Crafting is a fantastic way for kids to express their creativity, and the best part is that you don’t need to buy fancy supplies! Many wonderful projects can be made using everyday household items. Here are three diverse examples of crafts using items you likely already have at home.
This colorful caterpillar is a great project for young kids and is perfect for discussing nature and the life cycle of butterflies.
Begin by collecting an empty egg carton. Each section of the carton will represent a body segment of the caterpillar. Start by cutting the carton into individual sections. Next, let your child paint each section in bright colors. Once the paint is dry, use a pipe cleaner to create antennae by bending it into a ‘V’ shape and sticking it into one end of the carton. Finally, add googly eyes using glue or tape for a fun finishing touch! This craft can also lead to discussions about colors and counting as they paint and assemble their caterpillar.
Notes: You can use markers instead of paint for a quicker option. You can also add legs by cutting small pieces of straws and attaching them to the sides.
Using paper plates, kids can create their favorite animals in a fun and imaginative way.
Start with a plain paper plate, which will serve as the face of the animal. Depending on the animal your child chooses, they can use crayons, markers, or paint to color the plate. For example, if they want to make a lion, they can color the plate yellow and then cut out strips of orange paper to glue around the edges as the mane. For eyes, use buttons or draw them on with a marker. They can create ears using additional paper or cardboard, add a nose with a pom-pom, or even use yarn for whiskers! Each child can personalize their animal, making this a versatile and fun project.
Variations: You can turn this into a learning experience by discussing the characteristics of different animals or their habitats. You can also make a whole zoo collection!
This project not only recycles materials but also helps kids learn about feeding local wildlife.
Start by taking an empty toilet paper roll and spreading peanut butter all over the outside of the roll. Next, roll the coated toilet paper roll in birdseed until it’s fully covered. To hang the feeder, thread a piece of string or yarn through the roll and tie it into a loop at the top. This can be hung from a tree branch outside. Encourage kids to observe the birds that come to visit, and perhaps even keep a journal of which birds they see! This craft promotes responsible interaction with nature and can lead to discussions about different bird species.
Notes: If there are allergies to peanut butter, you can use lard or coconut oil instead. You can also decorate the feeder with markers or stickers before adding the peanut butter and birdseed for a fun, colorful touch.
These examples of crafts using everyday household items not only foster creativity but also provide valuable learning experiences for children. Happy crafting!