Summer is here, and we’ve searched the internet for the messiest, silliest, and most fun art projects that will keep your young artist creating all summer long!

Popsicle Crafts

Nothing says summer like your favorite popsicle! Why not hang on to your sticks and create some fun, summer upcycled art? If you don’t eat many popsicles at your house (WHY THOUGH?), you can always pick up a pack at your local art/craft store or dollar store. They are a versatile and inexpensive must have art supply!

I absolutely adore these Octopus Sculptures! The supplies are simple, and the results are adorable. If your artist is too young to play with pony beads, you could always use pom-poms instead or draw/paint the “suckers” on your octopus’s tentacles. Or maybe dinosaurs are more your thing. This Stegosaurus Sculpture uses popsicle sticks and clothespins to make the Jurassic Period come to life!

If you have a young textile artist in the house, they’ll love these Popsicle Stick Baskets! They would make cute planters or pencil holders. The instructions call for hot glue, so adult supervision is definitely required. You could also use craft glue and let your base dry over night.

Perhaps you have an artist who likes to create and perform? These DIY Popsicle Fans might take their cosplay/dress up hour to the next level! They are also very practical on a hot summer’s day.

For the abstract artist, these Popsicle Stick Sculptures are sure to inspire! The instructions call for watercolor paints, but you can use markers or even crayons to decorate your sticks. These sculptures would make a cool gift, too, as they add a nice pop of color to any room!

More Upcycled Summer Projects

Since we are talking about upcycling, here are a few more projects that use items we might otherwise throw away!

When I think of summer, I think of sitting on my grandmother’s patio listening to the wind chimes sing softly in the breeze. You can make your own musical art using tin cans with this DIY Wind Chime project that uses tin cans. You’ll need adult supervision to drill the holes in the cans, though.

Do you have a box of old CDs taking up space somewhere? This Coffee Can Wind Chime project can make use of them and give them a new colorful life! If you’re not a fan of the noise that accompanies wind chimes, you might like to try this Recycled Creative Windsock project that uses a plastic bottle and ribbon or strips of fabric. Whichever project you choose, you’ll love the creative addition to your patio, deck, or porch!

If you have old pool noodles lying around, these Pool Noodle Monsters are so much fun. You’ll probably want to cut them for your child, but once that’s done, grab some pipe cleaners, googly eyes, and pom poms and let their imaginations run wild! And don’t throw away the clear plastic plates from your summer get-togethers. If you have glass paint or are willing to pick some up, you can make these beautiful Sun Catchers.

Summer Printing Projects

I am always surprised at how much young artists love printmaking projects. We always incorporate a day of printmaking in our multi media camps, and kids have the best time!

This Stamped Tea Towel project uses craft foam to create your own stamps. While this particular activity focuses on organic themes, you can make stamps around any theme you want. The tea towels make great gifts, too.

If you don’t want to fuss with fabric paint, we found a few great monoprinting projects on paper as well. These Sunny Monoprints don’t require any fancy equipment. All you need is freezer paper, paint, and Q-tips! If you have any styrofoam lying around (maybe from a BBQ or a food delivery) you can use it to make stamps!

This project asks you to cut the styrofoam in similar sized circles so they are easier for little hands to work with. The article also tells you how to use a mirror or pane of glass to make monoprints. This Eco Printing project would be so much fun. Younger artists could definitely assist, or perhaps this could be a project for the entire family!

We hope you found some inspiration for summer art making! If you try any of these projects, be sure to tag us in your photos. We LOVE to see your creations!