1. Paper Mosaic
What you will make -
Learn how to make paper mosaics to decorate
crafts and give as gifts, while recycling the paper
scraps from other projects. As an introduction to
mosaics, this project takes you through the steps
of making a paper mosaic plaque. The finished
plaque can be hung on the wall, with or without a
frame. Make a mosaic of you own design or base
one on a favorite image or photograph. Moms will
enjoy receiving a mosaic for Mother's Day! Once
you learn this decorative technique, use your
creativity to apply it to other purposes and crafts.
This project is great for family, classroom or
group craft time. It requires no patterns and uses
simple materials. With a little preparation by the
adult or teen leader this project is easy and fun
for children.
Here's what you need -
White cardstock or construction paper
Colorful paper scraps

2. Ruler or paper trimmer (for adult prep)
Optional: wax paper, acrylic sealer (Mod Podge), clear
Contac paper, picture frame
Pencil
Scissors
Glue stick
How To Make Paper Mosaics
Read all of the steps before starting.
Step 1: Project Preparation
Cut white cardstock or white construction paper as
mosaic bases. Squares of 8 to 9 inches or rectangles 9
inches by 12 inches work well. Precut strips of colored
paper in 1 inch and ½ inch widths. The children will cut
the strips to make square, rectangle and triangle pieces.

3. Step 2: Create Design
Create a design for your mosaic on a piece of scratch
paper. When creating a design, it is important to make it
strong, clear and simple – flowers, birds, fish, and fruit
work well. Remember that the empty spaces of a design
are just as important as the drawn objects. Sketch your
design to size on the mosaic base of white cardstock or
white construction paper.
Step 3: Cut Tiles
Sort through the precut paper strips, selecting colors that
fit with your design and make pleasing color
combinations. Cut tiles from the paper strips in squares,
rectangles, triangles, and diamonds, as needed.

4. Step 4: Glue Tiles
Glue the tiles to the paper to fill in the design. Place the
tiles close together with white showing between the tiles
like grout. It's best to work in small areas. Apply glue
with a glue stick to a small area of the paper and then
carefully place the paper tiles.
Step 5: Finish Mosaic
The mosaic can be used as is, or you may want to seal it,
frame it, and/or mount it. For an easy frame, glue it to a
larger sheet of colored construction paper. You could
sandwich the mosaic between two sheets of clear Contac
paper—cut the sheets 1 inch larger than the mosaic to
create a ½ inch border. The mosaic could also be sealed
with one or two coats of acrylic sealer (Mod Podge) and
mounted on a board.