Fun Collage Session with Violet Cooper at Flinders Street Market; A Glamour Puss Collage I Made

Violet's colourful collages are so quirky and fun. Aren't the colours delightful? I played paparazzi and even managed to get myself a spot in the 'Making in the Market' workshop last Saturday! I loved it, and I can't wait to share my experience with you.

Materials provided by the artist herself, the choice for material was abundant and varied. I think Violet must have brought her entire studio with her. Being the indecisive person, I started gathering a few crochet doilies of muted tones from the box of fabric, and sat on the stool with a creative hump, not knowing how to begin. The morning's coffee seemed to have worn off, and Violet simply said, "Just do it."

Every one else seemed to have their creative juices flowing. Just do it? I started stacking the crochet doilies... and thought to put that into a photo frame. That felt lame. Even lamer was how I could not decide on a frame, and placed a plastic face on the stack of doilies. The doily-with-a-face was too scary, so I scraped that idea completely and went into fail-safe mode, cats.

It was quite a coincidence to find a 2004 cat calender under the pile of vintage children's books and pages. You all know how I love fluffy cats, so it was a choice (again) between a white floofy one or a grey one. That pout and big copper eyes had me at first hello. And then one thing led to another -- I may have subconsciously created a JuanitaTortilla mascot in my favourite colours of purple, grey and black.

The inspiration for the tagline? Like a little fair warning to visitors - to my house or social media site - one is encouraged to like (or tolerate) cats, because there is going to be a lot of that!

Violet was happy to guide us with suggestions and assisted with the sticking that was required. The 'Least Amount of Effort' award must go to me, because take a look at the fun (and sometimes a little naughty) great pieces that were made at the table.

Much respect to mixed media artists. It really isn't as easy as it seems! I am now looking at all my fabric scraps and bits and bobs differently now. In fact, I believe I am going to start op-shopping for things to "kitschify" from now on.

If you participated in this workshop (Hi!), how are you displaying your creative works of art?