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Creating the Perfect, Finishing Touch, Collage Papers with Spirograph
If you’re anything like me, you probably played with a Spirograph as a kid. Spinning little plastic gears and wheels that created wild, mesmerizing designs with just a pen and some patience. I loved it then… and I love it now. But this time, I’m using Spirograph in a whole new way, to create elegant, graphic finishing touch collage papers.
Instead of markers on plain paper, I use archival ink pens on translucent medical exam paper (yes, really!), so the designs feel like they’re floating on top of my finished collage. It’s simple, meditative, addictive, and a beautiful way to bring that final “pop” to your work.
Let me walk you through what I did, what I learned, and how you can make these too.
Why Use Spirograph for Collage Papers?
When I looked at some of my more abstract or minimalist collages, I realized they sometimes needed a subtle, quiet focal point. A delicate, intentional mark to guide the eye, or something that felt like the last note in a song.
Although I have created what I call “finishing touch” papers using molding paste and fine liner bottles (taught in Collage Kickstart and my other online classes), using a Spriograph to create these magical papers took this to a whole new level. I tried both the classic version (plastic wheels with gears) and a child-friendly version designed for ages 5 and up. To my surprise, I loved both, but for different reasons:
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The classic Spirograph gives you endless control and complexity, but takes a steady hand and a little patience.
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The kids’ version is much easier to use, (usually) doesn’t skip like the gears on the classic can, and gives you fast, satisfying results.
Why Medical Exam Paper?
I needed a tissue-like paper that would disappear into my collage background when glued down, but would tear when glue and ink were applied to it.
Enter medical exam paper ! It’s strong, mostly translucent after glue is applied and dried, and works just like wet-strength tissue. When you layer it over your collage with matte medium, the paper melts in as if the design is floating on top.
It’s the same paper I tested in my Tissue Paper Comparison video, and it’s a staple in my collage stash.
Which Pens Work Best?
Since I wanted these Spirograph designs to be archival, I avoided the gel pens that come with the kits and instead I used many types of pens in my stash, including Staedtler pigment lingers, Pentel fine-liners, Uniball gel pens, and Micron pens.
Each gave different effects. The heavier the ink, the bolder the mark, but that also meant more potential bleed-through, so I always used a sheet of copy paper underneath just in case.
Once I made a design I loved, I sealed it with a workable fixative to prevent any bleeding when I glued it down.
Applying to Collage: The Finishing Touch
To give one of my older collages a little “finishing touch”, I cut a Spirograph paper to size and glued it down using matte medium. It gave the whole piece a quiet boldness and created a final accent that didn’t overwhelm.
I especially love Spirograph collage papers in black, gold, and silver – they are just enough to draw attention without stealing the show.
A Few Tips for Making Your Own:
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Go slow when using the Spirograph, it can skip if you rush.
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Experiment freely. Try layering different wheel sizes or combining colors as you hear your inner artist say “how about…?”
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Cut the medical exam paper into small squares ahead of time to match your gear size.
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File your favorite patterns for quick finishing touches later, they’re the perfect final accents to finish off a collage!
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The Supplies to Create These Papers:
Spirograph – Die Cut Collectors Set
Spirograph Cyclex
Medical Exam Paper
Pentel Gel – 12 pen set
Kaco Gel Ink Pens – 20 pen set
Staedtler – black
Pitt Pens – small and big brush
Uni-ball pens – gold and silver
Workable Fixatif
Painters tape
Are you interested in learning more about how to incorporate your collage papers into your art?
Check out my Collage Workshops!
I posted to the Facebook Ask and give group asking for a Spirograph. Someone gave me “the original Spirograph!!” Now I have to play with it. It does come with a manual.
Oh how fun is that! There are also tons of cool design directions on Pinterest. Enjoy!
Cat