Collage art is one of the most thrifty techniques – old leaflets, tissue paper, magazines and scrap paper can all be transformed into beautiful pieces of art. It's also one of the cheapest art forms – all you need is paper, glue and a pair of scissors to get started.
You don't even need to buy an expensive glue – you can achieve great results with a glue stick or cheap PVA glue which can be found in any craft store. The possibilities are endless – try experimenting with mixing textured photos with plain paper to create interesting effects. You don't even need to use scissors: tearing the edges of the paper can give your picture a rough, textured look.
Most of us will have experimented with collage ideas as children, enjoying tearing the paper and moving the pieces around to form a picture. As an adult, you can produce something more sophisticated and there are lots of talented collage artists out there producing incredible work.
If you're looking for artistic collage ideas, why not check out the work of the artist Henri Matisse? He created incredible collages made by applying gouache paint onto paper, which was then cut into shapes and arranged.
You can use collage art to create seascapes like the one above, floral patterns or geometric abstract designs. Not sure what to make? Explore our collage art ideas for inspiration – we've included collage ideas for artists of all abilities (and a few for kids!).
Featured image by iStock/Evorona.
30 collage ideas
1. Abstract geometric shapes
This is a really fun way to create a unique piece of art for your home. Take some plain coloured paper and cut it into geometric shapes. Move the pieces around until you like how the pieces are arranged, then stick them down. Job done!
2. Coastal scene
Artist Fiona Clabon presses paper into lino printing ink and cuts the paper into collages once the ink has dried. This is a great technique to try if you also enjoy lino printing and want to use up any leftover ink. You could achieve similar results using a roller (brayer) and some acrylic paint. Discover Fiona Clabon's collage art tips over on CalmMoment.
You can buy Fiona's work over on her Etsy shop, including this Song of the Sea print.
3. Flowers in a vase
This pretty flowers in a vase collage idea by Esther Curtis is a fresh take on still life art. You can either work from life with a real vase of beautiful blooms in front of you or use your imagination to come up with some fresh designs.
4. Nautical scene
Collage can be used to create interesting watery scenes – you can use torn paper to produce ripples and have fun mixing various blue tones together. We love this Cornish harbour collage scene from the Sixty One A blog, which really shows what you can do using collage techniques.
5. Birds
Birds come in all shapes and sizes! Experiment with different colours, patterns and shapes to create your own bird collage. This fantastic woodpecker collage was produced by artist and illustrator Tracey English – you can find more of her amazing artwork over on her website.
She created 100 days of birds as a collage project back in 2018 and you can see some great examples of her work over on her website.
6. Abstract shapes
Collage art can give you the opportunity to experiment with shapes and colours. First choose some colours which work well together, then cut out random shapes and mix them all together. This fantastic collage was produced by artist Julia Hamilton.
7. Mixed media
Combine drawing and collage to make a mixed media design, which gives you some more control over the colours and textures you're using to make your design. Keep it rough for a rustic look and try not to be too fussy! This cute cabin in the woods design is by the artist Anneli Bray.
8. Self-portrait
Having trouble thinking of collage ideas to try? Have a go at making your own self-portrait! It's a fun way to explore the art of collage and make some artwork for your home at the same time.
You could also try making collage portraits of your friends and relatives. This colourful collage self-portrait was made by artist Kate Voronina. If you're looking for more self portrait ideas, check out our how to paint a self-portrait tutorial.
9. Magical mountains
Australian artist Laura Blythman is known for creating beautiful, dream-like designs and this mountain scene is no exception. Paint papers in different colours, then cut out the shapes to make your own magical landscapes. This exercise would be suitable for older children to try too.
If you love Laura's work, you'll be excited to learn that she has her own range of fabrics! Buy Laura Blythman's fabrics from Spoonflower.
10. Funny faces
This is a fun collage idea that's suitable for both adults and kids! Paint scraps of paper and cut them into ovals, then add your own silly faces using a felt tip or a sharpie pen. You'll want to make a whole crowd. This idea was created by UK-based illustrator Hattie Clark.
11. Colour burst
Doesn't this look amazing? This collage idea a good way to use up any paper strips you have leftover from other craft projects. Simply trim them into wedges and arrange them to make your own dazzling colour burst art. We love the colours and patterns used in this collage by Mcafee's Art Studio.
12. Fantastic fruits
Sometimes you don't need to look far to find inspiration – reach for the fruit bowl or open the fridge and turn your food into a fabulous collage. This colourful cherry picture is by collage artist Brandie Stonge.
13. Under the sea
Your collage doesn't need to be a scene or a realistic picture to look amazing., sometimes you can play around with a theme or arrange different objects on paper to make your finished picture. This bright collage by Ira Sluyterman van Langeweyde has an aquatic theme, but your theme could be whatever you like! Ira has used a combination of watercolours and collage to create this beautiful design – try it for yourself.
If you like Ira's work, check out her Iraville Etsy shop.
14. Motivational quote
Transform your favourite quote or affirmation into a collage for your home! Choose some papers in colours that work well together and cut them into bold letters. If you're finding it tricky to cut out the letters, you could use a craft knife and a cutting mat to make the process easier.
This lovely collage is by Lynn Giunta. If you like her work, you can buy her prints on her collagegirlKC Etsy shop.
15. Rainbow sun catcher
This rainbow sun catcher project is a good way to introduce young children to collage. It uses some simple cutting and sticking techniques to make a lovely sun catcher to put up in your home. You could also stick it down onto paper to make some vibrant art for a child's bedroom.
Looking for more activities to keep young children entertained? Check out our crafts for toddlers and our arts and crafts to do at home.
Get into gouache
Learn how to create beautiful illustration-style art with Gathered's pick of the best gouache painting ideas.
16. Hobbies
Celebrate your favourite activities by making a hobby-themed collage like this one by potter and artist Juliette. This is the perfect way to show your appreciation for the things you love in life. You could also make a collage like this for a friend or relative as a personalised gift.
17. DIY colourful collage
This brilliant modern collage by blogger SarahHearts would look amazing on your wall! It's made using vellum, which has a beautiful translucent quality. This means that you'll be able to see the colours shine through each layer. Find out how to make your own DIY colourful collage.
18. Art journal
Fill your journal pages with collages – this is a good way to explore new collage ideas that you might turn into a larger piece of art. You can annotate your art journal with thoughts and ideas too. Canadian artist Julie Liger Belair made this gorgeous jungle-inspired collage. Why not try making your own jungle scene in your sketchbook?
If you're looking for more creative journalling tips, check out our art journal ideas.
19. Rainbows
Children love rainbows – they're bright, cheerful and easy to make. Kids will love looking through different types of paper to choose the colours for their rainbows. Younger children may require some help from an adult to cut out the shapes and stick them down.
You could make a selection of rainbows in different sizes to add some colour to a child's room. Learn how to make your own rainbow collage with Eleanor Ford of the Mini Mad Things website.
20. Mini collage
Making a perfectly formed mini collage can be very challenging, but it will push you to be more creative. Try restricting your collage to a small shape such as a square or a circle and fill it with patterns and textures, as artist Jenny Stevenson has done here.
21. 3D collage
Collage doesn't need to be flat – you can create enchanting 3D designs by layering up paper and card as Kristin Schue has done here. Kristin has made a window in the centre of her artwork to create a feeling of depth. Create your own collage forest scene or experiment with other 3D collage ideas.
22. Orange blossom
Another bold and beautiful design from Sarah Hearts! This project is ideal for anyone new to collage because it includes free templates to help you make the design. Find out how to make your own orange blossom collage.
23. Shredded paper gift box
Shredded paper is really useful for creating collages – try putting some colourful magazine pages through your shredder to create multicoloured strips of paper. If you don't own a shredder, you can achieve similar results with a pair of scissors. There are so many ways to get creative with shredded paper, such as making your own shredded paper gift boxes like this one from allputtogether.com.
24. Collage hair accessories
If you have leftover shapes and scraps of paper after making collages with children, you can transform them into cute hair clips! Learn how to make DIY paper hair barrettes with sarahhearts.com.
25. Mixed media leaves
Autumn leaves fade so quickly, but you can capture their beauty by making a mixed media collage. Gather up some leaves and photocopy them to use in your collages – this is a good project to make with children because the process highlights the details on the surface of the leaves. Discover how to make a mixed media leaf art collage with Barley & Birch.
26. Earth Day
Teach your children about the environment by making a cool collage for Earth Day this year. Find out how to make your Earth Day collage with iheartcraftythings.com.
27. Birds and nest collage
This cute collage idea is perfect for spring! Find textured papers to make this seasonal collage – you could use your finished collage to make a card for a loved one. You could create a simplified version of this with children too. Make your own fantastic birds and nest collage with katescreativespace.com.
28. Bugs
Bug collages are a really entertaining project to make with children, especially if you're trying to teach them about the natural world.
This bug collage idea uses a variety of shapes and colours to create the finished insect – encourage children to experiment with different colours and patterned papers to make their own pictures. Find out how to make a bug collage with artprojectsforkids.org.
29. Faces
Cut a face out of a magazine and surround it with interesting patterns and shapes to create your own surreal artwork. This fabulous example is by @februllage on Instagram.
30. Recycled paintings
Artist Kate Vernon loves to cut up her old paintings and turn them into new collages – like this cute design which features plants and a sweet creature peeking out!
Use up paper scraps with our thrifty collage ideas
Collage art is a brilliant way to make use of paper scraps, old magazines and even old greetings cards. It's an eco-friendly medium that's hugely versatile. You can create a variety of interesting effects by cutting or tearing the paper, or by combining collage with other mediums such as watercolour paints.
Most people create their first collages in childhood and returning to this technique in adulthood gives us the chance to be playful in our art. Collage can also be very sophisticated, depending on the effects you want to produce.
Getting out of your comfort zone can help you to develop as an artist, whatever medium you choose to explore.
Your complete guide to watercolour painting
Watercolour painting is one of the most accessible mediums – the materials are inexpensive and even beginners can learn to produce beautiful works of art in a very short time.
Discover everything you need to know about watercolour painting in Gathered's expert guide.
