Fun Mixed-Media Newspaper Art

Are you a fan of mixed media art?  Here’s a great art project for the kids or adults. Fill up your empty walls with this simple project and create a beautiful, recycled piece of original art! All you'll need for this project is a cereal box, lots of newspaper or magazine clippings, some Mod Podge or watered-down glue, black water-based paint, and a paint brush. 

First, gather some leftover newspapers or magazines. Cut out the black and white text areas with scissors. Start by cutting a 3x3” square and then make some clippings slightly smaller, others a little larger- cut both squares and rectangles.  Lay them out (dry) over the cereal box to make sure you have enough clippings.  Make sure you have some extra clippings to cover the sides of the cereal box too! 

Now begin the gluing process by brushing a thin layer of the Mod Podge or glue directly onto the cereal box. Next, lay a few of the newspaper clippings on to the glue and try to smooth out as many wrinkles as possible. Then cover the clippings you've just glued down with more glue.  Repeat until the entire box is covered. Make sure the edges or corners are not sticking up.  Don’t forget to do the sides of the cereal box too and allow the glue to dry. 

Decide on a design you would like to paint over your newspaper covered cereal box.  Something simple is probably best; a simple scene or a few black stripes or circles might be fine too.  If you need ideas, search on-line for clipart and then print the image to the desired size.  Regardless, I like to make a template first and then trace my outline onto the glued newspaper.  If you do this project with children, let them make simple handprints on the newspaper!  

Now use the black paint and be creative and finalize your masterpiece. You may also find that two coats of black paint work better so the newsprint doesn’t show through. After the paint dries, hang your creation on the wall and stare at your awesome creativity. If you don’t like the way it turned out, glue some more newspaper clippings over the painted areas and try again!  Now you’re an artist! 

The mission of the Ankeny Art Center is to be an innovative visual arts organization committed to providing superior art experiences that inspire, educate, and challenge all members of our community. For more information about exhibitions, class schedules, events or volunteer opportunities, please visit our website at: www.AnkenyArtCenter.com or stop by and visit our gallery at 1520 SW Ordnance Road, Ankeny. Our gallery hours are: Tu-Fr: 9a-1p, Th: 4p-7p, Sa: 9a-noon and you can reach us by phone at 515-965-0940 or email at: ankenyarts@ankenyartcenter.com