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Time Required :
About 30 minutes
Intermediate
Intermediate
You're somewhat experienced with the skills necessary to complete this project, but you haven't mastered all the elements, yet.

cut paper composition

This project is intended for kids ages 4+. Use construction paper to create your own abstract, brilliant shape-driven composition like this one by Will B. This project can be as simplistic or complex as you make it, and no two compositions will ever be the same!
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Print Project

Step 1

Start with one sheet of mixed media paper for the background of your composition. Set aside.

Step 2

Choose the construction paper from the pad you want to use in your composition.
TIP: There is no wrong way to complete this project. Two different sheets of construction paper will make a wonderful cut paper composition, but so does eight!

Step 3

Decide how many shapes you want on your finished composition, then fold the pieces of construction paper into the shapes you chose in Step 2.
TIP: An even number of shapes might be easiest to begin with, however, you can have an odd number of cut outs based on the size of your shapes or the way you divide your paper. Suggestions for fun shapes for this project are starbursts, circles, arches, zigzags and abstract shapes in assorted construction papers.

Step 4

Cut or tear your pieces of construction paper on the fold lines.
TIP: Do not throw away the pieces you tear shapes from, you can use them as borders within your composition around other shapes.

Step 5

Gather all of your construction paper pieces (both the shapes and the border pieces) and use a pencil to sketch out any shapes you like on the construction paper pieces.

Step 6

Place the cut shapes (the inside pieces of your paper) in one pile and the border pieces (the outside pieces of your paper) in another pile.

Step 7

Arrange the border pieces on your background sheet set aside in Step 1.

Step 8

Fill in your border pieces alternating the shapes from that pile.
TIP: The pieces you fill in with could be the same shape (as suggested in the TIP from Step 3) or a completely different shape. You also may choose not to fill your border piece with an inner shape and leave your mixed media background showing underneath. Or choose to lay a shape on a section of your mixed media paper with no border piece.

Step 9

Once you are happy with the composition, use a glue stick to glue the shapes and border shapes into place.
TIP: Get really loose and wacky with your creations! Use this project as a guide for your first cut paper composition, but once you’ve done that, let your imagination run wild!

Share your project photos with #MakeItWithMichaels

Supplies
Materials
Materials
 
  • img
    You’ll Need: 1

    Mixed Media Paper Pad by Creatology™

    Item # 10268697 
    $9
  • img
    You’ll Need: 1

    Glue Stick by Creatology®

    Item # 10106046 
    $1.50
  • img
    You’ll Need: 1

    Creatology™ Construction Paper Pad

    Item # 10176375 
    Pricing and Availability May Vary In Stores
    $5.50
 
Tools
Tools
 
  • img
    You’ll Need: 1

    Creatology™ Blunt Tip Scissors

    Item # 10268872 
    $3.49
 
You’ll Also Need
  • Pencil
Instructions
Step 1

Start with one sheet of mixed media paper for the background of your composition. Set aside.

Step 2

Choose the construction paper from the pad you want to use in your composition.
TIP: There is no wrong way to complete this project. Two different sheets of construction paper will make a wonderful cut paper composition, but so does eight!

Step 3

Decide how many shapes you want on your finished composition, then fold the pieces of construction paper into the shapes you chose in Step 2.
TIP: An even number of shapes might be easiest to begin with, however, you can have an odd number of cut outs based on the size of your shapes or the way you divide your paper. Suggestions for fun shapes for this project are starbursts, circles, arches, zigzags and abstract shapes in assorted construction papers.

Step 4

Cut or tear your pieces of construction paper on the fold lines.
TIP: Do not throw away the pieces you tear shapes from, you can use them as borders within your composition around other shapes.

Step 5

Gather all of your construction paper pieces (both the shapes and the border pieces) and use a pencil to sketch out any shapes you like on the construction paper pieces.

Step 6

Place the cut shapes (the inside pieces of your paper) in one pile and the border pieces (the outside pieces of your paper) in another pile.

Step 7

Arrange the border pieces on your background sheet set aside in Step 1.

Step 8

Fill in your border pieces alternating the shapes from that pile.
TIP: The pieces you fill in with could be the same shape (as suggested in the TIP from Step 3) or a completely different shape. You also may choose not to fill your border piece with an inner shape and leave your mixed media background showing underneath. Or choose to lay a shape on a section of your mixed media paper with no border piece.

Step 9

Once you are happy with the composition, use a glue stick to glue the shapes and border shapes into place.
TIP: Get really loose and wacky with your creations! Use this project as a guide for your first cut paper composition, but once you’ve done that, let your imagination run wild!

Share your project photos with #MakeItWithMichaels

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