Grade 2 Art And Craft Mounting Techniques – Collage Notes

Collage — Mounting Techniques

A collage is pictures and bits of material stuck onto a page. Mounting means fixing your collage onto a strong paper or cardboard so it stays safe.

Materials (What you need)

• Thick paper or thin cardboard (e.g., from a cereal box) 📦
• Coloured paper, old newspaper, leaves, seeds (maize, beans) 🌽🌿
• Glue stick or white school glue (non-toxic) ✏️
• Scissors (ask an adult for help) ✂️
• Tape, ruler, pencil 👀
• Brush or scrap card to spread glue (optional) 🖌️

Simple mounting steps

1. Choose a board: Use a piece of cardboard or thick paper as your base.
2. Plan your picture: Lay out the collage pieces on the board without glue. Move them until you like the look.
3. Glue small pieces first: Put glue on the back of small bits (like seeds or leaves) and press them on the board.
4. Glue large pieces next: Spread glue on the back of big paper shapes. Use a brush or card to spread it thinly and evenly.
5. Press and smooth: Gently press each piece so there are no air pockets. Use a clean cloth or page to smooth it.
6. Dry flat: Leave the mounted collage flat to dry. Put a heavy book on top if things curl up.

Ways to mount (easy ideas)

• Glue stick: Quick and clean for paper-to-paper.
• White school glue: Strong for heavier things like seeds and fabric. Use little at a time.
• Tape: Good for putting on backing or for delicate items (use clear tape at the back).
• Double-sided tape or glue dots: Very neat for small bits — ask your teacher for help to use them.

Make a simple Kenyan collage — example

Theme: My farm

1. Cut a piece of cardboard as your base (size of a page).
2. Draw a hill and sun with a pencil.
3. Glue green paper for grass. Add maize seeds for maize on the hill.
4. Use kitenge fabric scraps for a farmer’s dress or house roof.
5. Let dry and write your name on the back.

Safety and neatness rules

• Always use non-toxic glue. Ask an adult if unsure.
• Be careful with scissors. Cut on a safe surface.
• Wash hands after using glue and seeds.
• Keep small bits away from very young children (choking risk).
• Work on a clean table and keep a scrap paper under your project.