Mosaic Art for Children

Mosaics can be simple

Mosaic is an ideal art form for children because of its simplicity to create and its vast array of design and material options. Mosaics have been around for at least 4,000 years, according to The Joy of Shards website, and was first evidenced in designs on pavement using pebbles. Mosaic evolved from pavement patterns to elaborate and highly embellished art on walls, ceilings and other objects.

Definition

Mosaic is a type of art using small pieces of tile or other materials stuck onto a base to create an overall design. Unlike collages, which also use materials stuck on a base, mosaics create a larger image using smaller pieces. Collages consist of various materials that do not necessarily create an overall picture. Find some mosaics around your neighborhood, perhaps in some architecture or tile work, to show your kids as an example.

Mosaic Basics

Kids need a few basic items to make mosaics: a base, mosaic materials and glue. The base is the where the mosaic materials will be glued. The only requirements for the base is that it is heavy duty enough to hold the glue and materials and large enough to hold the design. Paper, cardboard, flat pieces of wood, glass or metal can all be used for flat mosaics. Kids can also create mosaics on bottles, vases, tin cans or other three-dimensional objects. The best glue or paste for kids to use is a non-toxic formula that can be easily cleaned or washed off. Nearly anything can be used as mosaic materials. Have children first sketch their design on the base if applicable, then fill in the sketch by gluing on the mosaic materials.

Materials

There are a variety of materials that kids can use when it comes to mosaic materials, as a number of items will work as long as the glue and base are strong enough to hold them. Make lightweight mosaics with strips of paper, tissue paper squares, photos, seeds, ribbon or images cut from the pages of magazines. Heavier items include tiles; small pieces of ceramic or glass, beads, small rocks, jewelry pieces, fake gems, jellybeans or other small coated candies.

Designs

Mosaic designs are only limited by the kids' imaginations. Children can get inspiration from their passions or the world around them. Mosaics for animal lovers include birds, cats, dogs, fish, lizards, snakes or their favorite pet. Mosaics for sporty kids include baseballs, footballs, soccer balls or a depiction of the overall playing field. They can even try making a mosaic on an old baseball, bat or football. Fashion-loving youngsters can create dresses, hats, shoes or a dressed up depiction of themselves.

Holiday Mosaics

Holidays are an ideal time to make mosaics that reflect the festive season. Kids can make handmade mosaic cards using folded pieces of heavy paper or light cardboard as the base. They can also make Christmas tree ornaments or window and wall hangings to help decorate the house using three-dimensional bases, like an empty toilet paper tube, with a string and hook attached for hanging. Holiday designs can include snowmen, Santa Claus, reindeer, Easter lilies, rabbits, or skulls, witches and ghosts for Halloween.

References

• Artists Helping Children: Mosaic Craft Ideas for Kids
• The Joy of Shards: The History of Mosaic Art: Mosaics in the Ancient World
• Disney Family Fun: Magazine Mosaic