Collage Making
Transform old magazines, newspapers, and into unique artwork by cutting and arranging images on paper or canvas. Collage is one of the most accessible art forms—no drawing skills required, just scissors, glue, and creativity.
What you'll do
Create your first simple collage by cutting out images from magazines or printed materials and arranging them into a cohesive composition on cardboard or heavy paper.
What you need
Required
- Old magazines, newspapers, or catalogs · $0 · household
- Scissors · $0 · household
- Glue stick · $0-3 · household
- Cardboard or thick paper for base · $0 · household
Nice to have
- Mod Podge (for sealing finished work) · $8-12 · purchased
- X-Acto knife and cutting mat · $15-20 · purchased
How to do it
Gather your materials
Collect 3-5 old magazines, newspapers, or catalogs. You also need scissors, a glue stick, and a piece of cardboard or thick paper as your base. A cereal box works perfectly as a base.
Browse and cut out images
Flip through your magazines without a specific plan. Cut or tear out any images, colors, textures, or words that catch your eye. Aim for 15-20 pieces to give yourself options.
Arrange before gluing
Lay all your cut pieces on your base without gluing. Move them around, overlap them, and experiment with different arrangements. Spend at least 5 minutes on this step before committing to a layout.
Glue from background to foreground
Once satisfied with your arrangement, start gluing pieces down one by one. Begin with background elements and work toward foreground pieces. Apply glue evenly across the entire back of each piece to prevent curling.
Press and seal
After gluing everything, place a heavy book on top for 10-15 minutes to ensure pieces adhere flat. Optionally, brush a thin layer of over the finished piece to seal and protect it.
Tips
Start by cutting out more pieces than you think you need—having options makes easier and more fun.
Common mistake: gluing pieces down too quickly. Always lay out your entire first and live with it for a few minutes before committing.
Leave some in your collage. You don't need to cover every inch—empty space can make your focal elements stand out.
Test your adhesive on scrap paper first. Some papers bubble or wrinkle with certain glues, especially thin magazine pages with liquid adhesives.
Tear edges instead of cutting for a softer, more organic look. Tearing works especially well for blending elements together.
Glossary
- composition
- The arrangement of visual elements in your collage—how you place and organize pieces to create a balanced, interesting whole.
- layering
- Placing pieces on top of each other to create depth and visual interest. In collage, you typically glue background elements first, then layer foreground pieces on top.
- Mod Podge
- A popular all-in-one glue, sealer, and finish used in paper crafts. It dries clear and protects your finished collage from damage.
- white space
- Areas of your collage intentionally left empty or showing the base material. White space helps important elements stand out and prevents visual clutter.
- found materials
- Any pre-existing images or objects repurposed for art—magazine clippings, ticket stubs, fabric scraps, or anything not originally created for your collage.
- photomontage
- A type of collage made primarily from photographs, often combining parts of different photos to create surreal or composite images.
Communities
Resources
- Mr. Otter Art StudioArt teacher channel with clear, beginner-friendly tutorials on collage materials and composition.
- Artful Haven - Beginner's Guide to CollagingComprehensive guide covering materials, techniques, and creative ideas for first-time collage artists.
- My Modern Met - How to Create Collage ArtOverview of collage history, essential supplies, and five key techniques including photomontage and mixed media.
- Artsy - 3 Simple Tips for Making CollageExpert advice on backing materials, source material selection, and composition planning.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to learn collage making?
You can complete your first collage in 30-60 minutes with no prior experience. Collage has no technical skills to master—it's about developing your eye for composition, which improves naturally with each piece you create.
How much does it cost to start collage making?
You can start for free using materials you already have: old magazines, scissors, and a glue stick. If you need to buy supplies, a basic starter setup costs under $10. Premium tools like X-Acto knives and Mod Podge are optional upgrades.
What's the most common mistake beginners make?
Gluing pieces down too quickly before experimenting with different arrangements. Always lay out your entire composition first, move pieces around, and take a photo before committing. Once glued, repositioning is difficult.
Do I need to be good at drawing to make collages?
Not at all. Collage uses existing images rather than creating new ones from scratch. Your artistic skill is in selecting, arranging, and combining elements—not drawing them.
What can I use besides magazines for collage materials?
Almost anything flat works: newspapers, old books, postcards, wrapping paper, fabric scraps, ticket stubs, maps, sheet music, junk mail, or printed images from the internet. Variety in texture and paper weight adds visual interest.
Why are my collage pieces curling or bubbling after I glue them?
This usually happens with liquid glue that oversaturates thin paper. Use a glue stick instead of liquid glue for magazine pages, apply adhesive evenly across the entire back, and press pieces flat with a heavy book while drying.