Eric Carle Inspired Collages

We created Eric Carle inspired collages which consisted of a two-page storybook layout based on the artwork of Eric Carle.  In order to make this project, we needed paste papers, 12x18 construction paper, glue stick, scissors, pencil, and scratch paper.  The first step in making the collages was to create the paste papers which we would use to create our characters.  We took sheets of white paper and used paints mixed with paste to create a thicker, colored paper.  Although Eric Carle uses painted tissue paper, we used paste paper becasue it is sturdier and easier to cut.  We were able to create any colors or designs that we wanted on the paste paper.  The wet paste papers were then left for about a week to dry.  The next step was to create a scene for your storybook which included a character, most likely an animal like Eric Carle used.  We drew this scene on a piece of 12x18 scratch paper (landscape).  The next step in creating the collages was to select the paste papers we wanted to use.  Once the paste papers to be used were decided, we drew the shapes of the characters on the paste paper we wanted them to be.  Then we cut them all out before gluing them to the construction paper.  Once we had all the pieces cut out of paste paper that we were using for our storybook, we glued them down, where we wanted them, on a 12x18 sheet of construction paper just like our drawing.  Last, we added any text that we wanted to the storybook.

An extension activity we could use with this assignment would be to have the students create a full storybook.  They would have to write the storyline and create a 6-10 page book and then share it with the class.  This would incorporate Language Arts and Art.  Although it would take a long period of time, the students would benefit because it would be much more fun than just writing a paragraph during Language Arts.  They could use their creativity in both writing and art.