I wanted to share my top 10 blogs for fun creative ideas for projects for kids, preteens and in-between but because I’m always a bit “extra”, it ended up being my top 11! If you are one of my dedicated blog fans then you know I LOVE crafting and I LOVE sharing my favorites with you. I’ve got some many creative ideas for projects I am about to BURST! So I made a list of my favorites! Here are my top ten creative projects!(plus one more cuz I love you!)
My NUMBER 1! Dirty pour art This is probably the most popular activity I have at my camps and at private parties. It’s so much fun and easy! Kids of all ages can do this and it requires ZERO artistic skills whatsoever. I caught wind of it a few years ago watching videos on Facebook and I kept seeing people pouring over objects like vases and clocks. I decided that it was a waste of paint to pour down a vase and thought that it would be cool to do on canvas or paper! Of course it wasn’t actually MY idea, but it sure was close. Lol So, check this how to Dirty Pour out and keep me posted!
My NUMBER 2 favorite is called Gyotaku! This one. Absolutely takes the cake. You have no idea how much fun this project is.
And the look of excitement in the kids eyes when I break out these fish molds is priceless.
Of course the first time I learned how to do this technique, the art teacher that I was working with brought actual fish from the fish market. I don’t traditionally like to use real food because in our country we have a significant problem with food insecurity.
And I would never want to embarrass a child who questions why we are using food for art when their stomachs are grumbling. So, that being said you need some very realistic fish silicone molds. And in this blog I give it all to you. Go ahead. You’ll thank me when you see the glee the kids get from this project!
My NUMBER 3 is Crochet all day!
If you’re a crocheting kind of gal or guy then this blog is for you! I’ve found a few cute and fun projects that keep my ADD brain occupied and happy. The shawl is adorable and very functional in the Texas fickle weather.
But those bags are my favorite thing to make! I can just sit around making granny squares or hexagons over and over on the couch while binge watching season 4 of Stranger Things.
They are easy to make and very easy to put together in any size or shape bag. You can also find a variety of handles that add a little extra flair to the bag! Granny squares are fun and you can lose yourself.
And sometimes you have to cover whatever you can find in your house, even if it’s a dining room chair. Yes, I did that.
My NUMBER 4 is DYI Sugar Scrubs!
Winter has my lips all kinds of dry and these scrubs are the perfect thing for your lips or your whole body. Just be careful how much you use in the shower. The oils can make your tub or shower a bit slippery. Try some different concoctions and see what you can come up with.
My NUMBER 5 is Mixed media collage!
This one is fun for all ages and all kinds of creative types. You have such an ability to do a wide variety of things with mixed media collage. This is a fun family style project you’d use at a retreat, family reunion or other events too! I also love that you can just grab all the supplies you have laying around your house and jump right in. It’s easy breezy lemon squeeze!
My NUMBER 6 is Space Nebula!
I have a few clients that I work with who have learning differences and tactile issues. The space nebulas seem to be calming for all kinds of people, but specifically for that group of clients. These things are super cool to look at and soothe the savage soul. I can stare at them for quite some time to just chill out or get in some good meditation time.
My NUMBER 7 is a DIY Sensory Bag!
A second sensory or tactile project idea is a sensory bag. These are also easy to make and great for even the youngest of kids. You can make these relatively cheap and quick. There are so many options for what to put inside as well!
My NUMBER 8 is Dutch Pour!
Another fan favorite of mine. Similar to Dirty Pour, this one uses straws or a hair dryer even. Again, this type of art really requires ZERO artistic skills and just a desire to have fun and get a bit messy.
Check out the how to’s and make sure you prepare your space for a bit of a mess. (Paper towels/ rags required) You could totally use rubber gloves if you want to.
When I watch YouTube videos, people are often wearing those black latex gloves or the blue ones. To be quite honest I love getting my hands dirty.
I love the thought that some of the art that I’ve done is on my hands. I also have a favorite pair of clothes I wear that are already covered in paint and so why not wipe it off on the side of my leg because the pants are already ruined. LOL.
Find your favorite pair of ruined clothes. And get started LOL!
My NUMBER 9 is Sharpie tie dye!
This little gem is fun and a shade different from traditional tie dye.
All you need is a white cotton shirt or maybe a tote bag, some sharpies and rubbing alcohol.
I use rubber bands and red solo cups to use as a “loom” that will hold the fabric taut as I am drawing the images.
Sometimes I just scribble patterns, sometimes I have more intention but either way the outcome is always super cool!
And sometimes you have to cover whatever you can find in your house, even if it’s a dining room chair.
Yes, I did that.
My NUMBER 10! Dot Art Swiping
I recently came across this on Pinterest. And thought how cute that is and how totally simple! You literally need paint and something to put it on.
Maybe a credit card or an old gift card that you’re no longer using as well or anything that is a rigid plastic. You could probably even use a squeegee.
The cool thing is that you don’t even need a palette. You literally make drops straight from the paint bottles. Talk about easy clean up? Lol.
My BONUS FAV AND NUMBER 11 – Wall Murals!
This one’s a bit more complicated and requires more thought and preparation before starting. My blog is informative and helpful but I highly recommend doing more research or talking to artists you know before getting started.
When I was first married (before kids) I painted murals in people’s homes all the time. Trains, fairy gardens, trellis of flowers around a bed frame, alphabet blocks and much more. Give me some music or a good book on tape and I was all set.
So just to recap. Here’s my list of favorites bunched together by groups. Let’s see what kind of good clean fun you can get into with those you love. Happy crafting!
Great For Kids or Families
Great For Teens or by Yourself
Bigger Projects – Take A few Days To Dry or Finish