This is a fun and easy craft project – chances are, you already have the materials! This is also a great way to ‘upcycle’ certain foods when they are past their expiration, such as old pasta or rice.
![](https://i0.wp.com/anationofmoms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/pexels-antony-trivet-12862145.jpg?resize=683%2C1024&ssl=1)
Supplies needed:
~ Glue
~ Variety of ‘mosaic’ pieces: lentils, beans, pasta, rice, seeds, etc.
~ Something to glue it to: cardboard, paper, paper plates, etc.
~ Small paintbrush (optional, for spreading glue)
One way to approach this project is to let your children take whatever direction they choose. You could make a picture, or a grid or rainbow of colors.
![](https://i0.wp.com/anationofmoms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Depositphotos_234575158_L.jpg?resize=1024%2C682&ssl=1)
You can also create a design ahead of time, and lightly sketch the design out on paper as a guideline.
![](https://i0.wp.com/anationofmoms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Mosaic4-1.jpg?resize=683%2C1024&ssl=1)
You can also sketch out shapes to fill in with materials.
![](https://i0.wp.com/anationofmoms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Depositphotos_24102269_L.jpg?resize=894%2C1024&ssl=1)
Some of the educational aspects you can incorporate into this project include:
~ Sorting (shape, size, color)
~ Patterns
~ Textures
~ For older children, you can explore the history of mosaics
![](https://i0.wp.com/anationofmoms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/mosaic2-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/anationofmoms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Mosaic3-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
Another thing we have done with leftovers from this project are to make sensory bins. This could be a single item, such as pasta, or a mix of leftovers that can’t be sorted. You can hide toys in the rice / beans / pasta etc., or kids can just enjoy playing with it, scooping it, etc.
![](https://i0.wp.com/anationofmoms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pexels-tatiana-syrikova-3933265.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
It’s such a lovely idea to craft with items you already have around the home, and eco friendly too.
I love the idea of sketching out shapes! Im sure my nieces and nephews would love this activity!!
what a fun idea to use them to make art. My grandma had a big button box we used for things like this. l remember it being absolutely entrhalling.
We have done this craft and it always lots of fun. Plus it is great sensory activity.