Cut and Torn Paper Collage

by Sarah Ferguson

The young artist will use colorful papers to create shapes for a collage artwork. They will play with color as they cut and tear papers to make shapes to build their design, then glue the shapes to a background paper.

Learning Target

● I can use shapes, color, contrast, and pattern to create a collage artwork.

Materials

● 4 sheets of construction paper in different colors
● Glue stick
● Scissors
● Optional: Pencil, Pen, or Sharpie

Instructions

1. Choose 4 sheets of construction paper in different colors.

2. Fold each paper in half, crease, then cut or tear each paper in half along the fold. Now you have 8 half papers, set aside 4 of the papers. You might like to try making pattern papers with the other 4 papers.

3. Optional: Pattern Papers add variety to your collage papers. What are some different kinds of lines you can think of: wavy, zigzag, swirls, scribbles, dots…? Choose one of the half sheets and draw your line over and over to fill the sheet. Remember to put the paper placemat under your paper before using a pen or Sharpie. If that was fun, try another kind of line on a different paper.

4. Choose one of the half sheets to use as your background paper for the collage, then decide vertical or horizontal for placement. Studio note: Use a piece of white sketchbook paper as a placemat for your work before gluing or using a Sharpie. This will protect the table.

5. Think of the shapes and colors you would like to use to make your design. Try naming the shapes. Can you draw the shapes in the air using your finger? Try to tear or cut the shapes from the different colored papers without drawing them first.

6. Place each shape on the background paper to make your design.

7. When you are ready to glue, pick up the shapes one at a time and add glue with the glue stick, then press it in place on the background paper. Glue down each shape until the collage is done. It is a good idea to use the paper placemat to protect the table when you are gluing.

8. Sign your name on your artwork like an artist does.

Reflection

● Share your art with your family.
● How did you make your collage? How did you choose the shapes and colors?
● What would you like to try for your next collage?
● Can you teach someone how to make a collage?

Extra

● For more collage art ideas, see children’s books by artists: Andrea D’Aquino, Eric Carle and Lois Ehlert.