crafts Archives

25 Super Easy Preschool Crafts You Can Make in 10 Minutes

May 28, 2020 by Selena Robinson 3 Comments

I love to make crafts with my kids, especially when they’re very young.

What I don’t like is having to buy a whole lot of supplies (and expensive ones, at that!) for a project that I’ll only do once.

So, when I make a craft with my preschooler, I always prefer to do one that I can get done in 10 minutes or less.

After all, Pre-K kids have pretty short attention spans.

If you’re looking for some simple crafting fun for young kids, try this list of super easy preschool crafts you can make in just 10 minutes!

This list is full of easy PreK crafts for each season.

Some work well for spring, others for summer or fall, some are perfect for winter – and some are great any time of the year!

Read on the see the full list. And for more simple preschool ideas, check out my list of 10 preschool learning activities you can do in 10 minutes!

25 Super Easy Preschool Crafts

1. Toilet Roll Butterfly Craft – Look! We’re Learning!

2. Torn Paper Fall Tree Craft – Hands On As We Grow

3. Easy Snowflake Craft – Mama Smiles

4. No-Sew Sock Snowman Craft – Easy Peasy and Fun

5. Easy Wax Boats – Housing a Forest

6. Train Tape Resist Craft – Look! We’re Learning!

7. Easy Craft Stick Snakes – Crafty Morning

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

9. Easy Shapes Salt Truck Craft – Sugar Aunts

10. Pringles Can Binoculars – Happy Hooligans

11. Farm Paper Bag Puppets – Look! We’re Learning!

12. Easy Paper Plate Watermelon Craft – ABC Creative Learning

13. Simple Fork Print Sunflower Craft – Crafty Morning

14. Simple Farm Craft with Stickers – I Heart Crafty Things

15. Coffee Filter Sun Craft – Look! We’re Learning!

16. Shape School Bus Craft – Look! We’re Learning!

17. Simple Cardboard Tube Construction Set – Inner Child Fun

18. Simple Craft Stick Photo Frame – Living Montessori Now

19. Woven Craft Stick Butterflies – The Craft Train

20. Sea Shell Salt Dough Craft – Teach Mama

21. Farm Shoebox Diorama – Look! We’re Learning!

22. Simple Airplane Craft – Learning 4 Kids

23. Paper Plate Cars – Glued to My Crafts

24. Clothespin Snowman Craft – Easy Peasy and Fun

25. Easy Shape Car Craft – Look! We’re Learning!

Did you like this post? Try these other early learning ideas!

This post is part of the Crafts for Kids Unit Study roundup! Stop by to read other great kids’ crafts posts from my fellow educators!

How to Create a Kids Crafting Kit {Free Printable Shopping List} from Crafty Mama in ME

9 Great Craft Book for Kids from Faith and Good Works

Unicorn Crafts for Kids from Schooling a Monkey

Most Popular Kids Crafts of the Year from The Moments at Home

Letter F Craft: Flamingo Fun! from Mrs. Karle’s Sight and Sound Reading

3D Paper Dolphin Craft for Kids

May 14, 2020 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Atlanta is home to the Georgia Aquarium – one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world.

We’ve gotten to take our children there a few times and they were always thrilled to see such incredible marine animals up close.

One of the attractions there is a live dolphin show, which we got to attend. And that was when I learned that dolphins are incredible creatures.

They can be trained to do amazing stunts, they communicate with one another, and they are extremely intelligent.

Plus, they’re beautiful to look at.

I thought a dolphin-themed art activity would be a nice summer project for the kids, so here’s a 3D paper dolphin craft you can make with little ones!

This is such a cool art project, because it stands up on its own. So kids can keep it after they’re done.

(Between you and me, our refrigerator door simply cannot hold any more works of art.)

Get the full dolphin craft instructions below!

And, for another ocean art project, try our Coffee Filter Jellyfish Craft!

Make this fun and easy 3D paper dolphin craft for a fun art project to share with kids! Great for a summer art activity!

What Supplies Do You Need to Make a 3D Paper Dolphin Craft?

What I like the most about this dolphin craft is that you don’t need anything fancy to make it.

You probably already have the supplies from working on other crafts. No last-minute shopping trip needed!

To make this 3D paper dolphin craft, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Start by downloading the Paper Dolphin Craft template. You’ll need this to print the shapes for making the dolphin.

After you’ve downloaded the printable, print it out on white paper. Then use scissors to cut out each piece.

How to Make a 3D Paper Dolphin Craft

Now it’s time to get crafting!

Use a pencil or a pen to trace each of the template shapes onto colored paper.

In this project, we used aqua for the body and inner fin, white for the belly, and green for the outer fin.

But you and the kids can use any color you like.

After you’ve traced each shape, cut it out.

If you’re using white for the belly, you can just keep the template shape you’ve cut instead of tracing it again.

Start by gluing the belly onto the bottom curve of the dolphin’s “body”.

Stack the inner fin piece on top of the outer fin piece and glue it in the center of the dolphin’s side – on top of the belly.

Glue the dolphin’s “eye” onto the head.

Add a shy smile with the ink pen, if you like.

Now it’s time to make the “ocean”.

Trace the ocean template shape onto blue paper and trace a couple of the “waves” onto light blue paper. Cut them all out.

Fold the blue ocean paper in half horizontally. Then glue the waves onto the bottom edge of the “ocean”.

Almost done!

Glue the dolphin onto the folded center line of the “ocean”. Make sure that the folded line squares with the dolphin’s middle.

The top of the dolphin should appear above the folded line.

Fold the ocean in half again to make a triangular stand and you’re done!

See how the dolphin stands up?

Let the kids make an entire pod of different-colored dolphins!

Don’t miss these other easy crafts for kids to make!

Make this easy toilet paper roll lion craft with the kids for a fun art activity!

This simple coffee filter jellyfish craft is a perfect easy summer craft for kids! Make a few with your little ones this summer!

Share an easy summer craft with the kids and make this easy paper ladybug craft! So fun for little hands!

Easy Lion Toilet Paper Roll Craft for Kids

May 4, 2020 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

When I was a child, I saw a cartoon that was set in the jungle. The animals had an issue and they decided to consult the lion for help.

The lion was seated on a throne and wearing a crown. Which suited him as the “king of the jungle”.

I still think of lions as the overseers of the jungle to this day. But it’s okay to make lions look a little cute too.

And this easy lion toilet paper roll craft is a super cute lion art activity for kids!

Fun and Easy Lion Toilet Paper Roll Craft

This would make a great activity for a jungle unit, especially since it only requires a few ordinary supplies.

It’s also a cool recycled materials craft, because it uses a toilet paper roll. Save a few empty rolls and make an entire lion pride!

Get the full instructions to make this easy lion craft for kids below.

And – be sure to read how to make a paper bag fox craft too!

Easy Lion Toilet Paper Roll Craft for Kids

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

If you’re making this with a very young child, you might need to help him or her cut out the pieces of the printable lion craft template.

After you’ve printed the template, cut out the pieces and trace the outlines onto yellow, orange, and beige construction paper.

Cut out each piece of construction paper and you’re ready to get started!

How to Make a Toilet Paper Roll Lion Craft

Glue the “face” onto the center of the “mane”. Then glue each “paw” onto the bottom of each “arm”.

Finally, glue the “tail tuft” onto the end of the “tail”.

Now add eyes, a nose, and a mouth – and freckles, if you’d like.

You can either draw eyes on white paper and cut them out to add to the face. Or just let the child draw the eyes directly on the face.

Simple Toilet Paper Roll Lion Craft for Kids

Time to make the body!

Cut out a piece of yellow construction paper. Use a length that covers the toilet paper roll when wrapped around it.

Glue the construction paper to the toilet paper roll. You might need to secure the edges with tape.

Glue the beige “belly” to the center of the toilet paper roll.

Use glue to attach the lion’s arms to the top left and right corners of the “belly”.

Then glue the lion’s face to the top of the toilet paper roll, centering it over the belly and arms.

Finally, glue the tail to the bottom of the back side of the toilet paper roll.

The end of the tail tuft should be sticking up toward the mane.

All done!

Feel free to have kids draw a jungle backdrop to complete a jungle scene featuring their lion!

If you make this easy lion toilet paper roll craft, I’d love to hear how your kids enjoyed it!

Don’t miss these other fun animal crafts for kids!

Take a trip to the zoo with this cute coffee filter elephant craft for kids!

Easy Shape Car Craft for Kids

April 23, 2020 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Learning shapes is such a fun skill for early grades!

We’ve used lots of learning ideas to cover this concept with young learners, including shape sorting mats and shape flashcards.

But a simple, hands-on way to teach shape recognition is to use an easy shape craft – like this shape car craft!

This is such an easy and fun way to work on this concept!

Plus, it combines both math and art for a STEAM project you can do with young students at math centers or for homework.

Get the full instructions (and the free template) below.

And, for more fun with simple shapes, check out our simple School Bus Shape Craft too!

Make up this quick and easy shape car craft with the kids! Great for math and art in one simple activity!

How to Use a Shape Craft to Teach Geometry

How can you use this shape car craft for a simple geometry lesson?

As you are helping kids cut out the shapes on the paper template, stop and help them identify each one.

The template includes a rectangle, four circles, two squares, a triangle, and even a trapezoid.

Super Easy Shape Car Craft for Kids to Make

Prompt the student to use each correct shape name as they work on making the car.

Be sure to identify each shape as you give directions. For example, “Glue the rectangle to the bottom of the trapezoid.”

What Supplies Do I Need to Make a Shape Craft?

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

Printer (with ink)
Printer Paper
Child-safe scissors
Glue stick
Washable markers (optional)
Colored pencils (optional)
A copy of our printable Shape Car Craft template (black/white) (color)

If you’re using the color shape craft template, then you can skip the markers.

The colored pencils are also optional, because they’re only used for adding detail to the finished cars.

How to Make a Shape Car Craft with Kids

To make this shape car craft, start by printing the template.

Help your child cut out all of the shapes.

Depending on the age, you may need to help with the smaller pieces.

Start by gluing the rectangle to the bottom of the trapezoid.

Glue the triangle on the left side of the trapezoid. This will be the car’s front windshield.

Then glue the two squares in a row behind the triangle. They form the side windows of the car.

Glue the two black circles onto the bottom of the rectangle. Add the two grey circles in the center of each black circle.

Now your wheels are done!

Simple Shape Car Craft to Make With Kids

If you like, use markers or colored pencils to add edging on the windows and windshield.

You can also draw red triangles on each end of the rectangle to make headlights and taillights.

Or add a triangle on the front and a rectangle at the back to form the lights too!

All done! Time to take your new cars out for a spin!

Need more simple crafts for kids to make? Try these too!

Share a fun and easy summer craft with the kids when you make this easy coffee filter crab craft! Perfect for summer afternoon crafting!

Simple Train Tape Resist Craft

April 14, 2020 by Selena Robinson 6 Comments

Tape resist crafts are such a fun way to make art with kids!

You only need a few supplies, no one has to have special artistic talent, and they can be awesome projects for several kids to work on together!

Since my kids are super into Thomas the Train right now, I thought they’d enjoy making a simple train tape resist craft and they definitely did!

It taught them a lot about making art, working together, and creating freely.

I hope that you’ll enjoy this craft too!

And if you do, be sure to try some of our simple coffee filter crafts for kids or this list of super easy crafts you can do in just 10 minutes!

Simple Train Tape Resist Craft

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

To get started, I drew a very, very simple outline of a train in pencil on a piece of posterboard.

And by simple, I mean literally put together with shapes.

I used a ruler to draw a triangle for the funnel, rectangles for the body and windows, another triangle for the buffer, and circles for the wheels.

Then Jay laid masking tape on the outline to protect it from the artistic endeavors to come.

We left the wheels uncovered, because it is nearly impossible to shape masking tape into a circle.

Time to break out the oil pastels…And let the kids loose!

They were a little reluctant to color freely at first. They kept coloring the way you do in coloring books.

We kept reminding them that this was a free art exercise where they could color where they wanted and how they wanted.

They even got to color over each other’s work.

Halfway through, Roo looked at me and said “I like arting.” *Fist pump*

Here’s the finished poster with the tape still attached.

We peeled off the tape and ta-da!

A modern art-inspired wall art piece for the boys’ room that they made themselves!

Isn’t it colorful?

We didn’t intend to draw it, but the black smudge in the second window kind of looks like a bear that hitched a ride.

Try some of these other easy crafts for kids!

Easy Coffee Filter Ferris Wheel Craft for Kids

March 24, 2020 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

I grew up in a small town. A very small town. The population was somewhere around 500 people.

Naturally, there weren’t a ton of things to do for fun.

So the annual county fair was a big deal for the kids in the area. We went every year.

Whenever we’d get close, I’d start watching for the lights on the midway and the top of the Ferris wheel going around and around.

You could usually see it a mile away.

So I still have a soft spot in my heart for Ferris wheels. And that’s why this easy coffee filter Ferris Wheel craft was so fun to make!

Fun and Easy Coffee Filter Ferris Wheel Craft

This is an excellent crafting project for early elementary kids. It’s great for strengthening fine motor skills, but it’s easy enough to finish in about 10 minutes.

Perfect if you’re looking for a fun indoor art activity for kids!

Read on to see the full directions. And, for more crafting fun, don’t miss my list of preschool crafts you can do in just 10 minutes!

Share a simple craft for kids with this easy and fun Ferris Wheel Coffee Filter Craft!

Easy Coffee Filter Ferris Wheel Craft for Kids

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

Making a Coffee Filter Ferris Wheel Craft

To begin, find a brightly colored piece of construction paper and turn it vertically.

You need enough space to add the Ferris Wheel and the support stand at the bottom.

Use a glue stick to attach the coffee filter on the top center of the construction paper.

How to Make a Coffee Filter Ferris Wheel Craft

Draw a colored circle in the center of the coffee filter. I added a yellow cut-out star, but you don’t have to.

Use a black crayon or a black marker to add spokes coming out of the circle in the center. There should be eight in all.

Now use child-safe scissors to cut the “seats” out of construction paper.

The shape I used is flat on the top and rounded on the bottom, but you could use rectangles, squares, circles – really any shape is fine.

Before you glue the construction paper “seats” onto the wheel, lay them out and make sure that you can fit them all onto the coffee filter.

You want the seats to hang just a little below the white filter – just like they do on a Ferris Wheel!

When you’re sure you can get all eight onto the circle, glue them down.

Coffee Filter Ferris Wheel Craft for Kids

Note: You might have to extend the black “spokes” out to connect all the way to the seats.

Now all that’s left is to add the stand!

Easy Coffee Filter Ferris Wheel Craft for Kids

Use a colored marker or a bright crayon to outline the stand legs. Then color them in!

Add a few gold stars and we’re all done!

How to Make an Easy Coffee Filter Ferris Wheel Craft

This is such a fun craft to add to a spring or fall unit!

Or you can share it with students in small art groups or with your own kids at home.

If you make this, I’d love to see how it worked out. Feel free to share pictures of your projects in the comments!

Don’t miss these other simple crafts for kids!

Gather a few household supplies and make this easy coffee filter Ferris wheel craft! So fun for indoor crafting!

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 Alike! Same or Different Worksheets 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

Pages: 1 2 3

Easy Shape School Bus Craft for Kids

July 23, 2019 by Selena Robinson 1 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.