Colorful bean mosaic pattern, various legume varieties arranged in a circular design. (Siyons (Adobe Stock) )
Mosaics have been around since the 3rd millennium BCE, and were made from shells, stones and ivory thanks to the Greeks. However, the most well-known mosaic works come from the Romans. You can easily make a mosaic too! Mosaics can be made from many materials like tiny pieces of paper, scraps of fabric, pinecones and leaves, even beans! If you’ve accidentally broken a plate or cup, there is no need to worry or even throw it away. With the help of an adult, you can collect the broken pieces and make a beautiful mosaic from those too!
Today, let’s make a mosaic out of beans!
What you’ll Need
Mosaic craft materials (Katie Wells )
5x7 inches (or larger) piece of cardboard
Craft glue like Modge Podge
Acrylic paint (your favorite colors)
Paint brushes
A pencil or pen
Beans or peas (make sure they are the hard ones in a bag.) Get a variety for different shapes and sizes like kidney beans, lima beans or black-eyed peas.
Step one
Mosaic craft: step one (Katie Wells )
Cut out a piece of cardboard 5x7 inches or larger. An old box is a great choice!
Step two
Mosaic craft: step two (Katie Wells )
Sketch your ideas onto the cardboard with a pen or pencil. Simple is better.
Step three
Mosaic craft: step three (Katie Wells )
Paint small areas of your design with the craft glue and press the beans into the glue. If a bean doesn’t fit, try re-arranging or using a different type of bean.
Step four
Mosaic craft: step four (Katie Wells)
Once you are finished with a section, let the area dry. Then, paint the beans the color you want them to be. You can also leave your beans and peas unpainted if you like the natural colors.
Step five
Mosaic craft: step five (Katie Wells )
Repeat steps three and four until your mosaic is complete!
