My Favorite MUST-HAVE Mixed Media Collage Supplies
My Favorite MUST-HAVE Mixed Media Collage Supplies
*Just a heads-up: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you choose to make a purchase through them. I only share things I truly love and use in my own creative space. Thanks for supporting The Happy Heart Creative Studio!*
Hello friends!!
Whether you’re just getting started in the world of mixed media collage or you've already caught the paper crafting bug, I’m excited to share some of my absolute must-have supplies. These are the tools I use again and again in my own artwork—simple, fun, and beginner-friendly.
And don’t worry—you don’t need a craft store shopping spree to get started! Many of these can be found right in your junk drawer, kitchen, or recycling bin. Ready? Let’s dive in.
1. Scissors (Yes, More Than One Pair!)
You can do a lot with just one trusty pair of scissors—but I love having a few different sizes on hand. A small pair is great for cutting out tiny details, while larger ones are perfect for trimming big background papers or tearing edges. (Yes—tearing is totally allowed!)
Tip: Keep your scissors sharp and clean, especially if you’re cutting gluey or painted paper.
2. Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint is my go-to for adding color, texture, and life to my collage layers. You don’t need fancy brands—any basic craft paint will do. Use it to:
Paint directly on your background
Make your own painted paper
Add highlights and finishing touches to your collage
The possibilities are endless (and sometimes messy—in the best way!).
3. Paper, Paper, and More Paper
When it comes to collage, there is no wrong kind of paper. I love using:
Copy paper
Junk mail
Magazine pages
Old book pages
Scrapbook paper
Tissue or wrapping paper
Envelopes, paper bags, receipts—anything with interesting color or texture!
Part of the magic is turning everyday paper into something beautiful.
4. A Good Adhesive
Let’s talk glue! There are several ways to stick things down—and some work better than others depending on your budget and the kind of paper you’re using.
Here’s my go-to breakdown:
OK: Elmer’s glue mixed with a bit of water (a little runny, but gets the job done!)
Better: Mod Podge (widely available and works great)
Best: Liquitex Matte Fluid Medium (my favorite for strong, flexible, professional results)
I recommend trying a few to see what you like best. And don’t worry—we’ll dive deeper into adhesives in a future post!
5. Paint Brushes
You don’t need a fancy brush set to start. Just a few flat or round brushes in different sizes will do the trick. Use them for:
Spreading paint
Applying glue or gel medium
Making marks and textures
I always keep an old brush or two just for glue—it helps keep things clean and easy.
6. Mark Makers
Now this is where things get really fun. Mark makers are anything you use to add lines, dots, scribbles, or textures to your artwork. This could be:
Markers
Bubble wrap
Cardboard edges
Forks, bottle caps, or cotton swabs
Stamps or stencils
Your fingers!
I’ll share a full post all about mark making soon—it’s one of my favorite parts of the process.
7. A Substrate (What the HECK is that?)
A substrate is just a fancy word for the surface you build your art on.
It could be:
Watercolor paper
Cardboard
A canvas panel
A wood block
Even a cereal box!
If you can glue to it, you can use it. I’ll be writing a separate blog post soon all about different substrate options and what works best for beginners.
Final Thoughts
Mixed media collage doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. You can start with a few basics and build your stash as you go. The most important thing is to start—to play, to experiment, and to enjoy the process.
If you have a favorite supply I didn’t mention, I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
And if you're ready to try your first project, stay tuned—I'll be sharing some fun beginner tutorials very soon.
Let’s make something beautiful together. 💛