By simply collecting meaningful mementos, tweens and teens can create a beautiful collage of their life, their year, or their multi-faceted personality. (It is very important when doing this project to protect the items you have collected from aging and acidic deterioration; look for acid-free products when collecting supplies for your wall hanging.)

What you'll need:

How to make it:

1. Wipe down your art surface to remove dust and dirt.
2. Arrange colorful papers over you art surface and adhere them using acid-free adhesive tabs.
3. Begin laying out your mementos in an eye-pleasing fashion. Try various layouts before deciding on the one you will make permanent.
4. Larger items, such as Varsity letters, should be kept close to the center of your canvas for visual as well as physical balance.
5. Items such as newspaper clippings, movie tickets, or dried flowers should be encased in laminate sleeves or pressed between two pieces of contact paper to keep them airtight, cutting down on the disintegration factor.
6. Items that are relatively light weight can be adhered using photo tabs. Items that are heavy should be adhered using hot glue (younger tweens should only use a glue gun with parental supervision or assistance).
7. Fill in the empty spots or frame special photos using ribbons, yarn, or string.
8. Be creative! There is no right or wrong way to complete this project. It should be as individual as you are!