Simple DIY art ideas like these will always be my favorite.
DIY art is one of my absolute favorite things to both make and share. Here I’ve gathered six quick, budget-friendly projects you can create at home — pieces you’ll actually want to hang. Each idea takes under an hour from start to finish, and every project can be completed for less than $20.
To be specific: two of the projects take under five minutes, and half of the ideas cost under $7 if you already have a few basic supplies. Read on for instructions and tips for each project, and pick the ones that fit your style and materials.
DIY Art: 6 Simple, Affordable Ideas
DIY Idea 1: Canvas Scraps Collage
If you keep leftover canvas or fabric scraps from other projects, this collage is an easy way to reuse them. With no-sew tape and an iron (or fabric glue or a sewing machine), you can assemble a layered fabric composition that looks polished in a frame.
If you need to buy materials, this project still stays affordable — typically under $10 for basic supplies.
Canvas Scraps Collage Instructions
1. Decide the final frame size first. If your frame has a mat, subtract the mat opening from the frame size to determine the artwork dimensions.
2. Optionally paint a background canvas to create contrast with the raw canvas scraps. This adds depth but isn’t required.
3. Cut shapes from your scraps and arrange them into a composition you like. Attach each piece using no-sew tape and an iron, fabric glue (take care to avoid visible bleed-through), or by sewing pieces down.
4. Add a hard backing if needed, then place the finished piece in a frame. If you prefer, you can skip the frame and hang the piece as-is for a more casual look.
DIY Idea 2: Hidden Gem Book Jacket Art
This one takes under five minutes.
Book Jacket Art Instructions
Some book jackets have beautiful printed designs on the inside. Remove the jacket, flip it, and you’ll often find a ready-made artwork that fits perfectly into a frame — no creation required. This is a low-cost way to display attractive art if you own the book or find a copy secondhand.
It’s an easy approach for bringing an artist’s aesthetic into your space without buying original work or prints.
DIY Idea 3: Super Duper Paint on Paper
A bold phrase on colorful paper is an instant eye-catcher. Large art paper in vibrant colors is widely available at art and craft stores. Lettering can be loose and expressive — the charm is in the personality of the brushstrokes.
Super Duper Instructions
Gather a brush, paint, and a large sheet of colored paper. Sketch or paint a short phrase with confident strokes. For a more refined look, consider floating and framing the finished sheet so it reads like a finished piece of typographic art.
DIY Idea 4: Mini Mounted Weaving
If you want to introduce texture and three-dimensional interest, try a small woven piece. You can use a compact lap loom or make a simple frame loom, then mount the finished weaving on mat board and frame it.
Note: buying a small weaving loom may push the total cost above $20, but yarn and a wooden dowel for mounting can be inexpensive. If you already have a loom, this is a very budget-friendly option.
Attach a wood rod or stick across the top of the weaving and secure it to backing with heavy-duty glue or by stitching through the mat board. Framing creates a polished presentation and keeps the textile protected.
DIY Idea 5: Doodle with Oil Pastels
Oil pastels are perfect for creating vibrant, textured doodles. I like using canvas for this because the tooth of the canvas adds visual interest, but heavyweight paper works well too.
Oil Pastels Doodle Instructions
1. Choose four colors that harmonize. Large sets are affordable and give lots of options.
2. Draw a grid or loose lines, then fill selected areas to create a pattern — I often aim for a linear or modern plaid look rather than a traditional tartan.
3. If desired, seal the finished piece with a spray fixative to protect the pastel. If the artwork will be framed behind glass or plexiglass, sealing is optional.
DIY Idea 6: Framed Textile
This is another under five minute idea if you already have the textile.
Framing a small textile — a napkin, tea towel, bandana, or handkerchief — is an immediate way to add pattern and color to a wall. A block-printed napkin, vintage handkerchief, or graphic tea towel can all read as intentional artwork when framed.
Textile Art Instructions
1. Iron the textile so it’s smooth and wrinkle-free.
2. Mount it to a firm backing — the backing that comes with a frame usually works — and secure with tape or glue for a permanent hold.
3. Place the mounted textile in the frame and close it up. Using the frame’s glass or plexiglass will help keep the fabric flat and protected.
DIY Art: 6 Simple Art Ideas That Are Affordable, Fast, and Actually Look Good
Author: Brittni
Simple projects like these are my favorite because they’re fast, affordable, and yield pieces you’ll want to display. Each idea is approachable for beginners and flexible enough to adapt to supplies you already own.
Materials Snapshot
- Canvas or heavyweight paper
- Fabric scraps, no-sew tape, or fabric glue
- Paints and brushes
- Oil pastels
- Small textiles (napkins, tea towels, bandanas)
- Small weaving supplies (yarn, wooden rod) if making a mini weaving
Quick Tips
- Decide frame size first — it guides the proportions of your artwork.
- Mix textures (canvas, fabric, paper) for more visual interest.
- If using glue, test it on a scrap to prevent bleed-through or discoloration.
- Framing behind glass or plexiglass will protect textiles and pastels and give a polished finish.
Photography: Amelia Lawrence
Want help finding frames?
If you like the framed look shown here, look for simple, modern frames with thin profiles and wood or neutral finishes. A clean mat and a quality frame really elevate DIY artwork and make pieces feel gallery-ready.