5 Easy (And Fun) Art Projects to Do in Your Downtime

Getting into arts and crafts may seem like a chore. There are a million excuses to keep you from utilizing your creative side but really you just don’t have enough time. 

Here’s the thing — art doesn’t have to take that much time.

In fact, it’s entirely possible to be a casual artist, making things for fun when you have a few minutes to spare. Just to prove it, here are 5 art projects that are so easy you can do them in your downtime.

1. Graphic String Art 

Not only is this graphic string art so easy that it can take you less than an hour to make, but it’s also incredibly customizable. 

If you’re just starting out, feel free to follow along with the tutorial that’s provided to create a beautiful ombre effect piece of art that will remind you to take a load off. The yellow thread really drives home the peacefulness of this design.

However, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, you’ll also find instructions to make your own string art template!

That means you can create anything you want out of string. Use another word, change up the font, or do a picture instead. You can also paint your slab of wood before doing your string art or cover it in decorative paper to make it stand out.

And, of course, there are tons of string colors you can use to suit your tastes. 

2. No-Sew Rag Quilt

Quilts are probably the coziest blankets on planet earth and you can’t convince us otherwise.

Have you always wanted to make your own quilt?

Are you intimidated by sewing or just don’t have the time to learn how to do it?

Well, we’ve got the perfect project for you!

A rag quilt is a lot more elegant than it sounds. The reason it’s called a rag quilt is because the raw edges are visible even after the quilt is completed. It’s made by cutting the edges into strips and then tying all the strips together to form a seam.

Pretty cool right?

You can make your quilt out of any fabric you like and breakup tying sessions over a few days or even longer. Just tie a few knots whenever you get some free time and watch your new quilt come together in a snap!

3. Yarn Pom Pom Projects

Yarn pom poms have taken the world by storm.

We’re honestly surprised they don’t actually rain from the sky every now and then as much as we see them glued on things. But, hey, we don’t hate it.

These adorably fuzzy decorative pieces are so fun to make and even more fun to stick to things!

All you really need to make pom poms is some yarn, a bit of cardboard, some scissors, and a love for fuzzy things. You’ll get so drawn into the process that you’ll have a pile of perfect pom poms before you realize it.

And then comes the best part.

Just think of all the things you can possibly stick pom poms on to make them better. Then think again because the pom pom project list never ends. Paper clips, shoes, wreathes, rugs, bookmarks… you’re only limited by your imagination.

4. Upcycled Mason Jars

Maybe the only thing more popular than pom poms is mason jars. You can’t look up rustic chic home decor without seeing a mason jar or five getting incorporated somewhere.

If this trend is right up your alley, why not turn it into your new hobby?

Mason jar crafts are pretty easy to come by. You can do a lot with one jar to help it fit in with your home or turn it into a gift for someone else. Cover it in paint, glam it up with glitter, or leave it clear and fill it up with goodies.

This is a great way to spend your downtime because mason jars are nice to look at and incredibly functional. 

Need a new toothbrush holder? Mason jars. Run out of things to put flowers in? Mason jars. Looking for the perfect thing to store your loose change in? You got it — a mason jar!

5. Pressed Flower Art

Botanical art will never get old, especially when it’s made from actual flowers. 

Learning a new skill can certainly take some time, but when it comes to pressing flowers you don’t have to do much heavy lifting. This is one of those things that you prep and then leave alone to do its magic.

Viola! You have beautiful pressed flowers for your crafts.

Making art from your pressed flowers is arguably the fun part. Your favorite blooms can be used to decorate any number of things. From creating coasters to framing arrangements on the wall, you’ve got options to keep you busy for many downtimes to come.

In Conclusion

So you see? It doesn’t take hours of dedication every single day to make art. You don’t have to create masterpieces to create. All that really matters is that you’re having fun!

And I think we can all agree that these projects are pretty fun.

The next time you have a spare hour or even a few minutes to yourself, consider using them for your creative side. You don’t have to do one of these 5 easy art projects. Just make sure you do something.