Magnificent Mosaic
Discover the ancient art form of mosaics—with a contemporary twist! Layer and mix Crayola® Model Magic to create unique, detailed sculptures.
1. A mosaic is an art form made with small pieces of colored glass, stone, or other materials. Individual pieces are called tesserae. They fit together to form a design, which is set in mortar. Mosaics can decorate ceilings, floors, walls, sidewalks, and furniture.
2. People of many cultures have used mosaic art. Mosaics appeared as early as 3000 BCE and became widespread during 300 BCE in cities ruled by Greece. In the 6th century, mosaics were a popular art form in the Byzantine Empire. Islamic people of India and Persia, the Aztec and Mayan Indians, and Mexicans in modern times have all created mosaic art.
3. Research and find examples of each of these types of mosaics, ancient and modern. Discuss and share pictures with your classmates. How have mosaics changed over time? How are they similar?
4. To create tesserae for your own mosaic, press thin layers of different colors of Model Magic together into strips. Blend primary colors, or add white, to make new hues. For a marbled effect, slightly twist and knead colored layers together. You could also create solid-color tesserae. Use your imagination to try different techniques to mix, layer, and imprint the modeling material. Cut your strips into tiny pieces with Crayola Scissors. Air-dry your tesserae overnight.
5. Place your tesserae in a design on foam board. Try laying some flat. Turn others on their sides or stand them up to add height. Exchange tesserae with classmates for more variety. Experiment with designs to find one that pleases you.
6. Attach your mosaic pieces with Crayola School Glue. Air-dry your design before you display it.
Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project. Observe children closely and intervene as necessary to prevent potential safety problems and ensure appropriate use of arts and crafts materials. Some craft items, particularly beads and buttons, are potential choking hazards for young children. Avoid use of such small parts with children younger than 3 years. Craft items such as scissors, push pins and chenille sticks may have sharp points or edges. Avoid use of materials with sharp points by children younger than 4 years. Read all manufacturers' safety warnings before using arts and craft supplies.
Crayola Modeling Materials including Crayola Model Magic®, and Model Magic Fusion™, Crayola Air-Dry Clay, and Crayola Dough—
- Keep away from open flames. Do not use to make candleholders, hot plates, trivets, or other similar objects that will be used or placed near fire and other heat sources.
- Do not put in an oven, microwave, or kiln.
- Do not make into vessels/containers that will hold unpackaged food.
- The use of modeling material to make items that look like food is discouraged for children younger than age 5 to avoid their confusion with real food.
- Unless sealed with a water-resistant glaze, do not make projects exposed to or immersed in water, such as boats or outdoor bird feeders. They would disintegrate when exposed to moisture.
- Crayola Dough—contains gluten (wheat flour) as an ingredient.
- Crayola Air-Dry Clay, Crayola Model Magic and Model Magic Fusion are gluten-free. However, they are produced on the same machinery as Crayola Dough which does contain gluten. Although the machines are cleaned prior to the start of each production run, there is a slight possibility that trace amounts of gluten from Crayola Dough may be present in the other modeling compound products. For information regarding specific ingredients or allergic concerns, please call our Consumer Affairs department at 1-800-272-9652 weekdays between 9 AM and 4 PM Eastern Standard Time.
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.
Sponges and Foam—Sponges, foam, and other expandable materials should not be used with children 3 years old and younger.
- Design and create a class-size mosaic as part of the study of history, cultures, or mathematics.
- Find pictures of an ancient mosaics of people, such as one of Alexander the Great. Create self-portrait mosaics in the same style.
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