Learn basic collage techniques and tips

This post is about the basic knowledge of collage which a creative art form. These techniques and tips can help you learn the basics of this creative hobby and start your first collage work. Collage is considered an established art form, where everyday objects are transformed and given new meaning. The ultimate goal of collage is to assemble a collection of objects or materials and transform them into a new visual form. A collage may include newspaper clippings, ribbons, bits of colored or hand-made papers, portions of other artwork, photographs and other found objects, glued to a piece of paper or canvas.' Collage is usually more of a two-dimensional art. Once you start adding more dimensional items to your collage, you are dabbling with sculpting. There is another kind of collage which is called 'digital collage'. Digital collage is the technique of using computer tools in collage creation to encourage chance associations of disparate visual elements and the subsequent transformation of the visual results through the use of electronic media. It is commonly used in the creation of digital art. You may collect variety of materials and explore how they might be put together into a composition. You can start with cheap and easily available material like paper, newspaper, old magazines. The next step is to get a scissors and glue and that's it. You may create a unique crafts piece or a card to show your talent using this form of creative art. You may collect newspaper clippings, ribbons, bits of colored or hand-made papers, portions of other artwork, photographs and other found objects to start creating your first collage work. Collage is usually more of a two-dimensional art. Once you start adding more dimensional items to your collage, you are ready to create art.Collage can be as basic as cutting pictures you like out of a magazine and gluing them onto a piece of paper. You can use one type of medium, such as magazine pictures, or combine several together such as tissue paper, magazine pages, tin foil, or fabric. The process can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be. Making a collage in not something you need step-by-step instructions for. There is a basic procedure you may follow to make a collage: 1- Prepare a base for your collage The base for your collage can be a piece of paper, poster board, cardboard, canvas, empty picture frame, or any other flat item. If you are using paper then using a heavier paper is a good idea. You can use almost anything you like to create your collage. A few commonly used items are magazine pictures, photographs, or fancy paper. Go through your craft cupboards, magazine racks, and even your junk drawers to find unique items you can use. There are plenty of other mediums you can use that you might not think of, check out this list of creative collage materials. 2- Type of Glue The glue you choose to use for your collage project will depend on what items you are using in your collage. In some instances you might use a couple different kinds of glue in your collage. To create paper collage you need simple glue stick. For other mediums other than paper, you may find crafts gule at crafts shops. 3- Creating your collage. Once you have your base, the items you will use to create your collage, and the appropriate glue, you can start making your collage. You can try to plan it out a little bit by arranging your collage items on your base before you glue it down. You can use a scissors or utility knife to cut the items you are using into the desired shapes and sizes. You can also experiment with tearing your items. Once your collage items are all in place, set it aside and let it dry. Gather your old magazines you don't want anymore and cut off some cool pictures, words, or celebrities. When you're done place everything on the "background" (thicker paper or colored paper) and set it to fit perfectly. Then use some glue and get a new decoration for your wall. Related: familycrafts.about.com Picture credits: nancygoodmanlawrence.comwww.joannecaseyartworks.com www.art-e-zine.co.uk YouTube video: Paper Collage Techniques with Nita LelandUseful links: * http://www.collageart.org/ is a site for collage lovers offering useful information about many related sites etc. * Learn collage with free online tutorials. * How to Make a Collage * Torn Paper Collage Portrait * Download 'Collage Techniques: "Painting with Paper" from 'Slide share' *Ideas and Techniques to Create Unique Collage Work *Develop your creativity with collage