Mixed Media Collage Border Floral Painting Tutorial

In this tutorial, I show you how to breathe new life into a rejected watercolor painting using my collage borders technique. This simple idea adds instant energy and design interest to your work while giving you a chance to repurpose old art.

👉 Want more mixed media & collage ideas? Check out the Mixed Media Hub

I stumbled onto collage borders completely by accident. One day, I had ripped up some scrapbook paper and handmade collage scraps, then laid them across a rejected watercolor painting. I left the studio to grab some glue, and when I came back, I noticed two strips had landed right on the edges of the painting. It stopped me in my tracks—“Wow, that’s actually kind of interesting.” From that moment on, I was hooked. That little accident sparked an obsession, and now I’m excited to share the idea with you.

The demonstration begins with an urban scene that didn’t make the cut. By adding store-bought scrapbook collage along the edges, we frame the piece in a bold and unexpected way.

Start by Adding the Collage Borders

The collage paper comes from craft stores like Michaels or Hobby Lobby and is usually found in the scrapbook section. I cut it into strips and carefully glue it along the edges, creating a teal frame that will contrast beautifully with the flowers to come.

Painting the Red Flowers

Using a large brush, I block in bright red blooms across the center of the piece. The vibrant red instantly pops against the teal border, establishing a strong focal point.

Building the White Base

With a fan brush, I lay in a loose white base for the flowers, intentionally leaving small specks of the original watercolor showing through. This subtle detail adds depth and visual interest to the petals.

Stems, Leaves, and Background

Switching to a liner brush, I add green stems and a few leaf shapes, keeping the lines loose and expressive. For contrast, I use a large brush to negative space paint around the blooms with darker values, helping the white base and red petals stand out.

Final Touches

Throughout the process, I allow bits of the original watercolor to peek through. These small surprises create a sense of mystery and texture that make the finished floral piece uniquely fresh and lively.

Supplies I Use All the Time

These are my go-to materials for almost every mixed media project I create. Do I add new ingredients occasionally? You betcha! But these are the go-to materials I rely on most. I know how they behave, how they layer, and how to get the best results from them.

• Acrylic Paints – I only buy heavy body for their thick texture and thin them with water for fluid glazing and washes. See my favorite set →
• Watercolors Paints – Great for transparent layers and unexpected color effects. Exact colors are below.  Shop my watercolor picks →
• Acrylic Inks - Excellent way to add transparent layers to mixed media artwork. Mixes well with everything! See the inks →
• Synthetic Acrylic Brushes - You need a variety and I have listed my go-to's below. I use Princeton brands, very dependable! See the brushes →
• Watercolor Brushes - Get a decent grade but avoid all-natural as synthetic blends have come a long way. Shop my picks →
• Collage Papers – A mix of pattered, and printed paper you see me use is from Hobby Lobby, and it's usually found in the scrapbook section. Browse paper packs →
• Palette Knives – Good to have around for scooping paint and smearing techniques. See what I use →
• Blick Super Value Canvas Packs - Comes in many small and medium sizes up to 20x16". Love em'. Best bulk stretched canvas →
• Mixed Media Paper – Sturdy enough to handle wet and dry techniques. Strathmore is the way to go! Best paper for mixed media →
• Watercolor Paper - Top choice is 140 lb. cold press by Fabriano Artistico. Cost effective and crispy white. Best watercolor paper →
• Caran d'Ache Water-Soluble Crayons – Perfect for adding scribbles and linear interest to mixed media art. Check them out →
• Gator Board - Best firm boards you can find! Buy a large sheet and cut out down. These are used as backing for my paper when I paint. Check it out →
• Mod Podge - Reliable and affordable adhesive for paper, thick and thin. And get the Matte! View the glue →

My preferred hues; Cadmium Yellow, Yellow Ochre, Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium Red Light (or Medium), Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Blue, Burnt Sienna, Titanium White

My preferred acrylic brushes; #12 Large round, 2x Medium rounds, 2x Detail, or liner brushes, Large and medium fan brush, a few medium size bristles and old, small house painting brush for glue.

Keep Exploring Mixed Media

Discover more mixed media painting techniques in my Mixed Media Hub