The 5/10 Technique: Transform Your Scrap Bin into Unexpected Art

Edit: I made some changes after working with this idea for a while. I used to have a 20-minute collage as part of the process, but I removed that because it lacked spontaneity and freedom. Twenty minutes was too long, and I found myself overworking the piece. Instead, try a series of five-minute or ten-minute collages.

I have a crush on my scrap bins after creating a new piece using only what I found inside, and I thought that timed collages would generate new ideas and use up some of the beautiful bits I’ve been saving.

Make them in any size you wish, but I used this 9” x 12” Fabriano watercolor paper as my substrate with Golden Matte Medium as the adhesive.

Five Minute Collage

This felt like no time at all. I preselected papers and went with the ones already cut to size.

Twenty Minute Collage

This was my least favorite of the three. Twenty minutes was too much time because I rushed to compose the piece and then had all this time to fiddle with the composition, but not enough time to edit the entire piece. I like the details on the left side, but ran out of time to fix the other areas.

Suggestions

• Select a small number of papers to work from for each piece

• Stick to the time limit instead of giving yourself just one more minute… you can always revise the piece later

• Write how long it took you on the back

• I didn’t use a sketchbook, but it might be nice to have these in one place

• Try this for two weeks and spend some time reflecting, in writing, what you notice about your work: Do you see improvement? Which pieces do you like the most? The least? (and why) Did starting your studio session in this way impact your work?

If you've taken ​my online class Inspired: Abstract Collage with Vintage Magazines​, consider adding timed collages into the mix, especially if you've moved into the lessons around working in your own style or sizing up your pieces.