If you’re looking for cute things to paint, here are over 40 ideas on a variety of surfaces! These are easy enough for kids or adults – great for beginners.
Skills Required: Beginner. Most of these projects require very basic painting skills. Surfaces range from paper to canvas to wood to cloth. There is a little bit of something for everyone here.
Embarking on a creative journey often starts with a blank canvas – or in this case, a variety of canvases!
From the cozy corners of your home to the unexpected surfaces you’ve never thought to decorate, the world is your oyster when it comes to painting. And what’s more fun than filling these spaces with cute things to paint?
Today, we’re diving into a treasure trove of over 40 adorable and easy painting ideas that promise to bring a dash of whimsy and a whole lot of color to your life.
The beauty of these projects lies in their simplicity. They are perfectly suited for anyone who’s ever held a paintbrush and thought, “What now?”
Whether you’re looking to decorate your living space, craft a heartfelt gift, or simply enjoy a peaceful afternoon indulging in the art of painting, there’s something here for everyone.
If you’re just getting started with painting, these ideas are a great place to start. There are options on wood, fabric, metal, canvas, terra cotta, stone, clay, and more. Everyone will find something here.
So welcome to the ultimate list of cute (and fun, and easy) things to paint, where every idea is a stepping stone to your next artistic endeavor. Let’s get those brushes ready and dive into a world where creativity knows no bounds!
Important Painting Tips
If you’ve never painted before, I’m going to give you some tips and a little introduction. If you’re already familiar with paint then you can skip this section. Hopefully these help you get started.
Paint to Use
The first thing you need to paint is – paint! I use acrylic craft paint, and my favorite brands are Martha Stewart as well as FolkArt. Love the quality, the pigmentation, the color selection, and the price. The craft store has every color you could ever imagine.
I use the multi-surface version of both brands on just about everything. The only exceptions:
These are also available at the craft store. Multi-surface craft paint still works great on both of those surfaces, but the paints made for those surfaces work better. Why? Because they are specifically made to bond with those surfaces.
You might be wondering about chalk paint.
Yes, I use that too on occasion. In simplest terms, chalk paint is an acrylic paint with an ultra matte finish. My favorite brand is FolkArt Home Decor Chalk. It works amazingly well. It sticks to just about any surface, many times with no prep.
Besides paint, I always have on hand:
Surfaces to Choose
You can use: wood, ceramic, paper mache, canvas, metal, stone, glass, fabric, clay, and more. My advice? Just experiment. If you’ve never painted before, obviously start with one of these ideas below and an inexpensive surface.
I highly encourage you to jump in! Once you get a little practice with a brush and some paint, you won’t be able to put it down. Scroll down to get some great ideas to try. Enjoy!
Painted Daisy Mason Jars
What do I love about distressed mason jars? You don't have to get them perfect while painting – they look cute regardless! Pick the color of your choice and then add dainty little daisies.
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Kilim-Inspired Painted Basket
This Kilim-Inspired painted basket tutorial is an easy way to try out a fun new color palette quickly and inexpensively. It’s so simple to make!
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Cute Painted Door Mat
Add your favorite saying to the front of your home with this colorful and cute personalized door mat project! It’s way easier to make than you might think.
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Hand Painted Floral Ring Dishes
These hand painted air dry clay ring dishes are a sweet little craft! Clay dishes like this make a pretty personalized gift, and they are so easy to make.
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Floral Paint By Number
Download this free file to print and paint this colorful floral paint-by-number! You can use this design on canvas, but you can also use it with fabric paint on a bag or a variety of other surfaces!
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Wine Glass Painting
I don't know about you, but when I think about painting on glass it seems really intimidating! If you want an easy project to learn on, these wine glasses fit the bill. You'll love making these for gifts!
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Fruit Stamping on Tea Towels
Use a fun fruit stamping technique to decorate some plain tea towels. These make great handmade gifts and they are so easy, even a kid can make them!
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Rock Doll Faces
People of all ages love rock painting – I'm all about these rocks that are turned into darling dolls with a little paint! Anyone can create the faces and hair.
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DIY Abstract Painted Pouches
You don’t need painting skills to create these beautiful abstract painted zipper pouches, with a custom gem charm that you can make using silicone molds!
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Painted Oxfords
Sometimes a pair of shoes needs a bit of a makeover to be cute again – do it with acrylic paint! You won't believe how easy this is, and you'll want to try it on all of your footwear.
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Cute Painted Modern Stacking Dolls
Modify an old set of broken stacking dolls with spray paint and some acrylic paint details. These matryoshka got a modern revamp, and I’ll show you how it’s done!
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Chalkboard Paint Candles
Grab various colors of chalkboard paint and make these colorful little display! The candles are from the dollar store. Wouldn't these make such cute DIY decor or a party favor?
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Painted Mosaic Pinch Pots
These sweet little pinch pots are made with air dry clay! Paint them to make little faces and add any embellishments you like to finish them off. Both kids and adults will love making these.
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DIY Chalkboard Door Hangers
Use a clear chalkboard paint to decorate these modern DIY door hangers! Make them in any pattern and color palette to match your decor.
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Painted Acorns for a Fall Display
Acorns are one of my favorite things to paint during fall. Learn how I made these acorns here and also don't forget to check out how to get rid of the beasties before starting.
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Canvas Paint Chip Art
If you want to make sure you have a unique canvas project as part of your decor, check out this easy paint chip art made with acrylics and Mod Podge.
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How to Make a Fairy Garden
Want to learn how to make a fairy garden the easy way? This DIY fairy garden uses clay pots and takes only four steps!
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DIY Hair Pins
Learn how to make cute hair clips with the message of your choice! This is a fun fashion craft for kids or adults, and so easy to paint.
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Glasses Holder Display
Learn how to make a DIY glasses holder that looks like a face with simple wood surfaces from the craft store. This eyeglass holder is SO cute and easily customized.
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Geometric Clay Christmas Ornaments
These clay Christmas ornaments are kid friendly but still look great on your tree! They are so easy to make; use your favorite paint colors.
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Painted Rock Cactus Gardens
These painted cacti are especially perfect if you aren't good with plants! Grab rocks in a variety of sizes and paint a cute desert garden.
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Floral Painted Waterbottles
Grab your favorite enamel paints and a water bottle, then start painting florals with this easy method! You're going to love making these for yourself, and for gifts.
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Wine Cork Succulent Magnets
These wine cork succulents are colorful fridge magnets made from recycled wine corks. These pretty little staples will compliment your kitchen decor perfectly!
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Paint Scrape Notecards
This cute painting project idea is really easy, so much fun, and makes beautifully colored notecards for every occasion. You just need a few simple supplies (you probably already have!) to create these fun cards.
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Summer Birdhouse Wreath
Use acrylic paint along with paint and Mod Podge to make a wreath that will cheer you up no matter the color of the skies.
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Make Your Own Boggle Game
Learn to make a colorful painted Boggle game with wooden blocks! Not only is this a fun game to play with friends and family, but it's a decor piece when not in use.
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Decorate IKEA Magazine Holders
Want an easy painted craft idea? Grab an IKEA magazine holder and paint it as unique home decor or for a gift! Add your favorite Duck Tape to personalize.
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Colorful Cactus Painted Pots
Make these easy painted pots using terra cotta planters and your favorite paint colors – the cute sayings will brighten up any dreary days!
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Brush Stroke Storage Boxes
Tiny boxes are so cute to paint! Use this brush stroke method to achieve pretty results no matter your skill level; abstract is the name of the game here.
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Canvas Art with Plastic Animals
This cute DIY canvas art made with plastic animals is such a fun and easy idea! Mini canvas art like this is perfect for a nursery, kids’ room, or craft studio. You can complete this project in five simple steps.
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Palm Leaf Pencil Pouch
Learn how to paint this pencil pouch (or a notebook, tote, or any other surface) with an adhesive stencil! It's really easy to make a cute craft and stay within the lines using this technique.
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Easy Painted Luggage
Learn how to transform an old suitcase piece into an easy DIY hand painted luggage statement piece! A quick and easy colorful update will give your travels a whole new look.
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Color Rock Dominoes
Turn natural materials into a brightly colored game? That sounds fun to me! Grab some cute paint colors and a brush – in addition to the rocks, that's all you'll need.
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DIY Emoji Coasters
If you're obsessed with emoji, you're going to love this coaster set! Add Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge for some additional protection. So easy to paint.
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I’d love to know which of these projects you’ve tried – or which ones you’d like to try! If you enjoyed this post, you might also like these others:
Tamara Murphy
Wednesday 12th of May 2021
I am looking for animal paintings like a frog or a lady bug.
Amy
Wednesday 12th of May 2021
Tamara I would look on Pinterest! Look for "how to draw a frog" or same with ladybug . . . then you can translate this to a canvas!