Collage Then and Now

Instructor: Erin McCluskey Wheeler

Supply list:

PAPER & COLLAGE MATERIAL
For making collages and collage papers, Erin likes to use a 9 x 12 mixed media weight sketchbook. Canson, Stonehenge, Strathmore, Fabriano all make mixed media weight sketchbooks. Search on Blick Art or your local art supply store for mixed media weight paper.

Watercolor paper is also great for collage and mixed media work and the same companies also make good watercolor paper. Go for the less expensive pads of watercolor paper.

This is a great time to use old art projects, maps, letters, cards, junk mail, catalogs, magazines, etc. We will talk more in class about where to source and how to make collage papers.

Must Have Tools

• Paper to work on and paper to cut and collage with
• Glue (see notes on glue)
• Glue brushes, these are an example but use what you have Mod Podge Glue Brushes
• A surface to apply your glue on top of - some examples: old catalogs, wax paper, or a silicone glue mat
• Short blade scissor (2 inch blade that comes to a point). Here are some nice ones!
• Nevanon 135 mm scissors
• Fiskars 5” Detail Scissors
• Fiskars Easy Action Detail Scissors

Optional Tools

• PAINT & INK (and you don’t need to buy this in advance, we can discuss on the first class)
• Gouache and/or acrylic paints - any water based paints or inks. If you don’t already have acrylic paint or gouache, I recommend picking out a Kuretake Gansai Tambi Color Set - these paints have beautiful colors and are affordable
• One Round brush for watercolor or acrylic in a size 10 - 14. It should come to a point.
• One flat brush for watercolor or acrylic ½ or ¾ inch size
• Self healing cutting mat
• Cutting knifes - Olfa brand snap off blades or a Slice ceramic cutter

Notes on Glue

Yes! Paste

• Low water glue that is easy to spread with a palette knife - can be used for sculptural 3D elements as well as very thin and very thick paper. It is messy and takes some getting used to but it’s a great glue and often a student favorite

Mod Podge - Matte finish

• Can be used as a glue and a topcoat - apply with a brush.

Gloo Glue Sticks

• This is my favorite glue stick to use when I’m traveling or working in my sketchbook.

Tombow Aqua Mono Liquid Glue

• A nice portable and easy to use glue. Has two applicator tips - broad and pointy. Great for small surfaces and working in a sketchbook. Can wrinkle some papers.

Matte Gel Medium - Golden or other brand

• This is pretty much the same as Mod Podge and a great glue as well as top coat. Can also be used for doing image transfers (as can Mod Podge).

Aleene’s Tacky Glue Stick

• This is a glue many of my students love for it’s ease of use; I can’t guarantee that it’s archival but it will work great for all your collages made in class

Nori Paste

• A great starch based glue with a slow drying time