As with most children, my daughter can seem especially testy when she can’t get outside to blow off steam. We try to do puzzles, read books and dance with the Wiggles but some days this simply isn’t enough. I have a special box in the closet for such days. This box is loaded with art supplies and never fails to make her smile.
Rainy days don’t have to be gloomy and depressing. Crafts can help build the imagination and spark new interests in children. Children of all ages will enjoy the time they spend with you learning to make something new. Make your own craft box by purchasing a large tub to hold supplies. A trip to your local craft store for supplies can inspire many great craft ideas. Stock up on things such as glue, tape, glitter, string, ribbons, colored paper, and scissors. You can also purchase markers, crayons, chalk, feathers, shells, paints and brushes, lace, buttons, and anything else that catches your eye. I also stock up on arts and crafts kits that are sold at craft stores when I see them on the clearance rack.
Here are some great crafts to make those rainy days seem a little brighter.
Home Made Dough
Most children will love making and playing with their own dough. Here is a simple recipe that is easy to make and non-toxic as well.
1 cup flour
1 cup salt
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
food coloring
water as needed
Mix the salt and flour together with the oil and thoroughly mix. You can add drops of food coloring until you achieved the desired hue. You can add water if the dough is too stiff or seems to be drying out. This can be stored in your refrigerator to be used again.
Pirates Looking Glass
Save your empty paper towel rolls instead of throwing them away. Allow your child to decorate the tube with anything they wish. They can color with markers or paint if they wish. They could also use glue to add feathers, ribbons, and string.
Personalized Photo Frames
Many dollar stores and craft stores carry inexpensive, plain photo frames in a variety of sizes. Have your children decorate the frame with whatever they wish to make the frame special. When they are finished and the glue has dried they can add their favorite picture to the frame and display it in your home. These can also be made to give as a gift. I like to save these in a box for Christmas time. Then my little girl can wrap them up and give them as gifts.
Self Portrait
You can use a large sheet of poster board or rolled paper for this craft. Have the child lie down. Using a pencil or marker, trace the outline of their body. Have the child decorate their outline anyway they wish. Encourage them to be as silly as they want to be.
Marble Art
For this project you will need square cookie sheets that are at least a half an inch deep. You will also need papers, paints, and marbles.
Lay a sheet of paper in the bottom of the cookie sheet and then squirt paint onto the sheet of paper. Add the marbles and have the child move the pan around so that the marbles roll through the paint and over the paper. Each creation will be unique and interesting.
Dream Collage
Give your children a stack of old magazines and scissors. Be sure to supervise young children with scissors and safety scissors. Ask them go leaf through the magazines and cut out pictures they find beautiful, interesting or funny. Encourage them to find things that will tell a story about who they are and who they wish to be. They can cut out pictures that represent occupations they may be interested in or things they hope to do one day.
When they have a stack of pictures cut out have them glue them onto on large sheet to make a collage. This is something that can be framed and hung in the home or saved. You may even wish to put these in a safe place to give to them at a later date. This may remind them that dreams are an important part of life and that they should always reach for their desires.
Mask
This craft can inspire creativity and imagination. Cut out a circle and eyeholes and have each child decorate their mask in a different theme. Attach string to each side so that the child can wear the mask. You could also attach a stick so they may just hold the mask up over their face. When they are finished with their masterpiece, ask them to make up a small play based on the characters they have created.
Boxes
Anyone with small children will tell you that quite often the box is far more interesting then the object it contains. A box is a magical thing that can be just about anything. Ask your child what they think the box could be and help them create it. In my home we have created rocket ships, racecars and castles. Give your children a little nudge and see where their imagination can take them.
