Create Textured Collage Papers with Balloons

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Textured Collage Papers with Balloons & Molding Paste

I’ve been experimenting with some unusual tools lately, and this Tune in Tuesday demo might just be one of my favorite discoveries: using balloons, molding paste, and acrylic paint to create textured collage papers.

Yes, balloons.

When you under-inflate a balloon, it makes the perfect stamp for creating delicious peaks, valleys, and unexpected patterns when dipped into molding paste. And once that dries? The real magic begins with a bit of acrylic paint brushed lightly across the surface to bring out the texture.

Step 1: Inflate the Balloon (Just a Little!)

The key is to not overinflate. I like to blow them up just enough to get a rounded, slightly pointy end. That little tip is what gives you a great stamping surface.

Step 2: Apply the Molding Paste

There are a couple of ways you can do this:

• Dab: Dip your balloon directly into molding paste and stamp it onto thick mixed media paper. You’ll get a variety of peaks and textures depending on how much paste you pick up.

• Full Coverage: Spread the molding paste over the paper first with a palette knife or brush, then use the balloon to create texture in the wet surface. This gives you fuller coverage and some seriously gorgeous impressions.

You can also try gel medium instead of molding paste (especially the heavy kind). It behaves similarly and gives a slightly different texture (more subtle, but still intriguing).

Step 3: Let it Dry (The wait is the hardest part!)

Once you’ve created your texture, you’ll want to let the paper dry completely before applying any paint. Patience pays off here.

Step 4: Add Color with Acrylic Paint

This is when the texture really shines. I used a limited color palette of Phthalo Blue Green Shade, Hansa Yellow Light, and Titanium White. I brushed the paint lightly across the raised surface with a dry brush technique, just skimming the peaks to let the texture reveal itself.

Some of my favorite effects came from layering colors—first a darker tone, then adding a lighter value or even metallic gold on top. It starts to look like weathered plaster or aged stone. So subtle. So beautiful. Perfect for those “quiet papers” that balance out bolder patterns in a collage.

What Makes These Papers So Special?

They’re not flashy, and that’s exactly why I love them. Quiet papers with a touch of texture are essential for creating harmony and contrast in collage. And the fact that they’re made with such simple tools—a balloon, some paste and acrylic paint—makes it all the more satisfying.

These papers are full of mystery, full of movement, and they’re going straight into my stash for future collage projects.

So if you’re looking to add rich, subtle textures to your work, give this balloon technique a try. It’s messy, experimental, and full of possibilities, and I can’t wait to see what you create with it.

If you’d like to watch the full process in action, I walk you through every step in this week’s video, linked above. Until next time, keep experimenting and having fun with your art!

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The Supplies to Create These Papers:

Balloons 
Balloon “blower upper” 
Molding paste 
Heavy gel medium 
Palette knife
Palette paper
Heavy weight papers 75 lbs and heavier like Bristol Paper 
Golden fluid acrylic – Iridescent Gold 
Nova Acrylic Paint or any other soft body brand paint like Liquetex Basics

*Some links are affiliate links that pay a small commission to support the production of this art demo series, while not costing you anything more.

 

Are you interested in learning more about how to incorporate your collage papers into your art?

Check out my Collage Workshops!