Crafting with kids is a great way to spend an afternoon. DIY projects don’t have to involve an expensive trip to the art supply store; often all you need is a few household items and your imagination. In fact, kids craft ideas are pretty much at the tip of your fingertips, thanks to sites like Pinterest.
Dr. JJ Levenstein, one of our favorite pediatricians, came up with these easy recipes for crafts that will keep your kids entertained for long enough for you to enjoy a cup of coffee.
Bubbles: A mixture of dish soap, a little corn syrup, water, and a wand will create magic for your child.
Ingredients & Instructions:
-1 cup water
-2 tablespoons light karo syrup or 2 tablespoons glycerin
-4 tablespoons dishwashing liquid
Bubble “wands” can be made with:
-a slotted spoon
-a bamboo carpet beater
-funnels
-fly swatters
-a potato ricer
-6-pack rings
-a silicone steaming basket
-mason jar lid rings
-cookie cutters
-frozen juice can with ends (and juice) removed
Finger Paint and an endless roll of paper: You can buy large rolls of butcher paper at Costco or Smart and Final. The paper can be unfurled on a lawn, outdoor table, on the ground, or a kitchen floor. The paper is a canvas for imagination–whether drawn with crayons, washable markers, or homemade finger paint, art projects are a favorite for little ones (and older kids as well).
Finger Paint Recipe:
-3 cups of soap flakes (like Ivory Snow) and any color of food coloring. Add water until mixture resembles thick paste (and obviously monitor your child to make sure it’s not eaten!).