Poison Dart Frog Collage

Collage is my favorite. Maybe you’ve noticed a trend in my recent posts. Part of why I love it so much is the ability to use so much color, and I think we need that all the time- not just in quarantine! Also, it is crucial for these tiny humans to experience as much cutting practice as possible. So, let’s jump into this rainforest inspired art project!

Poison dart frogs are native to Central and South America and their tropical environments. These frogs are also TINY, ranging in size from about half an inch to just about two and a half inches. Not big at all. They are brightly colored with patterning that helps dissuade would-be predators from trying to eat them. You will find red, orange, yellow, green, and blue frogs. They eat small insects like ants, fruit flies, termites, crickets, and even small beetles - making them carnivores. Some are more poisonous than others, but should all be left alone if encountered in rainforests. Ready to make one? Let’s go!

MATERIALS:
+ scrap paper: red, blue, yellow, orange, green.
+ background paper (optional)
+ black paint (I used runny watercolor)
+ scissors
+ glue
+ pencil

First up I created a leafy background. Initially I glued it to a grey background but ended up discarding the grey background in the end. It didn’t look right and the frog was more fun when I left it alone on a leaf. Up to you, go where your heart takes you.

Next, I cut my paper scraps a little smaller because these frogs are tiny. However, if going bigger is better, go with it. You’re the artist! I made my black watercolor really watery and then gently flicked and dripped black spatters on my papers. Let these dry before you try the next steps out.

Are your papers dry? Excellent! It’s time to make that frog! I chose one paper and folded it in half length-wise (the long way) I drew half of my frog body because I want it to be symmetrical- the mirror image on both sides of the folded line. I made the front of the frog skinnier than the back because when I look at photos this is what I observed. You’ll be making your own organic (unnamed) shape.

Then I cut out some eyeballs. Same thing- I folded a piece of paper so each eyeball is the same size and shape.

My extra piece of the scrap paper was use to make my front and back legs. I didn’t realize I didn’t take a picture of the smaller front legs, but you can look at my finished frog to get the idea. The back legs were more difficult to make. I did draw one leg while the paper was still folded. You can see how it bends like the number “2” or like the letter “Z”. I added a before and after picture so you could see that I didn’t follow my first leg drawing closely. No biggie! I had to make it work for me and my cutting. Our drawings are always a guide and can be changed. Got everything cut out?

Time to glue everything down! I glued everything in this order: body, back legs, front legs, eyeballs. If you’re feeling good, make another one or two! I still have the red and orange paper and am going to make some friends for this little blue fella. Mix and match papers if you feel like it. There are so many varieties that you can’t go wrong. Happy making!