Simple Collage
Create something with the paper you already have.
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Time: 20–30 minutes
Skill Level: Beginner
Before You Begin
You don't need special supplies to make a collage.
Look around your home and gather papers that catch your eye. Magazine pages, old book pages, wrapping paper, junk mail, maps, tissue paper—even yesterday's painted papers if you have them.
A collage begins with curiosity, not with perfect materials.
What You'll Need
You don't need every item on this list. Use what you have.
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Paper to use in your collage
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A piece of cardstock or mixed media paper or a sketchbook
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Glue stick or matte medium
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Scissors (optional)
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Pencil (optional)
What Papers Can I Use?
Almost any paper can become part of a collage.
If it's paper, it's worth considering.
Everyday Papers
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Magazine pages
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Junk mail
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Envelopes
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Maps
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Old book pages
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Newspapers
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Wrapping paper
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Paper bags
Creative Papers
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Painted papers
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Tissue paper
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Scrapbook paper
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Handmade paper
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Kraft paper
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Sheet music
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Paint chips
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Fabric scraps (optional)
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Don't worry if you don't have special supplies.
Your first collage doesn't need expensive papers. Some of the most interesting collages begin with old envelopes, magazine pages, junk mail, and scraps headed for the recycling bin.
Choose just 8–12 papers that are different from one another.
Variety is more important than quantity.
① Gather Your Papers
Look for interesting colors and textures.
Choose 8–12 papers that are different from one another.
Mix smooth with textured.
Bright with muted.
Patterned with plain.
Don't overthink it—just gather
what appeals to you.
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② Tear Before You Cut
Soft edges feel natural.
Instead of reaching for scissors first, tear a few pieces by hand.
The uneven edges often make a collage feel more relaxed and organic.
Try mixing torn and cut edges.
③ Arrange Before You Glue
Nothing is permanent yet.
Move your pieces around
before gluing.
Overlap them.
Rotate them.
Leave a little breathing room.
When something feels right, trust it.
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④ Glue One Piece at a Time
Build your collage slowly.
Start with your largest piece.
Then add medium shapes.
Finish with smaller details.
Don't rush.
One decision at a time is enough.
⑤ Step Back and Look
Your eye will tell you what it needs.
Before adding another piece, pause.
Ask yourself:
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Does one area feel too busy?
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Does another need a little more color?
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Is there enough empty space?
Sometimes the next step is adding one more piece.
Sometimes it's stopping.
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More Collage Ideas
Try making a collage using only:
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Blue papers
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Torn edges
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Circles
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Words
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Nature colors
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Black and white
Each limitation helps you notice something new.
Remember
There isn't one right way to make a collage.
There are only choices.
Trust yourself to make one.
Then make another.
Pause & Notice
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Ask yourself:
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Which paper did you choose first?
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Which piece surprised you?
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What did you enjoy most?
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Would you make another one differently?
There are no wrong answers.
Inspiration Gallery
Your collage doesn't have to look like these. Let them inspire you, not define you.
Coming Soon
Magazine collage
Book page collage
Nature collage
Abstract collage
Greeting card
Postcard collage
Every collage begins with one piece of paper. The next one begins with what you learned from this one.
Ready for More?
Now that you've made your first collage, create your own papers to collage with.