Tips: six collage tools Drew can’t live without
TIPS
Making small, quick collages in my sketchbook is an easy way to add some art in my daily life. And… it’s easy when you have the right tools.
Here are six of my favorites…
SKETCHBOOK
Strathmore “visual journal” sketchbook.
This spiral bound book is perfect for collaging due to its 140lb/255gsm cold press watercolor paper. It’s perfect for the glue sticks and the paper lays flat even after using both sides of each page.
This sketchbook slowly, and unintentionally, turned in to a collage grid journal.
CUT UP CALENDAR PAGES
I’m a graphic designer at heart and I love my iconic Stendig Calendar designed by Massimo Vignelli.
Greg buys one for me every year for Christmas.
The huge pages are uncoated and the perfect weight for cutting up to use for collage and for gel printing. The dissected and high contrast pages create interesting forms when paired together.
GEL PLATE PRINTED PAPERS
I mean, you know I’m going to mention a Gelli Plate at some point.😏
Using a Gelli Plate to make my own collage papers transformed my collage as it truly made my voice come through.
If you don’t have one, what are you waiting for?
CUTTER AND RULER
Rotary cutters are an essential tool for quilters, so it’s no surprise I use one for collaging, also. The Fiskars 28mm is perfect for cutting paper.
And using rotary cutters is easy with a plastic quilting ruler as they glide right along with no issue. This small 1”x12” clear ruler by Omnigrid is great since you can also see what you’re cutting.
GLUE STICKS
These collages are just for fun/studies. So I’m not worried about using the most intense mediums. A glue stick is perfect for this use, and UHU makes really great ones.
I like the blue ones… I can easily see the coverage of the glue before I lay the piece down.
TISSUE PAPER
I love using collage papers made with tissue paper. They turn almost transparent when glued down depending on the glue that you use.
I gel print my tissue or paint directly on it, mostly using acrylic paint markers.
The best tissue I have found in the US is Spectra Bleeding Art Tissue made by Pacon. In other parts of the world you can use wet strength tissue.
Want ALL the details about working in board books? Why not take my FREE online class that shows you all the tips and tricks.
Board books are so much more interesting than a typical sketchpad. Aaaand, they're a total blast! With just a few tips I can help you learn the ins and outs to collaging in board books in my popular FREE online class, Build your Creativity: Board Book Basics!
Some links above are paid links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
