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:

Plastic placemat – from the dollar store – easy to clean off the extra glue

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

Water-soluble crayons

China markers

White-out pen

OTHER TOOLS

Acrylic paints

Knives

Pallet knives

Home-made stamps and linocut plates

Workable fixative

Varnishes and sealants

So, tell me, what are your favorite collage tools and supplies?