Ever had those really smart moments when you think of something cool? Well today’s post is one of those times I thought “Let me experiment” and succeeded. Learn how to create a beautiful DIY watercolor paper collage that you can use for a variety of projects.Â
I have to say I’m really pleased with how this project turned out. One of the best things of having a creative blog is that you try thinking outside the box. And my mind works constantly on creating stuff that you may enjoy. Although this may take a bit more time than my usual projects, I’m positive you’ll love it. Have a good read!
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Materials required for watecolor paper collage are:-
- Watercolor paper
- Watercolor paints
- Watercolor brushes
- Scissors
- Precision knife(optional)
- Double sided tape
- Winsor and Newton gouache in permanent white(optional)
- Oblique calligraphy pen holder(optional)
- Brause EF66 calligraphy nib(optional)
Step 1: Paint the elements of the illustration that will form the finished watercolor paper collage. My collage consists of oranges and leaves. Break it down and paint oranges, individual leaves and leaflets. Â You may want to space it a little apart so that it’s easier to cut.
Step 2: Cut out the elements using scissors and/or precision knife. For the nooks and crannies, I used a precision knife which seemed to work better. This part needs a slight amount of patience but the end result is worth it! I promise.
Pictured below are all the elements cut that need to be assembled.
Step 3: Before sticking all the bits, assemble them and see what composition works best.You may need to fiddle with it around a bit until you get one that looks perfect. Take a photograph so that you don’t forget what it looked like! 😀
Take double-sided stickers and cut them into tiny squares. In my composition, the oranges overlap each other. Place the sticker on one of the oranges. Place the other one on top.
You’ll end up with something like this.
Continue to stick all the other elements of the watercolor paper collage.
To give more dimension to the watercolor paper collage, use the cylindrical side of any pen to create rounded edges. This gives the leaves a semi-reastic look.
If you notice the leaves in the image below, some elements pop more than the rest although they are on the same surface. For example, the leaf at the middle right. Here, I used 2 small double-sided squares stacked on top of each other to give further height. So although the orange and the leaf are on the same surface, the leaf pops more(check shadows).
And that’s my take on creating a watercolor paper collage. I’ve also featured a couple of ideas where you can use it practically.
On a greeting card…
On a gift wrap…
Paint one large leaf on which you can write down the name of your recipent in calligraphy/lettering. I used Winsor and Newton gouache in permanent white as my choice of color.
Curve the end and tuck it inside the collage. How gorgeous does this packaging look? And with Valentine’s day around the corner, this can be a totally unique way to surprise your loved one.
As wall decor…
What do you think?
What watercolor paper collage would you create? Would you like me to do one on flowers as well? Or do you think this one’s time consuming? But if you think this is fun and you’ve given this a shot, tag me on Instagram with #makeinkstruck . I would LOVE to see your take.
Have a lovely rest of the week. Cheers!
It’s also perfect for Chinese New Year 🙂 We have tiny orange trees to represent future prosperity.
Oh is it really? Does it fall around this time of the year? That’s an amazing coincidence then. And what a beautiful way to symbolize something as simple as oranges. Thanks for sharing this little tidbit. Have a lovely day ! 🙂
Your tutorials are on-point! I love this idea and can’t wait to try it.
Thanks Jen. And so are yours! I would love to see what you come up with. x
Really great idea, i would just suggest if it is used as a greeting card that all of the elements not extend outside of the card, as they would get bent when placing in an envelope. Birds sitting on a branch also look nice when given this 3-D treatment. I recall seeing a very sweet bird in a nest that you did that would be so cute like this. You could also stick a piece or two of down coming out of the nest. Makes me want to go and do this right now!
Hi Sharon. I did notice the little leaf sticking out here, so I tucked it behind the card while gifting it to a friend. But for the sake of showing how it looked, I took a photograph before I folded it. But thanks for suggesting, I should have ideally mentioned it in my post 🙂
I’m assuming you’re speaking of the humming bird illustration I did. And that’s such a fab idea!! I’ll definitely be giving that a go when I have the time.
You’re so full of wonderful ideas. And I can’t wait to see your take on this. x
I LOVE this idea! It turned out brilliantly!
Thanks so much Sarah! x
OMG! Seriously I LOVE you’re blog! My name is Maria and I found you via Blogtalk and I love anything watercolour also 🙂 Gorgeous work. I will totally continue to stalk your blog. You’re so talented. I have a linkup party I would love you to join if you have time called The Creative Corner that goes live every Sunday 6pm PST. xx 🙂
Hi Maria. Thanks so much for the lovely words you’ve sent my way. How fabulous to wake up and see this! You’ve made my day. Thanks for letting me know about the link up. I may have been a tad bit late but I’ve gone ahead and linked my post. Have an amazing rest of the week 🙂