Make a Wall Art With Newspapers
Make colorful wall art using recycled newspapers, paint, scissors, and glue. Cut, arrange, and decorate patterns to create a framed collage for display.
Step-by-step guide to make wall art with newspapers
Step 1
Spread the protective covering over your table to keep paint off the surface.
Step 2
Gather your newspapers paints brushes scissors glue cardboard or frame pencil and ruler so everything is within reach.
Step 3
Use the pencil and ruler to draw shapes or strips on a newspaper page.
Step 4
Cut along your pencil lines to make lots of different newspaper pieces.
Step 5
Paint each newspaper piece with bright colors and fun patterns.
Step 6
Leave the painted pieces flat to dry until the paint is no longer wet.
Step 7
Place the cardboard or frame base on the table and try arranging the dry pieces into a design you like.
Step 8
Trim any pieces that hang off the edges so your design fits the base neatly.
Step 9
Glue the newspaper pieces onto the base starting from the background pieces and working toward the front pieces.
Step 10
Add painted accents or borders on top of your glued pieces to make details pop.
Step 11
Let your finished collage dry completely until no glue or paint feels tacky.
Step 12
Put your dried collage into the frame or attach a hanger to the back so it can be displayed on the wall.
Step 13
Share a photo of your finished wall art on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use instead of a frame or cardboard if we don't have one?
If you don't have a frame or cardboard base, cut a sturdy cereal-box panel or poster board to size and use it as the 'cardboard or frame' base for arranging and gluing the newspaper pieces.
Why do my painted newspaper pieces curl or make bumps when I glue them, and how can I fix it?
If painted pieces curl or the glue creates bumps, press each painted newspaper piece flat between clean paper towels under a heavy book while the paint dries and apply a thin layer of glue starting from the background pieces to avoid lumps.
How can I adapt this activity for younger children or older kids?
For preschoolers have an adult pre-draw and pre-cut large shapes and provide washable paints and big brushes for the 'paint each newspaper piece' step, while older kids can use the pencil and ruler to draw intricate shapes, precise scissors cutting, and add detailed painted accents or borders.
How can we make the wall art look more special or unique?
To enhance and personalize the collage, mix in textured scraps like fabric or magazine cutouts before you glue the newspaper pieces onto the base, add metallic or raised painted accents for dimension, then varnish lightly and frame or attach a hanger for display.
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Facts about recycled paper crafts
♻️ Paper is one of the world's most recycled materials — many newspapers are turned into new paper again and again.
📰 A single ton of recycled paper can save about 17 mature trees — recycling newspapers really helps forests!
🎨 Collage became a famous art style in the early 1900s when artists like Picasso started gluing paper and fabric into paintings.
🖼️ Framed paper collages can last for decades if kept dry and out of direct sunlight — perfect for family wall art!
🖌️ Many newspapers use soy-based inks today, which are easier to remove during recycling and nicer for craft projects.
How do I make newspaper wall art with my child?
What materials do I need to make newspaper wall art?
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