So You Want to Make a Collage? Some Basic Tips

What is a collage? (ko-lahj’)nnA collage is pasting or gluing papers or two-dimensional objects onto a surface. nnWhat is an assemblage?(AH-SEM-BLAHJ’)nn If you think of the word assembly the definition becomes somewhat clear. Assemblage is a combination of three-dimensional objects glued to a surface. . These objects can be anything organic or man-made. Scraps of wood, stones, old shoes, baked bean cans and a discarded baby buggy – or any of the other 84,000,000 items not here mentioned by name – all qualify for inclusion in an assemblage. Whatever catches the artist’s eye, and fits properly in the composition to make a unified whole, works.nPlease note , therefore, that these pieces are not covered with glass or plexiglass. nnWhat are some basic steps for making a collage?nnUse poster board or heavy cardboard. Choose a size that will be big enough for your pictures.nn• Gather pictures from a magazine, your personal photos, color paper and any two dimensional mementos, such as ticket stubs, that will fit onto the board and are light-weight.nn• Cut around the part of the picture you want to include in the collage.nnHow do I prepare the board?nn• All surfaces should be free of dirt and grease.nn• If needed, sand surface to insure proper adhesion to smooth surfaces such as plastic, metal and glass.nn• Absorbent Surfaces, such as paper, canvas and wood usually need no preparation.nn• Arrange each picture and two dimensional object on the poster board before you glue. Try different arrangements until you get one that looks just right.nn What type of medium should I use?nnLiquitex Acrylic Mediums are available in several formulations that vary in thickness and sheen. While each medium can be used with a variety of materials, some materials may require a specific medium.nnFor light weight and flat materials (paper, canvas, etc.) use Liquitex using the fluid or the gel. nnFor heavy weight and 3-D materials (beads, rocks, etc.): Use Liquitex Gel Mediums.nnHow do they look when dry?nnLiquitex fluid mediumsnnThe gloss mediums and varnishnn• Dries clear with a gloss finish.nnThe Matte Mediumsnn• Best adhesive qualities of any Fluid Medium.nn• Dries translucent to opaque with a matte finish.nnLiquitex Gel MediumsnnThe Gloss mediuimsnn• Dries clear-translucent with a gloss finish.nnThe Matte Gel Mediuim nn• Best adhesive qualities of any Gel Mediumnn• Dries translucent to opaque with a matte finish.nnGloss Heavy Gel Mediumnn• Dries clear, translucent with a gloss finish.nnHow do I apply the medium?nn• Apply the Liquitex Acrylic Medium to collage material, substrate or both.nn• While acrylic medium is still wet, apply collage material to surface.nn• If acrylic medium is absorbed into collage surface (some papers are very absorbent). Allow medium to dry. Apply a second coat. The second coat will not be absorbed by the collaged surface.nn• If the acrylic medium is drying too fast, keep environment cool and humid.nn How long should it dry?nn• Allow acrylic medium to fully dry. Fluid Mediums 1-4 hours, gel mediums 24-72 hours, depending upon thickness of application.nn• Use glue or a glue stick. Dab lightly on the back of the item you’re putting on the poster board. Press lightly.nn• Let it dry.nn• It is now ready to frame. nnWHAT SUPPLIES DO I NEED?nn MEDIUMSnn• Gel Mediumnn• Gloss Mediumnn• Matte Mediumnn• Acrylic Mediumnn(Brands to consider are Liquitex or Golden)nnSUPPORTSnn• Bristol Board (3-5 ply)nn• Canvas Boardnn• Illustration Boardnn• Mat Boardnn• Watercolor Boardnn• Masonite Boardnn• PlywoodnnBRUSHESnn• Synthetic-Sabeline in different sizesnnNOTE: NEVER USE YOUR GOOD BRUSHESnnSo there you have it. Get started and have fun!n