SoulCollage 1st Class

Today is the 1st class of SoulCollage. This is very new to me. This is the first time that I have been introduced to this ‘new world’. Teacher Mici then did a brief introduction to us on what is SoulCollage?

Apparently, SoulCollage® is a method of self-discovery through the creation and intuitive analysis of a deck of collaged cards. It was developed by Seena B. Frost. Cards are made by tearing or clipping images (often from magazines) and then combining them, perhaps against a new background image, into a collage.

All cards in one's deck should be the same size, generally 5x8 inches. A prototypical SoulCollage deck consists of four suits:

• The Committee Suit is made up images representing of the different voices comprising one's own personality.
• The Community Suit cards represent influences upon oneself, whether friends, family, pets, historical figures one emulates, or even very special places.
• The Companions Suit consists of the animal guides inhabiting one's chakras.
• The Council Suit consists of Jungian archetypes important in one's own journey.

As explained by Teacher Mici, due to our numbers of class only 4 classes, so it is a little difficult to teach or share with us the entire four suits.

As the Companions Suit and the Council Suit basically need more time or practice on this as one has to do a little bit of soul searching and meditate to find their personal own Companions and Council Suit.

So we would learn to do Committee Suit for today. So how are we going to make our own cards. We were given 5″ by 8″ mat card boards, scissors, adhesive (archival glue stick is recommended), and a frame.

We were asked to go to the back of the classroom and see the tables were filled with various assorted of images which were cut from the magazines.

Step 1, we were asked to choose at least two images that attract to us and seem to belong together. Limit each card to a few images that represent the same mood or energy.

Step 2, Teacher Mici asked us to clip loosely around each image eliminates background “noise,” including words and increases an image’s visual power.

Then, later, cut carefully around the edges of our final images, using smaller, sharp scissors for areas of detail.

Step 3, use the frame that given to us to compose our card, moving images around beneath the frame to see what fits and what part we want to cut out and use.

Collage the whole card, using a background image if needed. Experiment with portrait and landscape layouts. Mark borders for cutting. Cut the edges, then piece together our SoulCollage.

Step 4, use an archival quality glue stick on the entire back of each image. We can use a newsprint magazine or phone book, turning to a fresh page after gluing an image. Smooth away wrinkles. Give thought to any layering.

Measure and mark where to glue down the pieces that will be partially covered by another image. Gently brush away glue rubbings. Glue remaining images. Carefully glue on a backing, once you know the card’s suit.

Step 5, name our own card. Give a name to our card which we think suit for it.

We did not realise that the time passed so fast that we were only managed to make a card. Thus Teacher Mici gave us some homework that we need to do during this week before our 2nd class:

• Watch the Inside Out Movie.
• Gathering and bring to class the images that we can find from the magazines, old books, personal art and photographs.
• Make a Committee Card at home.
• Get images of 10 most influential people in your life.

Well it was kind of interesting class to be in but still I personally can feel the uneasiness when I allow my intuition to lead the way as I look through the materials, ripping or cutting out those that appeal to me.