Where to Start Working on a Collage
If you decide to make a collage for the first time, it is better to stick to some rules and recommendations. With experience, you will bring them to automatism. When you lack inspiration and the muse does not come, create a composition step by step: draw a sketch; choose a suitable collage style; make a background, or better yet, several options to choose the most successful one; fill the background with elements.
TIP: Work with different materials, but do not overdo it, so that the work does not look too motley. The color of the background should not draw attention to itself, its purpose – to complement the composition, make it harmonious.
The main materials for collages:
- any paper;
- newspaper and magazine clippings;
- photos and postcards;
- fabric scraps;
- threads and buttons;
- foil;
- colorful pebbles;
- oilcloth;
- gift wrapping, etc.
A special role in creating a collage is played by glue. Depending on the chosen materials, different types of glue are used. For example, wallpaper glue firmly fixes the paper and dried leaves. Sold florist glue, which provides a quick gluing of transparent elements. PVA is very popular, it does not deform the material and provides a reliable bond. Also use: glue pencil, double-sided and paper tape or sew collage elements with threads.
Speaking of collages, it is worth mentioning scrapbooking, because it is based on the same principles. The essence of scrapbooking is the creation of unique photo albums, postcards, boxes, notebooks, etc. The technique uses colored paper, multicolored fabric, lace, wooden or plastic elements, ribbons, twigs, dried flowers, stickers, accessories.
Placing elements on the base, adhere to the compositional principles of collage art. The plus side of both techniques is their simplicity. Even a beginner will be able to make an original and unique product, you just need to want to, put a little effort and add a little imagination!
