crafts Archives - Look! We're Learning!

20 Fun Clothespin Puppets for Kids to Make

November 21, 2019 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Have you ever put on a puppet show with the kids?

We’ve done it a few times and they always had a blast with their puppet characters.

We’d usually have rehearsed lines in advance, but someone always wanted to improvise and take the story in a different direction.

Which is part of the fun!

When we’ve made puppets, we usually make them out of paper bags. But there are so many ways to make puppets at home, including these super cute clothespin puppets for kids!

There are so many different characters you can make out of clothespins, including animals, snowmen, and more. These would make wonderful prompts for creative writing and story retelling!

Read on to get some clothespin crafts inspiration! And for more fun with puppets, check out our Farm Paper Bag Puppets for kids to make too!

20 Fun Clothespin Puppets for Kids to Make

1. Cat Clothespin Puppet – Easy Peasy and Fun

2. Squirrel Clothespin Puppets – As the Bunny Hops

3. Giraffe Clothespin Puppet – Delia Creates

4. Dragon Clothespin Puppet – Adventure in a Box

5. Unicorn Clothespin Doll – Kids Craft Room

6. Shark Clothespin Puppets – Easy Peasy and Fun

7. Clothespin Dinosaurs – Crafts by Amanda

8. Llama Clothespin Puppets – Inspiration Made Simple

9. Clothespin Wrap Dolls – This Heart of Mine

10. Clothespin Mermaid Doll – Benzie Design

Check out more clothespin puppets and dolls kids can make below!

11. DIY Flower Fairy Clothespin Dolls – Crafts Unleashed

12. Super Hero Clothespin Dolls – All Free Kids Crafts

13. Chinese Dragon Clothespin Puppets – Easy Peasy and Fun

14. Unicorn Clothespin Puppets – Moms and Crafters

15. Pelican Clothespin Puppet – As the Bunny Hops

16. Clothespin Fish – Crafts by Amanda

17. Snowman Puppets – Moms and Crafters

18. Clothespin Monster Puppets – Our Whimsical Days

19. Clothespin Girls – Ginger Cake

20. Alligator Clothespin Puppet – Kids Activities Blog

Did you like these clothespin puppets for kids? Try some of these other easy crafts the kids can make!

Follow my Simple Crafts for Kids board on Pinterest for more easy kids’ crafts!

Easy Scrapbook Paper Pumpkin Craft

October 29, 2019 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Have you ever gone on a craft supply shopping spree? And then realized that you have way too much of something?

I have.

When we first moved into our present house, I learned about a simple way to add color to your bedroom walls – scrapbook paper!

Naturally, I bought tons of it.

Which left me with packs and packs of scrapbook paper to do…something with.

Enter this easy scrapbook paper pumpkin craft!

If you’re looking for a simple way to add easy fall decor to your home or classroom, these scrapbook paper pumpkins are perfect!

And they’re simple enough that kids can help you make them!

Get the full project instructions below!

And for more pumpkin-themed activities, take a look at our Pumpkin Size Sorting Game and our Pumpkin Pie Fraction Clip Cards!

Easy Scrapbook Paper Pumpkin Craft

What I love about this simple paper pumpkin craft is that you probably already have everything you need to make it.

But if you’re not a craft supply hoarder (like…ahem…someone I know), here’s a list of what you’ll need to make a paper pumpkin craft.

To make this scrapbook paper pumpkin craft, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

2-3 sheets of autumn-themed scrapbook paper or patterned cardstock in complimentary colors/patterns
Brass paper fasteners
Hole punch
Scissors or a paper cutter
Ruler or yardstick
Pen or pencil
Leaf template (I made this free download) or you can buy these leaf tags on Amazon
Ribbon in complimentary colors/patterns
Beads, buttons, or other decorative accessories

Using a ruler or yardstick and pen or pencil, measure and mark 1-inch increments across a piece of scrapbook paper, about two inches from the edge.

Repeat about 3/4 of the way above the first set of marks. Connect the lines and cut.

If you have a paper cutter, you can use this instead.

Approximately 1/4” from the end of the strip, punch a hole in each end of the strip.

Repeat until all strips have holes in both ends.

Place the cut pieces of paper in the order of pattern/color you want. Line up the holes and place a brass paper fastener in one end.

Place a brass paper fastener in the other end. Fan out the pieces to fashion it after a pumpkin.

Print out the template and cut out the leaves. Trace the leaf outlines onto a piece of scrapbook paper and cut them out.

Tape or glue the paper leaves to the top of the pumpkin. Add ribbons, buttons or any other decorations you’d like.

Ta-da! We’re all done!

Make your scrapbook paper pumpkins in several colors and place them everywhere: on the mantle, on a coffee table, or even hang them over a window!

In a classroom, you might want to tape a few around the whiteboard or on the corner of your desk.

Let the kids make one and place them on their desks too!

Don’t miss these other fall themed crafts!

See more ways to make the most of autumn on my Fall Activities for Kids Pinterest board!

Over 75 Adorable Apple Crafts for Kids

August 15, 2019 by Selena Robinson 1 Comment

Nothing says “fall” like apples. We don’t really start to see apples on trees around here until late August, but I wanted to start planning some of our fall crafts as early as possible this year.

And that’s why I’ve rounded up over 75 adorable and easy apple crafts for kids to make!

Apples are associated with fall, but they’re also associated with back to school time, so these are perfect for fall crafting or even late summer crafting (if you’re really psyched about apple season).

Fall is easily my favorite season of the year. And we try to make it as educational as we can each school year.

If you want to add even more fall learning fun with your kids, don’t miss our Apple Counting to Ten Puzzles or our Apple Life Cycle Sequencing Activity!

Over 75 Fun and Easy Apple Crafts for Kids

1. Coffee Filter Apple Craft – Look! We’re Learning!

2. Paper Plate Apple Craft – Midlife Healthy Living

3. Sew an Apple Fall Craft – Mommy Evolution

4. Tissue Paper Plate Apple Craft – Jinxy Kids

5. Apple Craft with Pool Noodles – Gluesticks and Gum Drops

6. Marble Painting Apple Craft – The Crafting Chicks

7. Bubble Wrap Painting Apple Craft – Typically Simple

8. Back to School Button Craft – Laura’s Crafty Life

9. Pony Bead Apple Craft for Kids – It Happens in a Blink

10. Paper Apple Weaving Craft – Arty Crafty Kids

11. Apple Tree Kids Craft – A Night Owl Blog

12. Tissue Paper Apple Craft – Messes to Memories

13. Easy Paper Apple Craft – Sweet Silly Sara

14. Apple Footprint Craft – Raising Little Superheroes

15. Yarn Apple Garland Craft – Red Ted Art

16. Felt Apple Craft – Easy Peasy and Fun

17. Yarn Apple Craft for Kids – About a Mom

18. Apple Tree Circle Punch Craft – Easy Peasy and Fun

19. Paper Cup Apple Shaker – Crafts on Sea

20. Apple Birdseed Bird Feeders – Natural Beach Living

21. Pom Pom Apple Tree Craft – Crafts on Sea

22. Apple Suncatchers – Crafty Mama in Me

23. Paper Plate Apple Craft – It Happens in a Blink

24. Tissue Paper Apple Tree Craft – Fantastic Fun and Learning

25. Puffy Paint Caramel Apple Craft – I Heart Arts and Crafts

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Easy Shape School Bus Craft for Kids

July 23, 2019 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

I know it’s still technically summer, but school in our area starts next week, so we’re fully in the back to school spirit around here.

And that means school shopping, open house events, and weeknight meal planning – all of which I’ve been frantically doing for the last couple of days.

Our kids are pretty excited about school this year (so far), but if you have little ones who are…less than enthusiastic about going back to school, a fun way to get them in the mood is to make a cute back to school craft.

Which is where this easy shape school bus craft for kids might come in handy!

This is such a simple way to start getting kids to think about school and learning for the new school year!

Read on to see how to make this for yourself. And for more fun with kids’ crafts, take a look at our easy Ladybug Paper Craft!

Easy Shape School Bus Craft for Kids

To make this easy shape school bus craft for kids, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

A copy of our printable school bus craft template
Printer (with ink)
Printer Paper
Scissors
Glue stick
Ballpoint pen

To start, print out the school bus craft template. Since the template already has colored shapes, you can just print and get started without having kids color it in.

Use scissors to cut out all of the shapes on the template. (If your child is cutting the shapes out, be sure to use child-safe scissors.)

To make the school bus, begin adding the blue squares and rectangles to the yellow rectangle.

Glue them down. Place the blue rectangular piece second in line to serve as the “door” of the bus.

Next, glue the gray small circles onto the center of the larger black circles. These are the bus’s “tires”. Glue those on the bottom edge of the yellow rectangle.

Add the half circle and triangle shapes to each end of the bus as the vehicle’s lights. Glue those in place.

Finally, use an ink pen to trace the outline of each window and door and you’re done!

The blue bus would make a great craft for a transportation unit, because you could talk about public buses and how they serve the community.

And, since all of the bus template pieces are basic shapes, this would be a wonderful craft for a shapes lesson too!

Don’t miss these other easy kids’ crafts!

Be sure to follow my Simple Crafts for Kids board on Pinterest!

Coffee Filter Crafts for Kids: Simple Coffee Filter Jellyfish Craft

June 10, 2019 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

A few years ago, we got to visit the Georgia Aquarium. It was incredible.

The kids gathered around each display to look at amazing sea creatures, from Beluga whales to otters.

Some of the animals that caught my eye, though, were the jellyfish. I had never seen them up close before and I’d only ever heard horror stories from childhood classmates who were stung by them at the beach.

I had no clue that jellyfish were so gorgeous. They are truly beautiful.

And now that summer is here (yay!), I wanted to make a new coffee filter craft for kids. So why not try a coffee filter jellyfish craft?

This is a super easy and fun summer craft to share with little ones during the warm weather. It’d also make a perfect addition to an ocean or beach unit study!

Read on to get the full project instructions. And, for more fun with summer crafting, try our Coffee Filter Crab Craft as well!

Coffee Filter Crafts for Kids: Simple Coffee Filter Jellyfish Craft

To make this coffee filter jellyfish craft, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

To get started, use the scissors to cut the coffee filter horizontally. You’ll want to cut about one-third of it off of the bottom.

Use a black crayon to draw the eyes and smiley mouth on the jellyfish.

Now, color the entire coffee filter with a bright color. You can use any color you like here, because jellyfish come in a huge variety of colors.

We went with red purple for a nice contrast to the blue of the construction paper.

After you finish coloring the coffee filter, use a glue stick to glue it near the center of the paper. Make sure the paper is laid vertically. You’ll need room at the bottom for the jellyfish tentacles.

Making an Easy Coffee Filter Jellyfish Craft

Use the scissors to cut a few pieces of ribbon from the spool. We only cut five, but you can cut as many as you like.

Carefully lift the bottom of the coffee filter and lay each piece of ribbon underneath. Space them out so that they’re fairly evenly distributed.

Stick them to the paper with the glue stick and then press the coffee filter back on top to keep them in place.

If you want the tentacles to look a little curly, run each piece of ribbon against the open pair of scissors. You’ll see each ribbon start to curl afterwards. (Only an adult should perform this part to avoid cutting little fingers, even with child-safe scissors.)

Draw a few ocean waves at the top and the bottom and you’re done!

Did you enjoy making this easy coffee filter jellyfish craft? Try some of these other summer crafts for kids!

And follow my Summer Activities for Kids board on Pinterest for even more fun summer ideas!

Easy Paper Roll Rocket Craft for Kids

May 27, 2019 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Summer is my favorite time of year. By far.

But it’s also the time when the kids and I are most relaxed with our learning. Even though we have school year-round, we tend to take it easy during the summer months. It gives us more time for the beach (a requirement each year).

So it’s always fun to try some easy summer crafts during our learning downtime. And that’s why I love this easy paper roll rocket craft!

It’s a simple project that you can make with the kids in just a few minutes. And, if you’re studying space over the summer, it’d be a perfect fit for a solar system unit study!

Read on to see how to make this easy kids’ craft yourself!

Want more fun craft projects to try? Don’t miss our easy toilet roll butterfly craft!

Easy Paper Roll Rocket Craft for Kids

I love how simple this project is! It’s perfect for crafting with the kids during summer break.

Plus, it’s fun to take outside and pretend to fly. Just hand one to your little one and watch them zoom around pretending to take off into space!

To make this simple paper rocket craft for kids, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

To start, cut the paper towel roll into two pieces. One piece should be slightly longer than the other.

We’re making two paper roll rocket crafts out of one paper towel roll.

Paint each piece of the paper towel roll. We used a yellow paint, but any color will do.

Let the paint dry completely.

Trace the lid of a mason jar or cup twice onto a colored piece of cardstock. You will be making one cone-shaped top for each rocket.

Use scissors to cut out each circle. Afterward, cut one slit to the center on each circle.

Remember: if you want the kids to help with this part, use child-safe scissors that are safe for little fingers.

Form each circle into a cone shape by pulling the two ends together. Use the hot glue gun to seal each cone closed.

NOTE: Use caution with working with hot glue around small children.

Now cut four triangles about three to four inches wide from the colored cardstock. You’ll use two of these for each rocket.

Working from the top of each triangle, cut a slit from the point down, stopping just before the bottom of each triangle.

Carefully cut four slits onto the bottom of each painted tube. Make sure that each cut is directly across from the cut on the opposite side.

Slide one triangle up through two bottom slits. The triangle should be placed in two slits that are diagonal.

Then slide the second triangle through the other two slits. This triangle will crisscross the other, forming an X at the bottom of the rocket.

Now cut six quarter-sized circles from the colored cardstock.

Use the hot glue gun to glue three circles onto each paper towel roll.

And we’re done! Look how bright and colorful these rocket crafts are!

Such a fun and easy project for the kids!

Looking for more simple crafts? Check out these easy projects!

Want more fun craft ideas? Follow our Simple Crafts for Kids Pinterest board!

Coffee Filter Crafts for Kids: Coffee Filter Crab Craft

May 6, 2019 by Selena Robinson 1 Comment

Summer is almost here! And that means only one thing: It’s time to head back to the beach.

The beach is basically my second home. If I could spend the rest of my life on the sand, I’d be happy.

I even love beach creatures, like crabs. They’re very closely related to spiders, so they’re kind of like sandy arachnids, but I’m willing to overlook that.

As part of our series of coffee filter crafts for kids, I thought it would be fun to make a super easy coffee filter crab craft!

This is a perfect summer craft for little hands! You’ll only need a few supplies and a few minutes to make it.

If you like this easy summer craft, don’t miss our roundup of 40 simple summer crafts for kids! They’re wonderful for filling up those long summer afternoons!

Coffee Filter Crafts for Kids: Coffee Filter Crab Craft

To make this easy coffee filter crab craft, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

The good thing about making this easy crab craft is that you really only need about 10 or 15 minutes. So it’s perfect for little ones, who tend to have rather short attention spans.

Plus, you probably already have the supplies in your home!

Start by outlining the crab’s eyes with black crayon. Then color the rest of the coffee filter bright orange. I actually used a red orange crayon here, but either red or orange would work as well.

Then add a simple smile and use a glue stick to glue the filter onto a piece of construction paper. Glue sticks work best with coffee filters, because they don’t leak through the filter.

Use the red orange crayon to add four legs on each side of the crab. Draw the top legs so that they are reaching upward.

Finally, use scissors to cut out circles from orange construction paper. Just cut out a small triangle to make the crab claws and glue them onto the end of the top legs.

Remember: If the kids are cutting out the circles, be sure they’re using child-safe scissors. They do the job just as well and you won’t have to worry about little hands getting hurt.

And we’re done!

Our little crab looks so happy lying in the sand!

Did you love this coffee filter crab craft? Check out these other easy crafts for kids!

See more easy ways to make things with kids on my Simple Crafts for Kids Pinterest board!

Easy Pinecone Snowman Craft for Kids

November 8, 2018 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Winter is not my favorite season. Snow is beautiful, but I cannot abide cold weather. I simply cannot.

Which makes winter the best season of all for crafting! And that’s why I love this super cute and easy pinecone snowman craft for kids! This is an awesome art activity for a cold winter day, since you don’t have to leave the safety of your heated home to make it.

Just be sure to gather up the pinecones in advance if you want to avoid stepping out your front door on a particularly blustery day.

With the right decorations, you could even use this snowman craft to make an entire winter scene! Plus, they’d make adorable table decorations if you’re having company soon.

Read on to see how to make these with your own kids! And for more winter crafting, don’t miss our simple coffee filter snowman craft that even little ones can make!

Easy Pinecone Snowman Craft for Kids

A note before you get started on this pinecone snowman craft for kids, a hot glue gun is necessary for some of the steps.

Be sure you don’t leave the kids alone with this tool and perform those steps yourself before letting the kids go on with the project.

Notes for adult caution are included in the steps below.

To make this simple pinecone snowman craft for kids, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

3 pine cones
9 cotton balls
6 small pom-poms (assorted colors)
9 mini black pom-poms
6 small googly eyes
Brown and orange chenille stems
White felt
Child-safe scissors
Low-temperature hot glue gun (for use by adults only)

To make the snowmen’s head, cut three 1-inch circles out of the white felt. The kids can do this part if you use child-safe scissors. Cut the brown chenille stem into six 2-inch pieces and six ½-inch pieces.

Fold the ½-inch pieces around the ends of the 2-inch pieces to create arms. Then cut the orange chenille stem into three ½-inch pieces for the carrot nose.

NOTE: This step should be completed by an adult.

Use the hot glue gun to attach two googly eyes, the carrot nose, and three mini black pom-poms on each white felt circle. Set these aside.

Pull the cotton balls apart. Push the cotton pieces into the pinecones to cover them with “snow”.

NOTE: This step should be performed by an adult. Use the hot glue gun to glue one of the snowmen heads to the top front of each pinecone.

Then attach two colored pom-poms vertically down the front of the pinecone to make “buttons”. Glue one arm to each side of the pinecone.

And you’re done!

You and the kids can make an adorable family of snowmen and snowwomen!

This snowman craft for kids is such a cute way to spend some winter crafting time with your little ones!

Don’t miss these other fun winter crafts and learning ideas for kids!

Get even more ideas for winter fun on my Winter Activities for Kids Pinterest board!

Over 25 Fall Nature Crafts for Kids to Make This Autumn

September 10, 2018 by Selena Robinson 7 Comments

I just love making crafts during the fall. There’s something about the cooler air, warmer clothing, and changing colors that makes even me (a non-crafty person) feel like creating. And it has the same affect on my kids!

This year, though, I wanted to share more of the actual fall season with the kids, which means not just making things about it but creating things with the natural world around us. And that’s why I wanted to find some beautiful fall nature crafts for kids to make!

We’ve already made a few of these, but I’m looking forward to trying as many as we can this autumn!

These would be a wonderful addition to a fall leaves unit study or to go along with some of your favorite fall books for kids. While you’re here, don’t miss our list of fun leaf activities for kids to share even more fall learning fun!

Over 25 Fall Nature Crafts to Make with Kids

1. Fall Leaf Snow Globe – Look! We’re Learning!

2. Bark Owl Craft – Fireflies + Mudpies

3. Fall Leaves Fish Nature Craft – Rhythms of Play

4. Fall Leaf Mobile – Buggy and Buddy

5. Fun Nature Tree Craft for Kids – Rain or Shine Mamma

6. DIY Acorn Marble Necklace Nature Craft – Rhythms of Play

7. Acorn Bells – Fireflies + Mudpies

8. Adorable Acorn Mice – Kids’ Craftroom

9. DIY Fall Wreath – Mommy’s Bundle

10. Fall Collage for Toddlers – Happy Hooligans

11. Autumn Stuffed Pine Cone Craft – Kids’ Craft Room

12. Pine Cone Pumpkin Craft – Fireflies + Mudpies

13. Oak Apple Nature Craft – Rhythms of Play

14. Easy Fall Leaf Garland – Look! We’re Learning!

15. Leaf Lanterns – Red Ted Art

16. Autumn Leaf Suncatchers – Fireflies + Mudpies

17. Paper Plate Hedgehog Craft – Easy Peasy and Fun

18. Autumn Mobile – Red Ted Art

19. Four Seasons Nature Trees – A Little Pinch of Perfect

20. Acorn Wreath for Kids – Craftulate

21. All Natural Leaf Threading – Kids’ Craft Room

22. Decorate Pinecones – Buggy and Buddy

23. Glitter Acorn Necklaces – Arty Crafty Kids

24. Fall Leaf Pinecone Turkey Craft – Mom Explores the Smokies

25. Fall Leaf Crowns – Mama Papa Bubba

26. Pinecone Owls – Fireflies + Mudpies

27. Autumn Leaf Bowls – Red Ted Art

Which of these fall nature crafts do you plan to make first? Tell us about how it went in the comments!

Looking for more ways to celebrate autumn with the kids? Don’t miss these ideas!

And see more fun things to do this fall on my Fall Activities for Kids Pinterest board!

21 Easy Nature Crafts for Kids

June 28, 2018 by Selena Robinson 3 Comments

With the weather warming up, it’s the perfect time of year to head outside with the kids! Now that we’re sharing more simple crafts with our little ones, we’ve found that natural materials make the perfect art medium.

There are so many ways to use nature to create art. After all, nature is already a kind of art in itself.

If you’d like to try some natural arts and crafts with your kids over the summer, take a look at these 21 nature crafts for kids!

There are so many cute ideas here for taking flowers, pinecones, rocks, and more and repurposing them for adorable craft projects and games. These are perfect for lazy summer afternoons or early fall evening play!

Thinking of getting outside for a hike? Try these tips for exploring a nature trail with kids!