Category: Creative Kids Crafts

A friendship bracelet is fun to make, easy to give and very nostalgic. My kiddos enjoy creating things that they can give to family and friends. When I was younger I liked to make many things. One thing was beaded jewelry. Another craft I enjoyed working with was oven-bake/polymer clay. One more crafty activity I enjoyed was making friendship bracelets out of floss, or craft thread. There are so many patterns and designs to try out. For my boys, I decided to have them learn with this simple pattern.

Materials needed to make this friendship bracelet

First, gather the necessary materials. Craft thread or embroidery floss is, of course, is first on the materials list. Next, cardboard, at least 4″ in all directions, is needed. Scissors are needed to cut a 3″ to 4″ circle out of the cardboard. A pen or other writing utensil; a ruler; a compass and tape are the rest of the materials for this project. I tried to use an empty ribbon spool for the loom. It was already a round piece of cardboard and there was a convenient hole in the middle for the working bracelet to go through. That did seem to work, however, the notches could not be cut very deep. Sometimes the floss did not stay in place.

Prepare the loom

• If not already done, use the compass to make a 3-4 inch circle on the cardboard. Cut out the circle and poke a small hole (about 1/4″) in the center.
• With the ruler and writing utensil, draw 4 lines from one side to the other, equidistant from each other. **As when cutting a pie or pizza, with 8 equal-sized pieces. Number each line, clockwise from 1-8. **See the picture below as an example of how the ‘loom’ should look.
• With scissors, cut a small notch (1/2-3/4 inch) on each line, from the edge towards the center of the circle.

Prepare the floss

• Select the desired floss (color, texture, etc.)
• To measure, have the recipient sit or stand straight and stretch one arm out to their side. Hold the end of the floss in front of or at the recipient’s nose. Stretch the other side of the floss to the fingertips of the extended arm. Cut the floss to that length.
• Repeat for all 7 strands of floss. **Either choose 7 different colors or some of the same. In the Step-by-step visual aid (below), pink, green and white were all used twice.
• Hold all 7 strands together and tie a knot on one side, about one inch from the end.
• Push the knot through the center hole in the loom. (See picture below.)

Set up the loom

With the knot on one side of the loom, the rest of the floss is through to the top side. Separate each strand of floss and insert into each notch, beginning with number one and ending with number seven. Number eight will be left empty to begin the friendship bracelet. (See Starting Position below, in the Step-by-step visual aid.)

To simplify, I have included a visual step-by-step below of each step to make the bracelet. With #8 empty, count back counter-clockwise 3 spaces (to #5) and move that strand to the open spot. Continue counting back 3 spaces for each strand to create the bracelet. Keep the tension on the floss consistent.

Step-by-step visual aid

Continue in this pattern until you have reached almost the end of the thread, or until it is as long as you would like. Tie a knot on the end to secure it.

Introduction to Fall tree craft

The Fall tree craft is fairly simple to do with most ages of kids. The fall trees add no some color and fun to a cold and dreary day when indoors is the place to be. It is also adjustable for different looks and sensory experiences.  For younger ages, fingers, cotton swabs, small sponges and paint brushes can be used as tools. Additionally, older kids can use the same tools but can be more precise when creating the leaves. They can also use markers and pens to draw details on leaves and other objects.

Fall tree template

First, decide on a tree silhouette or just the trunk and branches. I found one on Pinterest similar to this one. There are several options online for this. Or, if you are so artistically inclined, draw it yourself and make as many copies as needed.

Paper for the Fall tree craft

Next, decide what to paint onto. Printer paper, or copy paper might work well for your needs. Knowing the crafters I was going to have, I thought a thicker paper was the best option. My project was for a first grade class party. Some first graders tend to go heavy on the paint. A thinner paper would quickly fall apart with a large amount of paint. I opted for a thicker paper, such as card stock. Mixed media paper and canvas are other ideas, as well.

Fall tree craft tools

After the tree silhouettes are on as many papers needed, it is time to collect tools. As mentioned before, be creative with the tools, based on the age group that will make this craft. Our fall trees were created during a class party. Easy clean-up was an important factor for us. We decided to go with cotton swabs as our tool for application. They would make small circles and could be used to “draw” other objects. Also, the cotton swabs are easily disposable. Additionally, we used small paper plates to put the paint on.

Fall tree craft paint

Finally, the last supply necessary for this craft is paint. For colors, we chose red, orange and yellow. Other options for fall tree colors include some greens, burgundy, brown and even some grey hues. Choose any color you associate with fall leaves. In addition to paint colors, there is also type of paint to decide on. For little kids, washable paint means easier clean-up. This is especially true if it is not possible to work with each child individually. Personally, I prefer to use acrylic paints. The texture of acrylics, along with versatility, is most appealing to me. Also, acrylic paint is easily cleaned from many surfaces with the use of baby wipes. Of course, the sooner the paint is tended to, the easier it is to clean up entirely, no matter what kind of paint it is.

Create Fall tree craft

After gathering all of the necessary supplies, allow your artists to use their creativity. Squirt a small amount of each paint color onto a paper plate. Use an amount about the size of a quarter or half dollar. Set the paper, plate with paint and tools on the workspace. Let them create as desired. If you would rather, demonstrate for them how to use the tools.

Be creative

All 3 of my kids had fun with this activity. My oldest decided to also make a leaf pile under the tree. My other two kiddos saw their brother’s idea and adopted it for their own picture. Keep in mind, if the paint is too thick on the paper it will take longer to dry. This activity can be done with a tree silhouette, as described here. Another idea is to use a wreath silhouette and add oriental bittersweet or pyracantha berries with the leaves. This can also be done with other holidays and seasons, as well. For example, a green wreath silhouette with red or colorful dots for winter. Another idea is for a gumball machine and the colors representing the gumballs inside the machine. Be creative and have fun.  

Fall Tree Dab Painting

Print

Kids of almost any age can create a picture for Fall with paper, paint and cotton swabs (or fingers, paint brushes, etc.).

Materials

• Card stock paper
• Acrylic paints in Fall colors
• Markers and pens (optional, for older kids)

Tools

• Cotton swabs
• paper plate
• paint brushes (optional)

Instructions

1. Add some paint to the paper plate, in desired Fall colors.
2. Dab cotton swab into one or two colors of paint on the paper plate. Just enough to get paint on it.
3. Dab the cotton swab with paint on it onto the paper, creating small circles.
4. Continue with all of the colors until the tree is as full as desired.
5. If desired, use markers and pens to add detail.

Notes

Card stock paper is suggested, however, printer paper or art canvas would also work, depending on your artists.

Acrylic paints are suggested. However, kids washable paint would be fine, too.

Markers and pens are listed as an optional material. This is for older kids that might want to add detail to the leaves or something else to their page.

Cotton swabs are suggested. They used to create dots (leaves) on the bare tree. The paper plate and cotton swabs are used for easy clean-up. Kids can use their fingers for a similar look.

When I was younger shrink film was popular. Shrink film was made of a thin sheet of polystyrene. We colored in shapes that were previously printed on the film or drew our own. Then, after the project was colored with colored pencils or markers, the shape was cut out with scissors. After that, it was placed on a cookie sheet and baked in the oven. When it was taken out, the shrink film was a hard piece of plastic, smaller than the original size.

Shrink film ideas

I enjoy scrolling through Pinterest to find ideas for projects. There are some creative ideas to do with shrink film. For example, for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day or Grandparent’s Day, make a keychain using a kid’s handprint. I have done something similar with my kiddos. They use a blank sheet of shrink film and randomly color or draw on it. Then I select a spot on it that appeals to me the most. They put their hand on it and I trace their hand. Next, the shape of their hand gets cut out. Then, if desired, a hole is punched somewhere on the palm of the hand. Finally, the shape is heated per package instructions.      

My kiddos are creative people and I knew they would enjoy this craft, especially my oldest two. They could make quite a few of them with little materials. The ornaments would look fun either on the small tree in their bedroom or as small gifts to family.

Gathering Materials

The materials were easy to gather. My local craft store had the shrink film in stock. I have about 3 different sizes of hole punches. The smallest one was best. Some crafting supplies I like to always have on hand are permanent markers in various colors. After gathering the materials and tools needed, I went online to find the best ornament templates for this project. I printed out the templates I chose (you can find them here). It is a plus that the shrink film is opaque. I put the film on top of the ornament template and secured it with masking tape. Then I traced the ornaments onto the film with a black permanent marker. My kiddos did their part of coloring the ornaments. Then it was up to me to cut then bake them. It was as simple as that.   

Yield: 12 Shrink Film Ornaments

Easy Shrink Film Ornaments

Print

Use shrink film, permanent markers, an ornament template and your creativity to make small ornaments for a tree, as a small gift from a child or to make a package more festive.

Materials

• Shrink film (found at many craft stores)
• Permanent markers in many colors
• Ornament Template

Tools

• Scissors
• Hole punch, preferably small
• Oven (with adult supervision)

Instructions

1. Gather materials.
2. Place a sheet of shrink film on top of ornament template and secure with masking or painter’s tape.
3. Trace the shapes and designs of the ornaments onto the shrink film.
4. Using permanent markers, color in the ornaments on the shrink film as desired.
5. With scissors, cut out each ornament carefully.
6. Using the hole punch, make a hole in the top of the ornament, be careful to stay within the margin of the ornament.
7. Place ornaments onto baking sheet.
8. Bake per instructions on shrink film packaging.
9. Remove from oven and let cool.
10. Add a hook, ribbon or floral wire to hang the ornament.

Notes

Kids might enjoy watching the shrink film at work. It will shrink, curl up and then flatten back out.

Colors become darker with the heating process.

Remember, the whole thing will shrink, so the size of the hole from the hole punch will also get smaller. That is good to remember depending on what you are using to hang your ornament.

Colored pencils could also be used, if desired, instead of permanent markers.

When storing them, be sure to package them securely. They will be a strong, hard plastic after heating. However, the ornaments could still break.

Some of the ornaments we made did not fully flatten. There are many variables as to why that might be. One reason could be due to which side they were heated on. Another reason would be if the oven does not cook evenly and they were at a slightly different temperature. (Or if the door of the oven was opened and cool air got into the oven while they were hardening.)

Porcupines

Some of my favorite animals to see at the zoo are the porcupines. For a couple of years my family was gifted yearly passes to a local zoo. My kids liked to see the Ocelot walking around in its enclosure. They get excited to watch the otters playing in the water. At the wolf enclosure we all try to spot as many wolves possible. They blend in so well with the rocks in the landscape. I like all of that, too. However, my favorite animal to see is the porcupine sitting up in the tree. I would really like to see one alive in the wild.   

Many Medias for Porcupines

Two of my boys enjoy playing with playdough and letting their creativity shine. Dough of many kinds peak their interests. Whether it is playdough, air dry model clay, kinetic sand, scented varieties of all of the items listed, or anything similar, they have a fun time with it.  I like that kinetic sand vacuums up nicely. There are rules in our house where they can and cannot use dough. (If you email me, I can tell you how I got bright blue playdough out of light brown carpet!)

Put it all together

We had some air-dry model clay left over from a previous project and my preschooler wanted to make something with it. Looking through my craft supplies, I found some decorative bamboo skewers. He started to add the skewers right away to the model clay. The skewers could go anywhere on the shape of clay.

Other Ideas

Our porcupines were very simple and not detailed. We could have shaped them before using the skewers. They would have been more pear-shaped, with the narrow end representing the head. Another idea would be to add a face, either with markers or other materials found in the craft supplies. You could get as detailed as you would like and have time for. My kiddo was content and proud of his work in spite of the lack of detail. I thought his porcupine was great, too! That was what we did. Any option of dough could be used in place of the air dry model clay. Also, toothpicks or other pick-type sticks could be used instead of skewers. Use your own creativity.

Desire to make them

I first saw these spiral bead ornaments as a decoration at Longwood Gardens. As I took a closer look at them I thought that I could try to make them, too. I had glass seed beads and some jewelry making tools. I enjoy being creative and wanted to give them a try.

Visiting Longwood Gardens

Every year my parents gift my family with a Christmas time visit to Longwood Gardens. We enjoy many aspects of the Gardens at this time of year. Each year there is a different theme or color scheme. This particular year the theme was retro. The colors throughout the Gardens reflected that. Shiny and metallic decorations adorned plants and buildings, such as the spiral bead ornaments.

One stop we make every year is to the Wildlife Tree. There is food and shelter for birds, squirrels, chipmunks and other wildlife. We like to see what birds stop by while we are there. Usually there are Dark-eyed juncos, Northern Cardinals, Tufted titmice, Black-capped chickadee and more. This year we were delighted to see toy brick bird feeders. There were tube feeders and platform feeders.

We have a great time climbing up the treehouses. The plants and displays are always wonderful sights to see. There is a fountain show with music, lights and water. One favorite display every year for my boys is the outdoor train layout. Another favorite for my boys is the children’s garden.

The children’s garden is located inside the conservatory. It is filled with a variety of water play. Jumping water, paint brushes and fountains are at every turn. There is even a water basin with small floating toys inside. Kids can use small nets to scoop up as many ducks, fish and other plastic toys as possible. Of course, we make this one of our first stops in the conservatory. Afterwards, we put dry clothing on our boys, if necessary.

Coming up with a Plan for Spiral Bead Ornaments-Beads

I knew I was going to use glass seed beads (size 11), with at least some on each ornament being translucent. Metallic beads reflect the light and shine all around. Translucent beads let the light shine through them. Choosing colors to put together allowed me to be creative. Of course I wanted to use clear and red, to reflect candy canes. Also, neutral colors caught my eye. Then blues appealed to me, as well.

Coming up with a Plan for Spiral Bead Ornaments-Wire

I had no idea where to start with the wire. So, I went online to see what size wire works with size 11 beads. It was suggested to use 24# wire for this size bead. After discovering that it meant 24 gauge beading wire, I went to the craft store. There, I found just what I was looking for in the jewelry/beading aisle.

Coming up with a Plan for Spiral Bead Ornaments-Putting it all together

Putting these ornaments together seemed simple enough, with minimal supplies needed. First, gather supplies. These include the beads (of course); the wire; tools; something to create the spiral shape and a hook or hanger to dangle it from the tree. To create the spiral shape I used a US size6 knitting needle and a pencil. Whatever you use will determine the tightness of the spiral. Of the tools below, I used the wire cutters (pink-handled tool) and round-nosed pliers (purple-handled tool).

After tools are collected, it is time to begin. First, cut the wire to the desired length. Remember, the finished size of the ornament will be smaller when it is twisted. Using the round-nosed pliers, make a loop at one end of the wire. Then add the beads. After that, wind it into a spiral by twisting it around the knitting needle or pencil. Then, use the round-nosed pliers again to make another loop on the end. Decide which way is up and add the hanger.

Yield: 1 3-4inch long spiral bead ornament

How to Make Spiral Bead Ornaments

Print

Instructions on how to created a lovely spiral beaded ornament to add some sparkle and color to the Christmas tree, put in a window as a sun catcher or anywhere else.

Materials

• 24 gauge wire jewelry or bead wire
• 140-160 size 11 glass seed beads
• Pencil, US #6 knitting needle or something else to wrap the wire around
• Hanger or hook
• Tools listed below

Tools

• Wire cutters
• Round-nosed pliers
• Tape measure or ruler

Instructions

1. Using the ruler and wire cutters, measure and cut 10 inches of 24 gauge wire.
2. With the round-nosed pliers, make a loop around one end of the wire, turning it as if to wind a watch 3 or 4 times.
3. Add beads. Be creative with colors, patterns, ombres, translucents, metallics and more.
4. Trim the wire if necessary. **Be sure to leave enough room to make another loop and for some ‘give’ for the ornament during twisting.
5. As with instruction #2, use the round-nosed pliers to make a loop at the end of the wire. Leave about 1/8 inch between the loop and where the beads end.
6. Hold the pencil or knitting needle in your left hand. With your thumb, hold one end (the loop) to the bottom of the pencil.
7. Wrap the beaded wire around the pencil.
8. When the entire ornament is a spiral, slide it off the pencil and add the hanger to one of the loops.

Notes

On instruction #7, I found it to be easier and more efficient to hold the top of the beaded wire with my right hand at the top. With my left hand I held the pencil and ornament and twisted those together. (Instead of holding the pencil in place).

Your finished project will vary depending on the materials used. For example, if a pencil is used versus a thinner knitting needle, the twist in the ornament will be wider. Also, more twists can make it shorter than less twists.

Let me know how you did and show me what your ornaments look like.

***For storing (when you take the tree down)*** Slip the hangers off the ornaments. I found it convenient to slide the ornaments onto a pencil. This was especially the case for the ones that are twisted around a pencil. That will prevent the ornaments from being squished and misshapen. For me, two ornaments fit on one pencil in tandem. I used a hard pencil case to store them, along with the hangers.

Pony bead suncatchers are a fairly simple craft to do with most ages of kids. It is not difficult and requires just a few materials. However, adult supervision and assistance is required to ensure safety. This is especially true when using the oven and, if desired, a drill. They can be as colorful as desired, or have a design or pattern. We also tried solid-colored beads to give a different look.

My boys enjoy crafting, one of them a bit more than his brothers. I found a ‘how to’ for suncatchers and thought it would be a good craft to try out. Sometimes when I find craft ideas for my kiddos I like to try them out on my own first. That way I am able to figure out any issues I would have and become more familiar with the project. Then, when it comes to my boys crafting that project, I am more prepared to help them. Otherwise I feel a bit disorganized. This also helps me to tweak the project, if necessary, to make it suit our needs.

The supplies needed to make this suncatcher are minimal. Of course, if they are not on hand, the supplies are easy to find at the store. Once gathered, it is time to put this craft together. I like to use a muffin tin or silicone mold that is just for crafting. In other words, I do not use the materials to cook food in. Putting the beads in the tin can be done quickly. However, if doing a pattern or design, might take a little while longer. Due to cooking plastic, it is a good idea to use a well ventilated area. I have read that some crafters like to take a toaster oven outside when creating these. That way the fumes dissipate in the air. Personally, I use one of the ovens in my kitchen. I make these when the weather is nice enough to have my windows open.

Happy crafting!

Pony Bead Suncatchers

Print

Make fun, colorful suncatchers with plastic pony beads.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Active Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes

Materials

• PONY BEADS Clear or Translucent plastic (a few solid pony beads, if desired)
• MUFFIN TIN (regular or mini, or oven-safe cookie cutters and a pie plate
• STRING, beading line, fishing line, or anything to hang the suncatcher
• OVEN or toaster oven
• DRILL with a small bit (to make a hole in the suncatcher for the string to fit through) -or- heat safe grommets -or- hot glue, epoxy or other strong adhesive
• SUCTION CUPS small, with hooks, to attach to a window (optional)
• SCISSORS

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400° F.

Fill bottom of muffin tin with beads in a single layer, be sure all of the beads are flat.

Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check frequently for doneness.

Let cool.

Remove from muffin tin. Sometimes it helps to dip the underside of the tin in cold water to help release the suncatchers.

Drill a small hole and add string. Or, add string with strong adhesive.

Attach to the window with the suction cup.

Notes

Be creative with colors, patterns and designs. Sometimes sharp edges will form. This happens when there are not enough beads or if it does not cook long or hot enough. Watch the suncatchers as they are baking to see if you need to add another bead or two. Also, you can use some sand paper lightly to soften sharp edges. I have used some solid colors to form a heart, around Valentine's Day. It did not make a heart, but a blocky triangle. I have also used an oven-safe silicone mold to create heart-shaped suncatchers. They turned out fine. I have tried both epoxy for the hanger and drilling a hole to thread the line through. Be creative and see what you can create!