MY LONGEST COLLAGE

Lauren Lawson ·

Recently, I completed my longest collage yet. It’s 1 metre long and double sided. The catalyst for this project was finding a concertina booklet I had made at my university bindery.

Around the same time, I was doing a lot of negative filtering. Negative filtering is a cognitive distortion where an individual focuses primarily on, and selectively recalls, negative aspects of a situation while disregarding or minimizing the positive elements.

To counteract this, I decided to create a visual narrative highlighting the good things that have happened over the past 10 years. I printed photos from each year and incorporated writing from my journals.

Here's a list of materials and steps to help you create your own:

Materials Needed:

  • Concertina Notebook: You can buy one or make your own by following tutorials like this one.

  • Different Paper Stocks: Use various paper textures to add interest.

  • Photos from Each Year: Include highlights or even lowlights.

  • Quotes from Journals: Extract words or events that capture each year.

  • Glue and Double-Sided Tape: Essential for assembling your collage.

  • Watercolour Collage Shapes and Tissue Paper: For added visual elements and textures.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Prepare Your Materials:

    • Gather all necessary materials listed above.

    • Print your photos and journal quotes, ensuring they are ready for assembly.

  2. Assemble the Concertina Booklet:

    • If you are making your own concertina booklet, follow a tutorial to create it. Ensure it is sturdy enough to support your collage.

  3. Plan Your Layout:

    • Before gluing anything down, plan the layout of your photos, quotes, and other elements. Decide how you want to arrange them to tell your story.

  4. Adhere Photos and Quotes:

    • Use glue or double-sided tape to attach your photos and journal quotes to the concertina booklet. Mix different paper stocks for added texture.

  5. Add Decorative Elements:

    • Incorporate watercolour shapes, tissue paper, and any other decorative elements to enhance the visual appeal of your collage.

  6. Review and Finalize:

    • Once everything is in place, review your collage for any adjustments. Ensure all elements are securely attached.