Make a shape collage.
Little scraps become something wonderful.
A scrap of paper can become a roof, a hill or a completely imaginary creature. This open-ended project starts with simple shapes and leaves room for children to decide what their picture will become.
Choose a shape activity.
Make a Shape CollageChoose paper shapes, try an arrangement and turn it into your own artwork.
Draw · Type · Save
Shapes to Cut OutPrint twelve colourful shapes, then sort, turn and arrange them.
Draw · Type · Save
Plan My PictureImagine what circles, squares, triangles and rectangles could become.
Draw · Type · Save
Build a Shape PictureArrange your paper shapes, then create a picture of your own.
Draw · Type · Save
My Artwork StoryLook at your finished collage and tell the story behind your choices.
Draw · Type · SaveLet's make it happen.
Gather a small palette
Choose three or four paper colours. Look for differences in texture, such as a smooth wrapper and a rough paper bag.
Make your shapes
Tear or cut several large shapes. Try a long strip, a rounded shape and a triangle. Exact shapes are not important.
Try before you glue
Move the pieces around your background. Can a triangle become a mountain? What happens when one shape overlaps another? Try two arrangements.
Build the picture
Glue the background shapes first, then add the smaller pieces on top. Press each piece down gently.
Add your last marks
Use crayons to add lines or details. Give your collage a title and tell someone about one choice you made.
What's happening here?
Moving shapes before sticking them down gives children a chance to plan and revise. Overlapping creates layers, while different colours and textures help parts of a picture stand out.
Keep the wondering going.
- Which shape did you use in an unexpected way?
- What looks near, and what looks far away?
- How would your picture change with one colour removed?
Make it work for you.
Keep it simple
Offer a few large, pre-torn shapes. Let the child place them and narrate the picture while an adult helps with glue.
Take it further
Limit the palette to three colours and show distance using overlapping shapes. Try another version with the same pieces.
Not quite going to plan?
Paper curling? Use less glue and let the collage dry flat. If choosing a picture feels difficult, start with an abstract arrangement of colours.
My shape studio
Try three different arrangements. Sketch your shapes before you glue.
Image · prints on A4 or Letter using “fit to page”. Plain paper works just as well.
Download the sheet Open image to print ↗You may print and use this original activity sheet at home or in your classroom. Please link to the activity page when sharing it online.
