I love to experiment and try new techniques and materials. If you’ve taken one of my workshops, you have been introduced to some of my favorite things to work with. Here is a handy reference, with links, of collage and mixed media supplies, including my favorite adhesives. I’ll keep adding to the list as I am constantly trying new supplies! (Find at your favorite local art supply store, or click on the images to purchase on Amazon.)
SUBSTRATES
For paper and mixed media collages, I like the following substrates:
140 lb (or heavier) Watercolor Paper – I buy the 9”x12” or 11″x15″ Fold Over Bound Pad from Canson
Matboard (variety of sizes)
Wood panels
Gesso panels
Ampersand boards (variety of styles)
Wrapped canvas
Canvas panels
Masonite (or hardboard)
Old Book Covers – check library sales, estate sales, etc.
Old Game Boards – check thrift stores, garage sales, etc.
ADHESIVES
Depending on the materials, size and application, I will use one or more of the following:
YES Paste – I apply with an old credit card or hotel key card – or you can use a plastic putty knife.
Elmer’s EXTREME Glue Stick
UHU Glue Stick
Mod Podge (variety of finishes)
Matte Medium – I prefer Golden, but Liquitex is good, too
Gloss Medium – again, Golden or Liquitex
Gel Medium – Golden
Other things I couldn’t live without:
Gesso
Black Gesso
Plastic placemat – from the dollar store – easy to clean off the extra glue
Or a silicone craft mat
Self-healing mat
Paper cutter (for cutting the watercolor paper to size) – this one is portable and replacement blades are easy to find
For mark-making, painted papers, and more
Gelli plate for printing unique papers
Posca pens
Ink
Pastels
Pan Pastels
Water-soluble crayons
Woody 3-in-1
Lyra Graphite Sticks
Derwent XL Graphite Blocks
China markers
White-out pen
OTHER TOOLS
Acrylic paints – I use everything from cheap craft paint, to Golden Fluid Acrylics, and everything in between. Just be mindful of quality and archival properties if you want your work to last!
Knives
Pallet knives
Home-made stamps and linocut plates
Workable fixative
Cold Wax
Varnishes and sealants
