12 Best DIY Coloring Projects for Little Artists
Coloring is one of the most popular activities for playtime--kids love
using their creativity and making their own works of art. Still, even the most
dedicated little artists can get tired of the same old sketchbook and crayons.
When you start hearing the rainy-day refrain of "I'm bored," just
suggest one of the following activities and watch your kid fall in love with
coloring all over again!
1. Coloring Pages
This is a classic coloring activity for a reason--coloring pages are
beloved by kids, readily available, and mess-free. Better yet, they can even be
customized to a child's own interests by selecting coloring pages with their
favorite cartoon characters, superheroes, or animals. This old standby is also
perfect for siblings of different ages because younger siblings can color
simpler pictures with thick outlines, and older children can tackle more
intricate designs. Parents can purchase full coloring books for road trips or
simply print a single page for a quick (and free!) rainy day activity.
2. Fuzzy Velvet Coloring Pages
These are a great choice for kids who love tactile play. Fuzzy velvet
coloring pages are exactly like regular coloring pages, except that the lines
in the drawing are replaced with raised lines of velvet, making the finished
project soft and fun to touch. While slightly more expensive than regular
coloring pages, the addition of fuzzy velvet makes this project more memorable
and exciting for kids. Bonus: the raised velvet makes it easier for young kids
to color inside the lines.
3. Watercolors
Watercolors are a great choice for kids who tend to be on the messier
side. Not only are most watercolor paints formulated to wash right out of
clothing, but there are no lines to color inside. If they need some ideas, just
challenge them to paint a family portrait or their favorite family memories and
see what they come up with. Kids can exercise their creativity to the fullest
extent with this project.
4. Fingerpainting
Also a great choice for tactile play, fingerpainting is a fun way for
kids to develop gross motor skills and self-expression. Although it is critical
that the paint is both washable and non-toxic because of the messy nature of
this activity, the need for special supplies ends there--no brushes necessary.
Just make sure to lay down some newspaper first!
5. Scratch and Sketch Paper
Think of this activity as "reverse coloring." Instead of
applying color to paper, kids use a stylus to scratch designs into the black
coating on the sheets, revealing rainbow, holographic, or patterned foil
underneath. This is a great choice for kids who would enjoy the element of
surprise in this activity, and perfect for situations where carting around a
full pack of markers or crayons would be difficult. Depending on a kid's
preference, scratch and sketch paper comes in plain packs and in themed
activity books with outlines, which makes creating great art even easier.
6. Shrinky-Dinks
Shrinky-Dinks are a great choice for kids who want coloring and a craft
in one. First, choose between pre-printed design sheets or plain ones where
kids can draw or trace their own designs. Next, when the designs are fully
colored, use scissors to trim around the edge of the design and bake! The
sheets will shrink and harden in the oven into colorful charms, perfect for
creating jewelry, keychains, or anything your kid can imagine out of their
original artwork.
7. DIY Window Decals
Just like DIY stained glass! Using peelable paint (fabric paint and
puffy paint are both great choices), kids can outline and fill in their designs
on a hard plastic surface. Make sure to use thick layers of paint and to let
dry overnight. Once dry, the decals can be peeled away from the plastic and
stuck to any glass surface--windows, car windows, mirrors, etc.
8. Sidewalk Chalk
Sidewalk chalking is a fantastic way for kids to engage in creative play
without being stuck inside. Not only are packs of sidewalk chalk extremely
inexpensive compared to other art supplies, chalking eliminates the need to
purchase art paper or save and store your child's art. In addition, kids can be
as messy as they like while creating their masterpieces--everything will be
washed away the next time it rains.
9. Face- and Body-painting
This is a fun partner activity--kids can use their fingers or small
brushes to create small designs or full-face artwork on each other. As with
fingerpainting, it's important to choose paints that are both non-toxic and
washable. Still, this activity will be memorable for kids and great for
pictures--perfect to add a special memory during birthday parties and other
celebrations.
10. Bath Paints
For kids who dread bathtime, using bath paints can not only reduce
complaints but even make baths something to look forward to. These paints are
easy to find in stores or DIY in a variety of bright colors, and they are
formulated to avoid staining the tub and the walls. Kids will love the freedom
of painting on the walls and themselves.
11. Potato Stamps
Potato stamps can be a craft project on their own, or they can add
visual interest to other art projects. To make them, cut a potato (or other
firm root vegetables) in half, then use a knife to carve a shape into the
potato to make a stamp. This project is a kid favorite--they get to customize
the "stamps" and experiment with a new medium. Better yet, potatoes
are cheaper and more readily accessible than store-bought stamps, and much more
engaging.
12. Pottery Painting
Businesses like Color Me Mine charge exorbitant rates for this
experience, but it's just as easy to buy pottery and paint at a craft store and
have the DIY experience at home. Kids will love being able to customize their
own mugs, piggy banks, or figurines, and they'll be able to treasure their
creations for years to come.
These 12 coloring activity ideas are as kid-friendly as they come, and
many of them produce lasting crafts that can be played with or used around the
home. The next time your little artist is looking for a new kind of
masterpiece, suggest one of the ideas above. They're all guaranteed to minimize
cost and mess, but maximize creativity and fun.
