Craft time with kids is usually centered around paper crafts. Paper crafts are awesome, but they pile up fast. If you're anything like most parents, you only have so much room to display your kids' latest creations and don't want to let one piece of art go uncelebrated.
Of course, there are other crafts that you can do with kids that are displayable, enjoyable, and help them learn new things. A lot of parents shy away from complicated crafts with kids because they fear doing a lot of the work themselves. While that could be the case when you get your start with a little one, the more they learn how to do, the more they can do themselves. You're not just teaching your kids arts and crafts with these projects. You're teaching them a valuable life skill.
You're also helping plant the seeds of a long, creative life. That said, you don't want to pick something that's too hard for your child. Be honest about what you're both willing to put into a craft and you'll be amazed at how many options are available to you. It helps that the crafts you make along the way are totally worth it.
Melted Crayon Rocks
Rock art is great because kids get to find the rocks and then decorate them. Being involved in every part of the process makes them that much more invested in the craft. Heat the rocks up in the oven, then start holding crayons to them (carefully, with oven gloves). Repeat with other colors, and when you're done, make sure to let the stones cool undisturbed.
Mini Card Wallet
This craft gives kids the opportunity to learn either hand sewing or machine sewing. These skills aren't as common as they used to be, but they're as useful to have as ever. This little pouch is great for kids to store a little bit of money or other small treasured items in.
Embroidery Hoop Tic-Tac-Toe
Teach kids the basics of embroidery while playing a fun and aesthetically enjoyable game of tic-tac-toe. All you need is an embroidery hoop, a few different sizes of fabric, embroidery thread, an embroidery needle, and some fun buttons.
Finger Knitting
You can get the smallest creatives started on knitting by finger knitting with them. All you need is yarn and scissors to get started. Once kids get the hang of the technique, they can make anything from cute yarn animals, bookmarks, or even a mandala for the dedicated kid.
Wooden Toothbrush Holders
Woodworking projects need supervision, but there are a lot of projects that are within a child's capabilities. Simple versions of this project have kids use a drill (supervised!) to make toothbrush holes in a block. This kid-centric version cuts the wood into awesome shapes. Kids can paint them to make them truly their own.
Pressing Flowers
Many people think that making nice flower pressing requires special equipment, but the fanciest thing you need is tissue paper, which many people already have. Kids will love discovering what different prints you can make with different flowers.
Homemade Paper
Kids who know paper comes from trees will be shocked to learn they can make paper at home! Recycled paper is great because you can make the paper, then use it for other arts and crafts activities. It looks cool and it's fun to see how different it comes out each time.
Sponge Boat
Kids are amazed any time they can make their own toys. There are a lot of fun projects out there, but these sponge boats feel extra special. Use colorful duct tape to make each boat, which is made of a sponge and a popsicle stick, its own fun mast. Kids will love racing these boats, which they can do anywhere from the tub to the pool.
Soap Carving
Soap carving may sound dangerous, but it's actually a great activity for those with little hands. Soap is easier to work with than wood and cheaper to stock up on. For kids who aren't ready for sharper carving tools, you can use tools made for soap carving or even pumpkin carving.
Recycled Instruments
Recycled instruments are a creative way to take materials and upcycle them into something kids will enjoy. This craft uses transparent plastic bottles, chopsticks, tape, fill for the instruments, and a few other items.
Woodburning
Woodburning is fun craft that's easy to do and makes for some really attractive projects. You can do it with any kid that's old enough to be trusted with a hot tool. You can personalize and upgrade all kinds of wooden objects, from toy cars to cutting boards and more.
Cake Decorating
Not only is this fun, but it's also delicious. If you let your kids start learning how to decorate a cake young, you may have a young cake boss on your hands before you know it. If you learn along with your kids, you can have a lot of fun and have a fun new talent to share with others.
