If you or the kids want to make things but you don’t want to deal with the clean-up, introduce yourself to these easy no-mess crafts. They’re great for rainy afternoons, after-school wind-downs, and mindful moments. Most of them use paper, foam clay, or watercolour – easy to set up, easy to pack away, and still tactile fun.
Foam clay flowers
Image: @amiciartstudio
This foam clay flower bouquet is colourful, low-mess way to brighten up a desk or kitchen bench. Roll small foam clay balls and flatten slightly into petals. Then press the centre colour onto a skewer and add the petals around it before standing them in a jar or vase.
The artist who created these shared that foam clay has been especially helpful in her studio for neurodiverse and disabled creators. The clay has a non-sticky feel great for those with sensory issues who may find regular clay a bit much. It’s soft and squishy but won’t leave residue on your hands and doesn’t crumble everywhere. So grab some foam clay and have a go!
Patterned tape ice-cream cones
Image: @littlecreativemakers
Washi tape is a tidy crafter’s best friend. For this project, cut a cardboard or thick paper cone then ball up some paper for the ice cream scoops. Add the final touch by covering each scoop in your favourite washi tape patterns for a quick and easy design.
Because the tape peels straight off its backing, there’s no need for glue, and it’s already got patterns so no need for paint!
Foam flower mirror
Image: @studioinnerwest
These foam clay flower mirrors look so fun on a shelf or desk and are quick and easy to make.
Grab a mirror of any size – bigger just means more clay! Roll little foam clay balls and press them around a centre ball to create little foam flowers. Roll out thin tubes and add leaves for vines and make mini mushrooms for that extra cute factor. Once all your creations air dry, simply glue them to the mirror border and voila, DIY complete!
Wax-resist snowflake paintings
Want to paint but with easy, no-fuss clean-up? Try watercolour!
Draw some snowflakes or secret words onto watercolour paper with a white crayon or candle. Then brush over the top with watercolour paints and watch your drawn designs appear as the colour resists the wax. Watercolours are super easy to clean while wet as they’re mostly water – just grab some damp paper towel or a rag and wipe away.
Tiny foam clay trinkets for magnets and keyrings
Image: @amiciartstudio
This one’s great for slightly older kids who like to make minis. On a non stick surface, create mini seasonal trinkets like donuts, bows, rainbows, cookies, flowers – whatever you like!
Once they’ve dried, you can glue them to magnets and pop them on the fridge or stick them onto earring posts or hair clips. The making part is low mess because the foam clay is not sticky and leaves hands clean.
Nature collage with real flowers
Image: @learningwithmaan
Step into nature and forage for art supplies for this cute craft.
Draw a simple figure or animal on coloured card – for example, a person with a big fluffy hairstyle or a sheep with a woolly body. Then grab some stick glue and press flowers or leaves into the hair/wool. This one’s a great reason to go outside and create!
Pop-up pet cards
These pop-up pet cards are great for birthdays, thank-you notes or “just because” mail for grandparents.
Just pick out some coloured card to match your pet’s fur, draw on some faces or patterns in marker, and follow our tutorial to assemble the card. It’s simple and super low mess.
Pinecone hedgehog craft
Image: @littlecreativemakers
This one uses natural materials and little recycling. Next time you’re at the park, collect a few pinecones and flowers. At home, cut a triangle of egg carton for the head stick it to the top of the pinecone.
With a marker, add some eyes, a nose, and rosy cheeks to bring your friend to life. Lastly, grab some flower petals and poke them into the pinecone layers for some vibrant spines!
Jumping origami frogs
Paper folding is a nice option when you really don’t want any mess at all.
Cut squares of coloured paper and follow our simple origami guide to fold jumping frogs. Once you’re done, line your frog up on the table and race your friends by pressing the back to make them hop.
Little to no mess doesn’t have to mean boring crafts. With a few simple supplies like foam clay, paper, and markers, you can set up mindful moments that are quick and easy. You’ll keep the table (mostly) clean and tick off a creative milestone without much effort!
Share your creations with us by using #montmarteart or tag us @montmarteart on Instagram or Facebook. We’d love to see what you come up with!
If you want to see more art, browse our Inspo collection. You can sign-up to Creative Connection by popping in your email down below to get stacks of free art projects sent straight to you. We’re here to keep you inspired!
