Make a Mosaic
In Rio De Janeiro in Brazil, Andy learns about making great art in modest places with simple materials. He’s inspired by the work of Jorge Selaron, who turned an old staircase into a beautiful mosaic by covering it with over 2,000 tiles! Ask your child about the stairs in the video. What did the stairs look like before the artist worked on them? What did they look like after? Look closely at the stairs. Do you have a favorite color or pattern?
In this activity, invite your child to make a mosaic. Creating a mosaic is a great calming activity as it requires planning and patience. It’s also a great way to explore colors and shapes. Once the mosaic is complete, you and your child will have a stunning work of art that you can proudly display.
Materials
Directions
Start by asking your child to sketch their design on a sheet of paper. A standard black or white construction paper works best for smaller mosaics, but any size or color paper will do. Ask questions and encourage your child to think creatively about the design. What colors do you want to use? Do you want to use basic shapes or to more complex images like Luna herself?
Time to make the tiles! Help your child cut multiple, different pieces of paper into ¼ inch strips. Create tiles from different colored paper and paper types. You can even use fabric. Ask your child questions about what they notice about the textures the different paper types have. Point out that adding various textures and shades will add depth to the mosaic!
Once your strips are complete, help your child snip the ends into squares. Together with your child, sort the squares into piles by color. This will make it easier for you and your child to find different colors as you create your mosaic.
You can also encourage your child to cut the tiles into other geometric shapes, such as triangles and rectangles! Different shapes will allow for more complex images within the mosaic.
Next, help your child glue the “tiles” to the sketch they created earlier. Try “tiling” from the outside edges of the paper and work your way inward. Ask your child questions about the colors, textures and shapes they choose as you work on the design together.
Allow the glue to dry.
Talk about the final product. Ask your child, "What was easy about the project? What was more challenging? Do you want to make another one with different shapes or colors?" Help your child share the mosaic with a friend or family member. Create a frame by gluing the mosaic to a larger piece of construction paper.
Want more “Let’s Go Luna” activities? Check out the Make a Peruvian Siku Flute! craft and the Go on a Safari at Home activity to continue the fun!
Arts