Looking for Great Children's Craft Ideas?
My children can never get enough of fun games and crafts. They love to make things that they can be proud of and have fun with. It may be messy at times for mom, but it's always worth the extra cleanup to see the kids being delighted with their own creations.
Anyone who has young children knows that the single most difficult challenge is how to keep them entertained.
It's the very thing that can make the difference between a happy child who is enjoyable to be around and a child who is constantly looking for trouble.
But, this simple objective seems to be much easier said than done.
And really, you Mom's out there, is there anything more trying than trying to appease a bored child?
Yeah, same here.
So keep reading if you're looking for THE magic bullet to solve this endless daily strife between your kids... and your sanity!
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Contents at a Glance
Make A List!
- Schedule a time or a day of the week for each craft.
Make sure you have all needed supplies for each craft.
"RECYCLE"...Don't throw that away! Save things that look "crafty".
Go to nearest dollar store and buy dollar plastic containers of all sizes for storing little things for your crafts.
Save old newspapers to catch the messy stuff!
Buy one or two things out of the craft section each time you go to the store.(That way you get a large on-hand supply of crafty things without spending a fortune getting it all at the same time, and you can be more spontaneous with the crafts you choose to do.)
EXAMPLES:
glitter, paper clips, paper fasteners, paints, markers, crayons, glue, googly eyes, beads, stickers, construction paper, typing paper, pipe cleaners, aluminum foil, fuzz balls, safety pins, etc.
Craft Idea #1
Potato Pals
Supplies needed:1 large potato
straight pins
construction paper
markers or crayons
scissors
yarn
glue
googly eyes(optional)
Let child or adult draw ears, nose, mouth, eyes (can use googly eyes), shoes, and arms on their choice of colored construction paper. Cut out. Pin the "body" parts in the right places. Be sure to push the pins in all the way. Cut yarn for the potato pal's hair and pin or glue in place.
My kids have done this project over and over again because they like to name their pal and play with him/her when they are done creating him/her.
Rating for mom and kids *****
Most everyone will have the items needed on hand.
Craft Idea # 2
Kool-Aid Playdough
Supplies needed:1 cup self-rising flour
1/2 cup salt
1 cup boiling water
1 tablespoon oil
2 Kool-Aid packages (unsweetened) different flavors
Mix the first 4 ingredients together. Divide in half, add a package of kool-aid to each half. Knead well. Keep in air tight containers or ziploc bags.
We just LOVE the smell and color of these!! Our favorites are tropical punch and lemonade. Your kids will have fun with this for hours!
Craft Idea #3
Pine Cone Christmas Tree
Things you'll need:Dry pine cones
Green glitter
Glue
Sequins
Directions:
Paint the pine cone with glue. Before the glue dries sprinkle with green glitter. Top with a paper star. When it dries you can glue on sequins or tinsel. Stand on the base for a mini Christmas tree or hang by adding a tie.
Tip: If you cannot find an open pine cone, Place some on a cookie sheet in a 200 degree oven. They will open as they dry.
Craft Idea # 4
Envelope Art
Supplies Needed:Envelopes
Crayons
Markers
Glue
Paper
Directions:
First, You'll need to seal the envelope. Then draw a nose, whiskers, or other features. Cut paper ears, hat, or hair.
Craft Idea #5
Mosaic Art
YOU WILL NEED:A collection of old newspapers, magazines, or colored paper
A black felt tip pen
A plastic container or drink bottle
glue
DIRECTIONS:
First tear out pieces of paper from the magazines of varying size or color. Sort the pieces into piles of similar color.
Select a plastic container and a color theme or pattern. Glue the pieces of the chosen color onto the container so that the whole surface is covered.
Once the glue is dried, draw a line with the black felt tip pen around the edges of each of the pieces of paper. The finished effect is a simple, but quite effective bit of mosaic art.
Craft Idea #6
Colorful Kid Writing Paper
Things you will need:shaving cream
plain typing paper
food coloring or dye
a flat bottomed dish
Getting started:
Squirt a layer of shaving cream into the dish. It doesn't need to be thick, just cover an area larger than the paper you are going to use. Sprinkle drops of different colored food coloring over the foam. Try not to mix the colors unless you are deliberately trying to create a different color by mixing them.
Next, take a fork and and create swirls of color in the foam. Once you are happy with your pattern, place your paper on top of the foam and let it soak in a little. Remove the paper and scrape off the foam with a knife, then allow the paper to dry.
After you have done a dozen or so papers, you may find that you need to either add some more drops of color, or you may need to re do your foam base from scratch.
You may want to set up a line somewhere so the kids can peg their paper out to dry. Once dry collect the pages into a colorful kid writing pad.
****My kids love this craft because these can turn out really pretty and it is alot of fun! It also encourages them to write family members on their newly created paper.****
When I say Crafts, I Don't Mean Just Cutting Paper!
Crafts Also Include Cooking In The Kitchen, Outdoor Activities, Party Games And Ideas, Plus So Much More!!
Did you ever consider cooking with your child as a craft? (They are also learning!)What about building a dog house with Dad?
My kids and I LOVE Birthday Parties! They can be soooo much fun!
Birthday parties can be crafty all the way around!
I've got lots of ideas coming to this website!
The Nightmare of Trying to Appease Bored Children!
If you are unable to keep your child entertained, you're likely to find that they have colored their bedroom walls, stuck a peanut butter sandwich into the VCR, or cut their own bangs when you weren't looking.For some, entertaining their child means parking them in front of the T.V. to watch Sesame Street.
Others haul their child to class after class, at great expense or spend hours each day at the park endlessly pushing a swing.
I've personally discovered that there is an easy way to keep young children entertained.
Not Just Entertainment But...
Not only does it keep them entertained, but itaccomplishes a variety of other things as well:
- Builds positive self image
- Encourages self-discipline
- Rewards hard work and diligence
- Promotes eye-hand coordination
- Cultivates a love of learning
- Fosters cooperation with others
- Encourages their imagination
Are you ready for the magic bullet?
Here it is: CRAFTS!!!
Kids... A Pain in the Neck?
No... Not Mine!
Okay, that's what I used to think. Doing kid crafts, especially toddlers and preschoolers seemedlike such a pain in the neck.
Doing kid's crafts can be messy and sometimes takes alot of effort to get everything out and ready, but the over-all results are so worth it! Below are some of the results we as a family have experienced
- The kids argued less among themselves and with me
- Discipline became easier and less necessary
- They played together better, even developed their own little games
- The kids did not want to watch television as much
- My oldest started helping me more with the younger ones and even wanted to help in the housework
- They all became easier to handle when we went out
- We have made memories that will last a lifetime
- We have lots of original artwork to decorate our home with
It may sound funny, but doing crafts is a good way for the whole family to become closer and it has really made a big difference in our daily lives!
Now we do a project of some kind nearly every day and everyone is happier!
Cooking With Your Kids
How many times have you heard that infamous question-"Can I help?" while cooking in the kitchen? These famous words can sometimes become annoying, but we mustn't let them, right? After all, your kids will only be kids once. If you always say "NO", or "Not right now", or "Not this time", or "I don't have time", they will grow up and you will have missed your only opportunity to build some really fantastic memories. We cannot let these precious pleads go unheard. Cooking with your kids may be one of the best times to bond with them. They just eat it up! I suggest getting as many kid-friendly recipes on hand as possible. Plan to have a cooking with the kids night atleast once every couple of months. They will love it and the learning experience will last them a life time. Maybe you'll help create one of the world's finest chef's with a little time invested in the kitchen with your child. Kid Recipe #1
Pizza Crust
A Pizza dough recipe - make your own pizza!Why pay for fast food when with your own pizza dough recipe you can make your very own pizzas? Young kids might want a hand with the base, but they can have a lot of fun with putting on their own toppings (again parents of young children may want to cut up the toppings first). The thing I really like about having your own pizza dough recipe is the sheer variety of food you can produce with such a simple base.
Ingredients
1 tsp yeast
1 tsp sugar
½ Cup warm water
1 Cup flour
Mix yeast, sugar and water together. Leave to sit in a warm place for about 7 minutes (until yeast and sugar has dissolved). Add flour and mix to make a firm dough (adding extra flour as necessary). Roll out and now you have your pizza base. Then add your toppings according to your taste. Bake at 425 degrees for 18-20 minutes. Yum!
Kid Recipe #2
Pizza Sauce
Ingredients:
8 oz. can tomato sauce
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
Mix all ingredients together. Spread onto pizza crust. Add toppings and bake at 425 degrees for about 18-20 minutes. Delicious!
Kid Cookbooks
Planning
Attentiveness
Time
Ingredients
Enthusiasm
No Worries
Communication
Encouragement
This is an acronym for PATIENCE! We could all use more!
Kitchen for Kids: 100 Amazing Recipes Your Children Can Really Make
Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 07/13/2009) 
Sesame Street: Elmo's Magic Cookbook
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 07/13/2009)
Food Safari "Lunch" [VHS]
Amazon Price: (as of 07/13/2009)
![Kids Get Cooking [VHS]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/518TMCVNJ7L._SL75_.jpg)
Kids Get Cooking [VHS]
Amazon Price: (as of 07/13/2009)
Kids Can Cook [VHS]
Amazon Price: (as of 07/13/2009)
Some more cooking stuff from Amazon....
Cooking Rocks! Rachael Ray 30-Minute Meals for Kids
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 07/13/2009)
Pretend Soup and Other Real Recipes: A Cookbook for Preschoolers and Up
Amazon Price: $12.21 (as of 07/13/2009)
Kids White Chef Apron and Hat Set Child Size
Amazon Price: $7.00 (as of 07/13/2009)
Crafty Cooking Kits Crayola Crispy Rice Treats, 12.5-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 8)
Amazon Price: $31.75 (as of 07/13/2009)
Toysmith Measure & Mix Set
Amazon Price: $12.95 (as of 07/13/2009)
Birthday Party Ideas
The Red Hat Society Playful Paper Projects & Party Ideas
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 07/13/2009)
Fabric Paper Party: 69 Easy-to-Make Projects; 5 Fun Themes; Invitations, Favors, Decor and Scrapbook Pages
Amazon Price: (as of 07/13/2009)
My 1st Birthday Deluxe Party Kit (8 Guests) Child
Amazon Price: (as of 07/13/2009)
Castle Cakes - Princess or Knight Supreme Cake Decorating Kit (10 pcs)
Amazon Price: $28.20 (as of 07/13/2009)
Cake Kits Galore!!
Happy Birthday Time!
More And More Cake Kits!
Thomas the Tank Engine Wind-up Train Cake Decorating Kit
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: (as of 07/13/2009)
Disney Princess Cakes Cupcakes - Do It Yourself Decorating Kit - SAVE $3.12
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $17.71 (as of 07/13/2009)
Princess Birthday Party!
Wilton Disney Princess Cinderella Cake Pan
Amazon Price: (as of 07/13/2009)
Disney Princess Party - Volume 1
Amazon Price: $17.99 (as of 07/13/2009)
Disney Princess Light Up Cake Topper Set
Amazon Price: $7.33 (as of 07/13/2009)
Disney Princess Cakes Cupcakes - Do It Yourself Decorating Kit - SAVE $3.12
Amazon Price: $17.71 (as of 07/13/2009)
Princess Passage Cupcake Party Kit
Amazon Price: $24.95 (as of 07/13/2009)
Printable Birthday Party Games
Printable Birthday Games - $ 17.95Our entire collection of over 20 printable birthday party games is included in this collection! As many printouts of as many games as you want. Start printing as soon as you order.
Farm BIrthday Party!
Farm 8-Guest Party Kit Plus
Amazon Price: (as of 07/13/2009)
Old MacDonald Had a Farm - But He Wasn't As Cute As Your Toddler Will Be Down on the Farm! Wow includes Hat too!
Amazon Price: (as of 07/13/2009)
Barnyard Celebration 1st Birthday Deluxe Party Kit (8 guests) Child
Amazon Price: (as of 07/13/2009)
Farm Animal(41199) Shaped Edible Hard Sugar Decorations (16 pcs) by ThePartyWorks.com
Amazon Price: $6.98 (as of 07/13/2009)
Mickey Mouse Birthday Party!
Mickey Mouse Cake Pan
Amazon Price: (as of 07/13/2009)
Mickey's Clubhouse Deluxe Party Kit with 8 Favor Kits Child
Amazon Price: $52.59 (as of 07/13/2009)
Mickey's Clubhouse Invitations 8ct
Amazon Price: $3.98 (as of 07/13/2009)
Mickey's Clubhouse Party Favor Kit Child
Amazon Price: $3.99 (as of 07/13/2009)
Mickey Mouse Cakes - 1 Mickey Mouse OH BOY Do-It-Yourself Cake Decoration
Amazon Price: (as of 07/13/2009)
John Deere Birthday Party!
John Deere Cake - 1 Authentic John Deere Rolling Tractor, Trees & Fences - Licensed Re-Usable Topper
Amazon Price: $10.29 (as of 07/13/2009)
John Deere 8-Guest Party Kit
Amazon Price: (as of 07/13/2009)
Did Someone Say Popcorn Party??
Popcorn is fun to make and fun to eat!
Settlers Old-Fashioned Popcorn Popper Gift Set
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: (as of 07/13/2009)
SEND IN YOUR CRAFT IDEAS!
COMMENTS WELCOME, TOO....KID RATED PLEASE
gods_grace_notes wrote...
Hi Nicki! I love your lens...it's filled with great crafty ideas, but more importantly; the knowledge you've gleaned from the efforts you have made for your children! The insights and wisdom you've gained are obvious, and great tools for other moms. Thanks for sharing! Connie...aka Squid Angel : )
Posted November 02, 2007
kaazoom wrote...
Thanks for some great ideas!
http://www.squidoo.com/free_childrens_activities/
Posted October 04, 2007
LisaBrave wrote...
You have a great lens with wonderful ideas! Keep them coming.
Posted October 02, 2007
Blog Posts from Google
Software, DVDs, Etc. all for your Kid's Craft Time!
GSP Craft Projects for Kids to Make
This software is great and very easy to use. The kids will love every project in this.
Amazon Price: $6.69 (as of 07/13/2009)
The Art of Knitting 4 Kids (Leisure Arts #4406)
Knitting is a wonderful craft for the little girls in your family. If you don't know how? Learn with them. It's fun!
Amazon Price: $17.99 (as of 07/13/2009)
Creativity for Kids Mosaic Tile Tray
This is my favorite because it's my kid's favorite. Mosaic tiling is just fun and beautiful to create. Very rewarding to kids.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/13/2009)
In Print!: 40 Cool Publishing Projects for Kids
Amazon Price: (as of 07/13/2009)
Badge Factory
Amazon Price: $27.98 (as of 07/13/2009)
One of Our Favorite Kid Shows
Little Bear is such a sweet and simple show for children
WE DO!!!
What ever happened to simple, easy going, calm, and nice stories for children? I think that is why we like Little Bear so much. It makes us wish for a world as theirs. A world where everyday can be an adventure and everyone can be friends. Even my eleven-year-old still likes to watch these shows. They are funny and cute. Their favorite characters are cat and duck.
Little Bear - Rainy Day Tales
Amazon Price: $8.49 (as of 07/13/2009)
The Little Bear Movie
Amazon Price: $11.49 (as of 07/13/2009)
Little Bear - Feel Better Little Bear
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 07/13/2009)
Little Bear - Little Bear's Band
Amazon Price: $13.99 (as of 07/13/2009)
Little Bear - Dreams & Make Believe
Amazon Price: (as of 07/13/2009)
Another Favorite Family Show
Andy Griffith
The Andy Griffith Show - The Complete First Season
Amazon Price: $16.99 (as of 07/13/2009)
The Andy Griffith Show - The Complete Second Season
Amazon Price: $18.49 (as of 07/13/2009)
The Andy Griffith Show - The Complete Third Season
Amazon Price: $18.99 (as of 07/13/2009)
The Andy Griffith Show - The Complete Fourth Season
Amazon Price: $19.49 (as of 07/13/2009)
The Andy Griffith Show - The Complete Fifth Season
Amazon Price: $21.49 (as of 07/13/2009)
Christmas and Other Holiday Crafts
Paper Leaves
Construction paper -- orange, red, yellow, brown, and other earth tones
Crayons or markers
Scissors
Glue, tape, or staples
A long piece of green or brown yarn or string
What to Do:
1. Draw a leaf on a piece of construction paper. Make sure to draw a thick stem on the top (your leaf will hang from this stem, which will be folded over).
2. Cut out the leaf. Draw the leaf veins if you wish.
3. Fold the leaf's stem in half.
4. Attach the leaf to a long string using tape, glue, or staples. Make more leaves and attach them to the string.
Fall Crafts
Pumpkin Wall Hangings
Markers, crayons, or paints
White card stock
Scissors
What to Do:
1. Draw a pumpkin on card stock.
2. Color the pumpkin in and make a face on it.
3. Cut out and hang on the wall.
by geosonofrio
Hi. Glad you stopped by this site. My name is Nicki Johnson. I'm the mother of five wild children and their favorite thing to d...
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