Collage your paper scraps

I’ve recently been inspired by collage.

With an overflow of paper scraps in my stash, I have to admit I’m happy to have found something to do with them.

Do you have paper scraps? Do you find it hard to part with those leftover pieces of scrapbook paper? This could be YOUR solution.

What is collage?

Most people already know what collage is. Here’s the dictionary definition for those who aren’t sure:

How are your scraps sorted?

I’ve been spending some time organizing my scraps and have them sorted into large pieces-those 12″x12″ pieces that I might have cut a two inch border or a photo mat off of and they’ll still work for future scrapbook pages.

Next up are my medium pieces. They’ll work for photo mats, journalling spots, and those smaller chunks of pattern paper that will embellish a plain page.

And lastly are my tiny pieces. And trust me; some ARE tiny. There are little strips and fragments that I just couldn’t bear to throw away because of the colour or the pattern or I suppose, because my scrap dish was right there.

I CANNOT throw them away. I pick up those tiny, pretty pieces and I remember the full sheet it came from, or a project I used it in before, or how it was discontinued by a favourite manufacturer.

Right about now you are either groaning, laughing out loud, or nodding your head in total agreement. But here’s the thing; any of these pieces are perfect for collage. I prefer the tinier pieces but you can use the ones you want.

Why bother with all the work of collage?

Now that I’ve started playing with collage, I’ve discovered four things.

1. It’s not that much bother. It’s quite easy, really.
2. I CAN use up a lot of my scraps.
3. Once I’ve used a scrap, I find it easier to throw the rest of the piece into the trash. Yes, I do tear some of the scraps to fit a space sometimes and those leftovers are the pieces are the ones I can trash. (I suppose that’s a psychological reaction but we’re not hear for psychological evaluations, are we?)
4. Creating collage is easy, requires little concentration or thought, and can be very meditative and relaxing.

Let’s get started on a collage sheet

I use a light piece of paper for my background.

In fact, as a self-proclaimed packrat, I save the brown paper packing that comes in boxes and it works perfectly. Newsprint, computer paper, or even old magazine or book pages would work as well.

I don’t like to use anything too thick because I’ll be adding paper and glue to the top AND once completed, the collage is likely to be added to another paper as well.

What you need

You’ll need; your background paper, some wet glue, a glue stick or a collage medium. I tend to use a combination of all of these.

I like to use the The Scrapbook Roomcollage medium to cover the entire collage once it’s completed. But clear gesso, a clear acrylic spray, or any other coating material you have on hand could also work for this purpose.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Not only do I always say, “It’s only paper.” In this case, “It’s only SCRAP paper!”

But back to the clear top coat; it will help tack all your pieces down and will give a smooth, glossy finish to your project.

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Want to see my process for creating collage sheets?

Watch this video…

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Optional collage supplies

I also like to have white gesso or acrylic paint and some stamps and ink to finish up but you do not need these items.

I like to sew around sections of the collage to add a finishing touch. Sometimes I’ll stitch around small pieces and sometimes just a straight stitch around the edges.

Sewing can be hard on your sewing machine needles but I’m told it won’t hurt the machine. It’s probably best to machine stitch before you add any of the top coats and gesso.

What’s a completed collage sheet look like?

Here’s some of my recently completed collage sheets.

On the above sheet, I used images and text from old books as well as a corner of a handwritten recipe.

Notice I’ve even included an old price sticker on this sheet. Maps also make good collage material.

I even tear pieces of junk mail that catch my eye. Wrapping paper. Candy box liners. Anything goes.

It’s generally easy enough to pull a piece off the sheet before the glue sets. Or cover it with something else if you don’t like it.

Here’s a 6″x 8″ piece of white cardstock that I collaged. This piece could work for a card front or a book cover. What do you think? I might have been a bit heavy on the white gesso but it’s okay.

What’s a collage card look like?

Take a look at some of my recent collage card creations.

For each of these projects, I chose some items that were special to the card recipients–a personalization of sorts.

This was for my sister, Bridgette. I had that tag that said “Bridge” in my stash so it was perfect. I also added her birthdate and I added a four leaf clover dangling from the card for luck. Bridgette used to love frogs so I imagine the girl looking into the pond is talking to the frogs.

Ways to personalize your collage projects

This one for my sister-in-law has an actual image of her on it. She’s been to Paris so the Eiffel Tower works. And the two feathers signify her Aboriginal name, “Two Feathers”. The feathers are milagros, tiny handmade charms I purchase in Mexico.

If you want to personalize your collage sheets, don’t add too many scraps on your base sheet. Then you can add a few personal details when you make individual cards from your sheets.

And this card for my cousin has an image of the two of us as children. I’ve been adding “vintage” images to my cards. Additonally, I had an old Thessalon postcard so I cut up bits of it to use on the card to represent our hometown.

I am particularly liking how I can personalize my collage projects.

I did some stitching on this one (and broke THREE needles in the process!). The leg charm represents “good luck in your path”, according to my Mexican friend, Lupa.

I think bits of collage could work for scrapbook pages too. I think I’ll give it a try. How about you?

Will you try collage? Let me know in the comment section of this post.

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Be sure to join my private Facebook group, The Scrapbook PLAYroom, where you can share your work and get inspiration from your fellow crafters. It’s FREE!

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