32 Blank Surfaces For Inspiration

What inspires me the most is something that isn't there yet, a blank surface waiting for imagination and creativity to take over.  Blank surfaces are valued spaces in our home.  My five year old has become very comfortable with filling in what's empty, and surprises me with points of view I didn't know he was capable of.

To inspire others I'm sharing a list of blank surfaces you and your children can use to make the process of painting, drawing, and creating a little more novel than using typical white paper.

1. Cardboard

2. Bathtubs 

          Growing a Jeweled Rose has a great messy play example here.

3. Windows

          

4. Driveways

          Use chalk or paint, take a picture, and let the rain wash it away.

5. Paper bags

6. Paper plates

7. Contact paper

Use the sticky side like NurtureStore did.

8. Construction paper

9. Packing paper

10. Styrofoam or Craft foam

          I love Tinkerlab's printmaking post.

11. Skin

          Ever brave body painting with toddlers or preschoolers?

12. Etch-a-sketch

          Classic toy!

13. Magna Doodle board

14. Refrigerators

          Use magnets to create designs.

15. Whiteboards

"They are running a race" -Aidan (age 5)

16. Chalkboards

17. Wallpaper

18. Shirts

19. Pillowcases

20. Cookie sheets/Sensory Trays

21. High Chair Trays
Try Love, Play Learn's recipe for pudding paint with older babies and toddlers.

22. Snow

          Use your feet or hands to draw or color the snow like Hands on as we Grow did.

23. Sand

Use seashells to make designs.

24. Dirt

Rocks and sticks make great drawing tools.

25. Walls

Have you been thinking about freshening up a wall with some paint or child's artwork?

26. Tabletops

          The Imagination Tree has a wonderful idea here.

27. Shower curtains

28. Plexiglass

See Through Sketching

29. Mirrors

          Washable paint or dry erase markers are best if you'd still like to see your reflection.

30. Scrap wood

31. Aluminum Foil
 Picklebums shared this activity here.

32. Rocks

         

Please share your other blank surface adventures, I'd LOVE to hear them!  Do you have a favorite blank surface at your house or classroom?

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