Not all tissue paper behaves the same way when you add glue, paint or water. And if you enjoy making your own collage papers, understanding these differences can open up a whole new world of creative possibilities.
I use different types of tissue paper for collage art, from delicate papers that soften and break down when wet to stronger papers that are perfect for mark-making, adding colour and creating unique patterns.
So, which tissue paper should you choose for your next art project? Let’s explore a few options!
How to Choose the Right Tissue Paper?
I’ve created a short video showing the different types of tissue paper I use in my mixed media art and how I use them to make marks, add colour and create textured collage materials.
If you’ve been wondering which tissue paper to use, come take a look at the papers I work with and discover new possibilities for your own art.
🎥 Watch the Video
Choosing Tissue Paper for Collage and Mixed Media Art
One of my favourite ways to use tissue paper is to transform it into handmade collage material. Instead of relying only on ready-made papers, I enjoy experimenting with paint, marks and textures to create papers that feel unique to my artwork.
Here are three types of tissue paper worth exploring.
1. Delicate Tissue Paper for Textured Papers
Some delicate tissue papers become fragile and break down when you apply glue or paint. This can create beautiful wrinkles, irregular layers and organic textures.
If you enjoy making textured collage papers, experiment with scrunching, layering and adhering these papers to a surface. The way they soften and change can become an interesting part of your artwork.
- Kitchen Napkin: https://amzn.in/d/09QF5PdC
- Bamboo tissue paper: https://amzn.in/d/02bW37U0
2. Thin Tissue Paper for Mark-Making
Thin tissue paper is great for experimenting with lines, dots, scribbles, stamps and other repetitive marks.
Try applying acrylic paint, ink or other suitable colour media to create your own patterns. Once dry, tear or cut the paper into smaller pieces and use them in your art journal, collage or mixed media paintings.
It’s a simple way to build a collection of handmade collage papers in colours and patterns that suit your style.
- Tissue paper for stuffing boxes: https://amzn.in/d/0aRi9CF8
3. Wet-Strength Tissue Paper for Colour Experiments
Wet-strength tissue paper is designed to retain more of its strength when wet than ordinary tissue paper.
This can make it useful when you want to apply colour or create marks without the paper immediately falling apart. Experiment with different paints and techniques to discover how it behaves.
Remember, every paper is different, so test a small piece before using it in your artwork.
- Tissue Paper for Wrapping Gifts: https://amzn.in/d/01ZvHTRb
Download Your Free Tissue Paper Guide
Want to learn more about choosing tissue paper for collage and mixed media art?
I’ve created a free guide, Tissue Paper for Mixed Media Art: How Do You Choose the Right Tissue Paper?
Inside, you’ll discover eight types of tissue paper, how they behave when wet, which papers to choose for different artistic effects, a practical tissue paper test and a handy reference sheet.
It’s a useful resource to keep in your studio whenever you’re planning your next creative experiment.
Tissue Paper for Mixed Media Art
A free guide that explores different types of tissue paper, and how to choose the right one for your project.
Want to Take Your Tissue Paper Experiments Further?
If you love experimenting with tissue paper and creating your own collage materials, you’ll love Tissue Alchemy.
Tissue Alchemy is my class where we explore the possibilities of tissue paper through creative experiments, mark-making, colour and texture. It’s an invitation to move beyond simply using ready-made papers and discover how you can transform tissue paper into unique collage materials for your mixed media art.
Through experimentation and playful exploration, you’ll discover new ways to create interesting surfaces, build layers and develop a collection of handmade papers that reflect your own creative style.
Explore the Tissue Alchemy class here.
Come and discover just how much you can do with a simple sheet of tissue paper!
Get the Texture Paper Digital Download
A collection of 30 printable papers created from my original artworks. Filled with organic textures, layered surfaces, earthy stains, expressive marks, and playful imperfections.
Each paper carries the feel of handmade experimentation — giving you something rich and interesting to respond to, rather than starting from a blank page.
Keep Experimenting!
Some of my favourite collage materials come from simple experiments with paper, paint and glue. Try different types of tissue paper, make a few marks, add colour and see what happens.
You might discover a new favourite material for your next mixed media artwork.
Happy creating!
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