Art Projects For Young Children

• Make a picture frame out of stiff cardboard.
  Glue fabric to the front and sides. Use any assortment of items to decorate the frame -- painting techniques, beans, buttons, craft supplies, fabric, etc.
• Decorate a container (jewelry box, vase, pencil holder, etc.)
  Use small squares of tissue paper and cut-outs of photos to make a collage. Cover with a clear, water-based lacquer.
• Ornaments and wall hangings
  Photos are useful for these crafts.
• Sew a pillow or pillowcase
  These can be hand-stitched or made with a sewing machine. Fill the pillow with cotton or purchase a small pillow form. Personalize by painting their name on the edge, stitch their name with embroidery, or select an iron-on applique.
• Create a placemat
  Draw on stiff poster board using paint, crayons, markers, or pencils. Cover with clear contact paper.
• Build an object out of crackers, cookies, candy, and frosting.
  Similar to the gingerbread house idea, but easier when using graham crackers and cookies. Select a frosting recipe that will likely harden as it dries. (A small milk carton can be used to make it easier.)
• Napkin holders
  Cut a paper towel tube into rings, then glue on fabric or cover with sticky paper and other decorations.
• Jewelry
  Use beads or make edible jewelry with cereal or other non-messy foods. Use a large, blunt needle and thread onto dental floss.
• Paper airplane mobile
  Color and decorate with strips of tissue paper. Hang from the ceiling with heavy thread.