I like providing a variety of art activities for my little girl. I believe that like literacy, creativity needs to be fostered. In particular, open-ended art projects are especially important in our house. Painting, drawing, sculpting… all of these activities have no right or wrong way of doing them. They are projects which allow for infinite creativity and imagination.
Recently, I tried a no-mess clean collage activity with my daughter. It’s a new favourite art project in our household. This activity is so simple and flexible it can be done with older infants and toddlers!
Check out this glue-free, clean collage activity! It's perfect for infants and toddlers! Click To Tweet
What’s Needed
- Clear “Con-Tact” shelving paper cut into a large rectangle
- Tape
- Miscellaneous recycled materials (e.g. tissue paper, yarn, ribbon, wrapping paper scraps, fabric pieces, etc.)
The Process
Cut a large rectangle out of the clear Con-Tact paper.
Tape the Con-Tact paper onto a flat surface (a table or easel). The paper/writing should be face-up (see the picture below).
Gather and prepare a variety of recycled materials and place in a container.
Peel off the paper covering from the Con-Tact paper (the surface should now be sticky).
Encourage your child to place/arrange the recycled materials onto the sticky surface. Isn’t that great! No glue!
They can stick as much or as little as they want onto the paper.
I love that if the sticky paper is not too full of materials, you can stick it to a wall as is. The Con-Tact paper does not have a damaging glue, so removal is easy.
My daughter loves this art project! It’s something she does with ease and she makes all the decisions as to what items to use and where to place them.
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” ~Pablo Picasso
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GREAT idea Jennifer! I’m going to have to go buy some of that paper – I know the kids would love that.
Awesome! Where do you get the contact paper?
Thanks Jody! I’m sure both of your children will love this activity. It takes a little bit of prep time but definitely worth it!
Ooo! Awesome! I did a similar project with my art class once, except using fall leaves and sticks. I love the ribbon! I had to use glue though which was a little messy (kids were 5+ at least). I love the contact paper idea! So much cleaner!
Natalie: I usually buy mine at Superstore (about $3.99/roll). It can also be found at WalMart and Zellers. It’s usually kept in the housewares & kitchen or laundry & home organization part of the store. If you ask a salesperson for assistance, refer to it as “shelving paper”.
I’ve done that with the leaves before too (but not sticks). The leaves stick well to contact paper if they’re not too dry.
I think that kids are not afraid to express themselves… We become less confident as we get older:)
Thanks!
I know Eva will love this :)
Contact paper is so great for art activities with little hands. I love it!