Make Christmas Present Art with the kids this Christmas – A simple but super fun Christmas craft that repurposes scrap paper!
Paper collaging is a fabulously creative way to use up left over scrap paper. It encourages children to think about the how waste is defined and can be used within art to create something new.
This Christmasy artwork is simply made of up of scrap torn up paper that’s layered and assembled within the present template. Once full and bursting with color, the present transforms into a textured and unique work of art.
So if you’re looking looking for an easy Christmas craft to try with your preschooler(s) and young children, this concept requires few materials and gives children the freedom to create independently – perfect for a group or classroom setting.
Paper Collage Christmas Present Art
Materials
- Printable Christmas Present template
- Colored Paper or Card Stock
- Sparkly Paper or Card Stock
- Paints (or other coloring medium of choice)
- Glue stick
- Glitter Glue (optional)
- Acrylic Marker Pens (optional)
Download the Christmas Present Template:
The Paper Collage Christmas Present Template is available to
members of the Arty Crafty Kids club.
Members will need to log in to access the templates:
https://www.artycraftykids.com/product/paper-collage-christmas-present-template/
Not a Member?
Watch the How to Make Christmas Present Tutorial:
Let’s Make a Paper Collage Christmas Present!
Download our Printable Christmas Present Template
Download the Christmas present template and print onto white card stock.
Before printing, check your printer settings and adjust according. We advised creating the present on white card stock rather than paper, as the art work will become heavy with the layered paper and potentially soggy from the glue and paint.
Tear up the Colored Card/Paper
Tear the colored card/paper in to lots of different shapes and sizes.
One of the beautiful aspects about this process is the use of irregular shapes. Each torn piece will come together either fitting snugly within a gap or layered. Both placements add texture to the finished piece and encourage Arty Crafty Kids to adopt an abstract approach to creativity.
Glue the Colored Card/Paper within the Christmas Present Template
Resist the urge to smother the entire template with glue.
The trick to this art process is to apply small amounts as you go.
With each piece of paper, apply glue to the targeted area and affix the paper. If the paper happens to layer another piece, apply a small amount of glue to the bottom piece of paper too.
Continue this process of of layering the paper (collaging) until all the white space is covered.
Fill in all the White Space within the Christmas Present Template
Like a jigsaw puzzle, continue to layer the paper within the gaps until the Christmas Present collage is full and the lines of the present are defined.
Create a Background
Once your Arty Crafty Kids are happy with their Christmas Present collage, it’s time to think about the background.
Our example features watered down blue and acrylic paint, blended to create a dreamlike and shimmery background.
To recreate this at home, simply apply a small layer of water to the white space and water down the paintbrush. Next, pick a color and apply the brush to the background. With the extra water, the paint will move easily and blend nicely with an adjoining color.
Add Some Extra Detailing to the Background
Once the background has fully dried, let’s add a few extra details!
White acrylic pens are a super fun addition to the craft box and here, we’ve used a white pen to create the impression of snow flakes.
The Paper Collage is Complete
I hope your Arty Crafty Kids enjoy creating their very own Christmas Present Art. As always, we love to see their creativity in action and if you happen to share their work on social media, please give as a tag!
More Christmas Arts and Crafts for Arty Crafty Kids
Christmas is a prime time for arts and crafts for kids, and here at Arty Crafty Kids we have a huge library of creative resources to entertain your children all season long.
