Crafty summer projects for the kids
Creative expression, whether building, painting or even doing origami, gives children the opportunity to try out new ideas and develop their imaginations and problem-solving skills. It also makes a healthy break from screen time on long summer days, once you get them started.
Here are 5 simple but fun ideas to get children flexing their creative muscles in preparation for the return to school.
Make a miniature world
If you have a child who likes building things by hand, why not get them to work creating a miniature village or marketplace? This one is great for older primary kids if you have a lot of foam and packaging lying around after Christmas. Add some FIMO, paints, wooden paddlepop sticks and figurines from old Lego sets, and get them to work designing a small world, complete with furniture and people. Check out this video, one of many on YouTube, for inspiration.
Fold some origami
The Japanese art of origami is thought to have been around for at least 1000 years and is loved by adults and children alike as a way to switch off and make something by hand. Origami is great for hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and focus.
Paper cranes are the most popular figure to make, but there are many books and online tutorials taking you through different creations. Origami flowers on wooden sticks make a lovely gift, or your child might like to make a beautiful bedroom mobile with paper cranes - just pick up a pack of origami paper from your local craft store or Spotlight and get started.
Make a book bin
This is another way to use up any leftover Christmas packaging and wrapping paper. All you need is a solid cardboard box, some glue, colourful paper, old magazines and textas. Decorate your book bin however you like and use it to store your favourite books, or store a complete series with a corresponding label on the front. Here is a simple tutorial to get started.
Rock art and painting
If you have a child who likes drawing and painting, small canvases are fun for them to work on, and give you a piece of artwork to hang up that will last longer than something drawn on paper. Posca pens, acrylic paints and textas are all suitable for small canvases and again, there are many art videos and images online to inspire.
If you did any bushwalking or camping in the holidays, your kids may have picked up a rock or two. With some paint and paper they can transform a rock into a small artwork - either painting a picture on it or turning it into an animal with paper legs.
If all else fails…. Make some playdough
Kids love tactile play, even older ones (look how popular slime is) but don’t forget how easy it is to make playdough which can keep them occupied for a while. Playdough is easy to make with basic household ingredients - here’s a no-cook recipe. Store it in an ice cream tub in the fridge to keep it fresh for longer.
If they are more inclined towards actual cooking, cookies are easy and always popular. Jamie Oliver has a great selection of kid-friendly baking projects on his website - ask your child to choose their favourite and write out a shopping list by hand to keep them busy for a little longer.
Enjoy these last days of January and here’s to a wonderful 2025 ahead!
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