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Create a mixed media collage

Create a mixed media collage
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Create a mixed media collage using paper, magazine pictures, fabric scraps, glue, and found objects to explore color, texture, layering, and composition.

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Step-by-step guide to create a mixed media collage

What you need
Adult supervision required, coloring materials (markers crayons colored pencils), fabric scraps, found objects (buttons ribbon leaves small safe items), glue stick or white glue, magazines, paper or lightweight cardboard, scissors, tape

Step 1

Clear a flat workspace and cover it with scrap paper or newspaper to protect the table.

Step 2

Choose a sturdy piece of paper or cardboard to be your collage base and place it in the center of your workspace.

Step 3

Flip through magazines and cut out pictures colors and patterns you like and put them in a pile.

Step 4

Pick fabric scraps and cut or tear them into shapes you think will look fun on your collage.

Step 5

Collect small found objects you want to use and set them next to your paper so they’re ready.

Step 6

Choose one main image to be the focal point and place it where you want on the base.

Step 7

Arrange other cutouts and fabric pieces around the focal point to balance color texture and space.

Step 8

Glue down the largest pieces first by lifting each piece and pressing it onto the base with glue.

Step 9

Glue down fabric scraps next and press gently so they stick flat.

Step 10

Attach found objects with glue or tape to add texture and interest to your collage.

Step 11

Add final details like lines shapes or color accents with markers crayons or paint.

Step 12

Let your collage dry completely before moving it so nothing shifts.

Step 13

Tidy your workspace and put away scissors glue and leftover scraps.

Step 14

Share a photo of your finished mixed media collage on DIY.org.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can we use instead of fabric scraps or magazines if we don't have them?

If you don't have fabric scraps or magazines, substitute torn tissue paper, colored construction paper, old greeting cards, or printed images and use them in the steps where you 'flip through magazines and cut out pictures' and 'pick fabric scraps'.

My pieces keep sliding and the collage shifts—how do I fix that?

If pieces shift while you 'glue down the largest pieces first' or when attaching found objects, press each piece flat, weigh them with a clean book while drying, and secure heavier items with stronger glue or tape before you 'let your collage dry completely'.

How can I change the activity for younger or older kids?

For toddlers, pre-cut magazine images and fabric scraps and let them glue pieces down while an adult handles scissors and tape, while older kids can cut their own shapes, attach heavier found objects during 'Attach found objects with glue or tape,' and add fine marker or paint accents in 'Add final details'.

What are easy ways to make the collage more special or long-lasting?

After you 'let your collage dry completely,' personalize and preserve it by adding stitched accents or hot-glued 3D layers, sealing with diluted white glue or a clear sealer, writing a title, and framing it before you 'share a photo of your finished mixed media collage on DIY.org'.

Watch videos on how to create a mixed media collage

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Try This Today! A Mixed Media Collage Paper Tutorial

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Facts about collage and mixed media art for kids

♻️ Using old magazines, fabric scraps, and found objects is a creative form of upcycling that keeps materials out of the trash.

✂️ The word "collage" comes from the French verb 'coller,' which means "to glue" — perfect for this glue-and-paper adventure!

🎨 Collage became a headline-making technique when artists like Picasso and Braque started gluing newspaper and cloth into paintings in the early 1900s.

📏 Layering textures (thin to thick) and contrasting colors makes a collage look deeper and more exciting to explore.

🧵 Mixed-media art lets you mix fabric, paper, paint, found objects, and more — there are no strict rules, only fun experiments.

How do I create a mixed media collage with my child?

Begin by choosing a sturdy base (cardboard or heavy paper) and set out supplies. Encourage your child to sort papers, fabric scraps, and found objects by color or texture. Start layering larger pieces first with glue, then add magazine cutouts and fabric, overlapping for depth. Use scissors to trim edges and press pieces down firmly. Finish with small objects and a clear sealant or glue, and let the collage dry flat before displaying.

What materials do I need for a mixed media collage?

You’ll need a sturdy base (cardboard, canvas, or heavy paper), assorted papers and magazines, fabric scraps, glue (PVA or tacky glue), scissors, washable markers or paint, stamps or stencils, and found objects like buttons, ribbon, leaves, or small toys. Optional items include Mod Podge or clear sealant, double-sided tape, tweezers for small pieces, a protective table covering, and aprons for kids.

What ages is a mixed media collage suitable for?

This mixed media collage suits children ages 3 and up with adult supervision. Toddlers (3–5) can tear paper, press pieces, and explore textures while supervised. Ages 6–9 can use scissors, plan compositions, and experiment with layering. Ages 10+ can tackle more complex designs, glue small objects, and add painted details. Adapt safety by providing child-safe scissors, non-toxic glue, and removing small choking hazards for younger children.

What are the benefits of making mixed media collages?

Making mixed media collages builds creativity, fine motor skills, and visual literacy. Layering teaches composition, color relationships, and texture awareness while encouraging decision-making, problem-solving, and persistence. Collage is inclusive—children with different abilities can participate by choosing sensory-friendly materials. It also boosts confidence when finished pieces are displayed. Discussing choices and encouraging storytelling about images and objects deepens language and obse
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