Collagraphs are basically print plates made by creating a collage. In this post we’ll show you how to make a simple collagraph from bits and pieces of paper and how to take rubbings from your collagraph.

You will Need:

• Cardboard
• Scraps of different textured papers (e.g. wallpaper samples, tissue paper and so on)
• Scraps of fabric or lace (if you have them)
• Paper to make your rubbings on, we’ve got some plain paper and some coloured paper
• Glue (we’re just using a glue stick for this example)
• Scissors
• Crayons
• Graphite stick (if you have one)

Step 1.

Cut a piece of cardboard to use as your base, ours is around 10 x 15 cm.

Step 2.

Either on your base card or on a scrap piece of paper sketch out your design. Here we’ve made a simple design based on a cup.

Step 3.

Cut and tear pieces of textured paper to create a textural collage of the different sections of your design. You could also try using fabric, lace, string or anything else textured you can stick down!

Step 4.

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When you’re happy with your arrangement glue it all down. Make sure you use enough glue to ensure everything is secure and all the edges are well stuck down.

Step 5.

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Now we’re ready to make a rubbing! Place a piece of paper over the top of your collagraph and using the flat side of a crayon or graphite stick rub over the surface to pick up the textures. You’ll probably need to use one hand to hold the paper steady while you work so it doesn’t move or you could tape it down as you work. You should see your design coming through, showing all the different textures you’ve collaged.

Step 6.

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Experiment with making rubbings on different coloured papers, papers of different thicknesses and try using different coloured crayons to highlight different sections. Each rubbing you make will be a bit different, you could make a whole set of images!

Have fun and don’t forget to show us how you get on!