Pattern art is awesome! We’ve shared over 40 easy pattern art activities to complement all seasons and occasions. They’re always a big hit with our readers.
Here are some favourites, along with why we love them so much.
See all our pattern art projects here
Pattern art, also known as zentangling and doodle art, has always been a favourite here at The Craft Train.
Why, you ask? It’s fun for a start, but that’s not the only reason.
Why Pattern Art is Awesome for Kids
#1: Anyone can do it
Pattern art is easy! You don’t need to be talented or even an adult to create beautiful artwork. All it takes is repetition, patience and a steady hand. Granted, many kids lack patience, which is why most of our doodle art projects are targeted at ages 8+.
This doesn’t mean younger kids can’t pattern. Many can if you keep it simple, but it depends on the individual, so use your discretion (you know your kids best).
#2: Patterning builds basic skills
Patience, perseverance, and fine motor skills, to name a few.
A simple patterning activity for beginners is our Apple Doodle Art project. Glue coloured apples to a page, then fill each shape with a different pattern.
More projects for beginners
Check out our free set of pattern art swatches for ideas and practice.
#3: Patterning promotes mindfulness
Doodle art has a soothing, meditative effect. It helps put us into a ‘flow’ state—that magical place where you become so immersed in a task that the rest of the world fades away. I always feel more relaxed after designing a new pattern art activity!
Our Ocean Pattern Art collection combines the zen of the marine world with the zen of doodling.
Ocean Pattern Art Activities
Get all the Ocean doodle art projects in our Value Bundle here.
#4: Patterning helps with other forms of learning
Pattern art is a STEAM activity (an activity that combines two or more elements of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math). It’s both creative and mathematical, helping kids learn about symmetry, sequencing, spatial awareness, line and shape.
With Positive Negative Pattern Art, shapes are glued to a page, highlighting positive/negative space. Patterns are drawn in the blank (or negative) space only.
Positive Negative Pattern Art Projects
- Flower Positive Negative Art
- Easter Positive Negative Art
- Heart Positive Negative Art
- Apple Positive Negative Art
- Christmas Positive Negative Art
- Insect Positive Negative Art
- Halloween Positive Negative Art
#5: Patterning develops attention to detail
Look around, and you’ll see patterns everywhere. In buildings, pavements, nature, everyday objects and more.
These 3D Budgie Artworks incorporate patterns found on real-life birds.
#6: Patterning promotes creativity
While our patterning activities produce a polished item kids can be proud of, they still have plenty of room to get creative. Experiment with colour, line, shading and other details. With our 3D projects, kids can experiment with depth, too.
Here is the same 3D bunny template with 3 completely different results!
3D Doodle Art Animals
- 3D Doodle Art Bunny
- 3D Doodle Art Cat
- 3D Doodle Art Dog
- 3D Doodle Art Owl
- 3D Doodle Art Bat
- 3D Doodle Art Polar Bear
- 3D Doodle Art Penguin
- 3D Turkey Craft
Another way to create a 3-dimensional effect is by folding, like in our Doodle Bug craft.
Projects with a 3D effect created by folding
- 3D Doodlebug
- 3D Doodle Art Spider
- Dancing Peacock Spider
- 3D Doodle Art Christmas Tree
- 3D Mini Love Bugs
#7: Patterning is not just for art displays!
While Doodling produces art worthy of hanging on any refrigerator, it’s far more versatile than this. We incorporate patterning into papercrafts, too.
Our Spinning Egg Craft is one example.
More Pattern Art Papercraft Ideas
- Spring Animal Shelf Sitters
- Pattern Art Sun Spinner
- Pattern Art Pumpkin Spinner
- Paper Chain Snake
- Heart Spinner
- Whirlygig DIY Toy
#8: Patterning produces unique results
Our Mother’s Day/Father’s Day explosion card is one example. No two finished cards look the same.
We also have a Doodle Heart Art card for Valentine’s Day.
#9. Occasions are extra special with pattern art
DIY Bunny ears are cute any time, but how adorable are they when decorated in pattern art?
Pattern Art for Special Occasions
- Easter Bunny Ears
- 3D Santa Beard Craft
- Doodle Art Ornaments
- 3D Stocking Pet Craft
- 3D Gingerbread People
Get A Free Doodle Art Swatch Sheet
Practice your patterning technique with our doodle art swatches. The printable includes two pages of hand-drawn pattern examples, plus a blank sheet.
Enter your details in the form below, and the swatches will be sent via email.
