By now, you’ve probably had your fill of screen time, zoom meetups and anything that involves a device. How to get your kids to step away from the screens? Have them work on hands-on projects that get their creative juices flowing. At this point, you’ve probably cycled through the usual painting and coloring, so we turned to our #NJMOM squad to give us fresh ideas that aren’t Pinterest perfect (read: hard to pull off) and don’t require an Amazon order. Check out these unique art projects using supplies you already have—and fill those long weekend stretches with some non-screen, crafty fun.
featured image via Eileen M. on Facebook
Here are 9 fun and unique art projects to try:
“We did the chalk mosaic thing we’ve seen going around!” via Erica F. on Facebook
Sidewalk Chalk Mosaic
Your kids have probably done their version of sidewalk chalk art already, but the next time they’re heading out to the driveway, give them a definitive mosaic project that will take a few hours to finish. Grab some packing tape, then help your little one tape down a box or any linear shape on the concrete, and then get designing, laying it down in all different directions. Once it’s laid out, fill in each block, lift the tape, and reveal your colorful creation for your neighbors to admire.
A mani-pedi without the risk via Kathleen T. on Facebook
Cardboard Mani-Pedi
Before you throw out that cardboard box, cut out a few pairs of “hands,” for that little one in your life that loves to paint your nails. Next, draw out the shape of the nails with a marker, and voilá—you’ve got some hands ready for painting. Use nail polish and let your little pretend she’s in the nail salon by getting creative and having lots of hands-on fun.
“We made an egg carton flower wreath” via Cathy-Jo K. on Facebook
Egg Carton Wreath
Skip the egg-decorating this year (the grocery struggle is real) and repurpose those empty paper egg cartons by making a spring-centric wreath instead. First, cut the top lid into two strips, then glue or staple together into a circle. Next up, cut out each egg holder, then snip and split them to look like flowers and paint them. Finally, place a pom-pom in the center for an added touch. Once they’re all dry, just glue them onto the circle you created, tie a string to the top, and hang it on your front door.
Making the best of Kodah’s first Easter via Julianne G. on Facebook
Cotton Ball Easter Bunny
Another non-egg dying option: Try this adorable bunny project that puts your littles in the center of the Easter decor. First, round up your kids, paint the bottom of their feet while they’re sitting on the floor, and then have them each stand on a piece of paper (have them sit after to wipe down before they ruin your floors). Next, print out a template of an Easter bunny like this one (be sure to size it properly to the size of your kiddos feet). Then print out a photo of your little one, have them glue it onto the face of the bunny and then fill in the rest of the bunny with cotton balls. As that’s drying, you can cut out a carrot template like this one, color it in and paste onto the bunny, along with your babe’s footprints.
“Painted stones to look like cacti ?” via Eileen M. on Facebook
Painted Stone Cacti
Have your littles explore your backyard for round or flat type of rocks. Once you’ve collected your rocks, you’ll need some green, yellow, and white paint (or whatever colors you have on hand). You can paint the whole rock green, and then paint on the “needles.” Clean out some old flowerpots, “plant” with foam or bunched up paper to lift, and put them on a windowsill for the safest and cutest little cacti you ever did see.
“Joined a heart hunters group on Facebook … decorating our windows with hearts to show our support for those on the frontlines of this fight” via Ali S. on Facebook
Window Art
Use construction paper and tape to create fun and colorful works of art in your front windows to show your support for our healthcare workers serving on the frontlines. Cut out heart shapes, rainbows and make smiley faces—you’ll also be adding joy and color to your community for all to admire on their daily walks around the neighborhood.
“We’ve been coloring, painting, stickering, stamping this box for weeks. Hasn’t stopped being fun yet. Plus, if you tape up the sides and put a blanket over the top, your toddler wants to live there forever ?” via Alexis W. on Facebook
Paint A Box
Take one of those discarded delivery boxes and have your littles color, paint, sticker, stamp, glue, write on it— you name it. And the fun never has to end, as you keep adding to the box and change it so many ways. In the end, you can just admire it or turn it over, throw a blanket on top, and call it a fort.
“The Greater the Storm, The Brighter the Rainbow. ?” via Kim G. on Facebook
Cotton Ball and Yarn Rainbow
If you have some multi-color yarn or string hanging around, create a 3D rainbow with cotton balls, a paper plate, and glue. Cut the paper plate in half and glue on the yarn on the flat part of the plate, alternating colors or mixing and matching them tie-dye style. Next up, glue on cotton balls individually onto the plate (hello fine motor activity). Once it’s all done, hang up your beautiful piece of art in your front window for all to see.
“Toilet Paper Roll Painting” via Cathy A. on Facebook
Toilet Paper Roll Painting
Toilet paper may be hard to score these days, but those used cardboard rolls are plentiful and handy for fun projects. You can use them for circle art, which is a great way for littles to paint without a brush. Head outdoors for this one, pour paint into bowls, and dip a tube in each color and stamp it on the paper to create a masterpiece.
