Found colour and pattern Collage

Easy Collage Ideas Using Found Materials

This is a great project for anyone who feels unsure about drawing, and a great exercise to get you looking at the everyday things around you.

In this project, you’ll work with found and handmade papers, collaging small squares to explore surface colour, patterns, textures and contrast. The small scale keeps the process manageable and playful.

This is a particularly welcoming project if drawing feels intimidating, but it also offers rich compositional challenges for experienced artists. The focus is on noticing how materials behave next to each other and how small choices affect the whole.

There’s freedom here to follow instinct rather than plan.

You’ll explore:

• colours, patterns, textures

• composition

• working intuitively

Time: 20–30 minutes

Resources: scrap paper, packaging, magazines, glue, scissors

Share your collage squares in the Art Hub, browse earlier projects, or join a course to develop mixed media skills.

To expand the project:

• Create a grid of squares and explore subtle variations

• Restrict yourself to one colour family

• Add stitching or drawn marks on top• Photograph textures outdoors and translate them into paper choices

Bonus: Papers You Might Already Have at Home.

One of the pleasures of collage is discovering how many different surfaces exist in everyday paper. Try mixing several types to create contrast in colour, texture, and weight.

Old book pages Soft cream tones and beautiful typography. They add a gentle vintage feel and subtle pattern.

Magazine pages Glossy colours and bold imagery make these great for strong shapes or small bursts of colour.

Newspaper Lightweight and full of interesting text blocks and tonal greys.

Brown parcel paper A warm neutral that works well as a background or grounding layer.

Envelopes (especially patterned liners) Often overlooked but full of subtle colours and textures.

Tissue paper Translucent and delicate. Try layering it to build soft colour.

Hand-painted papers Scraps from previous painting sessions can bring unexpected colour and marks.

Wallpaper samples These often contain strong patterns and textures that cut into striking shapes.

Maps or old atlases Beautiful lines and colours that instantly add interest.

Music sheets Elegant printed patterns that work especially well in small pieces.

Wrapping paper Seasonal patterns and decorative colours.

Paper bags or packaging Often have lovely natural textures and neutral tones.

Handmade or textured art paper Adds depth and tactile surface.

Printed packaging Tea boxes, cereal boxes, and food packaging often contain surprising colours and graphic elements.