Although there are many paints available for decorating fabric, most are hard for small hands to control with precision. That's where fabric markers come in. Their fine points let you create detailed designs on T-shirts, hats or, my kids' favorite, sneakers.

To get started, you'll need a pair of relatively clean, white canvas shoes and fabric markers, about $2 each at art or craft stores. Permanent markers also work but may bleed. Your kids can draw polka dots, stripes or words right onto the fabric (don't forget to color the laces). The best part is that kids can wear their art immediately after finishing--no waiting around for paint to dry or heat-set.