A collage is an artistic work that consists of paper, newspaper sheets, photographs, bows and other objects pasted on a billboard. Nowadays we can also do it digitally. Coming from the French “coller”, “glue”, the word collage implies the possibility of experimenting with different materials and having splendid results. Don't limit your creativity and imagination.
Steps
Step 1. Define a style
The items you can choose from are many: paper, fabric, stamps, newspaper clippings, plastic, raffia, aluminum, labels, natural elements (leaves, seeds, shells …), buttons, etc. You can determine a single theme or create an eclectic mix.
Step 2. Where to paste everything?
Generally on a billboard, but the decision is up to you. You could opt for blotting paper, cloth (such as jute), newspaper paper, old book covers, wood, plastic, etc. The main thing is that the surface allows you to glue everything.
Step 3. Keep what you don't use for the next collages:
with experience everything will come in handy. Get a box to store items you will need in the future.
Method 1 of 7: Collage on Paper
Step 1. Get everything you need:
- You can use colored cardstock, carbonless paper, plastic bags, tissue paper, recycled paper, etc. The paper can be soft or hard (or a combination of both).
- You can use clippings from magazines and newspapers (their paper sometimes stains).
- Find old wallpaper pieces or buy samples.
- It also uses aluminum and adhesive tapes of different colors.
- Choose old photographs to give the collage a retro feel. First make sure you have copies of the images you will be using.
Step 2. The paper can be folded and cut as you like
Use scissors or a utility knife. For a less tidy look, cut it with your hands.
- Images can be glued in whole or you can cut out parts that allow you to evoke a texture, color or feel.
- Cut letters from newspapers to form texts. Choose different styles.
Step 3. Develop a theme around a central idea or image
Step 4. Adorn the collage by adding depth, interest and sparkle
Use bows, beads, string, feathers, or fabric scraps. You can find them at home or buy them.
Step 5. Choose where to paste everything
You can use a poster bought at a stationery or made from a sturdy box. The base will need to support the layers you will add and be easy to hang.
Step 6. Sort the pieces before gluing them
This step is optional but recommended. Put everything on the floor or on a table and assemble your work to get an idea of how the final result will be. Short memory? Take a picture. Some ideas for a collage design:
- A terrestrial or aquatic landscape.
- A person, perhaps famous and recognizable by his style.
- Important characters.
- Animals. You create the shape of each animal. Draw it on a piece of paper, cut it out and paste it.
- A mosaic or an eclectic mix.
- The alphabet or text of a song or poem.
- Geometric figures, such as the circle or square. Repeating motifs are widely used for collages.
Step 7. Paste everything starting from the back
Use regular glue and work precisely.
- Try arranging the collage around a center piece.
- Not all pieces need to be glued flat - you can also crumple or fold them for a different texture.
Step 8. Let dry:
- Small mosaics take about an hour.
- It is preferable to leave large mosaics overnight.
Method 2 of 7: Digital Collage
Digital collages are a great way to display your photos and share them with your friends.
Step 1. Add your photos
-
Upload them from your computer, import them from your social network or search the internet to find images to arrange in your collage.
Make a Collage Step 12Bullet1 -
Once uploaded, choose your favorites and then add them to your project.
Make a Collage Step 12Bullet2
Step 2. Personalize your collage
-
Choose the shape.
Make a Collage Step 13Bullet1 - To manually arrange the images, remove the check mark from the alignment box. If you want them to automatically arrange instead, leave the box checked.
-
To experiment with the position of the photos, click and drag the images to where you prefer to arrange them, individually.
Make a Collage Step 13Bullet3 -
Apply the filters, frames, backgrounds and title of your project.
Make a Collage Step 13Bullet4 -
Before:
Collage1 -
After:
Collage2
Step 3. Share / Save your creation
-
Once you have customized your collage in the way you find most satisfying, share it with your friends or save it directly to your computer.
Make a Collage Step 14Bullet1
Method 3 of 7: Fabric Collage
Step 1. Collect the pieces of fabric you will use
Look for them in specialty stores or cut them out of clothes you no longer wear:
- Fabric scraps from sewing projects.
- Fabric scraps you love.
- Scraps from clothes worn in the past, especially in childhood.
- Padded fabrics.
- Special fabrics such as tulle, organza, silk, satin, etc.
- Thread, wool, bows, net, etc.
- Buttons, sequins, etc.
Step 2. Consider the texture and thickness of the various fabrics:
use several for better effect.
Step 3. Choose a suitable base for the collage
In the previous section we have listed several alternatives, but not all types of paper are suitable. Test by gluing a few pieces of fabric to the background you want to use. You could opt for another fabric, a wall fabric, a piece of a dress you no longer wear, some cardboard, an old stuffed animal, a lampshade, etc.
Use a clear glue that's ideal for both the fabric and the base plate
Step 4. Make a sketch of the design
If you want some ideas, read the previous section. Do you have one in mind? Set it up with your pieces.
Step 5. Cut and arrange the fabrics
You can also create layers.
- If you plan on making objects, animals or faces, consider textures. For example, use wool for sheep or a ball of yarn for hair.
- Wool and thread can also be used to make flowers, the sun, the moon, faces, etc.
- The buttons and sequins are perfect for any image: flowers, eyes, animals, etc.
Step 6. Let it dry and put it on display
Method 4 of 7: Sand Collage
This type of collage is a good choice for children.
Step 1. Get what you need:
a cardboard base, transparent glue, sand, a pencil and a glue brush.
Step 2. Create the design:
the simple ones are perfect for the little ones: they can make them themselves.
Step 3. Draw the glue lines using a brush
If the design is intricate or large, do it in small steps so you can work the glue while it's still wet.
Step 4. Sprinkle sand on the glue with your hands or a cup
Step 5. When done, dab any excess
The remaining sand will outline the design.
Method 5 of 7: Natural Collage
Step 1. Get everything you need in nature
You can do it on the occasion of an excursion or an outdoor walk:
- Insect shells or carapaces.
- Flowers (which you can dry).
- Dried herbs.
- Leaves.
- Seeds, nuts, etc.
Step 2. Make sure these items are dry before using them, or they may crack or break
Step 3. Choose the suitable background:
paper (perhaps recycled), wood, etc.
Step 4. Create the design
You could opt for a natural scene, arranging the dried flowers as they appear in nature, or a sea or mountain landscape.
Step 5. Use clear glue and make sure the elements have stuck to the background
If you want to preserve a flower or a leaf, create a "showcase". Dilute some PVA glue with a little water. Spread the mixture with a brush over the entire sheet and arrange the elements on the paper, which will be covered with another pass. Once dry, the display case will protect the contents for years and make the collage bright. Follow this step carefully - you may break the flora samples you collected
Step 6. Let it dry and display the collage wherever you want
Method 6 of 7: Electronic Collage
Step 1. Choose an easy-to-use photo editing program and, if you are experienced, a more advanced version
Base your choice with your computer and budget in mind.
Step 2. Choose a theme to find photos right away
Use your own or search for them on the internet. You can also scan old images or add other photographs. Get inspired.
Go to Pinterest, where you will find themes like cupcakes, horses, racing cars, people… anything you want
Step 3. Arrange the images
Step 4. Edit the images according to your needs
You can cut them or change the shades. They don't have to have perfect outlines.
You can also play with the transparencies, tones and all the other tools offered by the software
Step 5. Arrange the collage on multiple layers starting from the background
Step 6. Click "save" often
You don't want to lose your job due to a sudden computer shutdown or blackout.
Step 7. Print the collage to place it in a frame
Choose the right paper, perhaps coated. Go for a texture that aligns with the theme.
Method 7 of 7: Exhibit the collage
Step 1. Where to exhibit it?
Here are some options:
- Hang it on the wall.
- Frame it and place it on a shelf.
- Share it online on social networks, so that more people can appreciate it.
- Insert it in other manual projects: to decorate the panel of a wardrobe, to make découpage, to print on fabric, etc.
Advice
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques and images. You will learn by practicing.
- If the objects do not stick well, you can spread some diluted glue (three parts of water and one of glue) all over the collage.
- It is also possible to combine digital and paper editing by printing images to include in a traditional collage.
- The background should be consistent with the theme of the collage.
Warnings
- Always be careful when using scissors and keep an eye on children.
- Better to avoid glue that is too sticky or hot if you work alone. Plain glue and rubber cement are ideal.
- Place some newsprint on the counter.
