Detail from memory Collage- Liz

Basic Collage Technique

Come up with a central design or theme for the collage. A collage can be about anything you want. Layering papers gives you no shortage of different options, so it’s about whatever sparks your creativity. Perhaps you feel like collecting pictures of your favorite place or want to make a message out of words cut from magazines. You could also arrange old photos to make a collage about your family, for instance.

There aren’t many limits to what you can do. For example, you could cut out small pieces of paper and arrange them so they form a bigger image.
One option is to find an image that really speaks to you and design the rest of the collage around it.
Collect pictures and other images to make the collage. There are many different inexpensive and accessible sources you can use to find images. Flip through old magazines, newspapers, and pages from picture books or use napkins and decoupage papers.. Keep your favourite images in a shoebox until you’re ready to use them
Consider adding textural elements to your collage, like fabric, ribbon, or natural resources, leaves, feathers etc.
Search through magazines and newsprint for cut-outs. Newsprint adds a unique texture to a collage, but the ink may rub off on your fingers sometimes.
Use photographs to capture a retro feel, but be careful about what you use. Make copies of your favorites to cut up instead of the originals.
For something unique, find some old scraps of wallpaper. You can often get free sample swatches from home improvement shops or print from online.
Select a sturdy piece of paper for the base of the collage. Choose something thick to serve as a background for your collage. Thicker paper is less likely to fall apart after you add glue to it. Stick with a white background in order to avoid color contrasts with any pictures you plan on using.
Some background materials to consider include cardboard, craft papers, and canvas. Anything thick and flat usually holds up well. You could even use something like a picture frame.
Avoid glossy paper like watercolor art paper. The material is more expensive and doesn’t hold up under glue as well.
Cut out the images to fit in your collage. The way you cut out pictures affects how they look in the collage. Most of the time, you will end up cutting out the entire image without leaving space around it. Some images have borders you can save to add effects. You could also cut an image in a unique way to highlight certain parts of it.
For example, you might cut a hole in a picture to expose the paper or another image placed underneath it.
Lay out your images on the paper without gluing them. Try placing your main image in the center, then filling in the rest of the paper with other material. Build around each scrap you add to expand on the theme you chose. Plan out your final design, since you won’t be able to remove the images once you glue them in place!
Wait until you’re satisfied with your design before you start gluing anything to the page. This will also give you extra time to find new materials in case you change your mind.
Look for items around your home, from your memory box , a walk in the garden, jumble sales, charity shops or craft shops . You are bound to find tons of interesting things to fit onto your collage!
You could draw a shape on the paper and fill it in with collaged pieces or stamps. Another option is to create a mosaic out of small cuts of paper.
Glue material onto the paper using white ova glue. Start with the background and work forward. Spread a little bit of 50% pva and 50% water mixed together or use a glue stick on the back of each image as you press it onto the paper. This type of glue isn’t visible on the collage as long as you use it in small quantities. Use a quality decoupage glue for sealing your work.
Switch to a thick craft glue in order to secure embellishments like heavy beads and buttons. Use pva or a glue gun.
Not every piece has to be glued flat. decorations give your collage some extra flair.
You can paint and print extra details onto your collaged surface.