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 crafting skills. Surfaces range from paper to canvas to wood to cloth. There is a little bit of something for everyone here.
I obviously run a Mod Podge blog, so this post might make you curious. Why would a decoupage-r write a post about cute things to paint? What do paint and Mod Podge have to do with each other?
The answer is everything!
I get questions daily about painting, and how to paint, and which paints work on which surfaces, and which Mod Podge formulas work with paint.
I personally use Mod Podge to seal 95% of my painting projects. I like the finish it gives the paint, as well as the protection. You might not know, but Mod Podge is a glue, and a sealer, and a finish. So even if I don’t glue anything down, I always seal with decoupage medium!
Cute Easy Painting Ideas
A lot of painters want to try Mod Podge and vice versa . . . so I decided to pull together some cute things to paint I thought you might like. Do you have to seal them with Mod Podge? No. But could you? Absolutely.
These are not only cute, but they’re also easy. So 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!
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:
- Glass – I use FolkArt Enamel paint
- Fabric – I use FolkArt Fabric paint
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. You can paint these projects with chalk paint, and Mod Podge over them as well. My favorite brand is FolkArt Home Decor Chalk. It works amazingly well.
Other Tools
Besides paint, I always have on hand:
- Soft bristled paintbrushes
- Water basin
- Palette
- Brayer (for smoothing Mod Podged items down to painted surfaces)
- Silicone mat to protect my work surface
Surfaces to Choose
Cute things to paint can happen on just about any surface! Let’s just say this – if you go to the craft store, then pretty much everything you see can be painted on with craft paint.
What you’ll find: 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!
Cute Things to Paint
Get tons of ideas for cute things to paint! Even if you've never crafted before, you'll want to try these unique ideas. Scroll down to get them all.
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!
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.
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.
Easy Wooden Spoon Makeover
Use Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge for this unique wooden spoon makeover – these are so colorful and make great gifts. All you're going to need is painter's tape.
Fruit Stamping on Tea Towels
Use a fun fruit stamping technique to decorate some plain tea towels. These make great gifts and they are so easy – even a kid can make them!
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.
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.
Paint a Personalized Pillow
This personalized pillow is so easy to make with paint – and the spring colors are perfect! You can customize any way you like.
Painted Oxfords Tutorial
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.
Mod Wooden Bead Necklace
One of my greatest pleasures in life is painting wood beads. It's satisfying, quick to do, and you're going to love the results! Put the beads together to make a cute necklace or bracelet. The options are endless.
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!
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 decor or a party favor?
Wine Glass Painting
I don't know about you, but when I think about painting on glass it seems really intimidating! If you're looking for cute things to paint, these wine glasses fit the bill and they are SO easy. You'll love making these for gifts!
How to Decorate a Corkboard
Use scalloped painter's tape to decorate a corkboard with a pattern! Choose your favorite paint colors and let your imagination run wild.
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!
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.
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.
Painted Acorns for a Fall Display
I love cute things to paint for fall! Acorns are one of my favorites. Learn how I made these acorns here and also don't forget to check out how to get rid of the beasties before starting.
Cute Painted Planter
You can use this cute painted clay pot to hold just about anything! Since the technique is so simple, it's hard to make mistakes. Get creative and see how your version turns out.
Rock Painting
Learn how to do simple crafting with these easy rock painting ideas! These are fun to hide or give as gifts. You'll put a smile on the face that finds them.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wine Cork Succulent Magnets
These wine cork succulent magnets are colorful magnets made from recycled wine corks. These pretty little staples will compliment your fridge perfectly!
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.
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. Definitely falls into the category of cute and easy things to paint!
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.
Geometric Succulent Planters
Create the cutest little succulent planters ever using wooden candle holders from the craft store! A little paint and a few faux succulents is all you need.
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.
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!
Brush Stroke Storage Boxes
Tiny boxes are such cute things to paint! Use this brush stroke method to achieve pretty results no matter your skill level; abstract is the name of the game here!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Donut Bulletin Board with Sprinkle Pins
These donut bulletin boards have the coolest feature - pom pom sprinkle push pins! Learn how to make them the easy way, with simple supplies.
I’d love to know which of these cute things to paint you’ve tried – or which ones you’d like to try! If you enjoyed this post, you might also like these others:
The post Cute Things to Paint That Are Great for Beginners appeared first on Mod Podge Rocks.