Customer Reviews

Collage Discovery Workshop - Beyond the Unexpected: New Techniques Using Color, Personal Imagery and Creative Surfaces

5 star:		(51)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Stuck staring at a blank page? If you're looking for a jump-start for your ATCs, collage, or altered book, Claudine's two books are terrific resources. I personally use several of her techniques in my mixed media collage and ATCs. Sometimes it's just a great way to "warm up" my muse when I'm starting a session of art making. Claudine also writes for Cloth, Paper, Scissors and you'll see her pieces in many other books. She has a distinctive style. Highly recommended.

I loved Claudine Hellmuth's first book so I pre-ordered this one, even tho I'm not that crazy about her Poppets. And I was not disapointed. Techniques, techniques, techniques. The one on monoprinting from xerox copies alone was worth the price.

I love how she explains what she did while encouraging the reader to experiment and not duplicate her work. She even includes a little how-to on finding your own style which will be beneficial to so many. This way we can learn from her yet each have our own unique style.

Both her books are great and I learned a lot from them even tho I've been doing mixed-media collage for quite awhile.

Beyond the Unexpected avoids the usual pitfalls of craft books. Instead of showing a project and how to recreate it inch for inch - Claudine Hellmuth shows us the techniques and how to combine these in your own unique mixed media collages. I'm excited to try her home printing techniques and love the contact paper technique! A very well put together book with great advice!

Hellmuth gives advanced techniques for collaging cigar boxes, canvas, and fabric, but I have to agree that the artwork isn't up to the level of techniques she's using. Frankly, I have seen enough pointy dunce caps in collages to last a lifetime! Dunce caps are no longer as fresh and amusing as they once were, and why not? Because anybody can cut out a long paper triangle in 10 seconds and glue it to a paper head in another 10 seconds -- and it looks like everybody does. The creativity prompts run to the no-brainer: "Try a different hat! How about using other shapes of cut-out instead of stars?" She can do better than that. Her homemade cell-phone videos are charming, though, so take a peek at them if you want to see how her creative mind really works.

The strength of this book is the photos that show each technique step by step. Plus, there's a gallery of artists' response to an art challenge on the theme of "Accessories and Necessities," using a thrifted hard case such as a travel suitcase. This was delightful. But most of Hellmuth's work throughout the book shows that she was making quick art to illustrate the book, rather than documenting more complex projects. I preferred the first book in this series, but this one does have some new techniques to try.

Claudine Helmuth has bested her great Collage Discovery Workbook. It is filled with new ideas and techniques - new to me at least. I'm working my way through ans so far have loved them all. I highly recommend it.

Peggy Solomon (Angelthreads)

This book is a great as the last! Chock full of interesting techniques with clear pics and instructions. Like the previous reviewers, I am not a fan of the whole "poppet" idea--it comes off as a little too simplistic, giving an almost juvenile effect. I would encourage readers to employ their own drawings and imagery rather than photography. Be fearless, there are no mistakes.

I totally admire Hellmuth's ingenuity and generosity to her fans, and anxiously await the next work (minus the poppets).
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Happy Collaging.

"Beyond the Unexpected" arrived during the week and I couldn't wait until the weekend to get creative. Sometimes you buy books and they have great art, but you never actually have enough information or inspiration to try the process out. Not so with this book. I think it's a real bonus that this book is very concise and helpful. After reading through half of it, I had to put it down and actually go make something! And, I love how her images conjure up stories.

I now own 2 of Claudine's Collage Workshop books, after devouring "True Colors - A Palette of Collaborative Art Journals". "Beyond the Unexpected" is not only instructional but inspiring and I personally prefer this fresh, quirky approach that the artist is taking right now as opposed to the sepia-toned Old World/19th century subject matters.

My only disappointment was that all the pieces were very much alike in color(s) and tone, but HEY! that's what this particular book offers; and after all, didn't I purchase it for inspiration, technique, and guidance so that I could begin producing my OWN art, rather than copy the Teacher? So, I highly recommend this book, and will be facinated to see where Claudine's next turn in the road takes her.

Treat yourself to this new book from Claudine Hellmuth - exciting techniques to experiment with and unique projects that build on these techniques, make this book a great resource for everyone! Claudine's zest for creativity comes through as she encourages everyone to find their own unique, individual style and approach to creating. As usual she provides great insight and guidance with sections such as: Developing your Personal Style, Bringing Personal Imagery into your Artwork and the Power of Color (which is prevalent in this book!). Claudine's joyful Poppet art throughout reminds us that whimsey and color packed art is something accessible to us all!

I was so impressed by Claudine's first book that when she published her second, I had to get it. Little did I know how much fun I would have reading the book cover-to-cover. Twice! Her explanation of the evolution of her artistic style is exciting for anyone feeling stuck in a creative rut. The color and whimsy of her Poppet people, the many techniques she explains in detail, the care in which she chooses each little aspect of her projects, all reflect the wonderful nature of this artist. And, it's highly contagious! Her projects are easy, fun, and simple, but don't look that way. I finished my first Poppet canvas in only 2 hours. And I can't wait to do more, more, more.
Beautifully illustrated, step-by-step instructions, color photos, helpful hints and unique tips for making her art your own make this book a must buy.