20 International Dot Day Art Projects for Kids, Inspired by Peter H. Reynolds storybook – The Dot. From artwork to gifts, Get Inspired, Making a Mark!
Yes, 15th September is International Dot Day! It’s obvious to wonder what’s so special about this day; well, it’s an occasion for everyone to harness their creativity and bring it to the fore. Based on the book ‘The Dot’ by Peter H. Reynolds, this day isn’t something most people know about, and that’s why we’ve decided to put the spotlight on it!
Dots are fundamental to art, as artists Lichtenstein and Kandinsky will agree. If you look around, you’ll find so many things around you that can be used to make dots:
- Felt tip pens
- Q Tips
- Wine corks
- Circle Punch
- Stickers in different sizes
- Googly eyes
- Foam shapes
- Craft paper shapes
- Round jewels
- Pom poms
and one more – your thumbs and fingers!
Besides these, you can stamp with all kinds of regular things you find around the house, like Lego bricks or bubble wrap. You can get some beautiful prints, which you can again cut and use for other crafts. So let’s not keep you waiting – here are 20 delightful dot crafts for kids to make and enjoy!
20 International Dot Day Art Projects for Kids
Let’s begin with one of the easiest ways to make dots – your thumbs! This thumbprint dandelion craft from Glued To My Crafts is easy enough for young kids, and you really don’t need much more than paper and paint!
Here’s a project from our blog that you can create with Crayons. Yes, seriously, the only extra thing you need is your imagination, and you can create several works of art with nothing but dots and dots alone!
We are absolutely in love with this gorgeous watercolor art from Lines Across! Q Tips are used to create paint dots around letter stickers on paper, and the result is something that is truly frame-worthy!
You don’t need complicated shapes to dress up your interiors for your next bash – a polka dot garland will do! It’s perfect for any theme, any age and any occasion, so get the how-to from Glorious Treats!
Want a quick DIY gift to give a special someone, but don’t want to spend too much time or money on it? This dotted photo frame is your solution! Just take a boring old frame and dress it up with neon 3-D liners like we’ve done here.
Recycled crafts are always welcome here at Artsy Craftsy Mom, and this cute ladybug with dots from I Heart Arts and Crafts is made from a recycled CD. This is a really easy craft, and a good idea for toddlers and preschoolers.
Here’s a lovely gift idea for Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa or anyone else! Destination Decoration shows us how simple dots can transform a plain boring coffee mug into something very chic and classy! These are surprisingly easy to make, and look way better than store bought mugs!
We often use pom poms whenever we are in use of something fluffy, and rarely think of them as dots – but they are! Try stamping with a pom pom and you’ll see! Here, Infarrantly Creative makes a dotty peace sign with multicolored pom poms for a wonderful effect.
How pretty as these dotted wooden coasters from Creative Cabin? They are seriously so easy, I’m considering making multiple sets to give out as gifts during the holidays!
These dotty hearts are perfect for Valentine’s Day, or any other time you’re feeling the love! You can also dot the hearts and insert a small plain heart with a message inside – great for Teacher’s Day or Mother’s Day too!
Arty Crafty Kids has a fun way to learn about seasons using handprints, and of course, dots!! Other than your hand, all you need are Q tips and paint to create these colorful trees.
With polka dots on their bodies and multicolored pipe cleaners for legs, these spiders from Molly Moo Crafts are pretty glam!! Those eyes add character to the spiders, so don’t leave them out!
Aren’t these mini top hats from Happy Thought absolutely darling?? They make great hats for kids, adults – even pets! I think some dolls could also benefit from these cute polka dotted headgear!
If you’d like to get your kids used to green living methods, make it look a little more attractive, like these DIY decorated canvas tote bags from Buggy and Buddy! The decoration is really easy to do, and you can customize it to your heart’s liking!
In my personal experience, crafts are among the best ways to encourage kids to learn about other cultures, like this Australian aboriginal art theme rock. Lots of aboriginal art feature dots, and this is a fun way to try it out.
This paper plate turtle craft from The Resourceful Mama is a good activity for preschoolers in punching circles, painting and putting different parts together. Also a good way to learn about different shades and tones in the same color!
There are actually numerous ways to create dots, if you really look, and these sponge pouncers are perfect for it! Use them to create beautiful wall art in various color schemes. Makes a great weekend activity for preteens or teenagers.
Wouldn’t it be great to be reminded of your creative skills every time you checked what time it is? And that’s exactly what you can do with this DIY dotted wall clock from Design Sponge! Making a matching mug or coasters for a custom-designed gift set!
19. Mandala Stones
Mandala roughly translates to circle in Sanskrit, and drawing Mandalas is strangely relaxing, making it a therapeutic exercise. The Whoot creates beautiful Mandala stones with little circles inside, with more tiny circles filling in the gaps between the bigger ones.
20. Circle Punch Art
Want to perk up a boring wall without having to spend too much time, money or effort? Here’s the perfect project that checks all those boxes! This circle punch art takes watercolor circles and makes a pretty collage that’s so simple but striking at the same time.
There is more than one way to celebrate International Dot Day.
Bet you didn’t realize that there were so many things you could make based on the humble dot!! But these dot crafts for kids are just the tip of the iceberg; I’m sure you can think of many, many more to make!