Embrace Creative Expression: Crafting Altered Mixed Media Clipboards

Welcome, fellow art enthusiasts and creative souls! At The Graphics Fairy, we are continually inspired by the incredible talent within our community, especially our dedicated Mixed Media Design Team Members. Each Wednesday, we’re thrilled to present a fresh, captivating mixed media project designed to ignite your imagination and spark your next artistic adventure. This week, we have the distinct pleasure of showcasing the exquisite work of Kelly Boler from Book and Paper Arts, who has created a truly enchanting collection of Altered Mixed Media Clipboards. Get ready to dive into a world where vintage charm meets contemporary artistry, transforming ordinary objects into extraordinary canvases.

Kelly’s projects are more than just crafts; they are intricate narratives woven with layers of history, texture, and personal flair. She masterfully combines elements from The Graphics Fairy’s extensive collection of digital ephemera to bring her unique visions to life. We encourage you to immerse yourself fully in this inspiring journey. For a deeper look into the intricate details and to truly appreciate the craftsmanship, make sure to scroll down to the very bottom of the page where you’ll find a fascinating video tour of her work. Are you prepared to be utterly captivated? I’ll now gracefully step aside and hand the creative reins over to Kelly, who will share all the delightful insights into her fun and inspiring projects.

The Enchanting World of Altered Clipboards: A Creative Awakening

It’s fascinating how a simple object can be completely reimagined through the lens of mixed media art. Believe it or not, until last year, the concept of an “altered clipboard” was entirely new to me, despite my passion for altering almost anything I can get my hands on (my poor kitty knows to be wary when I’m in a creative mood!). The discovery came about during a conversation with a friend about innovative ways to display cherished vintage papers. She described an altered clipboard she had encountered, and my curiosity was immediately piqued. A quick search revealed a whole universe of possibilities, demonstrating just how charmingly these transformed clipboards can serve as unique display pieces for papers, intricate collages, mixed media compositions, and so much more.

For the projects I’ve crafted for The Graphics Fairy, I opted for smaller clipboards, distinct from the larger, more utilitarian versions commonly found in offices. It’s almost surreal to think that traditional clipboards, once ubiquitous, have become something of a relic in our increasingly digital age! These perfectly sized smaller clipboards were a fantastic find in the dollar bin of a well-known craft store. I’ve grown to adore this slightly more compact size, as it offers a wonderfully satisfying ratio of space, providing ample room for creative exploration without feeling overwhelming. This intimate scale makes them perfect for personal artistic expression or as thoughtful, handmade gifts. The versatility of an altered clipboard lies in its ability to transition from a mere functional item into a stunning piece of art, a vessel for storytelling, or a unique accent for any space.

Kelly Boler’s Signature Style: Crafting Narratives with Vintage Ephemera

The first altered clipboard I created, pictured above, beautifully exemplifies my typical artistic style and preferred palette. I gravitate towards muted shades, enriched with generous applications of sepia tones and a subtle patina, all designed to evoke a sense of age and nostalgia. This particular piece is anchored by a captivating image of a belle from a bygone era, her elegance serving as the focal point. My creative philosophy in mixed media art revolves heavily around the concept of “under-layers.” If you’re familiar with my work, you’ll know that these foundational layers are absolutely paramount; they are what create a rich, textured canvas upon which the featured images can truly shine and tell their story.

Curating Vintage Charm: Graphics Fairy Ephemera Unveiled

The journey for this first clipboard begins with a foundational under-layer derived from one of the exquisite pages within The Graphics Fairy’s Delicate Endpapers bundle, readily available on the Premium Site. These delicate patterns provide the perfect subtle backdrop, hinting at a rich history. To this, I meticulously added several rough-torn fragments, each chosen for its unique character. One fragment features a beautiful marbled sheet from the Ocean Blues bundle, lending a touch of organic flow. Another, a perennial favorite of mine, is a page adorned with classic typewriter typeface from the Ephemera Collection bundle. These layers build depth and interest, inviting the viewer to look closer and discover hidden details, much like uncovering old letters or forgotten book pages.

Once the foundational layers were firmly in place and their borders subtly inked to create a harmonious blend, I introduced my anchor image: the elegant belle from the Instant Ancestors bundle. Her striking pose and the exquisite detail of her dress truly make her a standout element. To imbue her with a touch of whimsical fantasy, I carefully added a pair of delicate wings, sourced from the Interesting Insects bundle. Furthermore, I crafted a unique, faux halo effect using an oversized pocket watch image from the Clock and Watch Faces bundle, adding a quirky, almost ethereal quality. To further enhance the beloved shabby chic aesthetic and, quite practically, to cleverly conceal any imperfect paper seams, I applied an embellishment of finely distressed gauze. The result is a harmonious blend of historical elegance and fantastical elements, a truly unique and captivating altered clipboard!

Venturing Beyond: The Whimsical Circus Girl Clipboard

My creative journey doesn’t always adhere strictly to my established style; sometimes, inspiration strikes from unexpected places, leading me down delightful new paths. This second clipboard is a wonderful example of that divergence. While browsing the “Women” category on The Graphics Fairy’s Premium Site, an image immediately caught my eye. There she was: an enchanting circus performer, full of grace and mystery. I simply couldn’t leave her behind! Her captivating presence compelled me to create a piece that captured her unique spirit, stepping outside my usual muted palette and into something a bit more whimsical and vibrant.

Like the first project, this circus performer also rests atop a beautiful page from the Delicate Endpapers bundle, providing a soft, intricate backdrop. To give her an extra touch of magic and the illusion of being “airborne,” I once again borrowed some delicate wings from the versatile Interesting Insects bundle. This subtle addition transforms her from a static image into a dynamic figure, soaring with ethereal grace. To complete this whimsical narrative, I added an apt caption, a perfectly chosen typographic embellishment discovered within the “Typography” category on the Premium Site. This element adds a layer of narrative, inviting viewers to imagine the stories behind the circus girl. This project truly demonstrates the endless possibilities of mixed media, allowing artists to explore diverse themes and aesthetics.

I sincerely hope that these altered clipboards spark your creativity and inspire you to try your hand at this rewarding craft in the future. Keep a keen eye out for forgotten clipboards at your local thrift store – they are waiting to be transformed into unique works of art!

Unlocking Your Creativity: Tips for Crafting Your Own Altered Clipboard

Creating altered mixed media clipboards is a wonderfully accessible and fulfilling craft, perfect for both seasoned artists and those new to the world of mixed media. The beauty lies in its flexibility; there are no strict rules, only endless opportunities for personal expression. If you’re feeling inspired to embark on your own altered clipboard journey, here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Gather Your Supplies: Beyond a basic clipboard, you’ll want to gather a variety of papers, such as vintage book pages, sheet music, ephemera (like the wonderful digital downloads from The Graphics Fairy), scrapbook paper, or even old maps. Essential tools include various adhesives (Mod Podge, gel medium, strong craft glue), brushes, scissors, and perhaps some ink pads for distressing edges.
• Embrace the Layers: As demonstrated in my projects, layering is key to creating depth and interest. Don’t be afraid to overlap papers, tear edges for a distressed look, and experiment with different textures. Think about your background, middle ground, and foreground elements.
• Choose a Focal Point: A strong focal image can truly bring your clipboard to life. Whether it’s a vintage portrait, a botanical illustration, or a whimsical character, let this image guide your design choices for the surrounding layers and embellishments.
• Add Texture and Embellishments: Mixed media thrives on texture! Consider incorporating elements like fabric scraps, lace, dried flowers, metal charms, buttons, or even a touch of gesso or paint for added tactile appeal. These details elevate your piece from a flat collage to a multi-dimensional artwork.
• Don’t Fear Imperfection: Mixed media art is often about embracing the imperfect. Ripped edges, visible glue lines (if incorporated intentionally), and distressed finishes add to the charm and vintage aesthetic. Let go of the need for perfection and enjoy the process of discovery.
• Experiment with Color and Tone: While I often lean towards muted and sepia tones, don’t hesitate to explore a vibrant palette if that suits your style. Inks, paints, and even colored pencils can be used to add splashes of color, highlight details, or unify disparate elements.
• Tell a Story: Think about the narrative you want your altered clipboard to convey. Each image and layer can contribute to a unique story, memory, or emotion. This makes your piece not just decorative, but also deeply personal and meaningful.

The joy of altered art lies in the transformation – taking something ordinary and infusing it with new life and personality. So, go forth, experiment, and let your imagination soar!

Altered Mixed Media Clipboards Show & Tell: Visual Inspiration

For those eager to delve even deeper into the creation process, I encourage you to check out The Graphics Fairy Premium Member Site. There, you’ll find an extended, step-by-step video tutorial demonstrating how to create your very own altered board book diptych – a perfect continuation for those who love the layered look of these clipboards.

In the meantime, I’ve prepared a short video for my YouTube channel, showcasing these altered clipboards up close. It offers a wonderful visual tour, highlighting all the intricate details and textures discussed above. Be sure to give it a watch for even more inspiration!

I am always delighted to hear from fellow makers, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about these projects or mixed media art in general. You can find more of my artistic endeavors and book art creations by visiting my website: Book and Paper Arts. For a continuous stream of inspiration and behind-the-scenes glimpses, feel free to follow me on Instagram @bookandpaperarts, or explore more of my tutorials and creative shares on my YouTube channel.

Happy making, makers!

Kelly Boler