Paper Mosaic Art With Cut Squares

Construction paper in multiple colors

Cardstock for the base

Scissors

Glue stick

Pencil for drawing the initial outline

Draw a simple outline on cardstock with pencil. Choose something with clear shapes — a fish, a flower, a rainbow, a house, or an abstract geometric design.

Cut colored construction paper into small squares, about half an inch on each side. You will need a lot — 100 to 200 squares for a full mosaic. Cut stacks of paper together to speed this up.

Sort the squares by color into small bowls or piles. Having colors organized makes placement faster.

Starting from the edge of your outline, glue squares inside the design. Leave tiny gaps between each square — this is what makes it look like a real mosaic rather than a solid block of paper.

Choose colors intentionally. Blue squares for the fish body, orange for the fin, green for seaweed around it. Let your child make all the color decisions.

Fill the background around the main design with a contrasting color of squares.

Step back and admire the finished mosaic. The tiny squares create a shimmering, textured surface that is visually impressive.

Cutting the squares is half the labor. Share the cutting — an adult can cut squares while the child starts placing and gluing.

The gaps between tiles are important. Real mosaics have grout lines between tiles, and the spaces between your paper tiles create the same effect.

Mosaics have been made by civilizations across the world for thousands of years — Roman baths, Byzantine churches, Islamic architecture. This is a craft with deep history.

For faster results, tear the paper into small pieces instead of cutting perfect squares. Torn mosaics have a rougher, more organic feel.

Use this as a multi-day project if needed. Cut squares one day, assemble the next.