‘I'm Bored' Ideas: 31 Art Activities for Teens (2024)

Art projects aren’t just for younger kids. There are plenty of easy and fun art activities your teen will love doing.

Crafting is a great way for teens to get away from their screens, explore their creative side, and be social with their friends.

We’ve gathered a list of 31 of our favorite art activities for teens. Everything from jewelry and decor to clothing and gifts.

9 Tips to Encourage Creativity in Teens

1. Go beyond arts and crafts – Creativity isn’t just about arts and crafts. Imagination and creativity are present in all areas of our lives. You can use problem-solving games or team-building exercises to help inspire creativity.
2. Provide a creative atmosphere – Creativity starts at home. Fill your house with books and music, cook or bake together, do projects around the house, or take turns writing stories and poems.
3. Let them take risks – It can be hard to let your teen take risks. By allowing them to try something that is out of their comfort zone, and letting them know it’s ok to fail, they may discover that what they thought was scary is not at all.
4. Immerse them in beauty – Natural and man-made beauty are truly inspiring. Get your teen outside and explore the world around them. Fresh air, water, trees, and mountains encourage creativity. The same goes for art and culture. See a theater production, visit an art museum, go to a concert, or enjoy a local food festival.
5. Encourage questions – It’s important to encourage your teen to ask questions about things they aren’t sure about. Allow them to form their own ideas and beliefs and let them see that everyone sees and believes things differently.
6. Be an example – Show your teens they can be creative by being the example. Show them your creative side, whether you enjoy drawing, sculpting, knitting, decorating, or baking. Let them see you doing what you love with enthusiasm.
7. Don’t damper their self-expression – Give your teen freedom to express their creativity through their personal style. Let them show their personality through jewelry, hairstyles, clothing, or the way they decorate their own room.
8. Let them form opinions – By trying new things, your teen can discover what they like, and don’t like. Give them space to develop their own opinions without imposing your own views. When they know they have a safe place to share their ideas, they will be more comfortable in their creativity.
9. Be aware of their gifts – Think about what your teen loves to do. What brings them joy? Whether they like to make things with their hands, play music, or draw, recognize their gifts and encourage them to explore them.

10 Art Essentials to Invest In

Your teen deserves a significant bump up from your basic craft materials. Get them excited about art with these high-quality craft supplies.

1. Conte Crayons – These are not your typical crayons. Think of them more like chalk pastels without the dust. Your teen will love the brilliant colors and how easily they blend.
2. Sketch Pad – A sketch pad is a must for any young artist. The paper is thick and allows for ease of drawing, and the ring binding helps it to lay flat.
3. Water Colour Pocket Box – These artist-quality watercolors are a real treasure. The box is easy for your teen to take with them to create whenever inspiration strikes.
4. Fine Point Pens – Whether they are drawing or doodling, your teen will love using these colorful pens for just about any craft they’re making.
5. Colored Pencils – These colored pencils are by far the best out there. They help to create dimension and blend so beautifully.
6. Acrylic Paint Set – These paints come in so many different colors and a little paint goes a long way. They’re also versatile and easy to use.
7. Canvases – This art basic takes your teen’s creations beyond a simple sheet of paper. With canvases that come in multiple sizes, they’ll feel like a true artist.
8. Skin Color Marker Set – This marker set is great for creating realistic skin tones as well as earthy textures and landscapes.
9. Micron Pens – These pens are made for outlining and adding small details and embellishments. And with some care, they will last a long time.
10. Art Supply Storage Box – Your teen can keep all their art supplies handy in this portable storage bin.

31 Art Activities for Teens

1. Yarn Cuff Bracelet | One Little Project
2. Fluffy Bubblegum Slime | Artbar
3. Hanging Wall Photo Display | A Little Craft in Your Day
4. Heart String Art | Sugar Bee Crafts
5. Tie Dye Shoes | It’s Always Autumn
6. Handmade Clay Earrings | Modge Podge Rocks
7. Custom Book Covers | DIY Projects
8. DIY Workout Tank | Rabbit Food For My Bunny Teeth
9. Marbled Nail Polish Mugs | Strength and Sunshine
10. Hexagon Shelf | Inside the Fox Den
11. Leather Wrap Bracelet | Golden Age Beads
12. Pebble Art Family Portrait | It’s Always Autumn
13. Macrame Keychains | The Pretty Life Girls
14. Chalk Marker Leaves | Artbar
15. Embellished Zipper Pouch | Alice and Lois
16. Marbled Clay Ring Dishes | A Beautiful Mess
17. DIY Dry Erase Board | DIY Candy
18. Macrame Rainbow | At Home With Ashley
19. Wire Wrapped Bead Rings | Dollar Store Crafts
20. Explosion Box | It’s Always Autumn
21. Fringed T-Shirt Bag | Oh The Things We’ll Make
22. Comic Book Coasters | Modge Podge Rocks
23. Crochet Cord Bracelets | All About Ami
24. DIY Bath Bombs | MuffinChannel
25. Braided Strap Flip Flops | Make It & Love It
26. Paper Flowers | It’s Always Autumn
27. Boho Jewelry Hanger | Sustain My Craft Habit
28. Paper Bag Stars | The SITS Girls
29. Paint Chip Name Garland | Artbar
30. Friendship Bracelets | Honestly WTF
31. Knot Pillow | DIY Projects

These 31 art activities for teens are sure to get their creative juices flowing.

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