fun color wheel projects

Fun Color Wheel Projects

By Brian BrownJanuary 13, 2026

Color wheels have been a fundamental tool in the world of art and design for centuries. But they're not just for professionals – they can be a fun and educational project for anyone, from school kids to adults. Let's dive into some exciting color wheel projects that you can try at home, whether you're an art enthusiast or just looking for a creative outlet.

Before we start, let's quickly recall the basics. A color wheel typically consists of primary colors (red, blue, and yellow), secondary colors (created by mixing two primary colors), and tertiary colors (made by mixing a primary and a secondary color).

Color Wheel Explorations

This set of projects is all about understanding and experimenting with the color wheel's basics.

someone is holding up a paper plate with a colorful bear on it's face

Paper Plate Color Wheel

A classic project, this one is perfect for kids and can be done with simple materials. Paint the edges of paper plates in red, blue, and yellow, then mix the secondary colors (orange, green, purple) in the middle. Wait for it to dry, then sand the edges for a smooth finish.

For an extra touch, you can write each color's name on the back of the plate and use it as a color identifier for other craft projects.

the instructions for how to draw hands with colored pencils and markers, including color wheel

the color wheel project for kids is shown with instructions to make it in different colors

children are painting with different colors on paper

Colorful Chromatography

This project combines art and science, turning into a fun lesson. Fill a paper towel with markers (one color per section), place it in a glass with water, and watch as the colors separate into their component pigments – a real-life demonstration of the color wheel!

Hang the dried paper towels up to create a colorful display of the color spectrum.

Color Wheel Crafts

These projects let you apply your color wheel knowledge to create beautiful pieces of art.

several pieces of paper with different colors and shapes on them sitting on top of a table

Color Theory 101 - The Color Wheel - Expressive Monkey

a table topped with lots of different colored eyeballs on top of eachother

three pieces of paper cut out to look like eyeballs with different colors on them

the simpsons family is depicted in this colorful painting on a black background with three different colors

Geometric Color Wheel

Create a modern, geometric color wheel using a compass and a ruler. Divide a large circle into 12 or more sections, then fill each section with a different color from your palette. You can even label each segment with its corresponding color name to create a color wheel you can use for reference.

For a more vibrant effect, fill each geometric segment with a different pattern instead of a solid color.

Color Wheel Painting

Use acrylic or watercolor paints to create a colorful, valet shine a real color wheel. Start with a large circle, divide it into sections, and fill each section with a brilliant color. For an extra challenge, try to blend adjacent colors together to create gradients.

the nature color wheel is made out of popsicle sticks and colored paper with flowers on them

This project can be as simple or as complex as you like, making it suitable for all skill levels.

Digital Color Wheel Design

Use graphic design software like Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or Procreate to create a digital color wheel. This is an excellent project for those interested in digital art or design, as it allows you to experiment with different color combinations and effects.

Convert your digital creation into a printable poster or puzzle, giving you something functional and fun once you're done.

So there you have it – a varied selection of color wheel projects that cater to different interests and skill levels. From the simple and elegant to the complex and digital, these projects are sure to bring a pop of color to your world. Happy creating!"