Combining colour and simplicity with inexpensive paper cut-outs could form the basis of your new home decorations. Made famous by French artist Henri Matisse towards the end of his illustrious career, these collages can be as simple or as complex as you’d like to make them. And made possible with just a pair of scissors and some cardboard. It couldn’t be easier.
WATCH: How to make your own Matisse-style collage artwork
Paint sheets of watercolour paper in colours that reference your bedroom’s accent pieces. When dry, cut free-flowing shapes you can then arrange to create a vibrant artwork.
Get your full step-by-step guide on how to make a collage below.
How to make a collage
Gather your supplies
- Sheets of watercolour or copier paper
- Watercolour or acrylic gouache paints in beige, pale blue, navy, deep red and brown
- Backing card
- Picture frame
You’ll also need
Here’s how
Step 1
Aiming for an opaque finish, use your paintbrush and preferred colours to paint as many sheets of watercolour paper as you need. Let each sheet dry.
Step 2
Using pencil, draw different types of organic shapes on each of your papers. Draw shapes on the back of the paper if you’re concerned you may not cut exactly on drawn outline.
Step 3a
Following drawn outline, use scissors to cut out paper shapes. Angling the blade slightly away from drawn line ensures you can see what you are cutting.
Step 3b
Step 4
Allowing for a border all around, decide the layout of your cutout artwork by moving the paper shapes around until you’re happy with the final composition.
Step 5
Before gluing, take a photo of the layout. If you don’t take a photo, you’ll find it easier to work in small sections so you remember where to stick the shapes.
Step 6
Apply glue to back of 1 cutout at a time, working from the edges in. Refer to layout and place shape on backing card. With clean scrap paper on top, press firmly. Repeat for all shapes. TIP To prevent sticky fingerprints, place each shape face down on scrap paper to apply glue. You can then use the glue stick to lift the shape before gluing it in place.
Step 7
Place artwork in the frame.
For you to note
- If using watercolour paint to colour copier paper, don’t load your brush with too much water as the paper may tear. Do a practise piece first to determine the desired paint to water ratio.
- If you prefer, you can use coloured cardstock instead of painting copier paper.
- When cutting freeform or organic shapes inspired by nature, rather than move the scissors, use your free hand to pivot and gently guide the paper as you cut in a continuous movement.
- Although not used here, keep the negative shapes for use in your artwork.
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How to make your own hanging photo artworks
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