Crafts are easy and fun. Parents and teachers can engage a child into thinking creatively by involving them in some simple craft making. All you need to start out with is some paper, glue, and crayons. Other tools such as tape and markers can be used as well. Craft-making is a cooler alternative to purchasing gifts.
To start on these awesome crafts, here are just a few suggestions.
Coffee Can Bank
Have an old coffee can handy? Instead of disposing it, why not turn it into something useful and creative? Here is what you need to get started:
• A coffee can (plus plastic lid)
• A craft knife
• Construction paper
• Scissors
• Tape measure
• Glue
• Rubber bands
• Markers
Start by having an adult cut a slot in the plastic lid with the craft knife. Use the tape measure to get what the circumference and height is of the can. Once that is determined, cut the construction paper so that it is equal to the dimensions of the can. Then, have your child decorate the construction paper with the markers.
The last step is to apply glue to the blank side of the construction paper. Wrap it around the can and use the rubber bands to hold it in place so that it dries.
Rainbow Streamers
This is colorful and fun and can be used for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The materials needed are:
• Paper crepe streamers (red, yellow, orange, green, blue and purple colors)
• A paper plate
• Scissors
• Stapler
The first step is to cut the center out of the paper plate. Next, cut the paper crepe streamers. They should be about two to three feet long. Staple the rainbow of streamers onto your paper plate and enjoy!
Black Halloween Cat
To celebrate Halloween, here is a great craft to add to the decorations. Kids and trick-or-treaters will love it.
Here is what you need:
• Two pieces of construction paper (one large, one small)
• Small scraps of white, pink, and orange construction paper (for eyes, nose, whiskers, mouth)
• Pencil
• Black crayon
• Stapler
• Glue
First draw and cut out a half circle from the large piece of construction paper. Then cut four legs from the scraps. Draw and cut out a cat’s head and circle. Make sure that they are the same size. With the colored scraps, cut out the eyes, whiskers, nose, and mouth. Glue these pieces onto the cat’s face and use the black crayon to draw pupils for the eyes.
Draw a spiral in the circle that was cut out earlier. Cut along the line to create the cat’s tail. Twist the half circle into a cone and staple along the seams. Glue two of the leg pieces to the back of the cone. Then glue the tail between the legs. Glue the head to the front of the hat and finish by gluing the remaining two legs.
Encouraging Your Kids to Make Their Own Crafts
One of the best ways for your kids to use their creativity is by coming up with their own crafts from scratch. Starting with crafts that have been made by others is a great way to hone your child's budding art skills. Once your child has a good grasp on crafts, encourage them to try making their own.
Sit them down with a variety of crafting supplies. Make sure you only choose supplies that they are familiar with. For example, if they've never used cotton balls in a craft before, it may not be the best idea to include those among the items you give them. Tell them that they can make whatever craft they want.
If they're struggling to get started, give them some small encouragement. Nudge them in the direction of a broad idea. For example, you could suggest making something inspired by nature. The idea is to leave the majority of creative control to your child.
As your child works on their own craft idea, observe but try not to interfere. Seeing your child struggle can tempt you to step in, but struggling is part of the process. It will help your child build patience and learn how to problem-solve. If they ask for your help, guide them towards the answer rather than outright telling it to them.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Rich Fowler/Shutterstock.com.