Janine Nichols's Page

Not yet, but that does seem like a great thing to play with!

The ironed-wet-glue technique -- I love it.

This kind of exchange and information is great. Thanks to the both of you, Todd and Janine.

Thanks for your very kind note and your interest!

I studied in Rome for a year in RISD's European Honors Program (1984-85). The glue tenique that i play with was an accident. I was taught that if I want a really clean way to glue down paper elements, that I should carefully trace the image I want to paste, fill that area with glue and then paint the back of the paper element that is getting glued down as well. Then, let both pieces dry and once dry, position the element in place and using a tacking iron, heat fuse the pieces, followed by using an iron to completely seal the piece in place. The result is astonishing because not only does the iron fuse the two papers together, it also flattens out the collage beautifully. Well, one time I rushed the process and did not let the glue dry and I ironed the wet glue and it spread all over my collage. But baked dry anyway. I loved the texture and kept doing the process.

So the glue wash is just as it sounds; I put a wash of  slightly diluted Elmer's glue directly onto the paper surface and then I heat fuse it with an iron--litterally bake it dry. I have two irons. One that is clean, and which I use release paper to keep it clean when I heat fuse my collage elements. The other iron is a real mess. I feel kind of Neanderthal with I use it! I use that iron to actually boil and scorch the glue while it is still wet! It instantly creates steam, bubbles and oozes out all over, but the results imply history despite the swift speed of creation.

Some people don't like the burning smell, but its not as bad as harsh chemicals and such.  Hope that all makes sense.