New
New
Scrap fabric microrganism collage
I can create a fabric collage inspired by a petri dish.
Lesson 3 of 6
New
New
- Year 4
Scrap fabric microrganism collage
I can create a fabric collage inspired by a petri dish.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Artists might use the colours and textures that they observe in a subject.
- Artists might use a dark background to provide contrast to the bright colours of their main subject.
- Different types of fabric can be combined in an artwork to create different colours or textures.
Keywords
Colour palette - the group of colours you choose for your artwork
Texture - the feel or appearance of a surface
Background - everything that is behind the main image, or images, in an artwork
Common misconception
The fabric colour palette selected should precisely match the colours present in the petri dish.
Remind children that artists might choose to take inspiration from a similar colour palette of fabrics, rather than those that match exactly.
After children have completed thier artwork, it could be photographed or photocopied for thier sketchbook.
Teacher tip
Equipment
fabric scraps, cardboard circles or paper plates, PVA glue, glue spreaders
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A mixed media artwork ...
A mixed media artwork ...
uses paint, such as watercolour.
uses lots of different colours.
uses glitter and glue.
Q2.What is the first step in creating a tonal collage?
What is the first step in creating a tonal collage?
mixing all the materials together
adding paint to the background
drawing with a pencil
Q3.What could an artist use to make the main part of the microorganism darker?
What could an artist use to make the main part of the microorganism darker?
rubber
paper
mud
Q4.What might an artist use to add highlights to darker collage paper?
What might an artist use to add highlights to darker collage paper?
glitter
rubber
black paint
Q5.How are collages made?
How are collages made?
by painting everything with one colour
by using only digital tools
by drawing with pencils only
Q6.Order the steps to create a tonal collage.
Order the steps to create a tonal collage.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A colour palette is one colour you choose for your artwork.
A colour palette is one colour you choose for your artwork.
True
Q2.Texture is the or appearance of a surface.
Texture is the or appearance of a surface.
smell
size
height
Q3.In a piece of artwork, what do we call everything that is behind the main image or subject?
In a piece of artwork, what do we call everything that is behind the main image or subject?
foreground
texture
pattern
Q4.What is a tint in art?
What is a tint in art?
a colour made by adding black
a pattern made with lines
a colour that has lots of texture
Q5.What is a shade in art?
What is a shade in art?
a colour with a pattern
a colour that feels rough
a colour made by adding white
Q6.How do you create a fabric collage? Put these steps in order.
How do you create a fabric collage? Put these steps in order.
