Creating Texture in Your Collage

Creating collages with texture adds more visual depth and interest to your work. Texture can be created in many different ways. By using fabrics, small solid objects, paints, gels, plaster, sand, and a variety of other materials and techniques, you can create all kinds of three-dimensional effects. Here are some of the many ways to make fabulous textured collages.

Fabric

Use layers of fabric of differing thicknesses, colors, patterns and textures. You can use different types of fabric for different effects. Gauzy or partially transparent fabrics can be used over paper images for a muting effect. Solid objects can be sewn under in little pockets and still be seen. Fabric edges can be tattered or burned . You can do a lot with fabric in your collage: layering, painting, stitching, stamping, or glued on in any way to enhance the theme or look of the collage.

Solid Objects

As long as you have a way of adhering or securing an object to the collage, and a strong enough base, you can put just about any item onto your collage. Many common items used in collages that I've encountered are keys, pieces of wood, shells, beads, typewriter keys, broken dolls and toys, board game pieces, broken bits of jewelry and watches. Some collages are created around found or interesting objects, with the other elements decided on based on the object. Other times objects are used randomly, or to enhance other aspects of the collage.

Paints, Gels and Other Texturing Methods

Texture in your collage can be created by building up layers of paint, usually thicker paint like oil or acrylic. You can also use mediums like thick gels that can be tinted with color or painted over when dry. Create impressions while your paint or gel is wet, by pressing an object into the medium and removing it carefully. You can also use a paintbrush, knife, or other object to work the gel into various textures.

You can find many ways of adding texture to your collage through experimentation. Collage art has no rules. You can use any material or technique. In fact, the more you experiment, the more likely you'll come up with original ideas for your art.