Mixed Media Art Techniques — Bagged Up in One Easy Guide
Just like bagging groceries keeps the line moving, I’ve bagged up my favorite mixed media art techniques into one place. From unique collage borders to recycled flops turned fresh starts, this hub is your ready-to-go cart of inspiration, tutorials, and creative wins.

I’m about to share a lot of mixed media art techniques with you — decades of hard work, experimentation, and sticky glue-covered hands that can help spark your creativity. But first, I need to get something off my chest…
At the grocery store, nothing slows things down like someone who won’t help bag their groceries. If you’ve got a fussy baby, fine. But standing there with your hands in your pockets? Lame. A little effort goes a long way in keeping things moving smoothly.
That’s the same spirit behind this Mixed Media Hub. Instead of leaving you to dig through scattered tutorials and random advice, I’ve bagged everything up for you right here. Think of it as your ready-to-go cart of mixed media lessons, materials, and inspiration — designed to save you time and help you create faster.
Start Here If You Are A Beginner
If you’re brand new to mixed media art, you’re in the right place. Mixed media is all about layering different materials — like acrylics, watercolor, collage papers, and drawing tools — to create depth, texture, and personality in your art. It’s playful, forgiving, and full of creative possibilities.
- What is Mixed Media Art?
Learn the basics of mixing materials and why it’s such a fun, creative approach. - Essential Tools & Materials
From glue to gesso, and yes, even seafood gumbo — here’s everything you’ll need to get started. - Explore Collage Art Ideas- check out 16 unique mixed media & collage techniques you won't find anywhere else.
- Complete Guide to Collaging - the Garage Artist Way

Unique Mixed Media Techniques You Won’t Find Everywhere
These ideas are the result of countless hours experimenting and exploring my creativity. I tend to get lost in my art, and that often leads to unconventional mixed media methods you’ll find both refreshing and easy to execute.
1. Collage Borders - A Fresh Approach
Most artists think of collage as something you put inside the painting. I flipped that idea on its head by using collage around the edges — turning borders into a bold design element. It’s an easy, eye-catching way to give your art instant depth and personality.
Try these tutorials:
- Mixed Media Flower Painting Tutorial
- Urban Landscape Painting with Mixed Media & Collage
- Still Life Flowers using Mixed Media & Collage
2. Recycling Old Paintings: From “Flops” to Fresh Starts
Here’s a technique you won’t see in traditional art lessons: taking failed paintings and transforming them into layered, expressive mixed media works. Nothing wasted — every “flop” becomes raw material for something better. It’s both freeing and uniquely mixed media.
Try these tutorials:
- Up-cycling Watercolor Landscape using Acrylics
- Urban Landscape Project with Watercolor and Acrylics
- Experimenting with Bold Patterns and Mixed Media
3. Bold Patterns, Mixed Media and Rejects
One of the recent mixed media adventures I've been exploring some which involves using rejects and combining collage with bold pattern overlays. Tens of fun and very experimental.
Try these tutorials:
- Urban Scene with Watercolor, Acrylic and Mixed Media
- Maine Seascape with Boats and Harbor
- Collaging and Patterns over Reject Watercolor
4. Collage Paper Strips: Fast, Fun, & Totally Forgiving
This is one of my go-to tricks because it’s versatile, quick, and not something you’ll see in most classes. By tearing or cutting papers into strips, you can add energy, rhythm, and movement to a painting in minutes. It’s a beginner-friendly win that still looks sophisticated.
Try these tutorial:
- Super Beginner-friendly Fish Project with Collage Strips
- More coming soon...

Mixed Media Landscapes
Landscapes are one of my favorite playgrounds for mixed media. From coastal sailboats to abstract city skylines, the combination of acrylics, watercolor, and collage creates depth and energy you can’t get with a single medium.
Try these tutorials:
- Sailboats with Collage and Acrylics
- Urban Inspired Mixed Media Collage Tutorial
- Provincetown Collage and Acrylic Tutorial

Mixed Media Flowers & Florals
Flowers are the perfect subject for mixed media — bold colors, loose shapes, and endless possibilities for layering. Whether it’s collage petals, watercolor washes, or textured acrylics, florals are always fun, expressive, and beginner-friendly.
Try these tutorials:
- Mixed Media Flowers with Collage Techniques
- Unconventional Acrylic Collage Techniques on Bristol
- Abstract Collage Still Life Tutorial
- Simple Still Life With Lemons and Knife
Mixed Media Still Life
Ordinary objects become extraordinary when you add mixed media layers. Bottles, cups, or a bowl of fruit — collage and paint can transform the everyday into vibrant, textured artwork.
Try these tutorials:
- Quirky Cats Created With Mixed Media and Negative Space
- Fish Rows with Handmade Collage Paper
- Collage Still Life with Bottle & Fruit Bowl
Playful Projects: Fish, Cats & More
Not everything has to be serious! I love creating playful mixed media projects — from quirky fish to expressive cats. These projects are fun, fast, and full of personality — a great way to loosen up and enjoy the process.
Try these tutorials:
- Collage strips and Fish Tutorial
- Sailboats with Collage and Acrylics on Bristol
- Collage Still Life with Tea Cups
Final Thoughts
Mixed media doesn’t have to be confusing — I’ve already done the bagging for you. Join my email list and you’ll get new techniques, beginner projects, and creative inspiration delivered right to your inbox.
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