CPS Freemium Collage v3

learn how to make a collage 4 free mixed media collage techniquespresented by cloth paper scissors 1 ® 2 4 3 1 2  what’s left collages  CHARLOTTE LYONS something to crow about: a mixed-media fabric collage DIANE TAYLOR 3 4 reating custom paper c for collage LIZ BERG painted paper collage  SERENA WILSON STUbSON Either way.” She combines fabric. taking advantage of the creases and fraying edges to create texture and interest. paint. and exploring new combinations of materials and textures is in itself an art exercise. especially with respect to technical information.com 2 . The process of gathering materials. or mix and match them. Learn How to Make a Collage: 4 Free Mixed Media Collage Techniques. Each artist will reveal how the combination of careful planning and spontaneity can inspire you to create cohesive collages. In “What’s Left Collages. In “Painted Paper Collage.” Her methods add texture and remove and add color to create more visual interest. CLOTH PAPER ScIssORs® is not ­ responsible for any liability arising from errors. fabric.” Serena Wilson Stubson mixes found or decorative papers with paint and glue to create collage paintings full of depth and interest. Cloth Paper Scissors Today clothpaperscissors. using a grid system. Projects and information are for inspiration and personal use only. Through Learn How to Make a Collage: 4 Free Mixed Media Collage Techniques. Where mixed media artists come to play Cate Prato Online Editor.” designer and fiber artist Charlotte Lyons shows how.Diane Taylor explores how leaving some things to chance can add a new dimension to your work in “Something to Crow About: A Mixed-Media Fabric Collage. Interweave Press LLC grants permission to photocopy any patterns published in this issue for personal use only. Warmly. you will learn tips and techniques for creating collages with fabric. paper. Her method allows you to use up “junk” paper in an artistic way. stitch. Learn How to Make a Collage: 4 Free Mixed Media Collage Techniques presented by Cloth Paper Scissors® ONLINE EDITOR Cate Prato CREATIVE SERVICES DIVISION ART DIRECTOR w PHOTOGRApHERS Larissa Davis Larry Stein Korday Studio hat goes into making a collage? Paper.com 4 Free Mixed-media Collage Techniques presented by ©Interweave Press LLC clothpaperscissors. and stitch. Learn How to Make a Collage: 4 Free Mixed Media Collage Techniques will to bring new life and perspective to your collage artwork. you can make collages from the little bits that are left on your worktable at the end of the day. or mistakes contained in this eBook. But making a collage is not just a sum of its parts. Making a collage can inform the other areas of your artwork and it’s a lot of fun. making decisions about what to include and where. too. ­ omissions. stitch. and ­ readers should proceed cautiously. and found objects. In this free. downloadable eBook. found objects—just about anything you can think of. Use the techniques as presented by the artists. Liz Berg demonstrates how to alter found papers with paint and marking tools in “Creating Custom Paper for Collage. you will discover how to use design principles that you can apply to collage and your other mixed-media artwork. paint. com 3 4 Free Mixed-media Collage Techniques presented by ©Interweave Press LLC .“Summerhouse” • 8" × 10" ‘what’s left’ collages “There are no little things. merit patches. My universe suddenly rested on new hinges. Adapted from CLOTH PApER ScIssORs® November/December 2007 BY Charlotte Lyons clothpaperscissors. this process started 30 years ago when my mother casually asked me to clean out her dresser drawer. There is a saying. lamp finials. All these beautiful bits rattled and rolled around in my mother’s dresser after years of drifting toward the back. Little things are the hinges of the universe. seashells. letters. matchbook covers. buttons. w hen I think about it. stamps.” No kidding. Broken jewelry. the things that were worth saving but never found a place to live. When I ran out of printer’s trays. and so it went.) • Acrylic Folk Art paints in 2 or 3 colors • Golden® soft gel medium (matte) • Craft sticks • Paintbrushes and 1" foam brush • An assortment of papers. essentially making flat compartments for the bits and creating the feeling of a jewelry box. treasures. until I made several collages out of the bits and pieces. but it’s often a good way to inspire something new. or a patchwork quilt. trinkets. heart-shaped rocks. It’s all about M AT E R I A L S • 8" × 10" stretched artists’ canvas with staples on the back (Canvas board would work. A crazy self-challenge. Treating each compartment of the tray like a small canvas. doll shoes.“XO Blue” • 8" × 10" I was so thrilled to find these lost treasures. Nana’s nursing school pin.” The process is an easy one and the steps are simple. old valentines. it changed the way I looked at scraps of paper and textiles as well as tiny objects. I do like those little rectangles. Lately. Over the years. I fit it all together like a picture puzzle of meaningful family junk. also. Hence the name of the series and this article. It wasn’t long before I had my own oddities to fill another tray. and found objects optional • Digital camera and computer 4 Free Mixed-media Collage Techniques presented by ©Interweave Press LLC clothpaperscissors. baby charms. My mother’s salt spoons.com 4 . and used an empty vintage printer’s tray to house the odd collection. sometimes painting a tiny scene inside. I began collaging stretched canvases marked off into similar grids. and hard to pull off every day. “What’s Left. I have been trying to use up what’s left on the worktable at the end of the day. Dad’s car keys. a tiled mosaic. On a tray. you can view the original digital collage and use a photoclothpaperscissors. Collect the base grouping of objects to include in your collage. Another way to make the grid is to make columns and mark these off into random height rectangles so the grid is regular in only 1 direction. 4 Free Mixed-media Collage Techniques presented by ©Interweave Press LLC . You will unify the collage with color. With a pencil and straight edge.Begin by sectioning off your canvas into a grid and painting in the squares with similarly colored paints (left). textiles. this will help you reassemble it when you’re ready. look for pieces that have different thicknesses and shapes. directions 1. changing them around until you find a pleasing composition (right). arrange the objects on the blank canvas and mark off rectangles to fit the individual pieces. Use 2 or 3 shades of a similar color palette. 3. letter tiles. The idea is to make an interesting background with dimension through color. If the objects you have gathered lend themselves to special shapes. audition bits of paper and fabric. Without editing too much. that’s fine. orange. fill the rectangles with color. 4. place the objects back onto the canvas. choose a base color for the background to set them against. papers. then eighths. balance lights and darks. Paint the sides of the canvas as well. canvas into rectangles for a vertical or horizontal presentation. trinkets. alternating shades as you go. assemble little things like buttons. tip: Before taking the collage apart to treat the background. If you already have an arrangement that you would like to duplicate in the final composition. though that’s not a bad thing after all. gray. If you took a picture of it first. flowers. and add extras like paper scraps and fabrics. and silver.com 5 5. the cool stuff—something I still seem to have way too much of. and so on. then quarters. Set the objects aside. With the foam brush. for instance. You can start with halves. create a grid: lightly mark off the 2. such as pink. When the painting is dry. The grid tiles can be rough shapes that bump against each other in an unfinished way. Take some time now to shuffle them around. If the brush pulls from another color. found objects. and keys. and red or blue. use a digital camera to take a picture of your assembled objects. This can be done in several ways. medals. Then. Looking at the collection. Lastly. Keep filling your pockets with found objects and trinkets. This gives you ideas about color and object relationships. 6.It’s helpful to take digital photos of your composition once you have a good idea of where you want to place the elements (left) so you can remember their placement as you glue them down and add detail to your collage (right). or a patterned design. Just don’t let them languish unseen at the back of the drawer. the edges can be self-framed with paper bits.  Learn more about Charlotte and her art at charlottelyons. Soon after. string. a backdrop of color for a special object. Butter the back of each object with a craft stick. 8. sometimes I even remove objects. Book text and sheet music are good for this. wrapped around the sides. You can also add an overlay of thread. each other to make levels that create interest. each reflecting the eye of an artist and a fond collection. I try to leave it for a day or so.com 6 . Use the paints and artists’ brushes to paint details onto the background canvas here and there: a little scene. editing program to select and move tiles around. 7. they were hosting a blog-swap and exchanging their own versions of the idea. At this point. Several of my blog readers noticed one of these collages that I posted. Better to hang them up on the wall where you can enjoy them every day. It was lovely to see all the different treatments. and allow it to dry. I’ll decide if it is ready to complete or needs more work in the way of layers or additional objects. place it onto the collage. torn and collaged along the edge of the canvas. Attach the papers and objects to the canvas with the gel medium. Or consider adding another layered dimension of objects stacked upon tip: Sew buttons to a piece of fabric and attach the fabric for a greater surface bond. and 4 Free Mixed-media Collage Techniques presented by ©Interweave Press LLC clothpaperscissors. When I come back to it. or textiles to emphasize the grid or take sewing thread and a needle to embellish buttons or fabrics with hand stitching. Audition new backgrounds in places like a neutral-colored paper or a pattern.com. i have always been fascinated with textiles and how certain fabrics can work well together. but your collage can be any size. such as specialty fabrics. Adapted from CLOTH PApER ScIssORs® May/June 2008 I love to combine a variety of fabrics and textures in my mixed-media fabric collages. The background is a patchwork design of two print fabrics used in two different ways: ­ 1) I used the fabric in its original. 4 Free Mixed-media Collage Techniques presented by ©Interweave Press LLC clothpaperscissors. add free-motion stitching and fabric details to them. soft. I tend to work in a more freehand way rather than a controlled manner.something to BY a mixed-media fabric collage Diane Taylor crow about I design sweet. I often make paper fabric and use it as my base layer. and 2) I made the cotton fabric into a paper fabric (creating a lighter shade of the original). fabric form. with as many different fabrics and embellishments as you like. I enjoy the juxtaposition of the light.com 7 . My inspirations for the rooster collage (instructions follow) are derived from the countryside where I live. simple motifs (anything from cupcakes to farm animals). An accidental crease or a piece of fabric allowed to fray can add new textures. This particular piece reflects vintage French country décor. buttons. These instructions are for a mixed-media collage measuring 7" × 7". cotton form. stiff paper fabric with the same print in its bright. Leaving some things to chance can add a new dimension to your work. and then stitch these motifs to the background along with any additional elements the piece calls for. and trims. I enjoy picking color and fabric ideas from current interior trends. On top of this stiff base I arrange fabric rectangles and stitch them in place. or sketch out your rooster and leaf design. open-weave muslin • Natural burlap • Neutral fabric for motif • Fusible web • Fabric scraps (for adding color and details to motifs) 2. Dilute some PVA glue in a container with water (1:1) and mix well to a medium consistency. making paper fabric for the background 1. This will be disposed of when drying is complete. and buttons that will coordinate and complement one another. • Ruler • Scissors • Sewing machine • White thread • Slate gray thread • Glue stick • White. Select 2 coordinating prints measuring approximately 9" x 9" each and place them on top of the plastic sheet with the print side facing up. Set your printer to “reverse” or “mirror image” and print the final design.M AT E R I A L S • Access to a computer or photocopier • White paper • Pencil • Black felt-tip pen • Plastic drop cloth (or other non-stick sheet) to protect your work surface • 2 white tissue-paper sheets • PVA glue (a white glue. 2. printed cotton fabrics. Draw. and make any appropriate amendments to the scale of the design. or photocopy it. 3. such as Elmer’s®) • Water choosing your theme 1. or any other chosen motif. • 2 buttons optional • Additional embellishments (such as ribbons and trims) 4 Free Mixed-media Collage Techniques presented by ©Interweave Press LLC clothpaperscissors. Scan your paper design into a computer. 3. ensuring they are thoroughly covered with glue. • 2" bristle brush • Sponge • 2 coordinating cotton print fabrics. Use a 2" bristle brush to paint the glue over both fabrics. to fit within a 7" square. sketches. Re-trace over the outlines of your motifs with a black felt-tip pen. trace.com 8 . medium-weight Lay a plastic drop cloth on your work surface. Decide on your theme and gather together appropriate images. allow it to dry. and leave the fabric to dry. cut a rectangle measuring 8" × 51⁄2".com 9 . To piece the paper-fabric background. 4 Free Mixed-media Collage Techniques presented by ©Interweave Press LLC clothpaperscissors.4. piecing the background 1. using the same gluing and stitching process. I tend to work in a freehand manner without measuring the fabric used for layering. Immediately after brushing the fabrics with glue. note: These rectangle sections can be whatever size you desire. When the paper fabric is dry. frayed the edges. 3. folding the seam allowance in one direction. Using the contrast stitching with a straight stitch. attach this background fabric centrally on your square collage. smooth over it with a sponge.) Using a glue stick. sew around the edge of this rectangle. and use a glue stick to hold them in place. approximately 41⁄2" x 51⁄2". (I used a loose-weave white muslin. It is also up to you how accurately you cut these fabric rectangles. Using white thread in the needle and slate gray thread in the bobbin to give a contrast. (Place the smaller rectangle on the larger rectangle with print sides facing. and from the other cut an 8" × 31⁄2" rectangle. Select a fabric to use as the background behind your motif and cut it to the appropriate size. Add a second round of stitching about 1⁄2" inside the previous stitching. (I cut 2 rectangular pieces of burlap. it’s time to enhance it using smaller rectangles of the two original cotton prints (not the paper fabric). as these will add to the overall effect. 2. Add any additional fabric rectangles as desired to enhance the texture and contrast. although it is important to allow areas of the paperfabric base to show through to achieve a contrast. Now that your paper-fabric background is complete. and align the 8" edges. From 1 of the squares. peel it away from the plastic. 4. about 1⁄4" inside the edge. layering the collage 1. Do not worry about making any creases in the tissue paper. Allow the glue to dry for 5 minutes before machine stitching. place a white tissue paper sheet directly over the top of each fabric. and added them to opposite corners. sew these rectangles together using a 1⁄2" seam allowance. machine straight stitch around the edges of these rectangles to attach them to the base.) Carefully open the pieces. Set aside the remaining pieces for use in another project. Cut 2–3 differentsized rectangles from each cotton print. Arrange them as desired on the background.) 2. if you wish. fuse the web to the wrong side of your motif fabric. Select fabric scraps to use as accents on your motifs and prepare them with fusible web. When completed. leaving approximately a 1" margin around your motifs. Snip small pieces. snip any loose threads. 3. Following the manufacturer’s instructions.com 10 . I leave it in place on my pieces. 2.creating the motifs and finishing 1. Trace your motifs onto the paper side of your fusible web. cut out. (Remove the paper backing from the fusible web.) 4 Free Mixed-media Collage Techniques presented by ©Interweave Press LLC clothpaperscissors. Set your machine for free-motion embroidery and. 4. Place your motifs where desired on top of your collaged square and tack them into position with a glue stick. using slate gray thread in the needle and bobbin. fuse them to the motifs. and stitch them in place with free-motion machine embroidery. Trim any loose threads and carefully cut around the stitched outline of your motifs. follow the line of your design. free-motion embroider around the edge of your motifs to secure.  Contact Diane at dianetaylor70@hotmail. 7. Embellish your design further by sewing buttons where desired.5. 4 Free Mixed-media Collage Techniques presented by ©Interweave Press LLC clothpaperscissors. 6. square up your collage and trim it to the desired size.com. Using white thread in the needle and bobbin.com 11 . Finally. Cut and trim any loose threads. creating paper for collage BY Liz Berg 4 Free Mixed-media Collage Techniques presented by ©Interweave Press LLC clothpaperscissors.com 12 . to protect work surface • Old phone book • Paintbrushes. pens. • Found papers: newspaper. • Bristol board or watercolor paper cut to size (My finished pieces are 8” × 10". etc. or similar.com 13 . it is always advisable to use copyright-free images when creating artwork for anything other than personal use. Following is a technique I use to create papers for use in collage. although sewing can be incorporated. 1 or 2 (2"–3" wide) • Foam brushes • Acrylic matte medium • Fluid acrylic paints in several different colors • Golden® titan buff fluid acrylic paint • Magazine pages • Soft gel medium (I use this as glue.) 4 Free Mixed-media Collage Techniques presented by ©Interweave Press LLC clothpaperscissors. allowing the expression of all sorts of ideas. For the collages featured in this article. found Adapted from CLOTH PApER ScIssORs® March/April 2009 papers (those from magazines. you need to decide if you’ll use images. and there are also a variety of ways to add and remove color to create more visual interest.t here are many ways to approach creating a collage. for spreading gel medium • Marking tools such as combs. paint. I used pages from past issues of CLOTH PApER ScISSORS® and QUILTING ARTS MAGAZINE®. However. handmade papers. having obtained advance permission from the publisher to use them for this purpose. art papers. • Artist papers: mulberry paper. If using paper. old book pages. or other items. collage doesn’t require sewing. etc. or other. map pages. fabrics. Previous page: “Shooting Stars” • 8" × 10" Below: “The Crevace” • 8" × 10" M AT E R I A L S • Newspapers. just colors. books. and collage can be very freeing. There are a number of ways to add texture to papers to create interesting patterns. rice paper.) • Small plastic container • Tray for mixing paint • Scissors for cutting paper • Old credit card. so there is a lot of freedom. slips of paper). rubber stamps. The joys of creating a collage are great: collage is not as structured as painting. I start with pages from magazines and alter them to create new papers to incorporate in my collage work. etc. My collage papers are usually so covered by paint and texture that once cut or torn the original image is not readily seen. “Hot Days” • 8" × 10" note: By using the titan buff paint. such as a cottage cheese container. tip: I like to use an old phone book for a clean surface to paint on because I can tear out the pages as I slop medium or paint onto them. apply a generous coating of the liquid matte medium to the surface of the magazine papers. while it’s still wet. so plan accordingly.com 14 4 Free Mixed-media Collage Techniques presented by ©Interweave Press LLC . Create a mixture of titan buff. the original images from the magazine pages are more obscured. Using a page in the phone book as a surface for painting.directions prepare your papers 1. Mix well and start painting over your titan buff layer. Start adding color. 5. Drying time depends upon the amount of moisture in the air. with an equal amount of matte medium. By mixing matte medium into the paint. I have found that the matte medium dries more quickly than glazing mediums or glazing paints. Lay your papers out to dry. In this way I am constantly creating new colors. tear pages from the magazines. one after another. and pour some acrylic matte medium into a small plastic container. You will want to set some papers aside and not texturize them in order to have a clothpaperscissors. and so on. This means that I need to pay attention to the colors I use. tip: I like to keep adding paint and acrylic matte medium to my tray without cleaning out my brush and the tray. Paint this mixture over the surface of the papers and then allow them to dry. which is semi-opaque. create texture on the papers Immediately after applying the paint. until I move all the way around the color wheel and back to blue. but because I follow the color wheel I am able to avoid creating muddy colors. I can easily paint right over the edges of the magazine pages and not worry about getting the surface messy. add a lighter blue next. I might start out with a dark blue. it is time to play with various ideas for creating texture. opaque color. the more fun you will have when you get your paints out. and then move on to adding a red to create purple. Ready your work surface. not enough to identify the original images. 4. 3. if done carefully. the paint is thinned so that it will produce a transparent color rather than a solid. Pour out about 2 tablespoons of fluid acrylic paint and an equal amount of acrylic matte medium. 2. Drawing into them with various texture tools will create some glimpses of the original lettering or images but. I continue to add red until the paint is red and then add some yellow to create orange. Using a wide paintbrush or foam brush. The more papers you prep in this manner. • • collage 1. and spirals.  Learn more about Liz and her art at lizbergartquilts. These are just some of the ways to make the collage your own. splatters of paint. note: How many papers you make will depend upon how much room you have to dry the papers. or cut out shapes in whatever way you would like. a layer of fluid rose madder was sponged on with a crumpled paper towel. but you may choose not to. Using your prepared papers. creating a sense of harmony. • Take a graining comb and pull it through the paint across the paper in one direction. lines. • Once your papers have dried. Stamp the excess paint onto another paper. Remove paint from the paper with a scrunched up newspaper by lightly patting it on the painted surface. Complementary colors will add an extra spark. tear or cut the papers and place them on your Bristol board or watercolor paper base. and plastic wrap was placed on top. still using half acrylic matte medium and half fluid acrylic paint. Pat it down onto the paint and allow it to dry before removing. Spread the gel evenly across the back of the torn or cut paper. You can texturize again if you would like to bring out some of the underlying colors. you can then spread it over the surface with a brush. make designs or write on the painted surface.variety of papers for your collage. Using your fingers. use various combinations of these techniques. or not. squares.com. Remember to incorporate light and dark areas into your collage. Create your own patterns making swirls. partly wiped off. painted magazine pages A layer of quinacridone gold was painted over a layer of titan buff.com 15 . if there is a heavy texture toward the bottom layer. You can also use the back end of a brush to write in the paint. and then removed. abstract images. use soft gel medium to “glue” your papers down into a pleasing design. etc. When dry. more images. When dry. 2. Make various brush strokes on your paper using a stiff bristle brush. Using a foam stamp. Next. I may just remove some of the last color by dipping a scrunched up paper towel into the paint to leave texture but not remove too much paint. a small amount of black glaze was dabbed on with paper towel. Create landscape-type images. A violet glaze was painted over titan buff. Place a piece of plastic wrap bigger than the paper over the painted surface. some titan buff glaze was added. as well as your selection of found papers and artist’s papers. Sometimes. Experiment and add your own personal touch. handwriting with crayons or pens. titan buff was added with a paper towel over parts of the paper. lines drawn with pens. and then go across in the other direction. add another layer of paint. Use a glaze of color to wash over the entire piece. allowed to dry. A piece of plastic wrap was placed on top. as well as mid-range colors. and then a texture tool was used to remove paint in lines. A layer of cerulean blue glaze was painted over titan buff. 4 Free Mixed-media Collage Techniques presented by ©Interweave Press LLC clothpaperscissors. use rubber stamps. lift off part of the paint while leaving the image of the stamp in the paint. I like to stay within a color group. triangles. • • Decide how you want to design your collage. When you’re happy with the placement. and use an old credit card to smooth out the paper evenly. Next. lay it onto the surface. Include plenty of images and a variety of papers to create your message. This will also remove the excess gel medium from under the papers. Here are some suggestions for adding texture to your papers. I have been known to get out the hair dryer to hurry things along a little. but never my papers. I’ve also always loved texture. and my own style of painted collage was born. and even broken glass to my paintings—anything to add new depth. but I could never bear to use them in my art making. and would go out of my way to add stucco. One day I had the idea to include some of these beautiful papers in a new painting. feathers. Adapted from CLOTH PApER ScIssORs® May/June 2010 Serena Wilson Stubson clothpaperscissors.com 16 4 Free Mixed-media Collage Techniques presented by ©Interweave Press LLC .painted o paper collage BY ver the years I have accumulated a huge collection of papers from all over the world. These circles will be the centers of your flowers. but you’re also capturing a wonderful moment that you will always be reminded of when you look at your collage.) collecting papers Collect a variety of papers that inspire you.) • Rags • Finishing sealer (I recommend Golden’s archival varnish. I like to place this piece of paper towards the bottom of the composition. vintage dress pattern. newsprint. Cut some tissue paper slightly larger than your watercolor paper base. These can be pieces of newspapers. acrylic paints.) 6. pastels. wallpaper. Be gentle. To do likewise. not only are you recycling. Cut or tear smaller circles from contrasting paper to fit inside the larger circles. such as Bubble Wrap® and soda bottle caps • optional • Squeeze bottle with a fine tip (Use with watered-down paint instead of a brush for drawing lines.) 4 Free Mixed-media Collage Techniques presented by ©Interweave Press LLC clothpaperscissors. tear a piece of decorative paper to the desired size. M AT E R I A L S • A gallery-wrapped canvas or watercolor paper for the base • Decorative papers such as tissue.com 17 . You may want to reuse tissue and wrapping paper from gifts. and then gently flatten it without removing the wrinkles. into the glue. 4. covering the entire surface. 3 Blue Flowers” • 10" x 15" • 100% natural cotton gallery-wrapped canvas. or handmade papers from around the world. Gently press your tissue paper on top. or watercolor pencils to accent your collage • Found objects for stamping. 3. Above (detail on previous page): “3 Orange. Scrunched tissue adds great texture to the collage. Add your larger circles in a place that pleases you. • China markers. I like to glue them about 3 ⁄4 of the way up the page.directions adding papers note: These directions are for creating a painting on watercolor paper. Cut or tear circular pieces of paper for the bases of your flowers. and a fine liner brush (I use a 2/0 Loew-Cornell Comfort® 3350 Liner brush. adhering it to the base. 1⁄2" flat. paper. I like to add a torn strip of paper across the width of the composition to add color and interest (see the samples at the top of the next page). Apply a thin layer of glue on top of the tissue. Apply a thin layer of glue on top of the watercolor paper. 5. 1. scrunch the tissue. and glue the torn piece in place. This part gets a bit messy because the tissue paper absorbs a lot of the glue. You want them to pop. • Container of water • Acrylic paints (I use Golden Artist Colors® and Kroma Colors. 2 Green. as it’s easy to tear the tissue while it’s still wet. scrapbooking papers • PVA glue or Paper Mod Podge® • Brush to apply glue • Paintbrushes: small round. handmade or imported papers. so choose interesting papers from your collection. but it’s worth it for the wonderful texture that results. Apply a thin layer of glue to the back of this piece and to the surface of the watercolor paper base. The same process would be used with a stretched-canvas base. found objects used as stamps. 2. PVA. paper with printed motifs. and stamping. adding color 8. 1 Green Flower” • 5" × 4" • 100% natural cotton. pasels. such as orange paint on top of fuchsia or teal on top of red. acrylic paints. Kroma crackle paint. Dilute your paint with a little water and begin to paint your flowers. accentuating the underlying textures created with paper and tissue. be careful not to overwork it or the colors may become muddy. paper. I love to use colors that you wouldn’t normally put together. Allow to dry. 9.Add colorful. 7. found objects used as stamps. gallery-wrapped canvas. Paint on top of the circular layers of paper using complementary or contrasting colors. choose a color to accent the background of the collage. Apply color to the paper using either a dry-brush technique or by painting and then dabbing it off with a rag. Using your 1⁄2" flat brush. and apply another thin layer of glue to the entire piece. “1 Blue. Glue the smaller circles on top of the larger circles. 4 Free Mixed-media Collage Techniques presented by ©Interweave Press LLC clothpaperscissors.com 18 . note: If you choose to add more than one color to your background. patterned papers to the background (steps 3–7) Color the flowers and background with paint. PVA. All the wonderful textures that the tissue paper created will be enhanced by the paint. tissue paper. • Add a third circular layer to the flower using paint instead of paper. and then seal it with an archival sealer. paper. I like to wait 24 hours before sealing my paintings.10.com 19 .blogspot. pastels. swirls. PVA. found objects used as stamps. tips • If you’ve added too much paint and blocked out the pattern on your paper. acrylic paints. paint dots. Don’t worry if your lines are less than perfect. • Don’t restrict yourself to following the curves of the circles. This will also add interesting texture to your painting. outline the flowers using black paint and a thin paintbrush or a squeeze bottle with a fine tip. you’re happy with your background. your piece dry.  11. Let Learn more about Serena and her art at serenawilsonstubson. 4 Free Mixed-media Collage Techniques presented by ©Interweave Press LLC clothpaperscissors. or even zigzags on the circles. tissue paper. 1 Pink Flower” • 14" × 10" • 100% natural cotton gallery-wrapped canvas.com. Add 13. “2 Gray. the stems and a leaf or 2 to the flowers. or other materials and techniques. Once 12. blot it with a damp rag. stamping. these details add character to the piece. Add detail to the background of your painting using paint splatters.