Four Week Collage Paper Lab (ages 18+)
Thursdays, 6- 8 pm
February 5, 12, 19, and 26, 2026
Jan Reagan Art Studio, 9525 Southview Ave, Brookfield, IL 60513 (Second Floor Studio - 2 short flights of stairs).
Supply List For Class (Available at Dick Blicks in-store and online at Amazon).
YASUTOMO Japanese Sketch Paper 12-1/8 × 18-1/8 30 LB 45 GSM (item 12952-1006) $20.58
Speed Ball Soft Rubber Brayer (any brand you have will work too): 3” (Item 40104-1003) $14.16
(We will be using many more tools and papers that I will supply)
Collage Paper Class – 4 Week
Course Description
This hands-on class is all about creating collage papers using experimental, accessible, and archival techniques, in my studio, trying out some fun tools. . Students will explore printmaking, color mixing, surface manipulation, and dimensional collage methods to build a personalized library of papers for future artwork. Expect play, experimentation, and a few “wait…that worked?!” moments.
Week One: Gelli Plates & Play
We kick things off with gelli plate printing—because chaos is a great teacher. Experiment with gelli plates and layering techniques
Create custom mark-making tools from recycled and found materials. Test and refine tools directly on gelli prints. Design and cut handmade stencils that stand alone as finished artwork. Begin building a personal stencil collection
Outcome: A stack of dynamic prints + tools you’ll keep using forever.
Week Two: The Role of the Iron in Collage (Yes, the iron is the secret weapon.)
Learn archival methods for affixing papers to substrates Use heat to transform papers with wax for translucency and depth Join waxed papers together to create new surfaces Explore how heat changes texture, color, and structure
Outcome: Luminous, layered papers with serious glow-up energy.
Week Three: The Secret to Color (tech and color meet)
Learn essential color-mixing tools and strategies. Maximize a limited paint palette to create any color you want. Mix custom paints specifically for paper surfaces. Control undertones, saturation, and opacity for intentional results.
Outcome: Total color confidence and papers that actually match your vision.
Week Four: Creating 3-D Collage in a 2-D World (Flat is cancelled).
Learn techniques for creating dimensional effects on flat surfaces. Explore fiber, layering, and elevation in collage. Use cardboard strategically to create shadows and visual depth. Build collages that feel sculptural without becoming bulky.
Outcome: Collages with depth, drama, and “how did you do that?” vibes.
What You’ll Leave With
A rich library of handmade and altered collage papers
Custom stencils and mark-making tools
Practical techniques you can repeat at home
New ways of thinking about surface, color, and dimension
Thursdays, 6- 8 pm
February 5, 12, 19, and 26, 2026
Jan Reagan Art Studio, 9525 Southview Ave, Brookfield, IL 60513 (Second Floor Studio - 2 short flights of stairs).
Supply List For Class (Available at Dick Blicks in-store and online at Amazon).
YASUTOMO Japanese Sketch Paper 12-1/8 × 18-1/8 30 LB 45 GSM (item 12952-1006) $20.58
Speed Ball Soft Rubber Brayer (any brand you have will work too): 3” (Item 40104-1003) $14.16
(We will be using many more tools and papers that I will supply)
Collage Paper Class – 4 Week
Course Description
This hands-on class is all about creating collage papers using experimental, accessible, and archival techniques, in my studio, trying out some fun tools. . Students will explore printmaking, color mixing, surface manipulation, and dimensional collage methods to build a personalized library of papers for future artwork. Expect play, experimentation, and a few “wait…that worked?!” moments.
Week One: Gelli Plates & Play
We kick things off with gelli plate printing—because chaos is a great teacher. Experiment with gelli plates and layering techniques
Create custom mark-making tools from recycled and found materials. Test and refine tools directly on gelli prints. Design and cut handmade stencils that stand alone as finished artwork. Begin building a personal stencil collection
Outcome: A stack of dynamic prints + tools you’ll keep using forever.
Week Two: The Role of the Iron in Collage (Yes, the iron is the secret weapon.)
Learn archival methods for affixing papers to substrates Use heat to transform papers with wax for translucency and depth Join waxed papers together to create new surfaces Explore how heat changes texture, color, and structure
Outcome: Luminous, layered papers with serious glow-up energy.
Week Three: The Secret to Color (tech and color meet)
Learn essential color-mixing tools and strategies. Maximize a limited paint palette to create any color you want. Mix custom paints specifically for paper surfaces. Control undertones, saturation, and opacity for intentional results.
Outcome: Total color confidence and papers that actually match your vision.
Week Four: Creating 3-D Collage in a 2-D World (Flat is cancelled).
Learn techniques for creating dimensional effects on flat surfaces. Explore fiber, layering, and elevation in collage. Use cardboard strategically to create shadows and visual depth. Build collages that feel sculptural without becoming bulky.
Outcome: Collages with depth, drama, and “how did you do that?” vibes.
What You’ll Leave With
A rich library of handmade and altered collage papers
Custom stencils and mark-making tools
Practical techniques you can repeat at home
New ways of thinking about surface, color, and dimension