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DIY Initial Craft For Kids

I created this DIY Initial Craft For Kids as an indoor birthday party idea. Turned out to be a pretty decent Saturday afternoon arts ‘n crafts activity for my 5 year old boy. Using stuff you probably have in your art closet already, the lil’ ones in your life can also make this DIY Initial Craft For Kids…DIY Initial Craft For Kids

DIY Initial Craft For Kids

This is a little kid boredom buster (think under 10). Of course, you could do it as a tween craft (think: room decor) if you used a little more structure to the painting.

You will need:

  • White canvas (any size – available at dollar and art stores)
  • Washable paint
  • Paint brush
  • Cup with water
  • Art mat
  • Masking tape
  • Paint holder (I used a paper plate but you could also use an egg carton or painter’s pallette)
  • Apron or art smock (ds just rolled up his sleeves)
  1. Place canvas on art mat (art mat is to protect surface from paint splashes).
  2. Roll up sleeves (or put on apron).
  3. Pour colours of paint onto paint holder
  4. Fill cup with water
  5. Cut (or rip) strips of masking tape and use them to put child’s initial in centre of canvas. Press the tape down to ensure it sticks well.
  6. Have child paint whole canvas (yes, even on top of the masking tape). Blend colours. Dob. Dab. Stroke. Whatever the child wants. Free painting.
  7. When done – have child go wash hands (because inevitably there will be paint).
  8. Allow the canvas to dry about 15 minutes on the art mat.
  9. After 15 minutes, carefully peel off the masking tape. Note: I peeled it off 24 hours after the painting was done and the paint actually stuck the masking tape onto the canvas even more. It was possible to get the tape off fairly easily — but if you take it off when it is semi-dry (rather than fully dry) it will be less picking at the canvas.
  10. Proudly present the DIY Initial Craft For Kids (or give it as a gift!). Great for decorating a room or classroom. Even a fun teacher present idea!

If you like to do crafts with kids may I suggest this Cinnamon Clay Ornament Recipe (it’s one of my favourites!).

Cinnamon Clay Ornament Recipe 2 ingredient activity for kids

 

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Comments

  8. Kathy says

    These are some great ideas. I love making crafts with my girls. They always have a lot of fun with them.

  10. Ann Bacciaglia says

    This is a fantastic craft idea. I will have to make sure i have the supplies so i can make one with my friends little one when she comes over next time.

  12. michele d says

    Such a fun idea! My kids love DiY Crafts. I gotta try this one out soon with them. Thanks for sharing your inspiration.

  18. jo says

    I might have an indoor party next week if it rains and I thought of something similar! I already have the canvas and brushes but I think I am lacking the washable paints for kids. I am so excited! Where did you display the art by the way?

  22. Parent Club says

    You could brainstorm how many words they can think of with their initial and make it into a literacy game – that could tie in with home educating right?!

  26. Elizabeth Matthiesen says

    What a neat idea, kids will love doing this and be so very proud of the resulting art piece. 🙂

  27. Darlene W says

    You can never have too many craft idea and supplies lying around, I bet this summer they are going to be put to good use