Watercolor Mosaic in 4 Easy Steps

By Kathryn Peck

I had seen variations of this beautiful art project online, so I decided to try it with my little ones at home with great success!

I’ll admit, many kids’ art projects give me a touch of anxiety when I think about the potential mess and forthcoming cleanup, but you can relax with this project. Watercolor paints are easy to use and completely washable. This project is fun for any age, and frankly, it’s hard to mess up.

Supplies needed:

• Watercolor paper (140 lb watercolor is cost effective and works well)
• Heavier paper or card stock for mounting
• Watercolor paints + brushes + water
• Kid-friendly scissors
• Glue
• Mod Podge or Elmer's glue for a top coat (optional)

Steps:

1. On watercolor paper, just paint. It’s as simple as that. You can make bold colors or light colors depending on how much water you use, streaks, swirls, or blending the colors – anything goes.
2. Once you’re done, let it dry completely.
3. After your painting has dried, cut up the paper into various sizes of triangles.
4. Glue the triangles onto heavier paper or card stock with your clue stick. It’s like a puzzle. With my kiddos, I’ll admit, this is where I stepped in to keep the space in between relatively consistent.

Finished, and it’s suitable for framing! If your triangles are coming up, consider going over the collage with Mod Podge or even watered-down glue.

Tips:

• Consider taping the sides of the watercolor paper down using painters tape to keep it from sliding.
• Start by wetting the entire paper with your brush first. If it’s too wet, dab puddles with a paper towel. Paint on the wet paper – start with tiny dabs, the color will spread quickly.
• Sprinkle salt onto the paint before it dries for some added texture and interesting patterns. Once dry, brush the salt off.

-

About the author: Kathryn is the owner of Bicycle Pie and mom of 4 little ones. Also a writer, editor, and former owner of one of Boston's premiere baby boutiques, she continues to write about motherhood, children's products, family life, and all other things that test our skills and patience as parents.