Two things set this book apart from other collage, mixed media, and assemblage titles: the projects (full of oddities and the unexpected), and the techniques — several of which have never appeared in print before. In its pages, renowned mixed media artist Jane Wynn shares exciting new techniques for assemblage and surface alteration, including controlled glass breaking, creating an egg shell texture, and making two-headed animals.

Two common elements of Wynn's art are to find an object, break it, and put it together again (sometimes more than once), and using anthropomorphic associations to tell stories in her pieces. As a result, she helps readers discover how to create a personal narrative with objects and visually tell a story. Her fresh approach to projects such as hair barrettes, jewelry, a drawer pull, and a bird feeder prove that artistic assemblage and collage can — and should — be expressed beyond wall art.

Along with surface alterations (faux aging, patinas, and the use of unusual household items) Altered Curiosities teaches metal etching with rubber stamps, simple wiring to create dramatic lighting, instruction for altering simple toy figures, and more. Check out this new twist on a hot art form!

Author — Jane Ann Wynn.

Paperback. 128 pages. 8½" × 11".