In today’s post: Art can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be hard. This collection of art projects for kids will help your children feel successful with easy art ideas that turn out pretty enough to frame.
20 art projects for kids
As a mom, I love just about any art projects my kids make, whether it’s colored macaroni glued onto construction paper or a painted pinecone covered in glitter. Ok, that’s not completely true – glitter is evil and the bane of my existence – but in general my mom heart is just going to love whatever my kid just made. However, we’ve discovered some crazy easy art techniques that turn out really gorgeous. Kids will love the end result of these simple projects; many are pretty enough to give as gifts.
Easy Versions of Classic Art Styles
These easy art projects are based on classic art styles, so kids can use famous paintings as inspiration while creating their own masterpieces:
1. Kids can create gorgeous watercolor backgrounds with markers and a plastic bag. This art idea is SUPER easy and tons of fun. Visit It’s Always Autumn to get the instructions + quotes you can print on the pretty watercolor backgrounds.
2. This art activity uses a pencil eraser to create a flower while teaching about pointillism. Learn more at Momtastic.
3. Buggy and Buddy shares a fun, simple way for kids to make their own faux stained glass:
4. This Monet-inspired art project is made completely from fingerprints, which is pretty cool. Visit The Crafty Classroom for instructions.
5. This looks like a modern art piece, but was made by a kid with a credit card! Find the tutorial at Housing a Forest.
Exploring New Art Techniques
When we talk about art for kids, most people think of crayons and paints, but these projects allow kids to explore their creativity with different media and techniques:
6. Kids can make pretty art canvas using with tissue paper and water – that’s it! Even very young children can create something beautiful with tissue paper art. Idea from It’s Always Autumn.
7. Teach kids about art resist with this pretty project that uses rubber cement: Easy Watercolor Resist Art from It’s Always Autumn.
8. This cool kids art starts with punched circles from different scraps of paper that get arranged into a grid to make a fun modern art piece. Click through to MerMag to see how it turns out.
9. Let kids play with washable paint, wax paper, and a bottle lid to create a stained glass projects that’s easy enough for toddlers. Learn how at Happy Hooligans.
10. Floating chalk prints is a great introduction to printmaking, as well as being super cool. Get the tutorial from Picklebums.
11. Start by drawing a monster, then add “fur” by blowing paint around with a straw. All ages of kids will have fun with this one! (Hint: get a roll of kraft paper to line your table with from the Dollar Store.) Tutorial from Picklebums.
12. This pulled string art from Tinker Lab is a great art project for kids or adults! I love how the beautiful patterns kids can create resemble a bouquet of flowers.
13. DIY scratch art mandalas from The Kitchen Table Classroom are easy enough for kids to make but turn out really pretty:
14. This crumpled paper artwork is simple to make using construction paper and watercolors! Tutorial from Buggy and Buddy.
More art ideas for kids
15. Even preschoolers can make these pretty marbled planets from I Heart Crafty Things using shaving cream and craft paint.
16. I love how cute and colorful these paper plate flowers turn out. Fun kid’s art idea from Pink Stripey Socks.
17. Make your own paintbrushes to experiment with natural textures with this fun tutorial from Learn Create Love.
18. These rocks turn out gorgeous – pretty enough to set out on a shelf with other knickknacks. All you need is paint and an inexpensive salad spinner! Learn more about this easy art idea from Meri Cherry.
19. I used to love coloring on paper doilies as a kid, but these painted versions from Whatever… turn out so pretty!
20. Visit Childhood 101 to learn how even very young kids can make these pretty paintings with food coloring and bubble wands.
More kid activities:
If you’re looking for more kid activities, visit this post: 50 activities for kids
Or visit the kid’s craft + activity archives
Isabel says
These look so fun, I can’t wait to try them with my brother and sister.
Madonna says
What’s truly exciting are the simple yet stunning art techniques shared here. From vibrant watercolor backgrounds created with markers and a plastic bag to inspired renditions of classic art styles, these projects invite kids to explore their creativity while learning from the greats. The addition of printable quotes adds a touch of personalization and thoughtfulness.
Yaqoub Khan says
I loved the idea of watercolor background and I appreciate your detailed content.
maya says
Wow, very cool