Mixed Media Monday: Collage with Kids

Over the next few Mondays I will be sharing some fun collage and mixed media projects to do with kids. Each of these projects can be done with items that you already have lying around the house, and is easy enough that it can be done with a toddler. As well, each project is designed to be completed in 2-3 art sessions. I think having a multi-stage art project is a fun way to teach kids about persistence.

Today's project is a simple collage. To start, grab any paper you have. I used a large sheet of the paper roll that you can get at Ikea. Grab a few colours of tissue paper leftover from present wrapping and cut into rough squares. Using a glue stick or Mod Podge, let your child cover as much of the paper with random tissue paper squares as he/she feels like. Leave to dry.

Come back the next day with a few stickers. I used office label stickers. Let your child add the stickers wherever he/she desires. Then get out your cheepo water-colour paints and let your child paint over the whole thing. Let dry. If the paper warps excessively, Lay it under some heavy books once dry to flatten it out.

Final step: Chop up your large piece into smaller rectangles and glue onto card stock to make a birthday card for dad. Or make several cards, tie them and some envelopes together with a pretty ribbon and you have custom notecards, which make a great Mother's Day gift for grandma.

Have a beautiful day!