Springtime sees an increase in kids’ energy levels, which often leads to a corresponding drop in yours- LOL! Kids thrive on creativity, and if you get into crafts with them, it’s double the fun for everyone. Here 5 fun springtime crafts kids will love! Crafts are a really great way to show kids they can make things and that creating things can be fun. Crafts are a great way to encourage a love of learning.
5 Springtime Crafts Kids Will Love Making
Remember, they’re not trying to win any prizes here, so even if their hand-crafted alien looks more like a chicken on a bad day, find specific things to praise (“I love how you colored the eyes pink – that’s just perfect for an alien!” or ”You worked really hard on sticking those leaves down – I admire your creativity.”). When kids first begin crafting they need positive feedback and they will naturally get better especially if you point out to them that _______ works really will if they do it this way.
Hand Crafted Fairy Houses
Getting outdoors does more than just keep kids away from the TV and gaming consol. Doctors say lack of exposure to sunshine is causing an increase in rickets – so tell them to get their fix and head out to the back of the yard… where the fairies are. One way to make sure the fairy folk keep coming back is to build them one of these cute fairy houses from twigs, sticks, cones – in fact as many natural items as you can find in your yard. We fairy houses look amazing with all natural elements, but if you want to attract A-lister fairies, you can even purchase teeny tiny doors and windows to stick on or make toadstools out of clay to line their path. This is a favorite of my springtime crafts for kids because it is so fun to see what they come up with!
Stick Crafts
If you’ve some excess sticks in your pile after your fairy home’s finished, why not get the kids to paint them up and make an abstract artwork? Paint a range of sticks in bright colors and stick them to a piece of stiff card for original wall art. Even a simple row of colored sticks looks cool. Alternatively, if you’ve got a whole heap of freezer ties in the corner of your kitchen drawer, donate them to the cause – you could end up with a brilliant piece of 3D art like this stick heart! Colored sticks also look great arranged in clear glass bottles. Another project is to make large flower heads from stiff card and attach them to the painted sticks for a cool bouquet. They can even paint large sticks and make wands or staffs to play with.
Beaded Crafts
Great for increasing dexterity in little fingers – as well as keeping kids absorbed for hours – Perler Beads (or Hama Beads if you’re in Europe) can be used to create an endless array of shapes, toys and gifts. You can buy simple frames such as flowers (perfect for spring!), stars and circles, and kids pop the beads on anyway they like to make drinks coasters, key rings or holiday decorations. You can also download blank frames for kids to create their own designs. Fuse the beads by ironing over them (best done by parents), using special paper that comes in the pack, then – bingo! You’ve got a charming toy, decoration or gift made by their own fair hand. All you have to do now is pile in the car and go give it to grandma…
Hand Painted Clothing
Warm layers are coming off now the sunshine’s here – so make sure there’s something underneath that they’ll want to show off. Kids love to customize their clothes, and homemade embellishments never fail to impress. Fabric paints are now freely available in-store and online… So why not throw a prêt-a-porter get-together, when each child receives a blank t-shirt and carte blanche to paint their own design? You could print out some simple pictures for them to copy, or let them copy an image from a cherished story book. If you fear for the state of your kitchen table, just take the painting outside! Older children may even want to step it up a notch and try these hand painted scarves. If you don’t like fabric paints, you can use colored shirts and bleach pens like this.
Tissue Paper Butterflies
Another favorite of springtime crafts for kids is these easy tissue paper butterflies. You just need a few supplies and your kids can create these super cute decorations for their room or to put on hand crafted cards. Get the full craft tutorial here.
Bonus Ideas For Springtime Crafts Kids Will Enjoy:
Which springtime crafts for kids are your favorites? Tag us in your craft pics @familyfocusblog- we’d love to see your child’s springtime craft ideas and creations!
Small Footprints says
June 3, 2013 at 12:29 pmI love the idea of fairy houses/gardens. What a great way to get kids enthused about being in nature and using their imaginations.
Brandi Beeler says
June 4, 2013 at 1:32 pmWhat a great article, Scarlet. Perfect in time for summer break!