Define surrealism

What can we use instead of magazines, scissors, or glue if we don't have them?

If you don't have magazines or a large sheet of paper, print images or use old photos, flyers, greeting cards, or tape several sheets together as your base, have an adult pre-cut or tear images if scissors aren't available, and substitute glue with a glue stick, double-sided tape, or rubber cement.

What should we do if the cut-outs shift or the layout doesn't look right when we start gluing?

Follow the instruction to 'Arrange the cut-out pictures on the paper... without gluing them', take a photo or lightly trace positions with pencil, then glue starting with the background pieces and press flat or use small amounts of adhesive to avoid wrinkles and use tape for heavier pieces.

How can we adapt the collage activity for different age groups?

For younger kids, simplify by choosing 4–6 pre-cut or torn images and using crayons on thicker paper, while older children can use the 8–12 pictures, add detailed drawn elements and mixed media as in 'Add small drawn details or color', and write a more developed definition than the one-to-two sentence requirement.

How can we extend or personalize the collage after finishing the basic steps?

Enhance your piece by adding paint, fabric scraps, or small found objects when you 'Glue each picture', create a themed series of collages, expand your one-to-two sentence definition into a short artist statement, and then share the variations on DIY.org.