Spring Collage
The Set Up
Gather a table full of colour and texture. Painted papers, magazine clippings, sheet music, foil, even old artworks ready for a new life. Add scissors, glue, and both pre cut shapes and whole sheets so everyone can choose how to begin. Some children dive in quickly with ready petals, others want the satisfaction of designing every leaf and flower from scratch.
The Making
Watch the garden grow piece by piece. Layer scraps, tuck leaves behind petals, let flowers spill across the page. Some compositions feel neat and rhythmic, others wild and scattered. Both are beautiful. At Smudge we love reminding children that “collage” comes from the French coller, to glue. Every collage is about sticking things together in new ways and seeing what happens.
Variations
Make your own painted papers first. Try fly swatters, spatulas, or egg brushes dipped in paint for bold textures. Dry them in the sun, then cut them into petals, leaves, or completely new shapes!
Materials
Painted paper, old artworks, magazines, and sheet music
Foil scraps, fabric, stickers, and colourful oddments
Scissors and glue (PVA or glue sticks)
Pre cut petals and leaves for quick starts
Whole sheets for those who want to design their own shapes
Hole punches or shape punches for added fun