This was a project that went through several iterations. . .
I originally thought about making a flip book but then decided it would be more fun to be able to see all the monsters at once (and also not have to tinker with making a binding!)
I started off by sketching the monsters by hand
and then re-drawing them in Inkscape so I could cut them out of watercolor paper to do a test run painting them. Had to make sure all the necks and waists were the same size so they’d match up!
which meant I had to adjust several of the shapes to fit. I painted these (almost done!) and then completely ruined the background! (No pictures here because I hated the look so much.)
Back to the drawing board! I was able to re-use some of my original test pieces (and had to remake the ones I’d had to re-size) but this time I rummaged through my pile of gelli prints to find the perfect backgrounds - one that resembled straw/twigs/nest for the winged monster, bubble/water looking for the tentacled monster, and a random one for the last creature.
After painting, gluing, and sealing them with clear spray paint I needed to make the magnet board for them. I got a piece of metal from Dollar Tree and designed and lasered the frame (complete with footprints) and then glued it all up. Voila!
Somewhere I have some magnets my oldest kid made at an art museum for kids ages ago that was the same concept… Exquisite Corpse monster magnets. My kids were really into any Exquisite Corpse activity when they were little and all the art students I hung out with when I was in college with two kids loved to participate too.
The monsters are amazing and the fact that you paired them up so well with the backgrounds is even better. The fact that you even decorated the frame with little footprints is adorable! Each expression on the monsters are so cute.
I’m in LOVE. If I could give out 500 hearts for this project, I would.
)
