Collage techniques originated around 200 BC, in China, right around the time paper was first invented. Poets wrote their poems using calligraphy on paper then glued the paper to another surface. Artists have been using collage for centuries, but it wasn't until the early 1900's that collage became more popular. Now, there are many eco-friendly papers available so that anyone can create guilt-free collages.
Collage Materials and Supplies
Before you begin cutting, tearing, and gluing paper, it's important to gather the proper supplies. Although a glue stick, an old magazine and a blank piece of scrap paper can be used to create a basic collage, there are other options to consider.
- Backing: Canvas or any other sturdy backing like an old piece of wood or plastic box frame from a thrift store work great for a collage backing. Eco-friendly tip: Paint over an old canvas with gesso, then create your collage!
- Glue: Mod Podge or glue sticks are popular for making collages with magazine cut-outs, but I recommend using acrylic matte medium mixed with water when working with rice papers. It's archival, and can be found at most art or craft supply stores.
- Papers: For an eco-friendly collage, use old magazines, books, newspapers, or eco-friendly papers (see below for more details)
- Scissors: keep one pair of scissors exclusively for paper and one for fabric. Cutting paper can dull scissors which might make it more difficult to cut fabric.
- Brushes: I use a one-inch flat paint brush and medium-sized pointy paint brush.
Collage Techniques, Simplified
Cut the paper, apply the glue, then smooth it down. Sounds easy, right? It is! But there's a lot more to consider.
- Decide on a theme or image you wish to convey in the collage. You can use search engines, art magazines, or simply observe your surroundings to get inspired!
- Sketch the image, lightly, on the canvas (optional)
- Choose the papers, paints, or magazine images you will use.
- Begin tearing or cutting the papers, then laying them out on the canvas to see how they might look together. (Tip: instead of trying to tear the paper outright, "draw" a line of water with your pointy paintbrush, then tear along the water line.)
- After deciding on placement, remove the papers, carefully, and begin gluing the bottom layer to the canvas. Continue gluing the papers until you think you are done, adding paint if desired.
- Lean the canvas up then step away to take another look.
- Make adjustments as needed. Since the glue is slow to dry, you have plenty of time to change your mind.
- Allow the collage to dry, then apply a final coat of matte (or shiny) medium to create an even finish.
- Add a hanger on the back, and display your masterpiece!
Eco-friendly Rice Papers
When I first started making collages, I used paper that I made in my backyard using old wrapping paper, junk mail, dryer lint, and sawdust. Then I discovered I could buy ready-made eco-friendly paper off the internet, in beautiful textures and colors, so I made less and less of my own paper, and now have a huge collection of rice papers.
Many people are skeptical about eco-friendly paper. "Isn't all paper made from trees?" they ask. The answer is, simply, no. There are many papers made from highly renewable plants, fabric fibers (left over from textile manufacturing) and even elephant dung! My favorite is Lokta paper, which is made from the bark of the Daphne Cannabina bush, which grows naturally in the Himalayas. After harvesting, the bush grows back, reaching full maturity again in six to seven years. The paper and the process of making it are completely natural.
I encourage you to search for eco-friendly art papers, or to use old magazines and catalogs to create collages. One of the reasons I love collage is because of the beautiful effects you can get when layering the papers. I never know what the end result will be until the glue dries, so it's a surprise every time. You will need to experiment to see what happens, so be patient and have fun with it!
Lori Krein - Lori Krein is a member of team VolunteerSpot . She works to improve the volunteer experience of everyday heroes -- active community ...
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