We used a basic kitchen tool -- a masher -- to create a pattern on this plain canvas tote.

Brighten up clothes, accessories, and toys with our easy painting crafts.

With just a can of silver spray paint, you can transform a humble straw hat into a chic make-it-yourself accessory you’ll use all season.

Create DIY cocktail napkins decorated with card suits to use at your next game night.

Decorate all-purpose galvanized trays with bands of bright enamel paint -- they won't be damaged by the moisture given off by cold drinks.

Create beautiful prints with paint and on-hand household items, like the kitchen masher we used to create these napkins.

With a kid's nylon umbrella, paintbrushes, and permanent waterproof paint, such as fabric paint or acrylic, you can create the perfect rainy day accessory.

Follow the manufacturer's directions: Some fabric paints require the addition of fixative; others require ironing the umbrella after painting. Carefully cover the work surface with newspaper before you begin, and have your child wear a smock. Once finished, keep the umbrella open overnight; the paint must dry completely before you close it or use it. 

Transform a humble straw basket into chic make-it-yourself storage.

Use fabric craft paint and fabric paint pens to decorate clean canvas sneakers.

Apply dot-painted designs to transform plain ceramic pieces into elegant gifts. 

By using some humble potato prints and fabric paint, you can create one-of-a-kind fashions that your kids will love.

Painting isn't just for fabrics. A block-print technique can also dress up paper, like these notebooks printed with house numbers.

Dip rustic baskets in water-based latex paint for a chic new accessory.

Dress up everyday linens with nature-inspired patterns made from templates and fabric paint.

Use acrylic paint and tape to add charming spirals to pencils.

Use semigloss latex exterior paint and primer to give your picnic table a shiny, patriotic look. Prime table; allow to dry. Cover the edges of alternating slats with blue painters' tape. Apply two coats of red paint to the untaped slats and allow to dry. Remove tape, then apply new tape to edges of painted slats; paint two coats of white on remaining slats and let dry.

Paint jars in pumpkin colors with oil-based enamel paint and give them funny faces.

Embellish a plain t-shirt by block-printing it with paint and a trivet or other design.

Make chunky, cheerful bangles with white acrylic paint and tissue paper.

Smooth, flat stones aren't just for skipping -- they're perfect for game pieces too. For a set of dominoes, all you need are 28 stones and a white paint pen to draw lines and dots. Begin by drawing a line across the center of each. Then, on either side of the line, mark with two sets of dots in every combination from zero to six.

Trace our leafy templates onto large candleholders with an extra-fine-tip paint pen, for a beautiful centerpiece that looks stitched.

Use a gold-colored metallic-paint pen to "gild" the borders of invitations, note cards, gift tags, envelopes, and place cards. On a covered work surface, run the pen's felt tip flush along all edges of the paper; the paint will bleed slightly, creating a glimmering border.

These painted fabric silhouettes are a clever and inexpensive way to brighten up any wall.

For these sunroom pillows, mustard-yellow linen was printed with three different-size anthurium leaves.

Make a fun game for the beach using a place mat, fabric ink, and a vinyl eraser.

Use different colors of acrylic paint to embellish a pair of sandals.

With rocks, glue, and paint, kids can create a collection of all their favorite animals.

Make this adorable stenciled stool to add color and height to any child's bedroom.

A little paint printed with a bottle-stopper gives a fun touch to neutral accessories like these espadrilles.

Make an indoor hopscotch mat for cold or rainy days.

For cheerful containers, stain pots in colors that complement their contents.

With simply an eraser and fabric paint, you can give some plain-Jane napkins a little personality. Stamp a bright border in any pattern and palette you fancy.

Give old blocks a seaworthy upgrade with glue, paint, and stickers.

Turn chile peppers into a jolly ornaments using apricot, white, and red acrylic paint.

Decorate terra-cotta pots with yellow, orange, and white acrylic paint, and fill with candy corn for a festive Halloween treat.