DIY Summer Crafts for Kids: Fun and Creative Projects to Keep Them Busy
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Welcome to the first post in our summer series, dedicated to bringing you fun and engaging activities for the whole family.
Today, we’re diving into some DIY summer crafts that will keep your kids entertained and spark their creativity!
Summer is the perfect time to unleash your kids’ creativity with fun DIY crafts! Not only do these projects keep them entertained, but they also provide a great opportunity for them to learn new skills and express their imagination.
Here are some easy and exciting summer craft ideas you and your kids can enjoy together.
1. Sun Catchers
Materials:
- Clear plastic lids (from takeout containers or yogurt cups)
- Colorful tissue paper
- White glue
- Paintbrush
- Hole punch
- String
Instructions:
- Cut the tissue paper into small squares or shapes.
- Brush a thin layer of glue on the plastic lid.
- Let your kids arrange the tissue paper pieces on the lid, creating a colorful mosaic.
- Once the lid is covered, brush another thin layer of glue over the top to seal the tissue paper.
- Punch a hole at the top of the lid and tie a piece of string through it.
- Hang the sun catcher in a sunny window and watch it sparkle!
2. Homemade Bird Feeders
Materials:
- Pinecones
- Peanut butter
- Birdseed
- String
Instructions:
- Tie a piece of string around the top of the pinecone, leaving enough length to hang it from a tree branch.
- Spread peanut butter all over the pinecone, making sure to get it into all the crevices.
- Roll the peanut butter-covered pinecone in birdseed until it is fully coated.
- Hang the bird feeder outside and watch the birds flock to it!
3. Painted Rocks
Materials:
- Smooth rocks
- Acrylic paint
- Paintbrushes
- Sealant (optional)
There are kits that come with smooth rocks and paint. (that is what we use)
Click the image to see more information. (this is an affiliate link)
We have also searched the yard for rocks, which adds another level of fun to this activity.
Instructions:
- Collect smooth rocks from your yard or a nearby park.
- Wash and dry the rocks to remove any dirt.
- Let your kids paint the rocks with fun designs, patterns, or even inspirational messages.
- Once the paint is dry, you can apply a sealant to protect the designs if desired.
- Use the painted rocks to decorate your garden, or give them as gifts to friends and family.
4. Tie-Dye T-Shirts
Materials:
- White cotton t-shirts
- Tie-dye kit (available at craft stores)
- Rubber bands
- Plastic bags
Instructions:
- Follow the instructions on the tie-dye kit to prepare your dyes.
- Twist and fold the t-shirts into different patterns, securing them with rubber bands.
- Apply the dye to the t-shirts, using different colors to create vibrant designs.
- Place the dyed t-shirts in plastic bags and let them sit for the recommended amount of time.
- Rinse the t-shirts until the water runs clear, then wash and dry them according to the kit instructions.
- Enjoy wearing your unique tie-dye creations!
5. Paper Plate Animals
Materials:
- Paper plates
- Construction paper
- Glue
- Scissors
- Markers or crayons
- Googly eyes (optional)
Instructions:
- Decide which animal you want to create and gather the necessary construction paper colors.
- Cut out shapes for the animal’s features (ears, nose, wings, etc.) from the construction paper.
- Glue the shapes onto the paper plate to create your animal.
- Add details with markers or crayons, and glue on googly eyes if you have them.
- Let your kids’ imaginations run wild as they create a whole menagerie of paper plate animals!
These DIY summer crafts are a great way to spend quality time with your kids and make lasting memories. Stay tuned for more posts in our summer series, where we’ll continue to share fun family activities and tips to make the most of your summer break.
Don’t forget to share your craft creations with us on social media using #CraftySummer