15
May
2010
Simple Collage Art
I used this post for my first guest post over at Along For the Ride on Thursday. I decided to post it here in case any of you missed it 
For the past year or so, I have been seeing other bloggers with really neat collage art that they have created. I’ll admit, I was in awe and slightly intimidated. Until one day, the fates stepped in, and I was a substitute art teacher. The students project was to draw a picture, and then rip out the colors they needed from magazine pages. The light bulb went off and so began my adventure into the collage art world.
The supplies for this project are pretty simple:
Paper products! I started sifting through magazines while I was still at school and then continued searching through my old bridal magazines (who doesn’t have a bunch of old magazines lying around?!?). For the colors that I didn’t think I had enough of, I supplemented it with some card stock and paint chips. Old books, wrapping paper, even cut up pieces of fabric would work. Once you decide on a color palette, just start ripping up pages that contain those colors. I went for a Mediterranean vibe.
Keep your colors separate as you go- I used prep dishes and pyrex bowls. Don’t be afraid to go with different shades within each color otherwise you will be looking forever! Varying the size of your papers is also important. I filled most dishes 2/3 full and that ended up being more than enough! The great thing about this project is if you don’t rip enough to start with, you can just go back to ripping and fill in as needed.
Once you are satisfied with your paper stash, it is time to start creating. I used an 11×14 canvas. You can use whatever size you choose. I marked my canvas with a line every two inches so I’d be able to keep the colors semi-even (I ditched the gray).
Now, you will need to start mod podging your paper onto the canvas. I just put a dab on the back of each piece with a foam brush and placed it on the canvas. Be as random as possible to ensure your different shades are spread evenly. Layer as much as you like to get the look you want. I chose to wrap the colors all the way onto the edges so I wouldn’t have to frame it or worry about painting the edges. Simply use some of your straight edge pieces or just trim them when you are all finished.
I also overlapped a little bit of each color into the next section to help it flow better. You honestly cannot mess this up! Just glue and plop it onto the canvas. Once all of your bits of paper are in place, slather on the mod podge. This is your time to get all those edges glue down really good! I had some wrinkling occur during this stage, but I liked the texture that it added. Now you just need to let it dry for a couple of hours.
Here is my finished product:
Not going to lie, it turned out better than I expected. I love all the texture and different colors. I think doing one in all neutrals or black/white/grays would be quite neat as well. Of course, I couldn’t just leave it plain like this so I jazzed it up with some of my tissue paper flowers.
I would love to see other people’s projects, so stop by my blog and share your results! I’m excited to see what other people come up with for color palettes or even possibly designs-maybe a wavy pattern? Thanks for letting me share mine with you
I absolutely LOVE this project! I couldn’t find your email addy but wanted to let you know that I gave you an award over at my blog: http://acraftyescape.blogspot.com/2010/05/versatile-award.html
I love this too. Thanks for the how to.
Currently I am creating with Corel painter. Your post makes me realize I could use splotches of color instead of strokes. I love the soft effect you have created.
This is so cool! What a great idea! x
AH!! I love it!!! Thanks for making the rest of us look so uncreative!
Very cool Becky!
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog!! I’m glad you did because I LOVE this project. I have soo many magazines laying around — can’t wait to try this!
I didn’t get a chance to pop over sooner, but I saw this on Laura’s blog, and loved the look of it! Thanks for sharing.
Fabulous! So clever and creative! The texture is awesome! Would love to have you stop by the Sunday Showcase Party if you get a chance. You’ve done a great job on this piece! Hope you are having a great weekend! ~ Stephanie Lynn
Bec, your collage is beautiful! I might have to copy this! Thanks for stopping by my blog too. Yours is fun! Seeing your adventures, you should visit Portgual too!
I love this…what a clever way to create art!
this turned out so cool Bek! i now know what to do with those blank canvases that have been sitting in my closet for over a year. thanks for sharing!
This is seriously cool. Why am I not getting this I thought I was a follower. I need to check up on that. Love the colors, love the three dimension aspect, love the art. You clever girl.
Pam
I’m so glad every likes it! I’d love to see what you can come up with so share your projects with me if you decide to do them
Love it!!!
I really love the colors you chose for your project! It came out really good and I love it! The paper flowers coming out of the canvas really add a new dimension to the project
Love this idea – So clever and creative! Looks fabulous! Thanks so much for joining the Sunday Showcase. I greatly appreciate it! Hope you are enjoying your week. ~ Stephanie Lynn
Wow I love this project!!
Looks great!! This would be totally fun to do with my kid too!
SO COOL! Great Job.
Holy cow this is awesome!! I am new to your blog and I am so so happy that I found you!!
~Morgan
Meet Virginia!
Meet Virginia!
Meet Virginia!
I.LOVE.IT! So beautiful and your flowers add the perfect touch. Thanks for sharing your art!
Ooooh, I have a ton of old canvases laying around. I am thinking this would be a great way to use some of them up, along with the old magazines we’re recycling. Such a “green” project! BTW, I HEART your blog design, so simple and so sweet. I wish I could steal it, but I won’t. Instead, I’ll just come here and admire it ;o) Happy Friday!
I am TOTALLY making this over the long holiday weekend. Let the search through the magazines begin!
I am doing this with elementary kids at my church for a 3 week kids’ club!!! Thank you for the wonderful inspiration. I just picked up a bunch of colorful paint samples.
Hi there! I absolutely LOVE this idea!! I made one for my sister’s wedding shower and it turned out gorgeous!! Thanks so much for the inspiration!!
http://sweetlittlesmoothie.blogspot.com/2010/06/mixed-media-rainbow-collage.html
Still here browsing
LOVE the craft/decorating ideas. They are simple and cheap! I am changing my mind constantly about what I want so it’s nice to find thrifty DIY projects to do.
Just happened upon your blog today, linked from a “My Favorite Things” post at asoftplace.net. Your DIY art project is just beautiful. I think I will create one of my own soon, and will be sure to share the results. I’m also posting this to Pinterest.
Really beautiful ide, I thnk I need to try it out with my 4 year old as one of our craft projects
You are a awesome artist. Jealous much!
About Me (Bec)
I am a newly-wed who likes to create, cook, read, take pictures, travel, and now, blog.
Categories
Archives
Inspiration
Switch site
All content © 2010 the iheart blog | bec@theiheartblog.com | Mobile version | Log in