Artful Collage from Saved Objects

Creative Collages   If you’re crafty, or would like to be, check out the book Artful Collage from Found Objects by New York City garden writer Ellen Spector Platt. Packed with 161 color photos, the book teaches you how to create collage artwork by repurposing keepsakes, leftover craft projects, stuff from the junk drawer, scraps, and yes—pressed leaves and flowers from houseplants.   This collage artwork created by Spector Platt, and inspired by the ceiling in the Great Hall of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, features pressed flowers and leaves.   “A variety of houseplant foliage and flowers work well for pressing and incorporating into collages,” says Platt, who has authored 11 books. “I’ve had great success pressing ivy and Ming aralia leaves, as well as the flowers of African violets—especially dark blues and purples. Colorful croton leaves are also a good choice.” Spector Platt’s book features 46 projects to show technique and possibilities, including ideas and inspiration for creating tributes to special people, memories and occasions.