Handcrafts For Kids
Getting back into our homeschool routine can feel boring after the excitement of the holiday season. With winter weather keeping up inside, I like to encourage my kids toward handcrafts.
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The simple definition of handcrafts is to skillfully make something with your hands. For kids, that includes learning to skillfully make something. There are a lot of handmade things kids can learn to make, and here are a few ideas to consider.
Handcrafts for kids:
Greeting card bookmarks – If you received Christmas cards over the holiday, recycle them into bookmarks. Many Christmas cards have beautiful artwork. Cut them to bookmark size and laminate. Here is a tutorial.
String Art – We have done a lot of fun string art projects over the years. Many patterns can be found online or choose to create your own. The main supplies needed of a craft board, crochet thread, and silver finishing nails, and can be found at local craft and hardware stores.
Scarf, hat, and headband – A few months ago, my daughter found some old knitting looms when going through my sewing supplies. Johanna looked for some online tutorials and Wambui Made It became her new favorite teacher. When I listened in the background I felt like my daughter was receiving expert instruction from a loving grandmother. After some practice, she made several homemade Christmas gifts using both round looms and long looms. There was some initial trial and error with yarn. Johanna preferred to use Lion Brand Yarn that is #6 super bulky. Do not use blanket yarn regardless of how wonderfully soft it is.
Tile Coasters – Brighten up your coffee table with fun new coasters. Popsugar offers a tutorial for making photo coasters using tiles. We picked up ceramic wall tiles at our local Home Depot for less than $2 per tile and used scrapbook paper we had on hand. Tiles are also available online if you want to avoid the hardware store.
Light Switch Covers – This is a super simple and inexpensive way for kids to personalize their rooms. Switch covers can be purchased at a local hardware store for about fifty cents each. Use some fun scrapbook paper and follow the tutorial at Loopy Loop Creations.
Rag Quilt – I believe sewing is a skill for both girls and boys, and one of my sons is our resident expert. Rag quilts are a great project to introduce kids to using a sewing machine as all the stitches are straight lines. A basic rag quilt is made by sewing batting between two blocks of flannel material, and then sewing the blocks together. The raw edges are snipped, creating a fuzzy frayed seam allowance. If you’re not familiar with sewing rag quilts, there is a good beginner tutorial here.
Handcrafts are a great way to encourage kids to be creative while making something useful. Finished projects can be used around the home or given as gifts. Knowing someone spent time making something is a treasure. What handcrafts are you and your kids making?