up. Shake that stereotype by trying some mixed media projects that are intended for daily use, like these Beautiful Mixed Media Bookmarks. Not only are these DIY paper crafts endlessly useful and totally adorable, they also give you an excuse to play with ribbon, fabric scraps, glitter paint, and more.

With all of these simple, inexpensive mixed media ideas at your disposal, there’s no need to avoid this popular art form any longer.

 

 

Are you ready to give mixed media a try? Which of these projects would you like to make?

 

 

 

 

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Meet and Make: Latrice Murphy

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Today’s Meet and Make designer is Latrice Murphy. Latrice is a busy crafter who loves to use bright colors and anything that’s unexpected! On her blog, Any Occasion, you will find a mix of photography, scrapbooking, card making, and cooking.

Ready to meet Latrice?

10 Fun Facts About Latrice Murphy

  1. I trained for the 2004 Olympics, but school took priority and so I made the VERY hard decision to give up that dream. I hope to get back into training shape one day.
  2. I have three tattoos, all of dragons. One resembles puff the magic dragon a little.
  3. I eat almost no vegetables. This makes it hard to get my kids to eat them too!
  4. I secretly love being a stay at home mom, but it’s seriously stressful at times.
  5. My dream job is to work in the scrapbooking industry creating yummy goodness for all to see.
  6. My family nickname is Tricie. Pronounced Tree-see (short for Latrice) and the “U” in my middle name stands for Unique. Seriously it does.
  7. I have three fabulous kiddos and plan to have one more. (Don’t tell my husband)
  8. I’m a baker extraordinaire and hope to have a bakery/craft store one day of my own.
  9. I’m an Architect and elementary school teacher. Weird I know. I love both fields so much.
  10. I’m a sports crazy wife who thinks her husband is so lucky because I could watch Sports Center 5 times in a row and not get tired of it.

Here’s Latrice’s Project:

Whimsical Tissue Poms

 

Materials:

  • Pipe cleaners
  • Tissue Paper (sheets for gift wrap)
  • Scissors
  • Ribbon

Video:

Instructions:

  1. Accordion style fold the paper. Crease with each fold. Use about a 14″ piece of tissue paper and about 5 sheets stacked.
  2. Gather the folded tissue paper and bend in center.
  3. Fold a pipe cleaner in half, and slip wire over center of folded tissue; twist tightly. Tie ribbon or wire for hanging, if desired.
  4. If you want you pom pom to have the rounded edges like above trim the ends so the they are round before moving on to the next step.
  5. Separate each layer, pulling away from the center.
  6. For best results, pull away layers from the top and bottom of one side before moving on to the next side.
  7. The end result is a fluffy Tissue Paper Pom Pom Ball!

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How to Recycle and Make Cherry Blossoms

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Yesterday while I was searching for new bloggers and projects to put up I came across the most beautiful project on sarahndipities; a Cherry Blossom. I kept looking at it all day long and decided I just had to make it for my house. If you read the directions you’ll see it’s one of the easiest projects you’ll ever make, even for a child with some supervision. The best part about this project is you can use things around the house and recycle them.

All you need for this project is tissue paper, a glue gun, branches and a bottle or vase. I wanted to get a really tall vase and tall branches to put on my floor, but I was too scared my dog would eat it so I decided against it. Instead, I used a bottle I had laying around my house; I just love the print on the bottle and thought it was so pretty so I used it as a vase. You can use any color tissue paper you want. I used leftover shades of pink from a Victoria’s Secret gift I received; perfect for recycling.

All you need to do is fold the tissue paper in a square (I used two sheets at once), cut out a flower shape which will make a ton of flowers. You then layer one flower on top of the other, put a dab of glue and smush it together to form a pretty flower shape. After this dries you then glue it to your branches, that’s it! More detailed instructions along with pictures are in the above link.

Here’s my creation! Isn’t it just so springy? Feel free to use any colors you want, I think yellow and white would look amazing too. I think I’m going to add a few more because the right side seems a bit bare. Another recycled craft I like that uses tissue paper is the Tissue, Tulle and Floral Cube.

What do you think?

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