Fabric Collage Figures
Inspired by Yinka Shonibare's bold, patterned fabric sculptures, your learner will create a dressed paper figure using mixed patterns and colors. The goal is to think about how clothing and color can express identity and culture.

Supplies

• Cardstock or heavy paper (for the figure)
• Scissors
• Glue stick or white glue
• Patterned fabric scraps, wrapping paper, napkins, or scrapbook paper
• Markers or crayons (for details)
• Optional: googly eyes, yarn for hair

1. Draw and cut out a simple human silhouette from cardstock. It can be any size, but about 8–10 inches tall works well. It doesn't need to be detailed, just a basic body shape.
2. Look at the patterns you have and pick 2–4 that feel interesting together. They don't have to match, mixing is the point!
3. Cut your patterned paper or fabric into clothing shapes. Whatever clothing items you want such as a shirt, pants, a skirt, a jacket, shoes. Glue them onto your figure like you're dressing them.
4. Use markers to add a face, hands, and any extra details.
5. Optional: Give your figure a name and decide: what are they doing? Where are they going? Write or tell a sentence about them.
   
   

• Encourage your learner to be bold with pattern mixing. The wilder the better, just like Shonibare!
• If fabric scraps are available, even small pieces from old clothing or pillowcases add great texture.
• There's no wrong way to dress the figure. Resist the urge to guide toward "matching."