From creating travel junk journals to hosting collage parties, Max Malone is what you could call a professional scrapbooker. The co-owner of Melbourne/Naarm collage studio, workshop and gallery That Paper Joint – alongside partner Zoe Crook and furry friend Franky Rocket – Max has taken his collaging expertise one step further. Enter: Cut-out Curiosities Botanica.

A cut-out collage book filled with super-lovely imagery and helpful tips to get you started, Cut-out Curiosities Botanica is the perfect companion piece to your next crafternoon. We caught up for a chinwag with Max to find out about the process of bringing his debut book together, his favourite collage memories, and connecting to clients through creativity.

What is your first memory of collaging? My first real memory of collaging comes from my time in art school. I loved experimenting with different materials and layering in my sketchbooks. It was a space where I could explore weird and wild combinations without any judgment. I felt free to dive into my passion for cutting, collecting and curating. Art school, for me, was an incredibly supportive environment where I could discover my own tastes, styles and interests – I'm really grateful for that initial experience.

Years later, after backpacking through South East Asia and India, my practice evolved. I started documenting my journeys through collage and junk journaling. Those travel journals have become some of my most cherished personal treasures.

If I go back even further, I have such fond memories of doing arts and crafts with my siblings and mum at the kitchen table. We were encouraged to make a mess and let our creativity run wild – those moments are some of my favourite memories. Thanks, Mum!

You’re about to release your first book – a cut-me-up-and-collage book called Cut-out Curiosities Botanica. Where did the idea of putting your passion for collaging into book format? Over the past four years, That Paper Joint has become an incredible space for hosting collage experiences. Every weekend, people come in, roll up their sleeves and get stuck into collaging with us. It’s been amazing to see so many guests discover collage and make it a regular hobby.

It became clear to me that there was a unique opportunity to create a physical book as a way to offer something our guests could take home with them and continue their collage journey wherever they are.

How did you land on the theme of Botanica for the book? There were a few themes discussed with the publisher, but one theme truly stood out. Over the years, while hosting collage workshops at That Paper Joint, many guests have requested botanical imagery – flowers, butterflies, mushrooms – so this theme naturally came to the forefront.

A nature-based theme was so hard to resist. Although our studio is located in the hustle and bustle of Brunswick, both my partner and I share a deep love for nature. I’ve also gone through phases of obsession with houseplants! So, it felt essential to include not just beautiful flowers but also lush green foliage and tropical plants in the book.

The imagery throughout the book is incredible. Where did it all come from and how did you go about deciding what to include? I worked closely with Smith Street Books to source and select the right kinds of images. They started with thousands of images, which I then carefully curated. It was a challenge, but after months of sifting through options, I finally landed on a beautiful collection that spans a range of colours, textures and eras. When choosing images, I focused on what works best for collaging. I wanted punchy, vibrant visuals that are fun to work with and not too tricky to chop up!

The goal was to provide a broad selection of images so that others could use them to create their own stories. I’m genuinely excited to see what people come up with, as each person will likely bring their own unique interpretation to the visuals.

The book was made in – and is a great companion piece to – That Paper Joint. For the uninitiated, what is the idea and ethos behind your shop and creative space? In short, That Paper Joint is a colourful, fun space where people can explore their creative side through collage. Guests can book a session online for either a guided or self-guided experience and immerse themselves in a space designed specifically for cutting and pasting. We’re also a shop with a growing range of tools, supplies, books and gifts for anyone interested in collage and craft.

With so many beautiful illustrations and imagery featured in the book, it must have been a mission to condense it all to 100 pages. Do you have any standout imagery that is your absolute favourite? Yes – there are around 20 pages in the book that were particularly special to create. Rather than being digitally composed, I hand-cut the elements, physically arranged them, and then had the pages professionally scanned. These handmade pages add a tactile, authentic feel to the book.

Lastly, what are your top tips for someone wanting to try their hand at collage but has no idea where to start? My number one tip would be: don’t overthink it! Put on your favourite tunes and start snipping. Take your time, build a collection of cut-outs first, and then let your creativity take over. I share a lot more tips and thoughts in Cut-out Curiosities, but if you're ever in Melbourne, I’d also recommend coming to That Paper Joint for a session – it’s the perfect place to get started!

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