Webster's defines collage as: "An art form in which bits of objects are pasted together on a surface." 

Ever thought of scrapbooking as an art form? We do! And with collage scrapbooking, we're taking creative expression to a new level. You'll be surprised at the gorgeous, sophisticated new look-and how quickly you'll be able to create them! 

It's simple to achieve a collage effect. The trick is in layering-whether you're layering vellum, patterned paper or lumpy embellishments, collage pages all have one thing in common: multiple dimensions. Sound complicated? It's not! Read on to learn tips and tricks from designers Shauna Berglund-Immel and Lisa Garcia-Bergstedt! Quick & Easy Pages: Monument Valley
You can create easy, stylish pages with pre-collaged background papers-they offer the look of collage without the hassle of stamping, layering and assembling the background. Add a few strips of torn pastel vellum and-voila-you're done!

Lisa's Designer Collage Tip: "Tear strips of vellum in several different widths, then layer them on the background paper, with the widest piece at the bottom. Where should you place the strips? Place the torn strips either vertically or horizontally in accordance with the background design. Here, I placed the vellum strips horizontally because the dominating colors of the background paper (green at the top and brown at the bottom) run horizontally. Placing the vellum this way also allows the vertical stripe on the left side of the paper to shine through."

Lisa added a green piece of torn vellum at the top of the page and a tan piece at the bottom, fastening them with eyelets.

In Lisa's Supply Box: Collage patterned paper from Paper Pizazz™ Vacation Collage; vellums from Paper Pizazz™ 12"x12" Pastel Vellum Papers; copper eyelets; brown pen. Simple Layering: My Treasure
A few simple layers of vellum, paper and three-dimensional embellishments lean toward the traditional definition of collage. As with many art forms, the beauty of this page lies in its simplicity. 

A patterned collage background paper offers the first layer of dimension. "I chose a tone-on-tone background to keep the layout simple," says designer Shauna Berglund-Immel, who emphasized the tone on tone colors with coordinating ivory, peach and tan vellums. "Another trick for adding a touch of tone-on-tone color is to chalk the edges of the torn vellum with a color that's slightly darker than the vellum," Shauna shares. 

Shauna's Designer Collage Tip: "Eyelets and coins offer a finishing dimensional touch. Integrate the collage layers by nesting some of the lumpy embellishments among the vellum. I placed a few of the coins to peek out from under different layers of the chalked vellum."

In Shauna's Supply Box: Collage patterned paper from Paper Pizazz™ Masculine Collage; vellums from Paper Pizazz™ 12"x12" Pastel Vellum Papers; gold from Paper Pizazz™ Metallic Gold Papers; dark brown, medium brown, light brown Craf-T Chalks; 1/8" wide gold and silver eyelets; 3/16" wide gold eyelets; glue dots from Glue Dots International; gold and black pens. Creating Color from Collage: Deep Sea 
Magic happens when you mix colored vellum with patterned papers-layer one piece of vellum on top of a sheet of paper and watch as different shades emerge. Add a different color on top of that, and even more colors emerge. 

Shauna placed not one, not two-but five different layers of pastel vellum on top of a water-patterned paper to create a wave of color. 

Shauna's Designer Collage Tip: "For additional dimension, I tore a window in the pale blue vellum and slipped the photo partially underneath. Vellum sea shell cut-outs are tucked under and around the torn vellum strips. Gold embroidery floss and eyelets are subtle touches but provide a touch of lumpy accents."

In Shauna's Supply Box: Paper pizzazz™ sand patterned paper available by the sheet; vellums from Paper Pizazz™ 12"x12" Pastel Vellum Papers; gold from Paper Pizazz™ Metallic Gold Papers; sea shell cut-outs from Vellum Cut-Outs™; gold embroidery thread; gold eyelets; black pen. 

As you can see, collage isn't a mysterious, difficult or time-consuming art form at all! Scrappers of all skill levels (and time budgets) can capture the collage effect with simple layering, three-dimensional touches and designer background paper. 

All collage patterned papers seen here are available from the Paper Pizazz™ people at Hot Off The Press. Visit us at www.paperpizazz.com.