Need some easy art projects ideas for your family’s next craft night? It doesn’t have to be that complicated! You don’t have to all do the same craft, nor do you have to have start and complete your project that same evening. The most important thing about craft night is to have fun with your family (or friends) while making something. I’ve hosted craft nights that have run the gamut from everyone bringing a bag with whatever they’re currently working on to someone coming to do a demonstration and we all tried it* to everyone working on different parts of a single project we combined and gave as a gift to a friend.
In today’s fast-paced world, setting aside time for family activities can be a challenge. But one of the best ways to bring everyone together is through craft time. Not only does it foster creativity, but it also encourages bonding across all ages. Whether you’re a family with preschoolers, teens, or even adults, crafting together can be a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend quality time as a group.
Why Host a Family Craft Night?
Family craft nights offer a variety of benefits beyond just creating something beautiful. They encourage problem-solving, allow for self-expression, and can even help with fine motor skills in younger children. For older kids and adults, crafting provides a much-needed break from screens and daily stress. Plus, it’s an opportunity for everyone to engage in an activity that’s fun, low-pressure, and collaborative.
Most importantly, crafting together builds lasting memories. It’s not about creating the perfect masterpiece but about enjoying the process of working together. Whether you end up with a handmade ornament, a painting, or a piece of pottery, what you’ll really treasure are the moments spent laughing, chatting, and creating as a family.
Easy art projects ideas and crafts
If you need some inspiration on what to make, here are some ideas for you:
1. Embroider / paint a bookmark
- For a project that combines both fine motor skills and creativity, try having your child embroider or paint a fabric bookmark. They can embroider a simple shape, word, or name onto fabric using a dull needle and bright-colored thread. Younger children may prefer painting their favorite colors and designs. This quick project is great for building patience and attention to detail, and the results make wonderful keepsakes or gifts.
2. Make a mini scrapbook
- Pick a narrow subject for your book, such as the first day of school (where you can tell the story in a few pics and a few written phrases ) as opposed to a big subject, such as Elementary School (which can be an overwhelmingly large project, because it’s such a big time frame).
- Scrapbooking can be an ongoing family project. Start by gathering photos, ticket stubs, or small mementos from family trips and events. Each family member can design a page, adding their own personal touches with stickers, washi tape, or drawings. Over time, your scrapbook will become a cherished family heirloom that everyone contributed to.
3. Art journal
- Art journaling is a free-form project that allows children to experiment with both words and drawings. All you need is a notebook and a few supplies like crayons, markers, and stickers. Your child can fill the pages with whatever comes to mind—whether that’s doodles, stickers, or even collages of cut-out images. The beauty of an art journal is that there’s no right or wrong way to do it. It’s the perfect way for kids to explore their imagination and develop a love for self-expression. Lots of examples on Pinterest.
4. Frame and embellish a map/ photo from a favorite trip
- If your family has taken a memorable trip, consider framing a map or a favorite photo from that experience. Your child can help decorate the frame with stickers, washi tape, or markers. They can even draw on the map to highlight their favorite places. This project is not only fun but also allows your child to relive cherished family memories while creating something that can be displayed in your home.
- One of our friends did this for us as a wedding gift and it was really cool. They found a map done in beautiful colors of the city where we got married, enlarged it, cropped it in an unexpected way, and framed it.
5. Mug cozy
- If you have a child who loves knitting or sewing, creating a cozy for a mug or cup is a fantastic project. For younger children, use the sleeve of an old sweater—just cut it to size, help them hem the edges, and decorate it with fabric markers or buttons. This project teaches practical crafting skills and results in a fun and functional item your child can proudly use or gift.
6. Family mural or large canvas art
- Working on a larger project together, like a family mural or canvas painting, is a fantastic way to involve everyone in a collaborative piece. Set up a big canvas or sheet of paper, and let each family member contribute their part. Younger children can splatter paint or create simple handprints, while older kids and adults can paint more detailed images. By the end of the night, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind piece of art that reflects your family’s combined creativity.
7. Customize a t-shirt or tote bag
- With fabric markers or paint, you can easily customize t-shirts or canvas tote bags. This craft is perfect for kids who want to express themselves through fashion or practical designs. Adults can help with more intricate details or simply let the kids go wild with their imaginations. You’ll walk away with unique, wearable art that shows off everyone’s individual style.
8. Frame and embellish a favorite recipe
- Do you have a family recipe that holds special meaning? Whether it’s Grandma’s famous chocolate chip cookies or your child’s favorite pancake recipe, framing and embellishing it is a wonderful way to honor those culinary traditions. You can either write out the recipe by hand or print it on decorative paper. Let your child help by decorating the frame with paint, stickers, or small kitchen-themed items like wooden spoons or tiny cookie cutters.
- This project combines family history with creativity and makes a lovely addition to your kitchen. It’s also a great way to pass down recipes to younger generations while creating a special keepsake that you and your child worked on together.
9. Work on your hand lettering
- Hand lettering is a fun and creative way to help children improve their handwriting while developing an artistic skill. It’s a form of drawing letters, often with decorative touches, that can be used to make personalized signs, cards, or even labels for school supplies. There are plenty of free printables and tutorials online to get started, offering step-by-step guides to basic lettering styles.
- For younger kids, you can start with simple letter shapes and have them trace the outlines. Older children can explore more advanced techniques, like adding flourishes or shading to their letters. The best part about hand lettering is that it’s both artistic and practical—kids can use their new skills to add personal touches to projects like posters, greeting cards, or even their own notebooks. Plus, it’s a relaxing activity that allows children to express themselves while refining their fine motor skills.
10. Paint little fruit and veggie markers for your garden
- If your family enjoys gardening, a fun project is creating wooden markers for your plants. You can find inexpensive, unfinished wood signs at craft stores, and your child can paint them with cute designs or the names of fruits and vegetables you’re growing. This outdoor project is perfect for combining art with gardening and gives your child a sense of responsibility and ownership in the garden.
11. Stencil some kitchen jars
- Get organized in style by stenciling labels onto kitchen jars. This simple project allows children to help label jars for flour, sugar, or other kitchen staples. Let them use stencils to paint the words onto the jars or create fun labels with their own handwriting. It’s a creative way to involve them in household tasks while making something practical and decorative for your kitchen.
12. Personalize a cute cover for your journal or notebook
- Help your child create their own personalized journal or notebook cover. They can use stickers, stamps, and markers to make the design their own. This project is quick and easy but lets your child put their personal stamp on something they can use daily.
13. Craft a cardboard weaving loom and create a small woven artwork
- Introduce your child to weaving with a simple cardboard loom. Cut a piece of cardboard and string it with yarn to create a loom. Your child can weave in and out with yarn, ribbon, or strips of fabric. This project is great for developing fine motor skills and creating textured, tactile art.
14. Work on drawing some art prompts in your sketchbook
- A sketchbook filled with drawing prompts is a wonderful way to nurture your child’s creativity while providing a structured yet flexible activity. Drawing prompts can spark imagination and encourage your child to think outside the box. Prompts like “draw your favorite animal doing something silly” or “create an imaginary world” are fun and inspiring for all ages.
- Set up a time where your child can sit down with their sketchbook and choose a prompt. This activity can be a great way to unwind after school or fill a rainy afternoon. If your child enjoys it, consider adding themed prompts related to seasons, holidays, or family adventures. Drawing in response to prompts helps build both creative confidence and artistic skills, allowing your child to express their ideas in unique ways. It’s also a great opportunity to bond, as parents can join in with their own sketchbooks!
15. Fill up a photo album
- Got a box of loose pictures? Turn it into a fun project by letting your child help organize and stick them into a photo album. This is a great way to reminisce about fun family memories while creating something beautiful and lasting.
16. Make a set of tile coasters
- Have a few leftover 4×4 tiles from a renovation project? Paint on the surface using acrylic paint (seal with a clear coat to make it last longer) and add a few self-stick felt pads on the back for a quick and functional project for kids.
Pick an idea from the list, put out some snacks and drinks (or have everyone bring something) and you’re all set. Let’s get crafting!
Updated 09/24
