How to Make a Paper Mosaic Collage

Mosaics are a unique form of art-making, typically and historically created with tile, stone, glass or other colorful three-dimensional materials. Many different cultures have used mosaics as a way to recreate important daily scenes and develop new designs that would serve as a work of art for centuries. Paper mosaics are an easy way to capture the essence of the classic mosaic style that require only a few supplies and little to no artistic skill.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A sheet of white paper (any size and any shape)
• Several sheets of colored construction paper
• Glue
• Pencil with eraser
• Scissors (optional)

Paper Mosaic Collage

1. 
    
   A simple sketch with outlines and basic shapes is adequate.

   Choose an image or design that you would like to use as the foundation of your mosaic. Sketch your design on the white sheet of paper until you are satisfied with the image.

2. 
    
   Scissors can be used for a more finished-looking design.

   Choose the paper you will use for your design. Tear, rip or use scissors to cut the colored sheets of paper into small pieces of any shape and size. Place each color of the scraps of paper into its own pile.

3. 
    
   Liquid glue and glue sticks are both appropriate for this craft.

   Choose an area of your image and spread some glue to cover the space. Carefully place several colored paper scraps to cover the glue and press down on each piece firmly. Allow a bit of white space to show through, as that will create the mosaic effect.

4. 
    
   White space between pieces helps create a mosaic effect.

   Continue adding scraps of colored paper until you have covered your image and the background. Allow the glue to dry.

5. 
    
   Three-dimensional materials are used in traditional mosaics.

   For your next project, try other materials to make a dimensional mosaic, such as egg shells, beach glass, or pebbles. Or use the mosaic art style to create gifts such as a picture frame or canister to hold pencils. These ideas and other ways to expand on the mosaic craft can be found at www.artistshelpingchildren.org.

Tips & Warnings

• Try using scrapbooking paper with designs, patterns or textures to create a different kind of mosaic, or use layered tissue paper to create overlapping color mosaics. Consider using a cotton swab to spread glue in small areas of your design. Use a puzzle-sealing product or gloss on top of your design to seal the paper scraps to the paper and to add a shiny finish.
• Supervise children when using scissors glue or other craft chemicals.

References

• Mosaic Ideas and Steps

Resources

• Mosaic Artist Samples
• Classic Tile Mosaics
• Mosaic Techniques