How to start papercut collage: sharing the creative process

There are a million different ways to start a creative process, none of which are ‘wrong’. However, some do make life easier than others, here I’m sharing my learnings from years of using collage as a sketch method. We’ll cover how to start out gathering ideas, scale options, applying the paper and setting the collage.

Starting out:

Get some inspiration

For me, this means looking to nature, the masters and researching. This pair of papercut collages for example, are inspired by El Greco. I based them on sketches taken at The National Gallery, London.

Details from 'Agony in the Garden I & II' papercut collages by Charlie Kirkham based on El Greco. Made using floor covering, leather, paper, tissue paper and recycled brown paper strips. — Taking inspiration from the Masters this pair of collages are based on drawings done from El Greco’s paintings. They use a mix of materials that were found or donated, old work that was repurposed and use metallic floor coverings along with lace fabrics (24x20cm).

Think about scale

Is this collage a sketch for something else (painting, bigger work?) or does it need to stand alone? Whatever scale you choose to work on really invest in your support. In the early student days I’d work on anything, cardboard, old pizza boxes, whatever! Needless to say, ten years on and the cheap materials haven’t stood the test of time.

If you’re thinking of going big, mountboard, plywood or even canvas can work well. Think about incorporating the support into the work by leaving blank areas of bold colour.

Top Tip: collage is one of the most hands on, time consuming forms of making. If it’s a commissioned piece with a tight deadline work on a scale that you’ve used before.

In a moment of total madness in 2014 I decided to create a 4ft wide collage canvas depicting three of my friends as King Ahasverus, Queen Esther and an angel…it took over three years to complete! You can imagine how glad I was that the canvas was strong enough to hold it. Charlie Kirkham 'Esther before Ahasverus' collage on canvas, 120x70cm. — In a moment of madness in 2014 I decided to create a 4ft wide collage canvas depicting three of my friends as King Ahasverus, Queen Esther and an angel…it took over three years to complete! Luckily the canvas was strong enough to hold it, ‘Esther Before Ahasverus’ collage on canvas, 2017, 120x70cm.

What materials will you use?

This is very much dependent on what message you’re trying to convey with the work. In my artistic practice wherever possible I upcycle papers, sheets and fabric. There are some materials that can be reused and remain stable, such as high quality paper. Other materials, for example leaves or dried flowers need much more careful preparation to avoid the artwork deteriorating.

When buying papers specifically for collage there are an overwhelming number of options. To start with origami or decoupage paper is thin, easy to cut and useful for layering. It is available double sides giving a range of options for relief work as well as flatter collage.

Top Tip: create every work as if someone is going to buy it and display it for 50 years because there is someone out there who will want to.

How are you going to cut it?

I am in total awe of the hand cutting artists out there. Artist Claire Brewster springs to mind with her intricate hand cut maps depicting birds. If you have strong steady hands this is a wonderful way to create artwork that feels ‘hand drawn’.

hand tearing paper art hand with craft knife hand with scissors on pink background. Options for shaping the paper include tearing it, using a craft knife or scissors. There are also digital options to speed up and replicate the cutting process. — *Options for shaping the paper include tearing it, using a craft knife or scissors. There are also digital options to speed up and replicate the cutting process.*

For me, hand cutting is a great tool in the box. There’s also the Cricut or Brother ScanNCut paper cutters (which can cut thin papers and fabrics). These all give you the option to replicate designs and save a lot of time.

Wish I’d known about cutting machines when I hand cut that 4ft collage…

Let’s not forget the humble paper guillotine here either, it’s perfect for straight edges, precision paper weaving and finishing.

There’s something eternally beguiling about the way paper feels as you tear it. Tearing collage into shape lends an organic feel to the work. Juxtaposing very carefully considered cut work with torn areas can look especially beautiful.

detail of 'Esther before Ahasverus' artwork collage by Charlie Kirkham showing handcut red feathers and torn tissue paper — *A detail from my 120x70cm collage showing the handcut red feathers for the angel’s gown layered over tissue paper. Each feather is around 5cm long.* *The feathers were hand cut by knife, the tissue paper torn and placed.*

How do I attach it?

As important as the support surface is, the best surface is not going to give a great result if the collage is attached with a glue that remains tacky (looking at you Spray Mount!) or yellows.

Glue for collage paper work, two types of glue shown on pink background. Artwork needs good glue that will not yellow or peel. Glues that peel or yellow won't last well, choosing the right glue will ensure your artwork looks more professional and help its longevity. — *Glues that peel or yellow won’t last well, choosing the right glue will ensure your artwork looks more professional and help its longevity.*

My early collage art used cheap kid’s glue and PVA. Many hours of labour was wasted on work that had big lumps of glue and yellowed. When they were fun experiments this didn’t bother me as most got chucked out. Later, as more and more people started asking to buy the collage work, I knew I needed to up my game.

Glue wise I use Mod Podge or Decoupatch for paper and light materials. For heavier materials like wood Gorilla Glue is my go to. When my collages are complete I use a couple of layers of varnish to set them into place.

Top Tip: even if you want a gloss finish apply two layers of matt varnish first, dry, then photograph the work. Apply the gloss varnish after photographing. This makes the work much easier to document without reflections.

'Agony in the Garden' after El Greco collage used guillotine cut strips of paper, hand cut fabric and paper and torn tissue papers. The black lace was the hardest to place as it needed to be soaked in varnish to sit flat on the paper. Charlie Kirkham collage based on el greco painting showing Jesus before an angel in the garden of gethsemane — *‘Agony in the Garden’ after El Greco collage used guillotine cut strips of paper, hand cut fabric and paper and torn tissue papers*. *The black lace was the hardest to place as it needed to be soaked in varnish to sit flat on the paper.*

Do you have to glue it?

No! You can attach it anyway you like. Collages can be held together using stitching, staples, pegs, whatever fits the theme of your own practice.

Collaging has captivated me for a long time. Now you know the path I follow to create collages. Why not have a go on your own? Let me know what methods and media work best for you in the comments below.

REFERENCE LINKS

The National Gallery The National Gallery, London

Claire Brewster Claire Brewster | Papercuts

Brother ScanNCut ScanNCut | Brother

Cricut Cricut Shop

Mod Podge What is Mod Podge? A Magic Craft Supply! – Mod Podge Rocks (modpodgerocksblog.com)

Decoupatch Decopatch Direct – Decopatch Models & Kits

Gorilla Wood Glue Gorilla Glue – Extremely Strong Glues, Tapes & Sealants