Olivia and I will be staying in this weekend and one of my favorite things to do to keep her entertained is arts & crafts. From creating a musical instrument out of a paper towel roll to creating homemade “play-doh”, I will be pulling out all of the stops the next few days. Since I know a lot of us are taking measures to spend more time at home right now, I wanted to share with you some of my favorite, fun and easy crafts for kids!
Homemade “Foam Dough”
This alternative to play-doh is super easy to make and provides hours of entertainment. This is one of my favorite and easiest crafts I do with Liv. (Pro tip: keep the job of “adding food coloring” to either older kids or adults only to minimize the mess).
What You’ll Need
- Measuring Cup
- Large bowl (I like to use plastic ones so the kids can get their hands in there and I’m not worried about anything breaking) (smaller bowls for separate colors)
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 3 cups shaving cream
- Food coloring
How To Make It
In a large bowl, measure out the cornstarch and add the shaving cream. Mix together using your hands. If the consistency is too dry, add a bit more shaving cream. Once the mixture is your desired texture, separate mixture into smaller bowls and add in the food coloring to each to get your desired color of each mixture. And there you go! Store in a resealable bag at room temperature for up to two weeks!
Homemade Garland
I love to break out the construction paper and decorative scissors any chance I get so this craft is as much for me as it is for Liv. I like using mixed-matched patterns and colors to create something really unique!
What You’ll Need
- Construction Paper (multiple colors)
- Scissors (regular or decorative)
- String
- Glue or tape
How To Make It
Pick your scheme – I like to do different patterns in different colors and create multiple strands of garland. Cut out your desired shape and then tape or glue to the string. Allow to dry and then hang where desired! Super easy and can keep kids entertained for a long time with all of that cutting.
Toilet Paper/Paper Towel Roll Shakers
While this one can be a bit noisy, I love this craft! Super fun and creative and making different sized shakers and filling them with different things allows your kiddo to make multiple kinds instruments!
What You’ll Need
- Paper towel or toilet paper roll
- Duct tape
- Dried rice, dried beans, dried corn, pennies, or loose buttons (for filling)
- Markers, paint, decorative tape to decorate
- Scissors
- Construction paper
- Glue
How To Make It
First, cut out a circle of construction paper slightly larger than the bottom of the roll. Duct tape that circle to the bottom and make sure it is secure. I cover the ends a with a few strips of duct tape to make sure it is solid so when the kids are shaking, the insides don’t come flying out. Next add the dried beans, rice, or loose buttons. Different fillers will make different sounds. Seal the other end with another construction paper circle and duct tape. Then decorate the shaker: cut out different patterns with the construction paper and glue them on, color with markers or paint. Allow to dry and there you go!
What are some of your favorite crafts to do with the kiddos? Share with me on Instagram!
Xo, Sabrina
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