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Why do collage? Mental health benefits of collage

November 25, 2024
Ever since the birth of my daughter four years ago, I’ve discovered a powerful refuge from the chaos of daily life in my paper crafts. What began as a creative outlet quickly became a source of solace, offering me a calm, meditative space amid the whirlwind of parenting and everyday responsibilities. My collage practice has not only nurtured my creativity but also brought unexpected mental health benefits, providing me with a sense of balance and mindfulness. In this blog post, I’ll share how the simple act of arranging paper can do the same for you.
Why do collage? Mental health benefits of collage
(c) Jonna Studio

Why Collage? Exploring the Mental Health Benefits of Collage Art


In today’s fast-paced world, finding ways to nurture mental health is more important than
ever. Collage art—a creative practice as accessible as it is therapeutic—has gained
recognition for its ability to foster mindfulness, emotional expression, and resilience. 

At its core, collage art is the act of assembling images, textures, and materials into a cohesive composition. It’s not about creating a perfect piece of art but rather about enjoying the process. With a few basic tools—like scissors, glue, and paper—you can
embark on a journey of self-expression and discovery.

Inspired by Laurie Kanyer’s book, Collage Care: Transforming Emotions & Building Resilience, this practice invites us to explore emotions and creativity in a unique, hands-on way.

How Collage Supports Mental Health

1. A Safe Space for Emotional Expression

Collage provides a non-verbal way to express emotions that may feel too complex or overwhelming to articulate. By choosing images and colors that resonate with your feelings, you create a visual narrative of your inner world. Laurie Kanyer describes this process as a bridge between the conscious and subconscious, allowing hidden emotions to surface in a safe, creative way.

2. Mindfulness Through Making

The act of cutting, arranging, and glueing materials draws your attention to the present moment. This tactile process quiets the mind, fostering a sense of calm and focus. Collage can serve as a form of active meditation, offering a mental break from stress or overthinking. In the interviews we have conducted with various journaling friends and paper crafters all share the same experience: it feels like meditation (read here experiences of Maarja of @papermoor).

3. Building Resilience Through Creativity

Collage encourages experimentation and flexibility. You might start with a specific idea but discover new directions as you work. Learning to adapt to these creative surprises mirrors real-life challenges, helping to cultivate resilience and self-compassion.

4. Self-Discovery and Reflection

Each collage you create tells a story. As you layer images and materials, patterns and themes emerge, offering insights into your emotions, values, and dreams. Taking time to reflect on your work can deepen your understanding of yourself and your experiences.

Journaling alongside your collage practice can be a powerful combination. A collage journaling notebook provides the perfect space to explore the thoughts and feelings that arise during the process.

Getting Started with Collage Art

Ready to try collage for yourself? Follow these simple steps:

1. Gather Your Materials: Start with essentials like a selection of papers, glue, and scissors. For a curated approach, explore the Collage Starter Kit for ready-to-use supplies.
2. Set an Intention: Choose a theme or emotion to explore, or simply let your creativity guide you.
3. Create Without Judgment: Allow yourself to experiment freely—there’s no right or wrong in collage art.
4. Reflect on Your Work: Spend time observing your finished piece. What emotions or memories does it evoke?

Why Collage is for Everyone

Collage art is accessible, affordable, and open to all skill levels. It doesn’t require a major investment of time or resources—just a willingness to explore and create. With a few tools and a little inspiration, you can turn this creative practice into a powerful form of self-care. Browse Jonna Studio’s collection of creative supplies to find everything you need, from high-quality tools to specialty materials.

Final Thoughts

Collage is more than an art form—it’s a way to care for your mental health. Whether you’re looking to express emotions, find calm, or build resilience, this simple yet profound practice offers endless opportunities for growth and healing.

So why not give it a try? Start small, experiment with materials, and let your creativity flow. As Laurie Kanyer beautifully demonstrates in Collage Care, the act of creating can be transformative—and deeply rewarding.

I have been keeping a collage journal for many years now, and the process has been transforming. I continue to grow with every piece, even though I do not like every piece I make :) It is about the process of doing things with your hands, for taking time for yourself, for listening to yourself.

Browse the supplies in our store or continue reading the blog.

Until next time,
Marianne
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