Kids can make designs on a cardboard canvas with tape and markers. Applying tape and colorful stickers will help strengthen early learners' fine motor and creative skills.

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Recycled cardboard is one of the easiest - and most beneficial - materials to recycle for kids activities.

We always seem to have a bit of cardboard on hand: an empty cereal box; a shipping carton; packaging; a shoe box.

A small or medium size piece of cardboard can be used as a canvas for an art activity. 

A large piece of cardboard can be used as a table protector. Place it under paints and other craft materials when doing art projects with the kids.

Related: Spring flowers made with corrugated cardboard.

Art activity with a cardboard canvas

For this simple art activity, use a clean, flat piece of cardboard as a canvas for making designs with stickers and tape. 

This is a child-led activity, which means kids do the 'work', while grownups guide and 'help' when needed or requested.

Grownups can also participate by making artwork of their own alongside their budding artist.

Supplies

• masking tape or painters tape, plain or colors
• washi tape
• stickers - shapes
• crayons and markers
• cardboard

Cut pieces of cardboard into different sizes and shapes.

Provide a variety of tape in different colors and widths, as well as crayons and markers in different colors.

Instructions

Apply tape and stickers to the cardboard to make patterns and designs. 

Color the spaces between the lengths of tape with crayons or markers.

Here is an easy method for kids to add tape to the cardboard:

• Place a length of tape on the cardboard so it extends on both sides.

• Cut the tape off the roll with scissors or tear with fingers.

• Fold the ends under the cardboard on either side to secure to the cardboard and make a smooth finish.

You can pre-cut pieces of tape and stick them to the edge of the table for younger children. They can lift individual pieces as needed for the design.

This one is done with a lot of plain masking tape on a long rectangular piece of cardboard.

 Kids create independently in a process art activity. 

• The activity is largely child-led. 
• There is no preferred or anticipated product or result to achieve.
• The process itself provides the learning through play. 

The materials provided speak for themselves - colors, textures, and ease of use can be explored through hands-on play. 

This is a simple activity using everyday materials. The easy setup and cleanup help make it a go-to for your 'toolkit'!

More tape activities from kid-friendly bloggers!

Tape Resist Name Painting - Pre-K Pages

Tape Pull Fine Motor Activity - Mama Papa Bubba

The Magic of Tape - Teach Preschool

Tape Resist Stained Glass Art - Happy Hooligans

Sticky Tape Challenge - Laughing Kids Learn

A Tape Road - Hands On as We Grow