Contact Paper Collage

If you have never used sticky paper with your kids, let me tell you that it is a sure thing. This contact paper collage art invitation is a favorite that we go back to again and again. They never tire of these materials and this prompt because it’s completely open-ended which kicks their imaginations into high gear.

The key is in the prep. Once you have all the materials prepped, you can store them in baggies or containers and take them out easily and set this up in no time.

This idea is an oldie and many bloggers and art teachers around the world know the magic of sticky paper. I’ve linked a few of my faves at the end.

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Supply list for Contact Paper Collage:

~ Contact paper

~ Various cut paper, such as tissue paper, tissue dots, colored paper, decorative scrapbook paper, magazine and catalog pages, painted newspaper

~ Cupcake liners

~ Paper punches to make shapes

~ Yarn

~ Scissors

~ Hole punch

~ Craft wire

~ Beads (optional)

How to prepare for Contact Paper Collage:

I have done this project with my students in class and also at birthday parties. For birthday parties, which move at a faster pace, you need a helper to take the sticker backing off the contact paper as kids are moving through the station. They LOVE it and always want to make more than one.

Prepare the Table

1. Put the baskets and trays of collage material in the middle of the table.

2. Take a sheet of contact paper and before taking off the backing, go around the table and trace it with a pencil or marker, giving each child enough room to work. The contact paper can look invisible sometimes so having the frame helps kids to see it better.

3. Tape the contact paper sticky-side up with masking tape to each place setting.

Making their Collage

4. Now the children can make their collages! Anything goes. The only thing that doesn’t really work is if it gets too thick or bumpy. The beads are meant for the wire hanger, so maybe it’s better to keep them off the table so that the kids don’t use them in their collage.

See these contact paper flower face collages

5. When they are finished, cover their collage with another piece of contact paper to seal it all up. They can leave things sticking out on the sides, or they can trim. It’s a personal choice.

Making the Hanger

6. Cut two holes at the top with a hole puncher, then twist the wire through one side. (This can either be done by an adult, if the child is very young, or the child can do it herself.) Beading comes next, then attach the other side of the wire to the other hole.

Adding magazine clippings is really fun for older kids!

Once you prep the collage materials, you can store them and then set up this project fairly quickly. I sometimes set it up when we have 20 minutes left in class, or during the holidays when I need a quick craft table for the kids.

I love this one above that is monochromatic. Sometimes young children make something so beautiful with such a wonderful eye for color and design that it takes my breath away.

Here are some of my favorite contact paper collages from around the web

Nature walk collage

Giant window leaf collage (using a roll of contact paper)

Yarn painting

Yarn sun-catchers

Have fun!

xx Bar

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Did you like this post? Here are some more collage ideas: