Collage Supply List

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

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

Responses

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TP

I think that Kelly has done an excellent job on all points. I am currently enrolled in the Biz class and I assure everyone that it is worthwhile. Lots of solid advice for more experienced folks but very accessible to emerging artists.

AM

Classes are VERY well thought out with clear information and content. Kelly is engaging as a teacher and has a very good presentation style. She has an indepth knowledge of her subject and passion for collage which shines through.

DS

I started the ABC class a little behind the initial group, but I've now gone through the A and B courses (just haven't done the assignments yet) and just want to say that the way you've set up the course is fabulous! The documents and videos are so well organized and your instruction in the videos has so much value by delving into technique, considerations, your own examples, etc. It’s really well thought out and executed!

RM

Kelly puts together a smashing fun time! She is organized, well prepared and brings her own unique spin to whatever she does. If you take a class with her, be ready for good direction, but with plenty of room outside the box, to learn new things, and walk away feeling it was time well spent.

SD

I just watched the Grids class with my morning coffee. Can't believe it is free because it is a first class production! Great class - well organized, good demos, we get to discover what variety there is in the grid structure and in the not so griddy grids. I realized so many of my collages are grid based - my legacy of being a quilter... Thank you for your generous post!

ML

I am really enjoying the collage alphabet course. First of all, I like that there is one class every two weeks, it gives me time to do the exercises without rushing. And there are a lot of exercises in each lesson! So this gives me a lot of fun processes to experiment with. Also, I like that each exercise is explained clearly in writing, not only verbally. And we even get to see Kelly live doing each exercise. Also, everything is printable: the supply list, each lesson’s explanation, and there are worksheets (although we don’t have to use them, they are convenient). But the most important thing about this course is the generosity of Kelly the teacher. She is available to answer all questions, she encourages me all the time and helps me when I am stuck somewhere. The facebook group is very alive also. In resume, this course is a good occasion for me to have quiet artistic time, to focus. And the results are amazing, I really like my creations!

MM

The G is for Grids class is packed with content. From simple grid compositions to more complex layered compositions. The step by step teaching segments guide participants through each stage. Participants can try as many or as few of the techniques as they like - each segment is standalone. I certainly hadn’t thought there could be so many ‘styles‘ of collaged grid to create. Kelly’s presentation as a teacher is warm and personable and encourages the viewer to ‘have a go’! There is no need for expensive materials or kit! I recommend!

JF

Kelly is hugely talented and oh so patient!!!