Go canvassing

Look out for blank art canvasses at your local pound shop - they're ideal for cheap and easy art projects that give a great finished results. For example:

• Criss-cross masking tape randomly across the canvas from edge to edge, pressing it down firmly. Get the children to dab paint on with a sponge, then flick and spatter more paint on top, and maybe add some glitter too if they fancy. (As this is a messy activity, you may prefer to do it in the garden.) When the paint dries, peel off the masking tape to reveal a striking abstract canvas. 
• Alternatively, use the masking tape to mark out the child's initial & create a personalised artwork for their bedroom wall.
• Make hand- and footprints to turn the canvas into a keepsake gift.
• Paint the canvas completely, then mark out a simple shape (eg a heart, star or car), cover it with glue and fill it with little buttons.
• Drizzle PVA glue over the canvas & allow to dry before painting, to create a textured picture.
• Older children can create some great effects by using a hairdryer to melt old wax crayons on to a canvas – Google 'melted crayon canvas' for inspiration. (Before you start, explain the dangers of hot wax and electricity, and supervise this activity carefully.)

A little bit of sparkle

Mix table salt with glitter in the lid of a biscuit tin to create a 'sparkledust tray'. Give the children some tools - sticks, spoons, forks, a wide-toothed comb - to make shapes, patterns, letters and numbers in the sparkledust. They might like to embellish or frame their designs with shells, buttons, pebbles or glass nuggets. Photograph the best creations, then give the tray a wiggle to flatten the sparkledust and start again.

Up, up and away...

Spend a day making, decorating and flying paper aeroplanes. Instructions for different models are easy to find online (eg at paperaeroplanes.com). Try them out using different sizes and thicknesses of paper. Then take the children's creations outside and hold an airshow, giving marks for distance, style and speed.

Birthday bear

Find an unloved teddy (or any other furry friend) and announce to the children that it's his or her birthday. Ask them to prepare a party, writing invitations, wrapping presents and making cakes. At the end of the day, get everyone - including Ted - into their best clothes, choose some favourite music and games, and have a party picnic tea.