TinyStepper
Toddler at a table covered in colourful paint splotches, grinning with pride

Sticky Tape Collage

A mess-free collage craft — press feathers, tissue paper, and cotton balls onto sticky tape strips.

Activity details

12m–18m10 minslowindoorConstruction PaperCotton BallsFeathersPainter's TapeTissue Paper

Instructions

Get ready
  • Tear off several strips of painters tape, each about 15cm long
  • Stick them sticky-side up onto a piece of construction paper, taping the ends down
  1. Tear off several strips of painters tape, each about 15cm long
  2. Stick them sticky-side up onto a piece of construction paper, taping the ends down
  3. Gather lightweight items: feathers, tissue paper pieces, cotton balls
  4. Place the items in a bowl next to the paper
  5. Show your child how to press an item onto the sticky tape
  6. Let them explore freely — there’s no wrong way to do this
  7. Name the items and textures as they stick them down: ‘Soft feather! Crinkly paper!’
  8. Display the finished collage on a wall or fridge

Parent tip

Set out construction paper and cotton balls before inviting your toddler in so the first minute feels smooth.

Proud child holding up a painted sheet covered in bright handprints and splatters

What success looks like

Messy hands and a child who doesn’t want to stop. The artwork doesn’t need to look like anything — the process is the point.

Stick strips of painters tape sticky-side up onto a piece of construction paper and let your toddler press feathers, tissue paper, and cotton balls onto the surface. The sticky texture fascinates early walkers who are discovering cause and effect, and the pressing motion builds finger strength without needing glue or paint. It’s a genuinely mess-free way to let your little one create art they can admire afterwards.

Why it helps

The DfE's EYFS guidance on physical development identifies threading and weaving as key activities that help children develop their pincer grip and learn to manipulate different materials. Pressing items onto a sticky surface develops the pincer grip and finger isolation needed for later writing. Choosing and placing items supports early decision-making, while the variety of textures provides rich sensory input that builds neural pathways.

Variations

  • Try a nature collage using collected leaves, petals, and grass after a walk.
  • Use different textures — smooth ribbon, rough fabric, soft cotton — for extra sensory input.
  • Tape strips to a window at toddler height for a vertical version.

Safety tips

  • Supervise closely to ensure small items like feathers don’t go into your child’s mouth.
  • Tape the construction paper edges down securely so it doesn’t slide around.
  • Avoid glitter or tiny decorations that pose a choking hazard.

Want to try another?

Clay Letter Sculpting

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