Art projects that require applying some type of material include painting, drawing, coloring and gluing. Using different types of materials makes the activities different each day.
With a little creativity, painting offers an assortment of craft options. Using odd materials to apply paint will make the project stand out from those that use brushes. Toothbrushes, sponges, cotton balls, swabs or fabric flowers are all great ways to apply paint.
The children will enjoy using something different from plain white paper. Scribbling on coffee filters with markers and then spraying the design with water creates an image similar to watercolor paint. Chalk on black paper looks fabulous, and kids love blending the design with their fingers.
Give toddlers the freedom to glue their own art projects. Although young children aren't usually able to handle a full bottle of glue, they can easily use sticks or a paintbrush to apply it. Toddlers will have fun gluing tissue paper scraps, bits of foil, string, fabric, pom-poms and sequins all by themselves.
Formed crafts are made when toddlers are given clay or dough to shape with their hands. The result doesn't have to be permanent for the kids to enjoy creating it. Formed projects can also include other types of three-dimensional creations that are made using glue and other items.
Store-bought dough or clay can be molded using an endless array of tools. Cookie cutters and other kitchen gadgets are fun to use and kids get a kick out of using them to make pretend foods. Clay is slightly harder to use but can produce a permanent item for the child to cherish. After the creation dries, it can usually be painted, too.
Interlaced crafts are made when toddlers weave, knot or lace. This activity is ideal for developing fine motor skills. Weaving can be done using long strips of paper. Once the children have made a woven masterpiece it can be glued at the edges or laminated to create a place mat or wall hanging.
Lacing requires some prep work. An adult will first need to cut out large shapes and punch evenly spaced holes around the perimeter. Each toddler is given a shape, some crayons and a piece of yarn. After he draws a design on the shape, he can use the yarn to lace the border.