A collage is a design or picture created by using flat materials and attaching it to another flat surface. Some examples of these materials are: newspaper, wallpaper, string, stamps, photographs, etc. These materials can be attached to any flat surface such as cardstock or scrapping paper. This makes the end result three-dimensional.

The art of collage has been around for hundreds of years. In more recent years it has found its way into scrapbooking. Collages look really good when done in conjunction with the shabby and distressing techniques.

You can do your whole page as a collage, or just parts of it that you want to stand out more than others. Collage is very forgiving and a great technique for giving freedom and having fun. If you are not pleased, you can remove the item you dislike. Add more until the effect is reached. Just remember not to over-do it.

When starting a collage page, planning is essential. Color, theme, and composition are very important.

Collecting the items you want to add and thinking about how these items will represent the story are also important. Think about what you want to say in the collage. Do you want to tell the events, or a feeling the photos cannot catch?

Are you trying to capture a memory? Or simply represent a moment? Tell something about the characteristics of a person? Or capture everyday details? No matter what it is you are trying to say, a collage will really help you express yourself.

Choose the photographs you want to use. Now pick out your colors accordingly. You will want to try and match your colors to some of the ones in the photos to create a color scheme. Remember you can use all kinds of thing besides just paper and cardstock. Get creative with yarn, ribbon, buttons, eyelets, paints, inks and fabrics.

Now get your cardstock and paper you have chosen. Arrange that on you page the way you would like it to be. Start laying your photos and embellishments around until you have the look you want. Once you are satisfied with the look, you can start adhering them to your pages in the layered order you have them in.

Remember, there is no “wrong” way to make a collage, so only please you. Use non-permanent adhesive. You can easily remove items and place them another place. Don’t forget, some memorabilia is not archival, so properly protect photos