Painting is something kids young or old never seem to tire of. Perhaps it’s because of the endless combinations of designs you can make, the various color palettes or the messy fun. If your kids are big into painting, switch up the usual method of using a paint brush with any of these 10 clever and imaginative ways to paint. In art, the tools we use have a decent role in our creations and this is definitely the case here. Your kids will be delighted to see how shapes and patterns can create cause and effect from the very tool they use!

Q-Tip Painting (via The Artful Parent) Have kids master the art of pointilism with using nothing more than Q-tips.

Bubble Wrap Painting (via Childhood 101) Don’t throw away that bubble packaging just yet. Have your kids create some pretty cool effects which can vary from large to small bubbles.

Flower Painting (via Learn Create Love) Make it a lovely afternoon by picking pretty flowers and making even prettier designs with them.

Foam Stamps (via The Plumed Nest) This cool tutorial shows you how to create any stamp design you’d like with foam, which you can then use to paint with!

Potato Stamp (via The First Blog) You probably already have this tool sitting in your refrigerator. Potato stamping is a tried and true way to easily create any stamped and painted shapes.

Race Car Painting (via Artchoo) Any little dude (or dudette) will love zipping and zooming cars on paint for some awesome tire track designs.

Leaf Painting (via Rub Some Dirt On It) Another outdoor-inspired painting tool – leaves make wonderful art tools for creating intricate, nature looking prints.

Straw Painting (via I Try DIY) Of all things, the simple use of straws can create some amazing abstract designs for a cool, modern effect.

Paint with Apples (via eHow) Apples create interesting shapes and are an easy way for even the youngest tots to participate in making art. I bet other types of produce would create equally dazzling designs.

Natural Paintbrushes (via Doodles and Jots) If you really want to replicate the function of a paint brush, make your own bristles and handles with natural items such as grass, twigs and pine needles.