Collage Cubies Project Guide:

1. Collage Cubies Introduction
2. Project Overview
3. Preparing and Collaging Cubie Template
4. Folding Flat Collage into 3D Cubie
5. BONUS Collage Cubie Creativity
6. Collage Cubie Templates: 8.5 x11" | 11x17"
7. Collage Art Books

Preparing and Collaging Cubie Template

By Chris Dunmire

Preparing the Template for Collage

The printable Collage Cubie Templates (#6 in above Project Guide) will act as your collage "canvas". I've engineered this design to work as simple as possible for the Cubie Construction. To prepare your template (canvas) for Collage Cubing, use the following steps.

Step 1: Download and print the Collage Cubies "Box" Template onto thick paper or card stock. The template is available in two paper sizes: 8.5 x11" (smaller Cubie) or 11x17" (larger Cubie).

Step 2: Cut out the Cubie template. For best results, use an X-ACTO or craft knife with a sharp blade and a corked metal ruler on a self-healing mat.

Step 3: Using a ruler as a guide, lightly score the remaining printed "die-lines" on the inside of the box template.This will make folding and assembling the box easier later. ("Scoring" means dragging the blade lightly across the seam, being very careful not to cut all the way through.) Once this is done, your Cubie template is prepared and ready to be collage on.

Ready to unleash your creativity? Collage it!

Step 4: Turn the Cubie template over (die-lines facing down) onto your working surface. Gather all of your collage elements together (decorative papers, torn fragments, magazine pieces, etc.), and ready your Mod-Podge or glue.

TIPS: If you wish to experiment with collage concepts before gluing pieces down, this is the time to do it. I found it useful to prepare some of my collage elements ahead of time — tearing out specific words, colors, shapes, and phrases — while leaving the rest of the composition to impulsive randomness.

For some fun collage ideas, try Magazine Collage, Assemblage, Mixed Media, Experimental Textures, and Creative Combinations.

Step 5: Choose any wing on the template to begin collaging. How-to: Using a paintbrush or sponge, lightly coat a small area of the template with your adhesive and start constructing your collage. Repeat this process until the entire collage is finished. (A second coat of glue will be applied over the top later.)

TIPS: Leave the tabs of the template un-collaged, but don't let the other edges of the box limit your creativity. Go ahead and overlap the elements over the edge because they'll be trimmed flush later.

When your collage is finished, allow it to completely dry. Keep it on the flat surface while it dries.

Step 6: After your collage is dry, turn it over and trim flush any excess paper elements overhanging the sides.

Step 7: Turn the template over to the front and apply a second (light) coat of adhesive over the top of the collage. This will result in a desirable "decoupage" seal and keep any loose ends in the collage tacked down. Again, allow the collage to lay flat while the second coat of glue dries. (While you're waiting, start another Cubie!)

Next: Folding Flat Collage into 3D Cubie »

© 2005, 2007 Chris Dunmire. All rights reserved.

Creativity Portal hopes you enjoyed this feature, which is copyright © Chris Dunmire and not available for reprint on your Web site, blog, or publication. Please respect the creator's copyright by not duplicating this material elsewhere.

About the Author | More by Chris Dunmire
Chris Dunmire is an artist, humorist, workshop facilitator, and the driving force behind the Creativity Portal Web site. Chris trained as a creativity coach with Eric Maisel, Ph.D. and inspires people of all ages with her Web sites and printable playbooks — including the world-famous Dollar Bill Origami Money Plant.

06/22/07