MAKE IT CUTE

If you've been feeling like you need to spice up your squad hangs lately and get your creative juices flowing, we've got you: Now is the ideal time to host your very own collage night!

Adding a new artsy activity to your rotation has never been so simple. Collaging is an accessible, mess-free and totally relaxing art form for everyone, regardless of your level of experience. From the supplies to the snacks, we're bringing you allll the tips and tricks to becoming a pro collager. So call up your crew, grab your glue sticks and get ready for an evening of chill, artistic fun.

Grab your supplies 

The ah-mazing thing about collaging? You probably have all of the materials you need at home already! As far as finding the right pics to include in your masterpiece, you can use old magazines (hello, last year's issues of GL), newspapers, catalogs and even printed-out versions of your own personal photos. The other essentials for your evening of crafting include scissors and glue sticks. Our advice: It's ideal to have multiples of each so that all your besties can work at the same time.

If you want to get a little ~extra~, you can also gather gel pens, markers, colored construction paper and glitter! Now's the moment to break out any miscellaneous art supplies that you've been stashing away for a rainy day. 

Get collaging 

All you need to do now is cut and paste to your heart's desire! If you're not sure about where to start, consider centering your collage on one primary theme or color (Viva Magenta, anyone?). Ultimately, though, collaging is all about following your instinct and selecting the images that you feel drawn to or that spark joy within you. The pics you add to your collage don't have to be perfectly coordinated or matched. In fact, many of the coolest collages have a unique, all-over-the-place look to them! 

Find the right music

You're going to want something to listen to while making your amazing collages. Set the vibes with the perfect playlist! Do you want some lo-fi tunes to match the chill atmosphere while you collage and unwind? Or would you rather blast a spring playlist with some more upbeat songs that'll have you dancing along while you work? Check out your preferred music streaming service for a soundtrack to fit your mood. Or, better yet, create a shared playlist with your friends so you can each add your own music.

Fuel up on snacks

Ofc, you won't want something sticky or greasy that will get all over your hands and mess up your precious artwork. We'd recommend keeping napkins or wipes nearby just in case, but here are some yummy, no-mess options, including sweet, savory and healthy choices for all:

• Pretzels
• Cheese and crackers
• Cookies...bc who doesn't love Oreos?
• Fruit kebabs (for juicier fruits that might get your hands wet, just stick them on kebab skewers!)
• Gummy candy (think jelly beans, Starburst and Swedish Fish)
• Crudités, veggies like celery sticks and carrots with dip

Show off your art

Once you've finished cutting and pasting (not to mention jamming out and snacking), you'll be ready to reveal your final product. If you want to end the night on a truly artistic note, you could even hold a mini "art critique" to close out your collaging party: Have your pals go around and shout out their fave parts of their everyone's pieces.

Tag us in a pic of your finished collage masterpiece on Instagram @girlslifemag for a chance to get featured!

All GIFs via Giphy

by Natalie Misyak and Madelon Basil | 4/4/2023