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.
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.
You can also create a design ahead of time, and lightly sketch the design out on paper as a guideline.
You can also sketch out shapes to fill in with materials.
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
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.
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.
This is such a cute craft idea. My daughter would love to do this. She’s into crafts and creating art, so I might have this out for the summer.
This post feels like opening a craft drawer where imagination spills out in every color, shape, and texture—who knew pantry staples could moonlight as art supplies so effortlessly? I love how it turns simple items like beans, pasta, and seeds into mosaic-style creations, encouraging kids to explore patterns, textures, and creativity while working with their hands. It’s such a joyful reminder that creativity doesn’t need fancy materials—just a little glue, a bit of curiosity, and whatever treasures are hiding in your kitchen cupboard.
I remember all the amazing things I did with seeds when I was a child – it always made me happy. Such a great activity!
This looks like a fun sensory activity for kids to do. I like that they can create their own project and use the beans to express themselves. I remember doing this in elementary school.