View both digital and modern art creations to seek inspiration. Admire the work of other artists to decide upon a basic design and layout for the collage. Choose a theme or idea for the collage, for example, a color, an object, or a certain subject.
Use a piece of 8-inch-by-11-inch firm card stock paper for the collage. Select a colored or plain piece depending on the desired look. Opt to create a patterned-block appearance as the background by utilizing multiple pieces of differently colored card stock. Do not choose a variation of paper that will take attention away from the focus of the collage.
Cut or tear the desired pieces for the collage. Choose materials that will lay flat on the paper. Create tears that are uneven and irregularly shaped to add dimension to the collage.
Arrange the collage pieces according to the desired final product. Layer and overlap the various cutouts. Remember that collage is an imperfect art and the layout doesn't have to be in a particular order. Glue the pieces of the collage to the background paper. Use heavier glue if applying pieces to the collage other than paper.
Protect the full page collage. Harden the exterior of the collage and give it a finished glossy appearance with a layer of decoupage varnish. Decoupage varnish is a clear coat polish that will harden over the product. It can be used on paper collages, as well as, furniture, wood, or other various materials. Place the dry collage within a clear plastic sleeve if concealing it within a binder or book.