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The Perfect Technique for Mysteriuosly Textured Collage Papers
There’s something deeply satisfying about getting your hands messy with paint, and in this demo, I’m inviting you to do just that.
In our final paper of the Countdown to Collage Breakthrough series, we’re creating “adult finger painting” collage papers. It’s exactly what it sounds like: expressive, intuitive play using your fingers, acrylic paint, and whatever papers you have lying around. It’s the easiest technique of the six, and hands down (pun intended!) one of the most freeing.
To get started, I used two primaries (blue and yellow) plus black, white, and a splash of gold to mix up values and tones. Then I let my intuition lead. I spread paint across a nonstick surface, added a little water, and pressed paper into the mix with just my fingertips.
Suitable for All Your Papers
Old book pages, rice paper, drawing paper, even collage duds I wasn’t sure I’d ever use again, and every surface responded differently. Some came out subtle and quiet. Others are bold and full of patterns. Sometimes both on the same sheet.
That’s the beauty of this method: the element of surprise. You can’t fully control what you’re going to get, which is the best part of creating these papers. You get to respond to what’s happening on the surface in real time, layering and adjusting until your whole body says, “Yes, that’s it.”
This is the perfect technique for finishing up your stash of collage papers before Collage Breakthrough begins
Once my papers were dry, I sorted them into six piles: patterned light, medium, and dark, then quiet light, medium, and dark. That way, I’ll have everything I need ready to go for the four collage projects we’ll be creating during the workshop.
You don’t need to make as many papers as I did. Even five or six of each type will be more than enough.
Let your hands move.
Follow the little voice inside that says, “Try this.” And remember that no matter what happens, you made something beautiful with your own two hands.
✨ Click here to join me for Collage Breakthrough — my free New Year’s workshop.
You’ll create four collages using simple design principles that will completely transform your work.
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The Supplies to Create These Papers:
Plastic surface to create papers on – choose one
Ranger nonstick craft mat (LOVE this product)
Plastic file folders
Parchment or wax paper
Spray bottle filled with water
Acrylic paint using 2 paint colors (watch color video) Choose one or more papers:
Rice Paper, Drawing paper 80 lbs, or Copy paper, Old book pages, old painted collage papers
Are you interested in learning more about how to incorporate your collage papers into your art?
Check out my Collage Workshops!
