Changing the shape and orientation of our mixed media art we create opens our minds and develops our creativity. It is so easy to get stuck into the same old pattern: cut card, stamp, add image, add text. But we can use these same skills and techniques and apply them to really small pieces (like moo card or inchies) or to different shaped backgrounds (as with pennants and arches). Many different styles and colours can be incorporated into these pieces as well.

Here we will look some examples from a range of standard shapes and sizes that commonly appear in swaps and challenges across the Internet and with local crafting groups. The smaller sizes are ideal for making in multiples to swap. ATCs are ideal for sharing a little piece of art with friends. Arches can be turned into books or added to the front of handmade cards.

Moo Cards (1 1/8″ x 2 3/4″)

Postcards (4″ x 6″ – either orientation)

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Arches (4″ x 6″)

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Pennants (4″ across top x 6″)

I hope a review of these different shapes and sizes will encourage you to try using your current favourite techniques and apply them to different arrangements. Perhaps you could get a few friends together, make a few ATCs and swap them. And that’s what mixed media art is all about; being able to use your inner creativity to make something and share your artwork with the world!

Happy Creating!

.
.
.
.