I don’t really need a specific DIY to get excited about watercolors. At our house, it’s one of our favorite mediums for getting creative—it’s low mess, easy cleanup, and you can get beautiful results without tons of skill. My daughter and I have been painting with watercolors together since she was 2!

Apparently watercolor-esque effects are possible way beyond the page. Take a look at these DIY projects that mimic watercolors, or use real watercolors for some surprising results!

12 DIY Watercolor Techniques
via The All New Adventures of Corey Marie

If all you’ve done with watercolors is paint, check out these fun watercolor techniques – I’ve always loved the salt method!

Watercolor Circle Paintings
via Small for Big

My friend Bar created these wonderful watercolor paintings with her kids – what a great way to turn a simple medium into a no-fail art project!

Watercolor Portrait Tutorial
via Grow Creative

This stunning watercolor portrait is something even a non-artist can do. I can’t wait to give it a try with my daughter’s image.

DIY Watercolor Magnetic Shadow Boxes
via Melissa Esplin

Much more sophisticated than my magnets from Wall Drug, these sweet magnets are each a mini work of art all on it’s own.

DIY Ombre Watercolor Shoes
via Lovely Indeed

Give your kids the chance to create their own back-to-school wardrobe. Because every kid I know wants to doodle/paint on their shoes at some point.

DIY Watercolor Cookies
via One Charming Party

Even food can get in on the action – I wonder if you could apply this same technique to fondant on a cake? Now that would be an amazing birthday cake.