Tissue Paper Collage

Learn a fun and easy mixed media collage technique using your leftover gift tissue and alcohol markers.

Supplies

Step-by-Step

1. Step 1

   Do a pale watercolor wash on a piece of watercolor paper. Choose colors which match the alcohol markers you're using - I used matching dye reinkers. Dry with a heat gun to flatten.

   

2. Step 2

   Cover a piece of white gift tissue paper with marks or dots with different colored alcohol markers. (Water-based markers will not work with this technique because the gel medium will smear them.)

   

3. Step 3

   Hand cut or die cut flower and leaf shapes from the colored tissue paper.

   

4. Step 4

   Apply matte gel medium to an area slightly larger than your cut shape with a foam paintbrush.

   

5. Step 5

   Gently apply the tissue paper to the wet gel medium, smoothing from the center outwards with your finger to make sure there are no wrinkles.

   

6. Step 6

   Apply a thin layer of matte gel medium to the tissue paper, being sure to cover completely. Using a thin layer will give you the best results - the tissue is more likely to buckle with a heavier, wetter application of medium.

   

7. Step 7

   Once all images are applied and the matte medium is completely dry (this is very important for the health of your black pen!), begin outlining the tissue shapes and doodling on and around them.

   

8. Step 8

   If desired, using the splatter brush or a toothbrush, splatter the panel with white acrylic paint, or add accents with a white gel pen. Finish your card.

   

Video!

Your Turn

You've seen the tutorial, now you try it! We've got a section of the gallery set aside for Tissue Paper Collage. Try this technique, then upload your artwork to the gallery. Show us your creations!

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