5 Art Projects You Can Do as a Family (That Don’t Make a Huge Mess)

Let’s face it—family art time is magical… until the glitter hits the carpet. But creativity doesn’t have to mean chaos! We’ve rounded up 5 fun and inspiring art projects that bring the family together without turning your kitchen into a disaster zone.

Whether you're short on time, space, or patience, these low-mess activities are perfect for sparking imagination without the cleanup stress.

🎨 1. Sticker Storybooks

Supplies:

• Blank notebook or folded printer paper

• Stickers (characters, animals, scenery, etc.)

• Markers or pens

  
  

How it works:Let your kids choose a handful of stickers and build a story around them. Stick down one or two per page, and write a sentence or draw a quick scene to go with it. Each family member can take turns continuing the story!

Why it’s great:No paint, no glue, just fun. And you end up with a silly, collaborative keepsake.

🖌️ 2. Tape-Resist Art

Supplies:

• Painter’s tape or masking tape

• Watercolor paper or cardstock

• Watercolor paints or washable markers + water brush

  
  

How it works:Lay strips of tape in random patterns across the paper. Then, color over the whole page with paint or marker. Peel off the tape once dry to reveal crisp white lines and a super cool abstract design.

Why it’s great:It looks fancy, but it's super easy—and there’s very little cleanup.

✂️ 3. Collage Creatures

Supplies:

• Old magazines or printed photos

• Child-safe scissors

• Glue sticks

• Paper

  
  

How it works:Cut out eyes, noses, bodies, and patterns to build your own wacky animal mashups or silly characters. Layer and glue pieces onto fresh paper to make your masterpiece.

Why it’s great:It’s a great way to repurpose materials and sparks wild creativity—without needing paint or any liquid mess.

🖍️ 4. Family Doodle Challenge

Supplies:

• Markers, crayons, or gel pens

• Large sheet of paper or poster board

  
  

How it works:Draw one random doodle, then pass the paper to the next family member to add to it. Keep going until the whole page is filled! You can theme it (underwater world, aliens, animals) or let it go totally wild.

Why it’s great:No one gets left out, and it’s as low-mess as coloring gets.

🌟 5. DIY Postcards

Supplies:

• Blank index cards or thick paper cut to postcard size

• Markers, stickers, colored pencils

• Optional: Stamps and envelopes

  
  

How it works:Make your own postcards to send to friends, grandparents, or even yourself! Decorate one side with art and write a message on the back. Drop them in the mail or save them in a memory box.

Why it’s great:Simple supplies, meaningful outcomes, and a touch of old-school charm.

💡 Final Tip: Creativity Doesn't Have to Be Complicated

The most important part of family art time is showing up—not showing off. You don’t need a studio or special tools to create memories and masterpieces. Sometimes, a glue stick, a goofy idea, and a kitchen table are more than enough.

So clear a little space (not too much), grab your supplies, and dive in. Your family’s next favorite memory might just start with a doodle.