Summer Arts and Crafts for Kids to Make Now
Grandma Sandy is on vacation, returning Wednesday, August 14. In the meantime, each week, we’ll feature a curated collection of the best of “Call Me Grandma!” In today’s post, we’re highlighting some of our favorite summer arts and crafts projects for kids.
When I was a child, my family didn’t go on fancy vacations in the summer. At most, we’d drive to the other side of the Big Island to visit my grandparents in Kona.
My sister and I entertained ourselves during summer vacations by making arts and crafts projects, inspired by how-to books from the library.
Our creative workshop was my mother’s sewing room. It was filled with fabric scraps, lace and trims, hundreds of buttons, and more. I hope my own craft room is as inspiring to the grandkids.
On “Call Me Grandma!” we have an entire section on arts and crafts for kids. Below is a sampling of three of the many projects you’ll find on the website.
Creating art sparks imagination, helps to develop fine motor skills, and gives kids a sense of pride and accomplishment, which bolsters self-confidence.
Capture the Sun with these Suncatchers
Kids will enjoy dabbling with paints and experimenting with color combinations to make suncatchers. At Christmas, we used the suncatchers as ornaments on the childen’s Christmas tree.
“Cook with Nature”–from Outdoor Play to Art
When the kids were little, “water play” meant emptying out kitchen cabinets for whisks, measuring cups, cooking pots, and bowls. I’d get the kids out into the yard under a market umbrella and they’d splash water all over themselves as they poured, mixed, and stirred. This is the perfect project for a hot summer day.
But when she was nine, Miss T took water play to a new level. She began to make a beautiful “meal” with flowers and leaves, even stuffing blossoms in rolled-up leaves held with toothpicks. Once I understood her intent, I brought out a silver tray so she could display her work elegantly.
Turn water play into an art project by having older kids create fancy “meals” with natural “ingredients.”
Make a Piñata, then Have a Party
Making a piñata is a fascinating arts and crafts project for kids. It’s a rather messy endeavor, best done in the backyard.
It will take your kid crafters a few days to complete the piñata to allow for drying, painting, and decorating time.
Once complete, fill the piñata with goodies and let the fun begin!
More Summer Arts and Crafts for Kids
Here are some additional projects your kids will love:
- 31 Arts and Crafts for Kids; clever ideas to make at home from Highlights magazine.
- 80 Arts and Crafts How-To Videos from Wheaton Arts Family Art Workshop.
- Whitney Kids Art Challenge: art projects designed especially for kids and grown-ups to do together, based on works of art in the Whitney’s collection.
- 10 Clever Craft Projects to Try with your Kids from Scholastic, using everyday craft supplies.
- Fun, Easy Craft Ideas for Kids from my Pinterest Board. (You need a Pinterest account to access.)
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