5 Fun crafts for kids

Doing craft projects with your kids is a great way to spend time with them. These delightful craft ideas keep things simple so working together is fun, not frustrating. Roll up your sleeves and have a blast!

Twig Pencil Holder

Using natural and recycled items, your kids can create this rustic pencil holder, which makes a great gift or keepsake.

Materials

• skinny twigs from the yard
• 3 empty toilet paper tubes
• craft glue
• scissors
• straws
• damp cloth
• sturdy cardboard, cut to 5 in x 5 in piece
• yard clippers (for the supervising adult only)

Directions

1. Gather twigs and separate by size.
2. Cut paper tubes to 3 different lengths.
3. Glue tubes together with all bottoms level, and let dry thoroughly.
4. Cut one straw to the height of each tube to use as a guide to trimming twigs.
5. Cut twigs to the length of the guides. Cut a few longer for an uneven, rustic look. Wipe dirt off twigs with damp cloth and let dry.
6. Glue twigs to shortest tube, let dry, repeat for remaining tubes.
7. Set twig holder on cardboard and trace; cut cardboard slightly smaller than outline and glue to bottom of holder.

Baby names inspired by trees and nature! >>

Homemade fossil prints

What a great way to display the fun treasures your children store in their pants’ pockets!

Supplies

• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup cold coffee
• 1 cup coffee grounds, used
• 1/2 cup salt
• collection of twigs, leaves, shells, tiny bones and hard-shelled bugs

Directions

1. Send the kids outdoors to search for treasures.
2. Combine all kitchen ingredients in a bowl. Stir well until mixture resembles dough.
3. Knead dough until smooth. Separate dough into small balls, place on waxed paper, then flatten.
4. Press collected objects into dough. Dry. Display!

Fossil iPhone apps! >>

Recyled Robot

Made from recycled materials, this robot is fun to make, play with and display!

Supplies

• discarded boxes of various sizes
• toilet paper/paper towel tubes
• tape
• foil
• buttons, beads, dry cereal, etc. for face
• scissors
• glue

Directions

1. Select boxes for the body, head and feet. Use the paper tubes for arms and legs. Tip: A cracker box is perfect for the body, and pudding mix boxes work well for feet.
2. Cover all of the pieces with foil and attach them with tape to form a body.
3. Attach eyes, nose and mouth with glue and let dry.

A fab “Robot Rug!” >>

Salt Dough Clay

This non-toxic homemade clay is made with safe kitchen ingredients. It’s as much fun to make as it is to play with!

Materials

• 1 cup salt
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup water
• food coloring

Directions

1. Combine salt and flour in a large bowl.
2. Make a well in the mixture and add the water.
3. Knead until smooth and shape into a ball.
4. Add food coloring, if desired.
5. When not in use, wrap in plastic or store in an airtight container.

Edible crafts for kids! >>

Drinking Straw Necklace

With some drinking straws and a little string, your child can create a lovely piece of homemade jewelry!

Supplies

• colorful drinking straws
• elastic string
• scissors

Directions

1. Cut straws into pieces 1/2- to 1-inch pieces.
2. Cut a length of string at least 6 inches longer than the child’s head circumference.
3. Tie a knot 3 inches from the end to prevent straw beads from falling off.
4. String beads until 3 inches of string remain on either end. Tie ends together tightly, and the necklace is ready to wear!

Craft ideas and photos courtesty of ZiggityZoom.com. >>

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