Alter an image
Transform a printed photo into a mixed media artwork by adding drawing, collage, and stickers to change its scene and mood.
About this activity
Transform a printed photo into a mixed media artwork by adding drawing, collage, and stickers to change its scene and mood.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Pick one printed photo you want to change and hold it up to look at the whole picture.
- 2
Step 2
Decide the new scene and mood you want (for example sunny beach happy or starry night mysterious).
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Step 3
Lightly sketch with a colored pencil where you will add drawings or collage pieces on the photo.
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Step 4
Cut out shapes and images from magazine scraps or colored paper that match your new scene.
- 5
Step 5
Arrange the cut pieces on the photo without glue until you like the layout.
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Step 6
Glue each collage piece onto the photo one at a time, pressing gently so they stick.
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Step 7
Use your coloring materials to draw extra details and change colors in the photo.
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Step 8
Add stickers to highlight parts of the scene or to change the mood.
- 9
Step 9
Use the black marker to add outlines shadows or small details to make elements pop.
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Step 10
Let the glue and ink dry and then press your artwork flat under a heavy book for a few minutes.
- 11
Step 11
Take a photo of your mixed media artwork and share your finished creation on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I transform a printed photo into a mixed media artwork?
Start by printing your photo on slightly heavier paper or mounting it to cardstock. Decide what mood or scene you want to change and lightly sketch additions with pencil. Layer media: add drawn elements with markers or colored pencils, glue collage pieces (magazine cutouts, tissue paper) to alter the background, and finish with stickers or paint accents. Let each layer dry before adding the next, and seal with a clear varnish or Mod Podge if desired.
What materials do I need to alter a printed photo into mixed media art?
You'll need a printed photo (inkjet or laser), heavier paper or adhesive to mount it, scissors, glue stick or Mod Podge, acrylic or watercolor paints, markers or colored pencils, magazines/scrap paper for collage, stickers and washi tape, brushes, and a pencil with eraser. Optional: varnish for sealing, sponges for texture, and protective mat to work on. Choose non-toxic, child-safe supplies for younger kids.
What ages is this photo-alteration activity suitable for?
This activity suits a wide range: preschoolers (4–6) can add stickers and simple collage with close supervision; school-age kids (7–9) can handle scissors, glue and basic drawing; tweens and teens (10+) can explore advanced layering, painting, and sealing. Always supervise cutting, strong adhesives, and paints with fumes. Adjust complexity, tools and expectations to match each child’s fine-motor skills and attention span.
What are the benefits of turning a photo into mixed media art?
Mixed media photo play boosts creativity, storytelling and observation as kids reinterpret scenes and moods. It develops fine motor skills through cutting, gluing and detailed drawing, and encourages problem-solving when choosing layers and materials. The activity also supports emotional expression—changing a scene can help children explore feelings. It’s low-cost and eco-friendly when using recycled paper, and finished pieces make personal gifts or room decorations.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use instead of hard-to-find magazine scraps, colored pencils, or glue?
If you don't have magazine scraps or colored paper, cut colored tissue, wrapping paper, or fabric scraps, swap colored pencils for crayons or markers for the light sketching step, and use a glue stick or double-sided tape when you glue each collage piece.
My collage pieces keep sliding or the printed photo wrinkles when I glue—how can I fix that?
Arrange the cut pieces on the photo without glue as instructed, then apply a thin layer of glue or use a glue stick, smooth each piece from the center outward, let the glue and ink dry, and press the artwork flat under a heavy book to remove wrinkles.
How can we adapt this activity for younger kids or older kids?
For younger children, pre-cut shapes and let them stick pieces with a glue stick and add stickers during the collage step, while older kids can do more detailed colored-pencil sketches, add black-marker outlines and shadows, and layer collage elements before photographing the final artwork.
What are some ways to extend or personalize the mixed-media photo once it's finished?
Enhance and personalize the piece by gluing on textured items like yarn, sequins, or fabric during the collage step, using the black marker for custom outlines or hidden details, and photographing each finished work to share as a themed series on DIY.org.