One of the hardest parts I've found in creating my altered art is where to find the images and objects to use for decoration. Complicating the issue of finding images is the copyright issue, which I explore in another article: copyright issues in altered art. Barring that, I have gone over below great places where objects and images for collage and altered art can be found.

Images
Dover has many many books full of royalty free images for designers and artist's use. Their only rule is that no more than ten images may be used in any one piece. If you want to use more than ten images, you must contact them for permission. Unfortunately, because these are the major collector of royalty free images, you may find them frequently used in other people's art. There are a couple other companies who also collect and reproduce copyright free art, but mostly these are black and white only, whereas Dover has a large collection of color images. Of course, you can go out and search for these and other copyright free images based on the copyright laws and have unlimited use of them, but I find it much easier to just use Dover's and try to use images not commonly seen.

Your own photographs and drawings are of course great to use in your art, but not all of us have the talents needed for that.

Other places for finding images for your art (although they may not necessarily be copyright free) include magazines, catalogs, art books, books, postcards, calendars and junk mail. You may find old photos, postcards and antique books in antique stores and at flea markets. One great magazine for images is the Smithsonian magazine. Other catalogs and magazines which have many vintage type photos are good too.

Objects
To find 3-D objects, you must always be on the lookout. They find you in many unexpected places. Places to look for found objects include the park, the beach, your own backyard. Objects to purchase can be found in toy stores, dollhouse and hobby shops, the fabric store, import stores, craft stores, model stores, party stores, surplus stores, garage sales, thrift stores, antique stores and flea markets.

Don't overlook unexpected items, especially out in nature! Leaves and flowers are great for drying- try drying chilies. Pick up interesting rocks, sticks and shells. Indian corn and seeds can make interesting additions. Look around on the street and sidewalk for found objects as well. Rusted metal pieces, coins, pieces of broken mirrors- but be very careful when picking up these items.

Flea markets carry a huge assortment of items, if you're willing to look. Old jewelry, coins, wooden nickels, keys are all things which can be found at flea markets. Toys stores and party stores carry miniature toys. Dollhouse, hobby and model stores carry lots of little pieces to be used. Dollhouse pieces and furniture, but you can also find aluminum pieces and balsa wood. From toy stores, you can purchase plastic pieces which can then be spray painted to give a more realistic look.

Craft stores will provide all the basics, but don't overlook things that may seem out of the ordinary for collage. Beads, can make a lovely addition to collage, as can flat marbles and many other items from craft stores. Fabric stores will provide you with fabric, yarn, stuffing, trim, lace and rickrack. Craft and fabric stores also may carry a large selection of holiday items that can be used in art. Ornaments are wonderful and don't always look like they're only for Christmas.

Other places to look include hardware stores for nuts, bolts, hinges and clasps. Office supply stores will have paper clips, envelopes and mail tags. Try looking in your own kitchen for items like cinnamon sticks or foil.

You will find many many items and images for collage and altered art if you just keep your eyes open. I keep mine in trays that I divided with cardboard scraps, or in containers with specially made dividers so everything is visible. To store my image collection, I have them sorted by category and kept in large file boxes.