How I Create My Collages: A Peek Into My Process

I'm very often asked how I create my one-of-a-kind, funky floral collages.

Today, I am sharing my process step by step by highlighting how I created one of my favorite available pieces: "Bloom Tide".

The Heart of My Process

What makes my work truly unique are my hand-painted collage pieces.

They are the heart of what I do. They are my pride and joy.

Every piece you see in my collages begins as a hand-painted fragment created slowly over time.

Painting them is not a quick process. It often unfolds over weeks. I do not sit down to make collage pieces for just one specific artwork. Instead, I paint many pieces at once, returning to them session after session.

I leave them spread out on my art table, and whenever I am in a creative flow, I add more color, fine details, texture, and pattern across all of them.

I simply paint and let the process lead.

I have been known to completely tune out during this process, which is one reason I find my art so therapeutic and calming.

I do not limit myself to a certain color palette; however, I do try to spread every color I use evenly across all the pieces so that when it comes time to curate a final piece, colors flow throughout the canvas to create balance and beauty.

Once I finally reach a "finished" point (with my OCD brain, this is a very hard point to reach!), I hand-cut each piece over a span of days, usually while watching my favorite shows, listening to my favorite Spotify playlist, and at times, on an airplane or in a waiting room!

I then arrange my fresh new batch on plates that are categorized by shape.

Building the Background

For Bloom Tide, which is part of my "Colors of Culture" collection, I added patterned backgrounds for the very first time in my work.

Using my favorite bright colors, stencils, and mark-making tools, I get to work on the gel plate, creating the most vibrant patterned papers I can.

I use the same colors that appear in my hand-painted collage pieces, so the entire canvas feels cohesive and connected.

...Curating the Collage...

Curating the collage is when all the magic happens.

I won’t lie...this process takes hours and hours and uses just about every bit of brainpower I have each time I sit down to work on it.

But this is a labor of love, and I love every second of it.

What takes time is this:

• Choosing piece after piece from hundreds of pieces spread across many plates.
• Placing each piece in different spots across the canvas. By “placing,” I mean setting a piece down, twisting and turning it, trimming it a bit more if needed, seeing how it works with the pieces around it, and then stepping back to view it from a distance.

• Layering piece upon piece (same multi-step process as the step above).
• Placing a flat weight on top of each cluster for a period of time to ensure that every piece adheres securely and stays in place.
• Gluing each cluster together and securing it in its final place on the canvas.

The Final Piece

At this point, the collage piece is complete.

After all the layering, arranging, and refining, each collage piece comes together as a richly detailed work built slowly and intentionally over time.

What began as many separate hand-painted fragments ultimately settles into one cohesive composition, full of color, texture, pattern, and movement.

And while the entire process asks for patience, it is also what gives each finished piece its depth, heart, and life.

...Shop "Bloom Tide"...

Visit my website to see "Bloom Tide" in all its layered color and detail, along with a collection of other original works that each carry their own story, texture, and spirit.

And be sure to follow me on Instagram for the most up-to-date glimpses into my creative process, newest work, and what’s unfolding in the studio!