Sometimes the best art projects come from the simplest things around us. With this DIY Object Outline Art activity, kids can transform everyday household items into bold, colourful artworks. Cookie cutters, utensils, toys, or even a pair of glasses can become the startign point for a creative masterpiece.
Imagine tracing around a toy car and turning it into a rainbow outline, or overlapping the shapes of cookie cutters to make a dazzling abstract pattern. A spoon might become part of a rocket ship, while a pair of glasses could morph into a butterfly’s wings. The fun lies in seeing ordinary objects in extraordinary ways.
This project is not only playful but also helps children develop fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and creative confidence. By tracing, cutting, and layering shapes, they learn to experiment with composition and colour while discovering that art can be made from anything around them.
In this post, we’ll walk through the equipment you’ll need, step‑by‑step instructions, helpful hints, and even a little inspiration from professional artists who turn everyday objects into striking works of art.
DIY Object Outline Art
Idea from Kate Brinkworth
What You Need:
- Large piece of paper (or tape sheets together for a bigger canvas)
- Coloured card
- Scissors (child‑safe if needed)
- Metallic pens or felt tips
- Glue stick
- Found household objects (cookie cutters, toys, utensils, glasses, etc.)
The Idea:
This project is all about turning everyday objects into art. By tracing around familiar shapes, cutting them out, and layering them onto paper, kids can create vibrant, overlapping designs that feel abstract and playful. It’s a wonderful way to encourage them to look at the world differently and discover beauty in the ordinary.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Hunt for objects. Search the house for items that can be easily traced.
2. Trace and cut. Draw around a few objects on coloured card, cut them out, and glue them randomly onto your large sheet of paper.
3. Layer and outline. Place other objects on top and trace around them with metallic pens or felt tips. Experiment with different colours to create striking shapes.
4. Build your artwork. Keep layering and outlining until your page is filled with overlapping, playful designs.
Helpful Hints:
- Pick a theme (toys, cars, kitchen items, or even your hands) — or keep it completely random.
- Metallic pens look especially striking against coloured card.
- If objects are tricky to hold, trace lightly in pencil first, then go over with pen.
- Encourage kids to experiment with overlapping shapes and bold colours for maximum impact.
Artist to Look At:
Take a look at artist Michael Craig‑Martin, who is famous for his bright, bold paintings of everyday objects. His work shows how ordinary items can be transformed into eye‑catching art — perfect inspiration for this project.
Why Kids Will Love this Project:
- Creativity unlocked – Kids see everyday objects in a whole new way.
- Skill building – Tracing and cutting strengthens fine motor skills.
- Confidence boost – Choosing colours and compositions encourages decision‑making.
- Playful learning – It’s art, but also a fun exploration of shapes and design.
Creativity Unleashed
This DIY Object Outline Art project is a brilliant way to combine creativity with everyday life. Kids learn to appreciate the shapes and forms around them, while developing fine motor skills, colour awareness, and imaginative thinking. Whether they choose a theme or go completely random, the results are always unique, vibrant, and full of personality.
So grab some household objects, a handful of pens, and let your child’s creativity shine through outlines, layers, and playful designs.
