Trash-to-Treasure Texture Collage

crayola supplies

No-Run School Glue
Blunt-Tip Scissors
True to Life™ Colored Pencils
True to Life™ Crayons
True to Life™ Markers

household supplies

recycled items
hole punch
collage materials
recycled cardboard
ribbon, string, or yarn

Why

Turn your leftover craft materials into projects with panache! Recycle bits from previous projects and household items into works of art.

Steps

1. Recycled art can be made out of anything small and safe. This craft can be serious or silly, abstract or look like something you see each day. What does your recycled art say about you?
2. Start with recycled cardboard as the base of your collage. Decorate it with True to Life Crayons, Markers, and/or Colored Pencils. Twist and turn the tri-colored tips to make different colors and interesting shaded lines.
3. Gather your leftovers! Look around the house for materials that you can use to build your collage. Extras from craft projects, unused household items, and recycled stuff make great collage materials. What will you find in your search? Be sure to ask permission before you use anything.
4. Add bits of True to Life color to string, fabric, or paper scraps, for example. Use glue to assemble your 3-D collage. Air-dry the glue.
5. Proudly display your trash turned to treasure!

When & Where

"Our family is passionate about environmental issues. This project captured the heart of what we are trying to teach our children about recycling. "
- Rayne P., mother of 6- and 8-year-olds.

"We made sculptured versions of the collage by using recycled boxes as the base. The kids had a great time and learned about doing their part to save the Earth—while making it more beautiful. "
- Sandy P., Earth Day project chair.

Interesting Info

The energy saved by recycling one aluminum can could run a television for 3 hours!

Safety Guidelines

Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.

String-Like Materials—Includes string, raffia, lacing, yarn, ribbon, and other similar material. Children 3 years and younger should not be given any string-like material that is longer than 12 inches. Close adult supervision is essential whenever children use string-like material. When crafts are to be worn around the necks of children 8 years and younger, attach the ends of the “string-like material” with clear adhesive tape, which allows easy release of the bond if the craft becomes entangled or caught on equipment. For children older than 8 years, the ends of the “string-like material” may be tied and knotted.