The current situation throughout the world has meant that many people have been forced to stay at home. This is the perfect opportunity to start creating. Whether you’re an experienced artist or a complete beginner, these ideas will be perfect for you. They use supplies you most probably have at home or that you can order online, and the projects are not at all challenging.
Paint Rocks
Painting on rocks is an incredibly versatile art. You can order some rocks from amazon or, for a bonus activity, go out for a walk along the beach and collect your own.
You can use any medium available to you, however, I would recommend nail polish or acrylic paint. After you’ve completed your design, use a varnish (I used some with a satin finish) to protect your artwork from damage.
If you’re stuck, search for ideas on Pinterest or Google (check out my Pinterest here). Try to use the shape of your rock to inspire you and don’t limit yourself to a single art style. Perhaps experiment with blocks of colour, patterns, or mandalas. A few years ago, I did an art project inspired by the talented Japanese artist Akie Nakata. I researched her unique approach to gathering ideas and painting and was really inspired by how she uses her artistic talent in such an extraordinary way. Read more about Akie here.
Recycle used cardboard
Recycling used materials can not only be a fun project, but it can be practical too. Previously, I’ve used leftover cereal boxes to create paper storage and scraps from other projects to create decorative art pieces.
For this example, I wanted to create a place to store my Crayola Markers. I spent a long time collecting finished toilet paper rolls and glued them together using hot glue. I also glued the group of toilet paper rolls onto a flat piece of cardboard to give it a base. After this, I made a mixture of one-part PVA glue to one-part water and ripped coloured paper into strips. I dipped the strips into the glue mixture and stuck them to the toilet rolls. Once I covered all of the cardboard, I let it dry for 24 hours.
You could decorate this in any way and adapt the project to the way you like to store your belongings. I used 8 toilet rolls for mine so I could separate my pens into individual colours.
I had some leftover toilet rolls and decided to decorate them, rather than use them for a practical project.
I painted these dogs with acrylic paint, trying to stick to the same selection of colours for each dog. Also, I cut up some scraps to use for the tails and ears of the dogs and glued them on with hot glue. You could try painting a toilet roll cat, rabbit, lion, elephant, etc…
Experiment with Clay
Clay, which can be ordered online, is a lot of fun to experiment with, especially if you’ve never experienced this medium before. If you want an additional challenge, try making it yourself (find a recipe here)!
Using already coloured clay is an easier way to create but painting the project after is has dried can give you more flexibility with colour.
You can truly create anything you want to, from realistic animals, to cartoon characters to room décor. I decided to make a small ring holder for my room.
To do this, I took a chunk of light blue clay and a chunk of white clay and mixed them together to produce a marbled effect. Don’t over mix the clay, as it will result in one consistent colour. I rolled the clay out into a circle about the same thickness as a £1 coin and shaped it over the end of a glass cup. I removed it from the cup, and it formed a small bowl shape with lettuce-like edges. Then, I left it to dry.
Try Embroidery
A simple way to customise your clothes or other belongings is to embroider a pattern on them. Embroidery kits are sold on Amazon for under £20 and they are a great way to get into this hobby. Also, www.dmc.com is a great place to find free, printable patterns and inspiration.
If you’re unsure how to get started with embroidery, I suggest watching this YouTube video to learn about the basic stitches and techniques required. Try practising the most simple stitches on a plain scrap of fabric before starting with your first design.
I found an old yellow t-shirt in my wardrobe that I felt needed an upgrade. I saw a picture on Google that gave me the inspiration to embroider this group of flowers.
Create Friendship Bracelets
Friendship bracelets were hugely popular a few years ago but making them, for me at least, has never become boring.
They only require you to learn two relatively simple knots: the forward knot and the backward knot. Using these knots in different patterns allows you to create a variety of different bracelet styles. As for materials, you just need a length of embroidery thread and some free time.
I followed these instructions to create my diagonal striped bracelet but there are lots of other instructions online to create a large number of different bracelets.
The best thing about creating your own bracelets is that you can change the colours depending on the clothes you plant to pair them with. You could give these bracelets as gifts to your friends and family or make a small profit by selling them on Etsy.
Reuse a Glass Jar
Many foods come packaged in a glass container or jar. When you’ve finished the food inside them, wash the jars with warm, soapy water or in the dishwasher to remove any leftover food. If the label is reluctant to come off or has left a sticky residue, rub the jar with some acetone (nail polish remover).
There are many things that you can do with these jars, including using them as candle holders, desk storage or plant pots. You can use them simply as they are, like the example below, or you can decorate them to fit your room.
Decorate the jars by using:
· Paint or glass pens (such as Posca pens). Detailed patterns will give a beautiful effect, especially if you’re planning to use the jar as a candle holder, but you can draw anything you want to
· Gems, sequins, or other decorative items
· Ripped tissue paper or coloured paper
· Glitter
I used paint pens to doodle lavender around my jar. When that was dry, I cut a piece of purple wool and used PVA glue to attach it around the neck of the jar.
Try to Sew Something
Sewing is a really fun and really useful skill to have. If you have some free time, take the opportunity to learn the basics. You don’t need a sewing machine to learn about the basic stiches, how to hem a piece of fabric, or how to reattach a button. There are many tutorials on YouTube to help you get started.
After you know the basic technique, start a simple project. You could upcycle a t-shirt by making it cropped, sew a pillowcase or make a pencil case. There are free patterns and instructions everywhere online.
I decided to sew a scrunchie with a scrap of fabric, find the instructions here.
Comments