C+P Mixed Media Backgrounds

Create for your partner 3 different mixed media background papers. Each piece of paper needs to be at least 8.5"x11" in size. You can start out with magazine or book pages, scrapbook paper, handmade paper, plain copy paper, etc. Texturize and alter each piece of paper until you've transformed it into a new, interesting background paper your partner can use in her collage work.

Some ideas for layers/effects:

• Crumple the paper & accent the raised edges with sand paper or ink
• Sand or buff away color from parts of the paper
• Stamp, stencil, paint or use washes to add on more colors
• Apply more layers of paper
• Doodle or write using markers or pens

Check out Katie Kendrick's how-to video on making collage backgrounds for more inspiration.

There's no set limit on how many layers/effects you need to apply to the papers; they just need to be significantly altered in the end. A good range to aim for would be between 4-7 layers/effects.