Tissue Paper Mosaic: Easy Kids’ Craft with Foil

A tissue paper mosaic is a collage made from tiny wads of tissue paper and foil glued onto cardboard. Here is how to make one, with a materials list, step-by-step directions and a table of subject ideas.

You need only a few supplies, it takes an hour or two depending on size, and it suits kids around age 6 and up. The project idea comes from Artchoo.

Quick Pick: What to Make

Idea	Best for	Time	Materials
First initial	Ages 6+, a first mosaic	45 to 60 min	Chipboard, tissue, glue
Favorite number	Ages 6+, birthday gift	45 to 60 min	Chipboard, tissue, glue
Fish	Ages 6+, sea theme	1 to 2 hours	Chipboard, tissue, foil for scales
Robot	Ages 7+, foil-heavy	1 to 2 hours	Chipboard, foil, tissue
Abstract color blocks	Any skill, no drawing needed	30 to 60 min	Chipboard, tissue, glue
Heart	Cards and gifts	30 to 45 min	Chipboard, tissue in reds and pinks

How Do You Make a Tissue Paper Mosaic?

Age: 6 and up. Difficulty: easy, but it takes a while. Time: 1 to 2 hours.

Materials:

• Chipboard or other stiff cardboard
• Tissue paper in various colors
• White craft glue (the original used Aleene’s)
• Aluminum foil
• Pencil and a paintbrush or glue spreader

Directions:

1. Draw your subject lightly on the chipboard. Ideas: a fish, a first initial, an abstract design or a favorite number.
2. Tear tissue paper and foil into small pieces and wad each one into a loose ball.
3. Spread glue over a small area of the drawing, then press the wads in, leaving no cardboard showing.
4. Keep going until the whole drawing is covered, choosing colors as you go. Bigger wads cover the surface faster than small ones.
5. Let the glue dry flat.

What Tissue Paper and Glue Work Best?

Use tissue paper that does not bleed its color, or the glue will turn into a muddy mess. Test a scrap by dabbing it with a wet finger on white paper first. White craft glue (PVA) or a decoupage glue such as Mod Podge both work with paper. Wet glue can make bleeding tissue run, which is why non-bleeding tissue matters here.

Tip: press the wads down with a clean finger so the glue soaks through slightly and the pieces stay put.

What Are the Three Materials Used in Mosaics?

Traditional mosaics use small pieces called tesserae, usually stone, glass and ceramic tile. This craft borrows the idea and swaps in paper and foil, which are safe and cheap for kids.

Safety and Tips

• This is for ages 5 and up. The small wads are a choking hazard for kids under 3.
• Foil edges can be sharp, so tear foil rather than cutting it with scissors, and smooth the edges.
• Lay down newspaper before gluing.
• Younger kids may do better with big wads and a simple shape such as a number or heart; older kids can do detailed pictures.

Check out the Pinterest board Kids’ Art Projects: Collage for more collage projects.
Follow Artchoo! (Jeanette Nyberg)’s board Kid Art Projects: Collage on Pinterest.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you do tissue paper art?

Cut, tear or wad tissue paper and glue it to a base such as cardboard, paper or a jar. Overlap pieces to blend colors, and use non-bleeding tissue so the colors stay clean.

What glue do you use with tissue paper?

White craft glue (PVA) or a decoupage glue such as Mod Podge works well. Use a thin layer so it does not soak through and tear the tissue.

What are some crafts I can make from tissue paper?

Tissue paper flowers, collages, suncatchers, paper lanterns and mosaics like this one are all easy options. Mosaics are a good start for ages 6 and up.

How do you turn an image into a mosaic pattern?

Draw or trace a simple outline, then fill each area with small pieces of one color. Keep the shapes big and simple, such as a fish, a letter or a number, so there are fewer details to fill in.

What are the three materials used in mosaics?

Stone, glass and ceramic tile are the classic materials, cut into small pieces called tesserae. In this project, paper and foil replace them.

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