One of the great things about my Facebook group Vintage Gluebooks and Pages, is that I get to learn new things from people who share their ideas and their art. One thing that I hadn’t heard of or seen before now is something called a masterboard.
What’s a masterboard and what is it used for?
A masterboard is a single collage done on a large surface that is then can cut down into pieces for whatever type of project you would like it for. For example, I like to collage on a large 12″ x 12″ paper, and then cut it down to 6 postcards of 4″ x 6″. Some people cut down ATCs, cut out shapes or numbers/letters, etc., and then use the pieces in other projects.
My first attempt at a masterboard worked out pretty well. I cut out the six pieces once I was done.
I loved that I could work with a color theme and keep adding until I liked how it turned out. I wrote a blog post on how it all came together.
I tried it a second time with some holiday-themed colors, and also was pleased with how it turned out.
I even made a YouTube video of the entire process in case anyone might be interested.
This third time, even though I’ve created this masterboard to be cut down, I just can’t bring myself to cut it! Silly, I know, and I don’t even know what I’m going to do with it. What is it good for if I don’t cut it down? Maybe I should just pin it to the wall.
I created a frame, however, to look at the individual sections as potential postcards. This way I can see what they would look like if I chose to cut them out.
Who knows. Maybe I’ll feel differently about it in six months and will want to cut it down then. That would work too!
Halloween-inspired collages
Your masterboards are great. The spin art is a wonderful addition. I know the feeling about not cutting an especially awesome one up. I have one I have never cut hanging in my studio that I take to classes I teach on making them for mail art. The auditioning tool can be made in various sizes for other art pieces like ATCs, envelopes – even faux stamps.
Great idea, Julie. I’ll hold on to it as a teaching tool. Thanks 🙂
Good morning!
I am new to your blog and just received my first newsletter from you and I’ve been enjoying looking at your masterboard collages.
And the large one that you don’t want to cut up ( and I can’t blame you, ) why don’t you scan it on heavy cardstock that you could cut up into your postcard size and you will still have your original. I do that all the time with alot of my collage and painted papers.
Yep, I definitely need to scan. That’s a good suggestion. I could use that digital version for all kinds of things–for some reason I keep picturing wrapping paper in my mind! I’ll play with that idea. Thanks 😉
p.s. I meant print, not scan. lol Still waking up.
Your master board would make a beautiful scrapbook paper. I’d love to find Scrapbook papers of your artwork to use in my albums. Would you ever scan them and sell in your Etsy?
It’s an idea I hadn’t though of, Paula. You might be on to something 😉
Thank you. I had seen the term master board a d had no clue what it was. Beautiful
I hope you got some ideas and are on your way to making your own! 🙂
Dear Margaret,
I found your website and was very encouraged. I need to ask an ethical question of you. I was able to save your masterboards and print them out. May I use them in my journaling? They printed out very well. I would use them as master pages and add my own embellishments. Is it ok? Please let me know.
Hi Sarina, Yes, it’s fine to use a print out of a masterboard that I made, and use it in your work. Thanks for asking 🙂