Collage

I love and am fascinated by collage illustration. I like Erza Jack Keats. He illustrates so beautifully with collage. When I was unpacking my children's books from the library that I last worked at I found many books that I had. I discovered I had seven books by Mr. Keats. I have The Snowy Day, Jennie's Hat, Regards to the Man in the Moon, A Letter to Amy, Louie, Peter's Chair and Whistle for Willie. I read the books to kindergartners and first graders.
I decided to make my own collage. First, I decided to make a heart collage. I love hearts so I knew it was a good choice for me. The beauty of making a collage it is your own and it is not hard to do. I started using red card stock and then I folded and made a heart. Or you can go to for a heart shape http://www.abcteach.com/free/h/heart_m.pdf Then, I used many different kinds of materials and I mainly carried out the heart theme. I used stationery, pictures from catalog, buttons, ribbon, cupcake papers, card stock and a paper plate. Later I also included pictures of my family to go around the heart. I found and used a very good glue stick. It was a fun adventure. I did not do it all at one time. It evolved as found things I wanted to place on the collage. After I finished the collage I find a frame that had a mounting surface. I mounted the collage on a large surface that is a sheet of foam and canvas like material over it. Now, my husband will finish it and put a frame over and it will be on our living room.
What a great project!!! It would make a great project with reading Ezra Jack Keats, Eric Carle,
Leo Lionni, and Lois Ehlert books. These author- illustrators use collage in their books.
To collect the materials here are a few suggestions. Save catalogs. This is one time you want to be on a catalog list. Also save ribbon, yarn, buttons, paper and gift bags, stationery or other materials. Use glue sticks for this project. It will make it easier for your students. Have Fun!!!