My desk after a nite of collage making. Each collage tool has a different job. I use several different tools each time I make a collage.
Tools You Need to Collage Like a Pro
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Scissors, paper, glue, what more would you need to create a great collage? While you can start with these simple materials it helps to know all the tools you can use to make the best collage possible. Here are my go-to tools when making a new collage.
Collage making is fun, simple, and inexpensive. Don’t be afraid to spend a little money on your tools. They will make collage making much easier!
What Basic Tools You Need
Collaging isn’t about fancy tools and materials. While these tools can elevate your art, always feel free to start with the basics. Here are some collage tool must-haves:
Scissors
All you need is a simple pair of scissors to start. These don’t have to be from any particular brand or style. Odds are you probably have a suitable pair already. Scissors are great for removing large pages from magazines and books and make long, straight cuts.
My favorite pair are these Japanese made, Nakabayashi brand gold scissors. Two years ago, over 14 million people watched my TikTok videos that featured these gold scissors.
Nakabayashi Gold Scissors
Glue Stick
I like to stay simple with my adhesives and use a standard glue stick. It works, it’s easy, and it does the job. Make sure to get a glue stick that’s acid-free. This ensures that the glue will not mess up the quality of the picture over time. Not all glue sticks are created equal. Some are less than worthless. Some brands I would never purchase are School Smart and any off-brand generic gluestick. I prefer Scotch and UHU. Get a few, you will go through them quickly!
I have collages that are around 15 years old that are still held together with gluestick I do not use rubber cement.
Scotch Brand Acid-Free Glue Sticks
Tools to Step Up Your Collage Game
Fine cutting scissors will allow you to make very small free-hand cuts in your collage.
If you want to get even straighter lines, solid cuts, and durable holds to your collage, try out these tools.
Utility Knife
I use the Olfa box cuter knife for the smoothest lines. This is a great tool to use when you are cutting pages from a book or want a fine, straight line that’s a bit easier to manage than with scissors.
Art Knife
This type of knife feels like a pencil in your hand. This makes it easier for you to cut around edges and get precise with your lines. Ruler- A metal ruler with a cork back is best for getting clean lines in your collage without chipping the ruler with your art knives. The cork back will also stop the ruler from sliding around on the page.
Fine Cutting Scissors
These types of scissors are great for getting around edges and making fine cuts. This is similar to the art knife, so if you prefer scissors to knives, this is your tool to get. They’re great for cutting out round objects and detail work that doesn’t include straight lines. Cutting Mat- When using your art knives, a cutting board is a great surface to protect your desk or counter surface and keep your blades nice and sharp. It also acts as a ruler to line your pages up.
A cutting mat is a must for any serious collage hobbyist.
Cutting Mat
A cutting mat allows you to use your knives directly on your table without damaging anything. It increases the life of your blades as well. Get the biggest one you can afford.
Start from Scratch
These tools will help level up your collage-making skills, but don’t feel pressured to buy them all at once. Start with what you have and add in new tools as you advance.
-The Red Wizard Sunday 10.05.21, 6:32 am EST, Location: Earth Planet, Milky Way Galaxy.
