Summer vacation is a time when parents struggle to find ways to keep their children entertained.
Free time to play in the sun and special summer excursions are great, but it’s also wonderful to build in opportunities for learning and creativity. Summer crafts are a perfect way to get children exercising their creative muscles… and away from screens.
Younger kids are happy and entertained by simple crafts that can be constructed using basic materials. There are several wonderful projects you can make using paper, craft sticks, tape and glue.
For toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary school aged children, I like to choose crafts that include a picture of the child or the child’s handprint. Crafts that become toys or vehicles for “pretend play” after they are created are fun too.
Consider creating a picture of a camping scene where the child’s picture is peaking out from inside the tent. Start with a white piece of card stock. Then, cut a tent from a coloured piece of card stock, cut and fold the centre of the tent to create doors, and glue the picture of the child and the tent to the white piece of card stock. You can also add a tree with scrunched up tissue paper leaves and finish the picture by using crayons to add a sun, grass, a sky, and clouds.
Card stock, crayons, stickers, tape, and craft sticks can be used to create a “pretend” popsicle or a fan that can actually be used to cool off on a hot day.
Binoculars can also be crafted by decorating two empty toilet paper rolls with crayons and stickers and then taping the rolls together with a piece of duct tape. You can hang the binoculars from a string before heading out for a scavenger hunt or birdwatching adventure.
Older kids prefer more sophisticated crafts and materials. Yarn-based crafts are a favourite in my house. Last week, we made a fantastic picture hanger using a stick my boys found in the woods. We wrapped it in different colours of yarn, tied a yarn hanger to each of the ends, and added two small clothespins with hot glue. My boys can hang it in their room and use the two clothespins to display a favourite photo.
Yarn can also be used for knitting, making weaving projects, creating “God’s eye” ornaments, wrapping yarn-covered monograms, and crafting pom poms. Recently, my youngest son and I used small popsicle sticks, googly eyes, and yarn to make adorable little turtles. The craft possibilities with yarn really are endless.
Embroidery thread and felt are helpful materials to have on hand as well. If you google “friendship bracelet tutorials” you will find everything you need to make a wide variety of embroidery thread bracelet designs. Embroidery thread can also be used with felt for simple sewing projects like finger puppets or ornaments. Because felt doesn’t unravel, it is an ideal material for sewing projects for beginners.
Paint is another great option for children of all ages. There are many YouTube videos that teach kids (step by step) how to paint a wide variety of pictures. There are also many online “paint nights” you can sign up for.
Painting rocks is another simple crafting option. Going on a walk to gather rocks is a fun adventure, and painting them with pictures, words, and phrases lets the artists use their imaginations and put their own spin on their creations.
Summer is the best time for kids to get crafty. Search Pinterest or visit my blog if you need a little more inspiration. Happy crafting!
