Paper nail salon
Turn a sheet of paper into a playful nail salon for a simple independent play prompt or mindful activity to enjoy together!
Sometimes the simplest prompts spark the most fun. You only need a sheet of paper and a pen to draw some hand outlines - then the decorating begins!
Design wild, wacky, or glamorous “nails” using whatever craft supplies you have on hand: markers, stickers, washi tape, coloured paper, or even scraps from the recycling bin. It can extend into adding "jewellery" or whatever hand art unfolds.
It’s a calm, open-ended play idea that invites imagination, creativity, and fine motor practice.
Best of all, it works equally well as independent play or as a mindful, side-by-side activity you can do together.
There’s no right or wrong way - just space to experiment, chat, and enjoy the process.
Materials
Prep / make
Step 1:
Draw a pair of hand outlines on a sheet of paper.
Step 2:
Set out a small selection of decorating materials.
Play
Step 1:
"Paint" the nails, add jewellery or decorate the hands however you like
Step 2:
Decorate with colours, stickers, or paper cut-outs.
Step 3:
Make it a group activity! Designate one hand or nail per person.
Step 4:
When finished, admire and “show off” the nail / hand art together.
Extend
Pattern Play: Encourage patterns like stripes, spirals, polka dots, or zig-zags to build pattern recognition.
Mixed media: Experiment with different textures and materials, e.g. coiling paper or adding glitter
Themed nail art: Pick a theme like sea creatures, jungle or space
Nail salon role play: Pretend to be nail artists and have a chat like you're colleagues at the nail salon
