Beginning Paper Mosaic Collages

Learn to Create Stunning Paper Mosaics: A Beginner's Guide

Discover the captivating art of paper mosaics in this comprehensive course! Learn how to transform small pieces of paper into intricate and beautiful images. This beginning paper mosaics tutorial guides you step-by-step through the entire process, from initial planning to the final varnish.

Whether you're a complete beginner or have some prior experience, this course offers valuable techniques and inspiration. You'll learn to create a beautiful butterfly mosaic as a practical project, and gain the skills to apply them to your own unique creations.

While the "Preparing Papers for Your Art" course isn't required, it provides a helpful foundation. However, you can absolutely use alternative paper sources like magazine papers, book papers, and scrapbooking papers to get started.

Beginning Paper Mosaics Supply List

This list provides a range of supplies, from a bare minimum to a more extensive setup. Feel free to adapt it to your preferences and available materials.

Bare Minimum:

• Thick paper: For your mosaic base.
• Magazines: For ripping into paper pieces.
• Mod Podge: A versatile adhesive and sealant.
• Paintbrush: For applying Mod Podge.
• Scissors: For cutting paper.

Extended Supply List:

Substrates (Base Materials):

Choose a base that suits your style. Here are some popular options:

• Ampersand Hardbord: (Dick Blick Item #14941-1212) – A popular choice available in various sizes.
• Golden Gloss Medium: (Dick Blick Item #00628-1115) – For sealing your finished mosaic.
• Golden Gesso: (Dick Blick Item #00628-1175) – A great primer for preparing your substrate.
• Foam Brushes: For applying mediums and varnish.

Design & Planning:

• Sketch paper: For initial design ideas.
• Pencil: For sketching your design.
• Carbon paper/Tracing paper (Optional): For transferring designs.
• Scissors: For precise cutting.

Adhesives & Materials:

• Mod Podge: (Michaels Item # 10047537) – For adhering paper pieces.
• Papers: Ripped, cut, or glued – use painted papers from the "Preparing Papers for Your Art" course or your own collection of found papers.
• CraftSmart Brushes: (Recommended - $8 at Michaels, though availability online may vary) – Taklon bristles are ideal for Mod Podge.
• Low Lid: For easy Mod Podge application.
• Tracing paper: For transferring designs.
• Xacto knife: For precise cutting.
• Cutting mat: To protect your work surface.
• Thin Black Sharpie: For outlining and detailing.

Varnishing:

• Liquitex Gloss Varnish: (Jerry's Artarama Item #61670) – For protecting and enhancing your finished mosaic.
• Foam brush: For applying varnish.
• Cup: For varnish.

Start your paper mosaic art journey today! This course provides a fun and accessible way to explore a beautiful and rewarding art form.