Activity Description: Scouts create colorful mosaic art using dried beans, and glue. Painting them is optional.
- Fulfills Step 2 of GSUSA Brownie Art and Design badge requirements.
- Fulfills Step 3 of GSUSA Junior Art and Design badge requirements.
- Fulfills Step 3 of GSUSA Cadette Collage Artist badge requirements.
- Can fulfill Step 3 of GSUSA Daisy Art and Design badge requirements.
- Can fulfill Step 4 of GSUSA Brownie Art and Design badge requirements.
- Can fulfill Step 2 of GSUSA Junior Art and Design badge requirements.
- Leaders – please be aware of double dipping and make your own informed choice.
If you add in pattern creation:
- Fulfills Step 3 of GSUSA Brownie Art and Design badge requirements.
- Fulfills Step 4 of GSUSA Junior Art and Design badge requirements.
Info Needed for Brownie Step 2, and Junior Step 3: Texture in a drawing helps us imagine how things would feel if we could touch them. For example, a drawing of a fluffy cat looks soft and furry, while a drawing of a rough rock looks bumpy. When you touch a 3D sculpture, you can feel if it’s smooth, rough, bumpy, or soft. This helps you understand what the artwork is supposed to be, like a rough tree bark or a smooth, shiny car.
Info Needed for Daisy Step 3, Brownie Step 4, and Junior Step 2: An art piece can be based on any subject the artist chooses (like a portrait, landscape, inspiring item, feeling, still life, mood, or abstract idea). Artists use drawing, painting, collage, or digital tools. Their art should show what the subject means to them, using color, shape, or texture to express it. It doesn’t need to look real, just creative and thoughtful.
Info Needed for Brownie Step 3, and Junior Step 4: Patterns are the repetition of a design element, such as lines, shapes, or colors, to create a decorative effect. Patterns make art interesting because they create a rhythm, just like a song has a beat. Artists use patterns to help our eyes move around the artwork.
Info Needed for Cadette Step 3: Collage art can be made from everyday or unusual items (like wires, napkins, or old parts). The surface can be something unexpected, like a shoe or piece of wood. Safely attach items while exploring materials and expressing ideas.
Items Needed:
- Dried beans
- Elmer’s Glue
- Multi-surface acrylic paint
- Paint brushes
- Paper plates
- Pen or pencil
- (Optional) Extra paper plates for multiple designs
Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 30–45 min):
- Draw a simple design on the paper plate using a pen or pencil. (5 min)
- Shapes like hearts, stars, or letters work best.
- Choose one section of the design and fill it with glue. (5 min)
- Working in small sections helps prevent messes.
- Press beans onto the glued area. Let it dry completely. (10 min)
- (Optional) Start a second design on another plate while waiting.
- (Optional) Paint the dried beans with acrylic paint. (10 min)
- Use one or two coats for brighter colors.
- Repeat steps 2–4 until the whole design is complete. (5–15 min)
- Scouts can layer colors or mix bean types for texture.
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