I have a love/hate relationship with Pinterest. I see all these beautiful crafts, sentimental handprint or foot print art that turn out absolutely perfect. When I go to try these 'easy' activities, it normally ends up in toddler tears, paint everywhere, and a craft project that looks nothing like the picture.
So here I am, to help you out with some art, crafts, and projects that look like the picture, or at least result in less tears for both mommy and child. These are great during the hot summer afternoons, where maybe it's hard to do anything outside.
Dinosaur Hatching
When we studied dinosaurs last year, we made these dino 'eggs'. It was a mixture of baking soda and water, and once they froze, you used vinegar to 'hatch' them. It takes a little while for it to completely dissolve, but my son really enjoyed this! I was watching my cousin at the time, who is a young teenager, and he even seemed to enjoy this!
Crayon Resist Painting
Another favorite around here is simply drawing on watercolor paper with a white crayon, any design you like. You then let your little one use watercolors to see the design 'magically' appear as they paint! They are more likely to stay at the project longer, so that they make sure the entire design appears. We've done this using letters, like here, and other designs.
Nature Art
For this project, you'll need to take a nature walk in the early part of the morning. Search for twigs, wildflowers, seeds, leaves, whatever strikes your child's fancy. Once inside, gather craft supplies and let your child create 'art'. I've let my son make flowers out of seeds, paint over leaves and then remove them to show the outline. You can also pound flowers to leave the imprint behind, or you can simply let your child glue the objects on whichever way they want. No perfect end goal here, just letting your child have fun!
I'm sure there are many more I could add, but this is a great place to start! Hope this helps on your next hot or rainy day!
Crayon Resist Painting
Another favorite around here is simply drawing on watercolor paper with a white crayon, any design you like. You then let your little one use watercolors to see the design 'magically' appear as they paint! They are more likely to stay at the project longer, so that they make sure the entire design appears. We've done this using letters, like here, and other designs.
Nature Art
For this project, you'll need to take a nature walk in the early part of the morning. Search for twigs, wildflowers, seeds, leaves, whatever strikes your child's fancy. Once inside, gather craft supplies and let your child create 'art'. I've let my son make flowers out of seeds, paint over leaves and then remove them to show the outline. You can also pound flowers to leave the imprint behind, or you can simply let your child glue the objects on whichever way they want. No perfect end goal here, just letting your child have fun!
I'm sure there are many more I could add, but this is a great place to start! Hope this helps on your next hot or rainy day!
I am loving these ideas, especially the dino eggs! I'm definitely adding that one to our list of fun projects to do! Thank you so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you! The dino eggs were so much fun to do!
DeleteOh, my goodness! What fun, yet simple, ideas! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteOh fun ideas, I'll have to try the dino eggs with my younger boys.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I hope they enjoy doing them!
DeleteThe dinosaur eggs are the coolest idea ever! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWe had a fun time doing them!
DeleteI totally understand about Pinterest. I feel like adults make the craft themselves and share that photo - not the ones that kids actually make. Part of why when I share images I want people to see what it will look like when a young child makes it for them.
ReplyDeleteYes! My mom and I were just talking about this. Her kids are involved in 4-H, and when it's time to do projects, the parents seem more involved than the kids!
DeleteThese are great ideas! Simple ideas are so engaging for kids, I find.
ReplyDeletethank you! I think so too.
DeleteI love the dinosaur hatching idea!
ReplyDeleteIt's such a fun activity!
DeleteSuch awesome ideas! My daughter loves dinos.
ReplyDeleteThank you! my son used to be obsessed with dinos too!
DeleteThese are some fun ideas! It's been awhile since we've done a good crayon resist painting. I might have to try to add that to our ever growing list!
ReplyDeleteI love crayon resist painting! It's so easy to do.
Delete