Art Things To Do When Bored: 18 Creative Activities to Spark Joy

Hey everyone! If you’re searching for art things to do when bored, this guide will spark your creativity. This article is for anyone looking for creative ways to beat boredom, regardless of age or skill level. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, these ideas are designed to be accessible and fun for all. This guide covers 18 fun and accessible art activities you can try at home, each one perfect for sparking joy and helping you pass the time in a meaningful way. DIY crafts can be done at home to alleviate boredom and can be simple, requiring minimal materials. Plus, beginner kits for activities often contain all necessary supplies, so you don’t need advanced materials to get started.

Getting Started: What You Need

Before you dive into your creative journey, gather a few basic supplies. You don’t need anything fancy—just a few essentials will do:

• Paper
• Pencils
• Pens
• Scissors
• Glue
• Markers
• Paint

If you have them, you can also use scraps of paper or cardboard from around the house. Repurposing materials is a common theme in DIY crafts, so there’s no need to visit a craft store or buy anything special. Setting up a small space, like a table or desk, helps keep things tidy and makes it easier to focus on your project. Remember, beginner kits for activities often contain all the necessary supplies you need for a project.

Now that you have your supplies ready, let’s explore some fun art activities you can try.

Introduction to Art

Getting started with art is easier than you might think! All you need is a bit of paper, a pencil, and a dash of curiosity to kick off your creative journey. Whether you’re doodling, sketching, or splashing some acrylic paint onto a page, every mark you make is a step towards discovering your own style.

Hand lettering is another fun activity to try—turning simple letters into eye-catching designs is a brilliant way to practice and add a personal touch to your projects. Don’t worry about making things perfect; the real fun is in the process of creating and experimenting with new ideas. Art is for everyone, no matter your age or experience, so grab your materials and start making something uniquely yours today!

Ready to get creative? Let’s start with some easy and relaxing activities.

Doodling: Easy and Super Relaxing

Doodling is one of the easiest and most fun things to do – just grab a pencil or pen and start scribbling some random lines, shapes, or patterns. Don’t worry if it doesn’t look perfect. You can find inspiration for your doodles from things around you, like objects on your desk, nature, or even from online sources such as art blogs and social media.

You can play around with geometric shapes like triangles, circles, or squares or just let your hand move freely and create some abstract art. The beauty of it is, it’s completely low-pressure & a great way to get those creative juices flowing.

Next, let’s add some style to your writing with hand lettering.

Hand Lettering: Write with Some Style

Hand lettering is a fun activity where you turn simple letters into some really cool designs. You can write your favourite quote, a word that makes you happy, or even just your name, and make your hand lettering more decorated by adding serifs, shadows, or embellishments.

Start by sketching out the letters with a pencil, then go over them with markers or pens. Try out different styles like bubble letters or cursive – it’s a great way to practice your handwriting and create something pretty at the same time. You can also follow a hand lettering tutorial to learn new styles.

Hand lettering is a common creative activity enjoyed by many people.

Ready to add some color? Let’s try painting with acrylics.

Painting with Acrylics: Add Some Colour

If you’ve got some acrylic paint, why not give a small painting project a go? You can paint some flowers, abstract shapes, or even simple landscapes. Acrylic paint is pretty easy to work with and dries fast.

Use some scrap paper or an old canvas if you’ve got one. Don’t worry about making it perfect – just enjoy the process of mixing colours and creating something new. There are plenty of videos online that can guide you through acrylic painting techniques.

Let’s move on to a creative way to reuse materials with collage making.

Collage Making: Get A Little Creative

Grab some old magazines, scrap paper, bits of fabric, or some stickers and cut out some shapes or pictures that catch your eye. Collage making is a type of paper crafts, where you arrange and glue down these pieces to create something unique & colourful.

You can make a themed collage like all the things you love or just go with whatever feels right – it’s a fun way to reuse stuff and make some art that tells a story. Decoupage is another fun paper craft technique, where you decorate objects with paper and seal them with glue for a decorative finish. Use your favorite pictures to create a creative photo collage for a more personalized touch. You can even join a collage making class to learn new techniques.

Next, let’s try making something you can wear with jewelry crafting.

Jewelry Crafting: Wear Your Art Out

Making some simple jewellery can be a really fun project for any kid or adult, especially if you’ve got some beads, string, or old buttons. Use beads, wire, and other materials to create custom jewelry that reflects your personal style and creativity.

You can create bracelets, necklaces, or earrings by stringing beads or gluing some decorations onto cardboard shapes. It’s a creative way to make something useful & personal, and you can even hang it up or give it as a gift to a mate.

Let’s see how you can turn everyday items into art with upcycling.

Upcycling Boxes: Turn Trash into Treasure

Got a box lying about? Why not turn it into a shadow box or a decorative container? Cut, paint & glue some pieces of paper or fabric on it, or wrap fabric or paper around the box for a new look.

You can decorate it with some stickers, drawings, or even add a sign or label to personalize your box. This project is a fun way to recycle stuff and make something cool for your room. It’s also a neat way to keep a few small things organized. Projects like this are similar to Thrift Store Makeovers, which include fixing and painting old items for a fresh appearance.

Now, let’s explore the world of abstract art.

Abstract Art: Let Your Imagination Run Wild

Abstract art is all about shapes, colours, and lines, without worrying about what it looks like. Use paint, markers, or pencils to create some patterns or random designs. You can try blending colours or layering shapes.

It’s a really relaxing way to do some art and lets you express yourself freely – no rules here. For more abstract art inspiration, consider following an art channel that shares creative ideas and tutorials.

Next, let’s practice your observation skills with drawing from real life.

Drawing from Real Life: Practice Your Skills

Have a look around your house and pick something simple to draw, like a plant, a cup, or even your pet. Drawing from real life helps you improve your observation & drawing skills.

Use a pencil to sketch out the outline, then add some details & shading. Don’t stress about making mistakes – they’re all part of the learning process. Plus, it’s a fun way to see everyday things in a whole new light. Share your real life drawings on Instagram to connect with other artists and get inspiration.

Let’s brighten up your space with a rainbow page.

Making a Rainbow Page: Brighten Up Your Space

Grab your markers or paint and create a page full of rainbow colours – you can make some stripes, dots, or shapes. So many people are obsessed with rainbows and love incorporating them into their art.

This project is super simple & will brighten up your space. You can add a favourite quote or some doodles on top. It’s a fun way to practice colour blending and get a happy vibe going.

For more colorful art ideas and inspiration, don’t forget to subscribe and stay updated with our latest projects!

Let’s get decorative with sticker art next.

Sticker Art: Get Decorating

If you’ve got some stickers, use them to make a sticker page – arrange them in patterns or create a scene by combining different ones. You can stick them on paper, notebooks, or even your phone case.

You can also use pins to display your favorite sticker art on bulletin boards or as part of a creative display. It’s a super easy way to add some fun & personality to your stuff. For more ideas and to share your sticker art, consider joining a Facebook group where you can connect with others and get inspiration.

Now, let’s experiment with washi tape.

Washi Tape Swatches: Try Out Some Patterns & Colours

If you’ve got washi tape lying around then making a swatch page by slapping different tapes next to each other is a great way to see how the colours and patterns look side by side. You can also use washi tape to give a bit of pizzazz to your cards, journals, or gifts.

This project is as simple as it gets and is a ton of fun, and you don’t need to be a crafty genius to do it either. After you finish your washi tape swatch project, remember to wash your hands or clean your workspace to keep everything tidy and ready for your next creative session.

Let’s mix things up with a collage using your stationery.

Collage with Stationery: Get Your Mix On

Mix it up by combining stickers, washi tape, scraps of paper, and some doodles to make a mixed media collage—a fun diy project perfect for all skill levels. Layer different materials on top of each other to add some texture and depth.

This project lets you play around with colours and shapes and create something that really feels alive. It’s also a great way to use up any leftover art supplies and make something totally unique. Mixing different art supplies like markers, colored pens, and papers enhances creativity and adds a unique touch to your collage. You can find tutorials online that provide step-by-step instructions to help you get started with mixed media collage.

Next, try a quirky drawing prompt.

Drawing the Last Thing You Ate – Kind of A Bizarre Prompt

Try drawing the last thing you ate from scratch, starting with basic shapes and building up details. It could be a sandwich, some fruit, or even a drink.

I know it sounds a bit weird but this is actually a great way to get into the habit of drawing and think creatively about everyday things. You can add all sorts of details or just make it look cartoon-style. It’s a fun prompt that can lead to all sorts of food-themed art. Consider recording a video of your drawing process and sharing it with friends to inspire others.

Let’s create some dreamy florals with watercolours.

Simple Watercolour Florals: Soft and Dreamy

If you’ve got some watercolours knocking about then give painting some simple flowers a go. Start with a circle in the center of the flower, then build outwards with basic shapes like circles and ovals for petals and leaves.

Watercolours are perfect for creating soft, flowing colours. Just relax and enjoy the feel of the paint and water mixing. Practice control over the amount of water and color to achieve different effects. Try the watercolor drops technique, where you create drops of color that bleed together for abstract results. Using watercolor can be intimidating at first, but it becomes easier with practice and understanding of color control. It’s a great way to add some nature-inspired art to your collection.

Now, let’s give an old box a new life.

Turning an Old Box into a Treasure: Give it Some Love

Take an old box, maybe a pretty gift box, a wooden box, or an old shipping box, and decorate it with some paint, stickers, or a bit of fabric. You can turn it into a keepsake box or even a mini art gallery.

For a unique effect, try wood burning (pyrography) to engrave designs onto wood and personalize your box even more. This project is a great way to give something old a new lease on life and make it special. Plus, it’s a neat way to store your art supplies or a few small treasures.

Let’s get inspired by the outdoors with nature-inspired art.

Nature-Inspired Art: Bring the Outdoors In

If you’re looking for fresh inspiration, why not let the natural world spark your creativity? Nature-inspired art is a fantastic way to bring a bit of the outdoors into your creative space.

Start by collecting leaves, flowers, or even interesting sticks and stones from your garden or a local park. Use watercolor for soft, dreamy backgrounds, or reach for your acrylic paint to make bold, vibrant pieces that really pop. You can press flowers onto paper, trace leaf shapes, or paint your own version of a wildflower meadow.

There are loads of videos on YouTube and Pinterest links packed with ideas to help you get started and stay inspired. With just a few natural materials and a bit of imagination, you’ll create art that celebrates the beauty of the world around you—right from the comfort of your own space.

Next, let’s explore digital creativity.

Digital Art and Technology: Create with Your Devices

Art isn’t just about paper and paint anymore—your phone, tablet, or computer can be your new creative playground! Digital art is a brilliant way to experiment with colors, shapes, and effects without any mess.

There are loads of apps and programs out there, from simple drawing tools to advanced software like Procreate or Adobe Illustrator, that let you create unique designs with just a few taps or clicks. If you’re ever stuck for ideas, check out online tutorials and videos for step-by-step inspiration and tips. Whether you’re sketching with your finger or using a stylus, digital art opens up a whole new world of creativity and fun, perfect for artists of all ages and skill levels.

Let’s finish off your art with some beautiful borders.

Floral Borders: Finish Off Your Art

Try drawing a floral border around your pages or drawings. Start with some simple flower shapes like daisies or tulips and add some leaves.

You can use a pencil and then go over it with a pen. Floral borders are a nice touch and can make your art look really finished. Its a fun way to practice drawing flowers and leaves.

Now, let’s combine words and art with hand lettering quotes.

Hand Lettering Quotes: Words that Inspire

Pick a short quote or phrase that means something to you, especially one that aligns with your creative mission or purpose. Use hand lettering to write it out in a fun, decorative way.

Try using different styles like thick letters, shadows, or curls. You can add a few doodles or decorations around the words. This project is a cool way to combine writing and art in a really fun way. For more inspiration and step-by-step guidance, check out YouTube for hand lettering quote tutorials.

Let’s try a relaxing painting technique next.

Abstract Dot Painting: Tiny Dots = Big Impact

Create a painting using loads of tiny dots in different colours. This style is inspired by Aboriginal art and pointillism.

You can make patterns or just go with a random design. Use a small brush or the end of a pencil to make the dots. It’s a great way to make some colourful art that is also really relaxing. Dot painting is not only relaxing but can also be a therapeutic activity that tells stories through art.

Now, let’s unwind with some coloring.

Coloring for Grown-Ups: Relax with Adult Coloring Books

Colouring isnt just for kids—adult colouring books have become a cracking and dead relaxing way to beat boredom and get the creative juices flowing. These books are packed with all sorts of brilliant designs, from abstract art and geometric shapes to inspiring quotes and intricate patterns.

Get your favourite markers, pens, or coloured pencils and start filling in the pages however you fancy. Theres no right or wrong way to do it—just let your creativity flow and enjoy the whole process. Its a brilliant activity to do on your own or with mates, and youll be surprised at how relaxing it can be. Many artists love using colouring as a way to unwind and get inspired for new art projects. So next time you feel bored, pick up a colouring book and create some art thats totally your own.

Let’s make your own mini art journal next.

Make Your Own Mini Art Journal: Bookbinding Basics

If you’re after a dead simple project thats absolutely perfect for beginners, then knocking up your own mini art journal is a cracking choice! All you need to get going is some scraps of paper, a bit of glue, and either a needle and thread or a hot glue gun to do the trick.

Follow these steps to make your mini art journal:

1. Cut your paper into whatever size and shape takes your fancy.
2. Fold the pages nice and neat.
3. Bind them together with a simple stitch or pop a line of hot glue along the spine.
4. Decorate the cover and pages with paint, markers, or whatever creative bits and bobs you fancy.

This is your own special little space for drawing, writing, or having a go at collaging, and you can make it as basic or as fancy as you like. Artists of every skill level absolutely love this project because its a brilliant way to let your creativity run wild and end up with a unique art book to fill up with all your ideas and artistic efforts.

Let’s add some color to everyday objects with glass painting.

Glass Painting: Add Color to Everyday Objects

Fancy adding a bit of colour to your space? Glass painting is a dead-simple and cracking way to turn ordinary jars, bottles, or even windows into proper works of art. All you need is some acrylic paint, a brush, and a bit of imagination – its as easy as that!

Start by giving your glass surface a good clean, then get your brush or even a pen out to add some lovely colourful designs, patterns, or details. You can go for bold abstract art, delicate flowers, or anything that takes your fancy really. Once you’re chuffed with your painting, seal it up with a clear varnish to protect your masterpiece. This project is a right favourite among artists because its quick, dead easy, and lets you transform everyday bits and bobs into something truly special.

Let’s add some texture and shine to your art.

Embossing and Stamping: Add Texture and Shine

If you’re after giving your art a bit of extra pop, then embossing and stamping are dead-simple techniques that’ll do the trick! These cracking creative methods are a brilliant way to add some proper texture and shine to your drawings, paintings, or even fabric projects you’ve got on the go.

With embossing, you can use a stylus or heat tool to pop up designs on paper or card, making your art feel loads more dynamic than before. Stamping is all about pressing good old ink or paint onto your surface with a carved or molded design—think cool patterns, shapes, or even custom stamps you knock up yourself. Both techniques are light as a feather to learn and can be mixed in with your favourite art supplies for endless creative possibilities that’ll keep you busy for ages. Artists are mad about using embossing and stamping to make their projects stand out from the crowd and add that special touch to their work that really makes it shine.

Now, let’s create something beautiful with tiny pieces.

Mosaic Magic: Create Art with Tiny Pieces

Mosaic art is a dead simple and cracking creative way to knock up some absolutely stunning designs using tiny bits of glass, stone, or ceramic. To get going, grab yourself a surface like a box, tray, or even a bit of cardboard, and sketch out your design.

Use some hot glue or another proper strong adhesive to pop down your mosaic pieces one by one, building up your pattern or picture as you go. You can have a right good play with different colours and shapes to create a style thats totally your own. This project is perfect for artists who love getting their hands dirty and want to add some lovely texture and colour to their art. Whether youre doing up a table, sprucing up a frame, or just making a brilliant piece to stick up on the wall, mosaic art is a cracking way to let your creativity loose and make something absolutely beautiful from loads of little bits and pieces.

Let’s talk about overcoming creative blocks.

Overcoming Creative Blocks: Get Unstuck and Keep Creating

Tips for Overcoming Creative Blocks

Every artist hits a creative block now and then, but don’t let it stop you from making art! If you’re feeling stuck, try switching things up—grab a different pencil or pen, or start a new project that’s totally outside your usual style.

Sometimes, just doodling or scribbling can help get the ideas flowing again. Take a break, go for a walk, or chat with a friend for a fresh burst of inspiration. Remember, creativity is a process, and it’s perfectly normal to have ups and downs. The key is to keep practicing, try new things, and continue exploring what excites you. Every mark you make is part of your creative journey, so don’t be afraid to experiment and see where your imagination takes you!

Now, let’s reflect on your progress and celebrate your journey.

Reflecting on Progress: Celebrate Your Artistic Journey

How to Reflect on Your Artistic Progress

Taking a moment to look back at your art is a wonderful way to see just how much you’ve grown. Flip through your old projects, notice the changes in your style, and celebrate all the creative things you’ve tried.

Sharing your work with a supportive community—whether it’s friends, family, or an online group—can be a great source of encouragement and inspiration. Remember, every artist’s journey is unique, and it’s important to be kind to yourself as you continue to learn and create. Stay inspired by setting new goals, trying out different techniques, and always being open to new ideas. Most importantly, enjoy the process and keep sharing your creativity with the world!

Let’s wrap up with some final thoughts and encouragement.

Final Thoughts: Keep it Fun and Don’t Worry about Perfection

The best thing about art to do when you’re bored is that it’s all about having a good time. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect or “amazing”. Just grab your art supplies, pick a project, and get stuck in. Whether you doodle, paint, or make some jewelry, it’s a great way to pass the time and feel good.

Keep Exploring and Sharing

Explore digital art apps on your phone or tablet for even more creative possibilities. If you want to learn new skills, YouTube offers comprehensive tutorials on various arts and crafts. DIY crafts can be done at home to alleviate boredom and can be simple, requiring minimal materials.

So next time boredom hits, just remember these ideas and have some fun making art! Don’t forget to leave a comment below sharing your favorite art things to do when bored or your own creative ideas—let’s inspire each other! And if your project turns out a little weird, that’s part of the fun, lol.

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Additional Definitions

• Origami: Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding.
• Zentangling: Zentangling focuses on creating intricate, repetitive patterns.
• Art Journaling: Art Journaling combines writing with drawing or collage for personal expression.
• Paper Quilling: Paper Quilling involves rolling and shaping thin strips of paper into decorative designs.