Crafting with your kids is a great way to spend time, and it’s also a fun way to get them into the kitchen. If you’re looking for some fun ideas for projects that they can do on their own or with help from you, these are some of my favorites:
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| – Crafting is a great way to encourage creativity in kids and help them build problem-solving skills. |
| – There are many different types of crafting activities that are perfect for beginner and intermediate crafters alike, including paper crafts, sewing, jewelry making, and sculpture. |
| – Budget-friendly crafting ideas can be found by using recycled or upcycled materials, and looking for free or low-cost supplies online. |
| – Providing clear instructions and guidance when crafting with kids can help keep them engaged and excited about the project. |
| – Crafting has educational benefits for kids, including improved fine motor skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. |
Watercolor
Watercolor is an art medium consisting of pigment that is suspended in a water-based solution. The pigments used in watercolors can be organic or inorganic.
Organic pigments are derived from plants, minerals, and animals and include eosin (pink), phthalocyanine green (green), and carmine lake (red). Inorganic pigments are made from minerals and include chrome yellow (yellow), cobalt blue (blue to green-blue), zinc white (white), ultramarine blue (blues), manganese violet (violet) and sienna browns.
To make your own watercolor paint, you’ll need to dissolve the pigment in water first so that it forms a suspension that won’t settle out of the liquid when you put it on paper or canvas.
If you’re looking for creative ways to preserve memories or express your artistic side, why not try making your own scrapbook or journal? Our guide on DIY scrapbooking features step-by-step instructions and tips to help you design and create personalized albums and journals that showcase your unique style and memories.
Stamps
Stamps are a great way to get kids interested in crafting! They can be made from all sorts of materials and used for many different crafts. You can even buy them pre-made, or make your own using things around the house.
- Use cardstock and old CDs, DVDs or Blu-rays that you don’t use anymore (or borrow some from friends) and cut out shapes with hole punches.
- Cut out paper circles from scrapbooking paper and use as stamps for your kids’ art projects. They’ll love seeing their artwork come to life!
Puppets
You can make a puppet by taking an old sock and stuffing it with cotton balls, then adding eyes and a nose.
You can also use fabric to make the face of your puppet, which will allow you to use its mouth when you perform your play.
A stick is another important part of making puppets. You can use anything from a broom handle to a piece of wood or even bamboo if it’s long enough!
If you want to create your own stage on which to perform your plays, simply build one out of cardboard boxes or other sturdy materials. Then add curtains or drapes that hang from the ceiling for better effect!
Crafting with kids can be a fun and rewarding way to spend quality time together, but coming up with new ideas can be a challenge. If you’re looking for inspiration, our post on 10 easy and fun crafts for kids to make at home has got you covered. From paper crafts to jewelry making, these ideas are simple, affordable, and perfect for kids of all ages.
Paper Planes
Kids are naturally great at crafting, and they’re particularly fond of this classic activity. It’s fun to make a paper plane, whether you’re using paper or cardboard.
Paper planes can be decorated with markers and glitter, put into competition against other kids’ planes (set up a designated landing area), or simply used as decorations around the house.
If you want to get your kids excited about making paper airplanes and who wouldn’t? you might consider grabbing some construction paper from your local dollar store and letting them cut out their own designs!
Sculpting Clay
Sculpting clay is a fun medium for kids to work with. It can be used to create an array of things, from animals and people to buildings, cars, and more. Clay can be colored or painted before you sculpt it.
Once you’re ready to bake your masterpiece in the oven (using adult supervision), the clay hardens into something that looks like stone!
Sand Art
Sand art is a fun activity for kids of all ages, and it’s easy to make your own special supplies to use. Try using different types of sand, paint, paper and stencils. You can also use different kinds of brushes or glue!
Crafting doesn’t have to be expensive. With some creativity and resourcefulness, you can create beautiful projects without breaking the bank. Our article on paper crafts on a budget offers tips and tricks for sourcing affordable materials and designing eye-catching projects that are sure to impress.
Origami
Origami is a form of paper folding that’s been around for centuries. It’s super simple and can be done with any kind of paper, even the kind you have lying around your house, like magazine pages or old envelopes.
Origami is really fun for kids because it gives them the chance to make something out of nothing! You can use origami to create animals, flowers, or even models of people.
Origami isn’t just for kids—you can do it with kids in the classroom or at home. Here are some ideas on how to get started:
- Fold paper into different shapes
- Make an origami bird by folding up two pieces of square-shaped paper (you’ll need one sheet per bird)
- Try making an origami heart using triangles
Pompoms
Pompoms are a great way to keep your kids engaged in crafting. They’re easy to make and can be used for decorations or toys. You can use them to make animals, flowers, hats and many other things.
You can even use pompoms as party favors! What child doesn’t love getting a pompom as a gift?
Your kids might be enthralled with the idea of creating their own pompoms out of paper, fabric or yarn. This is an excellent way for them to express their creativity and imagination while enjoying something fun at the same time!
If you’ve always wanted to learn how to sew but didn’t know where to start, our tutorial on sewing for beginners is the perfect resource for you. From selecting the right fabrics and tools to mastering essential sewing techniques, this guide covers everything you need to know to get started on your sewing journey.
Felt Animals
Felt is a great material for kids to work with. It’s easy to cut, glue and sew. This means your child can have fun creating all sorts of projects, including felt animals.
Felt is simple and inexpensive – Felt can be easily bought in bulk and you don’t need any special tools or equipment to begin working with it. This makes it ideal for children who are just starting out with crafting because they can get started straight away without having to spend too much money on expensive materials or equipment.
Felt comes in lots of different colors – Kids love making things bright and colorful! If your little one loves bright colors like me then I’m sure you’ll find many shades of felt at local craft stores or online shops such as Amazon (who also sell tons of other kids’ crafts).
| Type | Age Range | Required Tools | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| No-Sew | 3-5 years | Scissors, Glue, Felt Sheets | Felt Animal Puppets, Finger Puppets |
| Basic Sewing | 6-8 years | Needle, Thread, Scissors, Felt Sheets, Glue | Felt Owls, Cats |
| Advanced Sewing | 9+ years | Sewing Machine, Needle, Thread, Scissors, Felt Sheets | Stuffed Felt Foxes, Elephants |
Felt is a versatile and fun material for kids to use when creating crafts and art projects. Felt animals are a great way to get started in creating with felt. Depending on the child’s age and skill level, different types of felt animal projects might be more suitable. Here are some examples:
- No-Sew: Younger children can enjoy creating no-sew felt animal puppets or finger puppets using scissors, glue, and felt sheets.
- Basic Sewing: For intermediate-level projects, basic sewing skills such as sewing using a needle and thread, along with felt sheets and glue, can be used to make felt owls or cats.
- Advanced Sewing: For older children with more advanced skills, an exciting project like stuffed felt foxes or elephants can be made with a sewing machine, needle, thread, scissors, and felt sheets.
Creating felt animals can help children develop fine motor skills, encourage creativity, and foster a love of crafting and making.
Decorating Pumpkins For Halloween (This Could Be A Subheading)
Create a variety of pumpkins to display in your home. Try using different shapes and colours, as well as materials like feathers, twigs and beads.
You can also use tools like hot glue guns and paintbrushes to decorate your pumpkins. Be sure to dry your pumpkins before you decorate them so the wet pumpkin won’t stain the dry decorations!
Face Painting Or Painting On Their Bodies With Washable Paint (A Subhead)
For this craft, you’ll want to make sure you have a safe place to work. The last thing you want is for your child’s face and body to be covered in paint! You’ll also need plenty of washable paint and brushes or sponges.
If your young kids aren’t old enough for face paint, try painting on their bodies with washable paint instead. Just make sure they’re wearing clothes they don’t mind getting dirty—and that you won’t mind washing!
Metalworking can be a challenging but rewarding medium for artists and sculptors alike. Our post on the art of metalworking offers expert tips and techniques for creating beautiful, one-of-a-kind sculptures from metal. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner eager to try a new medium, this guide has something for everyone.
Knitting
Knitting is a great craft to learn with your kids. It can be a great way to bond with them, and it’s also a fun way for you to teach them valuable skills about patience and the value of money.
There are many different types of knitting stitches and projects that you can do together as a family: scarves, hats, blankets the sky’s the limit! You could even make socks or sweaters if they’re old enough.
In addition to knitting being fun for everyone involved in the process (remember when we told you that?), it’s also an excellent lesson in patience.
A good project will take lots of time and effort before it looks like anything worth showing off at all; take some deep breaths together while working on this one!
Jewelry Making
Jewelry making is one of the easiest crafts to do with kids because it requires no sewing and only a few tools.
You can make your own beads out of clay or playdough, which kids love to mold into different shapes. If you want an even simpler option, try using pony beads.
For bracelets and necklaces, simply string together whatever beads you have on hand (or buy them in bulk from an arts and crafts store).
For rings, use rubber bands as shanks for plastic ring blanks they’re cheap and easy enough for even younger children to put together without getting frustrated.
If you want something more elaborate but still easy enough for young crafters, consider making pendants out of buttons or old jewelry pieces that are just waiting in your jewelry box!
| Type | Age Range | Required Tools | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beading | 5-8 years | Beading Needle, Pliers, Beads, Elastic Thread | Elastic Bracelets, Necklaces |
| Shrinky Dinks | 8-12 years | Shrink Plastic Sheets, Hole Punch, Oven | Shrinky Dink Charms, Earrings |
| Polymer Clay | 10+ years | Polymer Clay, Cutter, Oven | Fimo Clay Earrings, Pendants |
Jewelry making is a fun and creative way for kids to express themselves and make unique accessories. Depending on your child’s age and interests, different types of jewelry making might be more suitable. Here are some examples of jewelry making activities for kids of different ages:
- Beading: Younger children can start with simple beading projects like elastic bracelets or necklaces using colorful plastic beads and an elastic thread.
- Shrinky Dinks: Intermediate-level projects like making DIY Shrinky Dinks are popular with kids ages 8-12, using shrink plastic sheets, hole punch, and an oven.
- Polymer Clay: For older kids, polymer clay projects such as Fimo clay earrings or pendants can be a more complex and challenging jewelry making activity.
Jewelry making is a great way to enhance creativity and hand-eye coordination, and also provides a sense of accomplishment and pride in the finished product.
Pottery Painting.
Ceramic painting is a great way for kids to get messy and create their own art. Keep the mess at bay by using ceramic paints and a glaze to make it waterproof. All you’ll need is some paper cups, paintbrushes, water and your choice of paint color.
Fill each cup halfway with water (or less), add drops of paint until you have reached your desired shade then mix it all together in the cup!
Once they’re finished painting, let dry completely before applying the glaze on top—this will help seal in their artwork so it doesn’t wash away when exposed to water or wear off over time. If you don’t have any old ceramics laying around, buy some cheap ones from the dollar store so you can use them as canvases!
Make Music Instruments
Kids love to make a racket. Instead of buying a set of drums for your child, try making one at home. You can use dried fruit, beans, or rice for the drum; just add some tape so it doesn’t fall apart when they bang on it.
Another option is to use an empty toilet paper roll or paper towel roll—just cut off both ends and fill with the desired substance if you choose to go that route!
Nature Crafts
Nature crafts are a great way to encourage children to get back to nature and experience the world around them. Nature crafts can be easy or challenging, depending on your child’s age and skill level.
Here are some nature-based craft ideas that you can try:
Bird feeder: Even older kids love bird feeders, but this project is especially fun for toddlers and preschoolers who can help assemble it.
Butterfly house: If you have space in your backyard, this butterfly house is an excellent way for kids to get acquainted with insects (and pretend they’re bugs in a hotel!).
Bug hotel: An indoor activity that requires minimal supplies? Sign me up! This bug hotel is relatively easy to make—just stick some newspaper together with glue and let your child decorate it however they want!
Fairy garden: This fairy garden is perfect if you live near a park or wooded area where there are plenty of natural materials. Your kids will love creating their own magical world right in your front yard or back patio!
| Type | Age Range | Skill Level | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaf Crafts | 3-5 years | Easy | Leaf Rubbing, Leaf Memory Game |
| Rock Crafts | 5-8 years | Intermediate | Rock Painting, Rock Animals |
| Stick Crafts | 8-12 years | Challenging | Stick Weaving, Stick Sculpture |
Nature crafts are a fun and educational way to get kids excited about spending time outdoors. Depending on your child’s age and skill level, nature crafts can be easy or challenging. Some examples of nature crafts that are perfect for kids of different ages include:
- Leaf Crafts: Younger children can enjoy simple leaf crafts such as leaf rubbing or creating a leaf memory game.
- Rock Crafts: Intermediate crafting activities like rock painting or creating rock animals can be enjoyed by kids who are a bit older.
- Stick Crafts: More challenging crafts like stick weaving or creating stick sculptures can be enjoyed by older children who have developed more advanced fine motor skills.
By incorporating nature-themed crafts, outdoor activity can be fun and engaging for children while still being educational.
Fruit And Vegetable Printing.
Prints with fruit and vegetables are a great way to introduce your kids to the basics of printing.
You’ll need:
- Fruit or vegetables (any kind will do)
- Sheets of paper, fabric, or other material you want to print on
- A cookie sheet lined with waxed paper or parchment paper (we used waxed paper)
Conclusion
I hope that you have enjoyed reading this article and found some inspiration for your next crafting project. If you liked it, please share it with your friends on social media and let me know in the comments section below!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for inspiring crafting ideas and activities for kids:
30 Easy Summer Crafts for Kids to Make – This article features summertime-themed crafting ideas for kids of all ages.
30 Days of Kids’ Crafts – Get inspired with this collection of 30 daily crafting projects for kids, led by top crafting experts.
Easy Crafts for Kids to Try at Home – Looking for easy and affordable crafting ideas that won’t break the bank? Check out this guide for fun and easy crafts perfect for kids.
FAQs
What kind of crafting ideas are good for kids?
Crafting is a great way to spark creativity and build problem-solving skills in kids. Some easy crafting ideas for kids include paper crafts, basic sewing projects, and jewelry making. Look for age-appropriate projects that match your child’s skill level and interests.
How can I keep my kids engaged in crafting?
Keeping kids engaged during crafting projects can be a challenge. Try to choose projects that match your child’s interests and skill level, set up a dedicated crafting area with all the necessary supplies, and provide clear instructions or guidance as needed. You could also try involving your child’s friends or siblings in group crafting projects to make it more fun and social.
What are some budget-friendly crafting ideas for kids?
Crafting doesn’t have to be expensive. Try using recycled or upcycled materials in your crafting projects, and look for free or low-cost supplies online. You could also search for crafting ideas that use common household items, such as cardboard boxes, paper bags, or empty containers.
How do I teach my child new crafting skills?
Teaching your child new crafting skills can be an opportunity for bonding and learning. Start with basic skills and gradually build up to more complex projects as your child’s skills improve. You could also consider enrolling your child in a crafting class or workshop, or finding instructional videos or blogs online.
What are some educational benefits of crafting for kids?
Crafting has been shown to offer a range of educational benefits for kids, including improved fine motor skills, enhanced creativity and self-expression, and increased problem-solving abilities. Crafting can also help to foster a sense of confidence and accomplishment in kids as they create and complete unique projects.
Hellen James is the creator of Unified Crafts and has been crafting since she was a kid accompanied by her mom to the craft store, where she was free to choose whatever ignited her imagination.
