Collage is a low-stress art project, as it allows students to combine existing elements instead of having to produce their own drawings or paintings. Teachers can encourage students by pointing out that they make informal "collages" all the time, such as arranging posters on their bedroom walls and putting together outfits to wear. Some of the formal considerations of a collage include color, space, balance, contrast and composition. Collage designs can be composed of solid-color papers or photographic images.
Younger children can produce prints from simple carvings on potatoes or foam butcher trays. In addition, stamps are one of the most basic printmaking tools available. Older students can carve more permanent printing plates on soft rubber printing blocks. Monoprinting, printing a unique image from a wet painting on a plastic plate, is a process that incorporates an element of chance.
Art educator Helen D. Hume says, "In Western artistic culture, we tend to stress 'breaking the rules' as a way of getting individualistic expression," although some cultures encourage copying as a way of learning. Looking at the work of artists throughout history introduces a range of techniques and concepts to students. Creating an art homage encourages a close examination of a particular work of art, where students use the ideas of another artist as a jump-off point for their own exploration.
Sculpture allows students to take their understanding of design concepts from the 2-dimensional to the 3-dimensional. Additionally, 3-dimensional work encourages students to consider engineering issues that allow them to create structurally sound sculptures. Possible media include cardboard, heavyweight paper, clay, plaster and found objects. Masks are popular sculpture projects that encourage making connections across the curriculum, especially with social studies and English/drama.