The idea of arts and crafts can have varying effects on families. Thoughts of glitter all over worry moms and dads start thinking about how they'll get the paint off of the wallpaper and older children scoff at the idea of painting and crayoning. Contrary to first impressions, arts and crafts have the potential to appeal to the entire family and to bring you closer together as a family unit in the process.

Pick a room, any room.
Start your family arts and crafts adventure by picking a room that could use some sprucing up. Ideal choices include a child's bedroom, a nursery for a new addition to the family, or a playroom. If none of those seem to work for your family, consider a blank wall in the unfinished basement. Your arts and crafts adventure can become a focal point for a finished basement one day.

Start brainstorming.
Sit down with your family and start thinking about ideas for your blank canvas. Think about ideas to match the sheets and window dressings, or something completely out of the blue. Individual pieces, drawn by each member of the family and framed with black paint, are one idea. A whole mural with pieces contributed by everyone is another. Whatever you decide, get wild with your arts and crafts project for the entire family! The bigger, the better!

Start with outlines and sketches.
Start your art project with sketches and outlines. Draw on writing paper, trace the images you want to re-create or make bigger and get feedback from the rest of your family members. This project is ideal for younger children to seek help from their older siblings.

Get painting.
Once the sketches are done and the outlines drawn, it's time to get painting. Whatever type of arts and crafts project you've decided to incorporate into the room's décor, now's the time to implement it. Worry less about perfection and more about the experience!

A whole family arts and crafts projects, such as decorating a room with artwork by each member of your family or an entire mural, has the potential to bring your family together and make memories in the process. Start small, dream big and create lifelong memories. That's what family is all about.