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

Hey guys! Hey everyone! Stuck with nothing to do and feeling a bit bored? Doing a fun thing like art is a great way to pass the time, and there are so many creative things you can try when boredom strikes. If you’re searching for an idea to spark your creativity, why not try some cute projects or crafts? While some people might watch TV or videos when they’re bored, picking up a pen or brush is a more creative alternative. It doesn’t matter how your art turns out—the process is what counts and brings relaxation. No matter your skill level, you can enjoy these activities, just like people all over the world do when they’re looking for something fun and creative to do. Years ago, I could barely draw a simple flower, but with practice, I’ve improved a lot—so anyone can get better over time!

Getting Started: What You Need

Before you start, grab some basics: some paper, a few pencils, pens, scissors, some glue, and if you have them, maybe some markers or paint. For certain projects, you might need to measure your paper or materials to ensure everything fits and looks just right. You can also use scraps of paper or cardboard from around the house—there’s no need to visit a craft store or go out & buy anything special. Setting up a small space, like a table or desk, helps keep things tidy and makes it way easier to focus on your project.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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. Arrange them on a page and glue them down to make a collage. This is a great way 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. 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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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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. 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.

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.

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. 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.

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

Try drawing the last thing you ate. 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.

Simple Watercolour Florals: Soft and Dreamy

If you’ve got some watercolours knocking about then give painting some simple flowers a go. Start 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 – you don’t have to be super-precise. It’s a great way to add some nature-inspired art to your collection.

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

Take an old box, maybe a pretty gift 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. This project is a great way to give something old a new lease on life and make it special. Plus, its a neat way to store your art supplies or a few small treasures.

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.

Hand Lettering Quotes: Words that Inspire

Pick a short quote or phrase that means something to you. 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.

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.

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.

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. Just chop your paper into whatever size and shape takes your fancy, fold the pages nice and neat, then bind them together with a simple stitch or pop a line of hot glue along the spine. Once your journal is all sorted and assembled, thats when the real fun kicks off—get stuck in decorating 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.

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.

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.

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.

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, its a great way to pass the time and feel good. Explore digital art apps on your phone or tablet for even more creative possibilities. So next time boredom hits, just remember these ideas and have some fun making art!