A collage style project is simply layers of various pieces of material – papers, diecuts, washi tape… even fabric and other materials! Many of our card projects, simply because they’re layered, could be considered collage. For this technique, I am sharing how you can pick the right pieces from your scraps bin to create some simple, multi-layered collage elements. It’s a basic system that will lead to success every time!
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
supplies for arranging a basic collage element
You don’t need much to achieve great results. In fact, you don’t need anything special! Of course, if you need to do some shopping, I always have supplies linked below and at the end of the post. But, before you shop, be sure to check out my Crafty Sales page for any deals you can take advantage of at your favorite crafting haunts.
- Coordinating strips and pieces from the scrap bin
- Diecut shapes & sentiments for focal points
- Washi tape

Looking for more specials and deals from your favorite craft stores?
Check out my Crafty Sales page – UPDATED DAILY!
steps to arranging a basic collage element
- Trim or tear 3 to 4 strips of paper (varying widths) or washi tape to varying lengths.
- Arrange the strips so they partially overlap and stagger.
- Adhere the strips together as necessary. Use foam adhesive strips to add extra depth and dimension.
- Apply focal point shape over strips.
- Add focal point image and/or sentiment offset from the focal point shape.

Become a Patron at Nicole Watt Creates!
If you enjoy these instructional posts, videos, and resources, become a recognized patron for as little as $1!
How I use the funds | My philosophy on the Modern Art Patron

Become an Art Education Patron at
Nicole Watt Creates!
Coming soon! A new and innovative way to support my art education content!
Subscribe to be the first to hear about the program.
watch the technique tutorial
My How To tutorial videos are filmed with real-time narration. You can pull out your supplies and follow along because there’s no editing, except for drying time. Pause when you need to, but otherwise, get ready and create right along with me!
Thank You!
Time is precious and I’m truly grateful that you chose to spend a few minutes of your day here!
I would love to connect with you on Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest where we have the opportunity to share and interact even more!
share and inspire someone today!
you make a difference!
You can help my artistic efforts by using these links to shop for your supplies! These are Compensated Affiliate Links, meaning that when you click and shop, I may receive a small commission on your sale, at no additional cost to you. It’s an easy way to say “thanks” and keep this great content flowing!

Love these collages Nicole!! Thanks for sharing
Hi Nicole!
Awesome tutorial! I learned a lot and your cards are lovely! If your lines are all horizontal– you wouldn’t add any long vertical lines to it? Is that what you mean by keeping the lines all parallel?
I am going to try this technique tomorrow!
Thank you!
Traci
That’s exactly right! For the best look, all the strips should go horizontal, or vertical – not both. You will break up the look because of the uneven overlap of the pieces. Those short verticals at the end of the pieces help break up the look. Does that make sense? I did a Live Stream using the technique with lots of extra examples: https://nicolewattcreates.com/simple-collage-hugs-live-stream-replay/
Have fun playing!
I can definitely use all your great tips on collage as I have been collecting scraps for years from scrapbooking and can see myself making cute cards with them now.