Mother’s Day is a time to make mom feel extra special. Store bought gifts often do not have the same heart felt meaning as a precious home made creation. The Mother’s Day photo collage art activity will help your child to discover photography, explore collage, and create a very special present for a very special lady.
Getting Started: Before the Photography Begins
Before the child begins this activity, it is best to get mom out of the house. The final product should be a surprise for the special day, therefore make sure that the child understands not to tell mom before she is given her gift. For very young children who may not understand the concept of a surprise gift, try to begin this activity as close to Mother’s Day as possible.
Next you will want to choose (or approve) an outfit for your child to wear. Clothing should be simple, in plain colors. Avoid stripes, plaids, or character shirts. The outfit need not be fancy with ribbons, ruffles, bows, or ties.
Starting the Photo Collage
The first step is to create signs that your child (or children) will hold in the photos. These can be hand made by the child using construction paper and bold markers. If your child is too young to write, try making the signs on a computer. Even a toddler can help to select the font or color used. Suggestions for sign wording include:
- I love you!
- Happy Mother's Day!
- I love Mom!
- Mom is the best!
Photography for the Mother’s Day Collage
The photos can be taken either by an adult (such as dad) or by an older child. If you have more than one child in the family, try alternating who gets to be in the pictures and who gets to be the photographer. A digital camera works well for this project. If you have a camera that can switch modes to black and white, sepia, or other effects try to change each picture to a new look.
Choose a sunny or well lit space with a simple background. The child can hold the sign in front of him or her while the photos are being taken. For younger children, it may be easier to tape the sign to the middle of the shirt. Try several different angles and a variety of signs. The signs need not be visible in each photograph. Include a few close ups of just the child’s smiling face.
Printing the Photos for the Mother’s Day Collage
Print out as many photos as you may need. Try choosing different sizes. For smaller collages wallet sized photos work well.
Creating the Photo Collage
With help from the child, arrange the photos onto a sturdy background. The background can be made from cardboard, card stock, poster paper, or even a reused cereal box.
Once arranged, the photos can be glued using a clear drying, non-toxic glue. Try to avoid just lining up the photos side by side. Change the angles and overlap some of the pictures. For an added effect, glue child-made artwork or notes in with the collage.
Finishing the Mother's Day Photo Collage
After the glue has dried, finish this special project with a beautiful frame. The frame can be store bought or created with a sturdy paper. One special way to frame this project is to purchase an unfinished wood frame from a craft store. Have your child paint and decorate this added piece. Alternatively, if your collage is poster sized it may be left as it is.
The Mother’s Day photo collage art activity is a great way for a child (or children) to express their love for mom. Using a camera and simple materials, this project is a fun way to get creative and learn about giving.
