If making art with traditional markers and paintbrushes is starting to feel ho-hum, try a few of these unusual tools. For all, pour a thin layer of paint into a shallow tray, such as a plastic deli container, instead of a cup.

Small paint rollers (available at hardware and paint stores) leave a wide, smooth print. For a different look, first wrap the roller with several crisscrossed rubber bands.

Old kitchen scrubbing wands -- foam or bristle -- create a great effect when stamped on paper.

A homemade rubber band brush leaves a wispy, carefree mark. To make one, first loosely secure 20 to 30 rubber bands at one end with another rubber band (the 30 should all be lying in roughly the same direction). Then push an unsharpened pencil into the secured end of the bundle. Tighten the rubber band that's holding everything together by wrapping it around the bundle a few more times. Finally, use scissors to cut all the looped ends of the bands.

Offer your child an old comb and let her run it through fresh paint to carve out tracks.

Pick up an inexpensive sponge brush at your local paint store. They come in a variety of sizes and can make everything from a thin line to a wide, bold one.