crafts Archives

Coffee Filter Crafts for Kids: Coffee Filter Cupcake Craft

July 11, 2017 by Selena Robinson 2 Comments

What’s more fun than cupcakes?

*thinking*

*still thinking*

Yeah, I got nothing.

Cupcakes are easily the most fun thing ever – especially for kids. Which is one reason why I’ve been using cupcakes as a theme in several of our learning packs lately. Piglet has loved them all!

So for our newest craft, I wanted to try a giant coffee filter cupcake craft that she’d enjoy making.

This is a really simple craft to make with toddlers or preschoolers. It only takes a few minutes! And it’s a great fit for a cupcake unit if you add our cupcake letter matching activity and cupcake playdough mats!

Read on to see how to make this with your little ones! And be sure to check out some of our other coffee filter crafts for kids, including an easy coffee filter baseball!

Coffee Filter Crafts for Kids: Coffee Filter Cupcake Craft

To make this coffee filter cupcake craft, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links provided here for convenience. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Start by flattening out one white coffee filter.

Then use a crayon to color the entire filter bright pink.

Cut about 1/3 of the filter off using child-safe scissors. Make a scalloped edge to resemble the cupcake “frosting”.

Now glue the “cupcake top” in the center of a piece of construction paper. Try to place it towards the top to leave room for the cake bottom.

Now use a brown crayon to draw an inverted triangle to form the cake. Then color it in. (Afterward, I went over the brown with a dark brown colored pencil – just to make it look more like a browned cake.)

Then use a purple colored pencil to draw a few sprinkles on top of the cupcake!

Add a few white polka dots with a white colored pencil and you’re all done!

Ready to try some more fun projects with the kids?

Follow my Simple Crafts for Kids board on Pinterest for more easy art projects!

Coffee Filter Crafts for Kids: Coffee Filter Solar Eclipse Craft

June 8, 2017 by Selena Robinson 17 Comments

Solar eclipses are an extremely big deal.

I remember seeing one when I was about 11 and it was the most fascinating phenomenon I have ever had the privilege to witness.

It was the middle of the day, but it suddenly got darker and darker until it was basically night.

I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. So I had to look it up in the encyclopedia (remember those?) to find out what actually happened. That’s when I learned about the awesomeness of solar eclipses.

So when I learned that those of us in the Northern Hemisphere were going to get a look at a solar eclipse on August 21, 2017, I got super excited and decided to make another one of our coffee filter crafts for kids.

This time, it’s a simple coffee filter solar eclipse craft!

Simple and Fun Coffee Filter Solar Eclipse Craft for Kids

This easy coffee filter craft is a great activity to share as part of a solar system unit study or as a fun summer craft! Check out the video tutorial for a look at this project in action.

Read on to see how to make this yourself. Plus, pick up a space-themed learning resource – free!

If you enjoy this project, check out this All About the Solar System printable unit for more ways to learn about our galaxy!

This fun coffee solar eclipse craft is a wonderful outer space activity for kids!

What is a Solar Eclipse?

If you’d like to learn what a solar eclipse actually is, here’s a great video that explains the basics to kids.

If you’re wondering when is the next total solar eclipse for North America, it will come around on April 8, 2024. So we have a bit of a wait.

In case your students have never seen one, here’s an image of what a solar eclipse can actually look like.

Since the moon is passing between the sun and the earth, we usually get to see a blackened circle with a white ring of light around the outside.

That white ring is the sun’s rays glowing around the shape of the moon.

Which is what we’re going to recreate with this easy craft!

Easy Coffee Filter Solar Eclipse Craft

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

Two white basket coffee filters
Construction paper (We used a black sheet of construction paper.)
Glue stick
Crayons (You’ll be using a black crayon and a white crayon for this. You could also use colored pencils if you prefer.)

Start by gluing one of the coffee filters onto a piece of black construction paper. Leave this one white to form the “sun” part of the eclipse.

Be sure to turn the paper horizontally and glue the white filter at one short end.

Now use a black crayon to color the other coffee filter black. This will form the “moon” part of the eclipse.

Coffee Filter Solar Eclipse Craft for Kids

Glue the black coffee filter onto the construction paper, overlapping the white filter to show the eclipse in progress.

Use a white colored pencil to draw the bright “rays” of the sun emanating from behind the eclipse as the moon approaches.

Simple Solar Eclipse Craft for Kids to Make

Finally, draw a few stars on the darkened side.

And we’re done!

For a project that only took five minutes, this solar eclipse craft was a great outer space project for the little ones!

Scroll down to get the printable project instructions!

Printable Solar System Flashcards

Help kids to learn the names of the planets and stars in our solar system with these printable solar system flashcards!

This set includes cards for all of the planets, as well as the sun and the moon.

Use them to create a matching game or to play concentration!

After you’ve taught students each planet’s name, use the blank cards to see what they remember.

Printable Solar System Flashcards for Kids

To get your set of these printable solar system flashcards, just click the image or the link below to have them sent to your inbox!

You’ll also get our weekly newsletter – coming this weekend!

>>> Printable Solar System Flashcards <<<

Easy Coffee Filter Solar Eclipse Craft

Use a few household supplies to make this simple space craft with kids!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Active Time 10 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Difficulty Easy

Materials

Two white basket coffee filters
Construction paper
Colored pencils or crayons
Glue

Instructions

Glue one of the coffee filters onto the left side of a piece of black construction paper.
Use a black crayon to color the second coffee filter completely.
Glue the second coffee filter onto the right side of the construction paper. Make sure it overlaps the white filter.
Use a white colored pencil to draw stars around the right side of the black filter.
Use the colored pencil to add white rays around the left side of the white filter.

Check out these other outer space activities for kids!

Use these printable solar system coloring pages for a fun astronomy activity for early learners!

Share a trip into space with the kids when you read these amazing books about the solar system together! These would make perfect read alouds for a solar system unit!

Ready to teach the kids about space? This printable solar system science unit study is perfect for exploring the members of our solar system!

Coffee Filter Crafts for Kids: Coffee Filter Vinyl Record Craft

May 25, 2017 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

We’re on a roll with our coffee filter crafts, so I thought why not add a little “rock” to our roll with a fun coffee filter vinyl record craft!

My parents had a record player for a while and I vividly remember the small collection of records that used to stand against the wall behind the stereo in our living room. Sometimes my brother and I would sneak and look at them. (We weren’t supposed to touch them, because they could be scratched so easily. Also, because my brother was really into hip hop and we would probably have used them for mixing.)

But my kids didn’t have the slightest idea what a record was. When they saw one for the first time, they said “Wow! That’s a big CD!” Obviously, we needed to go back and provide some music education.

This was a really fun project and it would be a nice fit for lots of units. If you’re studying about musical cities, such as Nashville or Detroit, this would be a good craft. Or if you’re learning the history of the blues, rock and roll, or rap, this craft would be fun for kids to make. Or you could just make it because it’s neat!

If you like this project, be sure to try some of our other easy art ideas for kids, including our coffee filter basketball craft or our coffee filter sailboat craft!

Coffee Filter Crafts for Kids: Coffee Filter Vinyl Record Craft

To make this coffee filter vinyl record craft, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links are provided for convenience. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Start by flattening out the coffee filter. Then use a glue stick to glue it onto the center of a piece of construction paper.

Use a black crayon to draw a light circle around the center. Color from the circle outward to shade in the outer circle of the filter. Leave the center white (for now).

Use a light color for the center circle. I used teal, but any color that’s light enough to write on will work. This will be the “record label”.

Stick a binder reinforcement sticker in the center. Use a pencil or another sharp object to drive a hole through the middle of the sticker to make the “hole” for the record player.

Add a title for your record with a colored pencil! Ours is called “#1 Hit” by the world-famous record company Top Records. Hasn’t everyone heard of them? 🙂

Then I added a few musical notes – just for decoration.

“Put the needle on the record / put the needle on your brain

Once the needle hits the record / it’ll never be the same”

I’ll see myself out now.

This was such a fun and simple craft! Want to try some other simple art projects?

See more easy crafts kids can make on my Simple Crafts for Kids Pinterest board!

Coffee Filter Crafts for Kids: Coffee Filter Sailboat Craft

May 18, 2017 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

It’s summer and that means it’s time to hit the high seas! Well, as close to the high seas as we get in the South….lol.

I’ve been on a motorboat before, but outside of that, I haven’t been on a boat at all. The notion of sailing out into the ocean with nothing solid underneath my feet makes me a tad…nervous.

But with this easy coffee filter sailboat craft, even sea-scary people like me can go sailing! And this is such a fun ocean-themed craft for kids to make along with parents!

If your children like this, don’t miss our other coffee filter crafts for kids, including our coffee filter beach ball craft! And make this summer the best one yet with our list of 50 summer crafts!

Coffee Filter Crafts for Kids: Coffee Filter Sailboat Craft

To make this coffee filter sailboat craft, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links provided here for convenience. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Start by cutting the coffee filter in half. Then cut a little curve out of the center to form a half-moon shape. This will be the boat.

Cut the other half of the coffee filter in half again. Use one piece (a quarter of the whole filter) as the sail.

Color the half-moon piece (the boat). I used bright yellow to make a boat that would stand out against the waves. But feel free to use any color you like.

Glue the boat and the sail onto a piece of construction paper. Be sure to glue the sail a bit higher than the top of the boat.

Use a crayon or colored pencil to draw the pole that connects the sail and the boat.

Now add a few sea details! Use colored pencils to draw a few waves, clouds, and seagulls!

And we’re done!

She looks pretty seaworthy to me! What do you think?

Try these other fun learning ideas!

And see more simple art projects on my Simple Crafts for Kids Pinterest board!

50 Super Easy, Super Fun Summer Crafts for Kids!

May 16, 2017 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I am not the craftiest mom. I like to knit and sew, but I usually take those interests as opportunities to get a break from being mom. Crafting with kids does a real number on my patience.

But it’s worth it to make crafts with children. It teaches them to produce their own artwork, it helps them to improve fine motor skills, and it helps me to become a more patient mom – something I desperately need.

I’ve been working on adding more crafts into our kids’ lives. For me, that means looking for the simplest, easiest projects I can find – especially with four kids getting involved!

And that’s why I’ve rounded up this list of 50 easy summer crafts for kids! These are all summer-themed, so they’re a great fit for any summer unit studies you’ll be doing! Plus, there are ideas for kids of all ages, including summer crafts for preschoolers and summer crafts for tweens!

If you love these, don’t miss this list of beach crafts for kids or this roundup of more simple summer crafts kids can try!

50 Super Easy, Super Fun Summer Crafts for Kids:

1. Coffee Filter Baseball Craft -Look! We’re Learning!

2. Easy Seashell Craft for Preschoolers – Local Fun for Kids

3. Paper Plate Ice Cream Craft – Easy Peasy and Fun

4. Summer Straw Shooter Craft – Red Ted Art

5. Summer Twig Ornaments – Happy Hooligans

6. Circle Suncatcher Craft – B-Inspired Mama

7. DIY Summer Memory Book – Creekside Learning

8. Cereal Bird Feeder – No Time for Flashcards

9. Popsicle Stick Picture Frame – Kids Activities Blog

10. Summer Sky Salt Painting – Coffee Cups and Crayons

11. Colorful Jellyfish Craft – I Heart Crafty Things

12. Seashell Ladybugs – Still Playing School

13. Ice Cream Handprint Craft – A Little Pinch of Perfect

14. Squirt Gun Painting – Fireflies and Mud Pies

15. DIY Play Beach Sand – Look! We’re Learning!

16. Sandcastle Notecards – Inner Child Fun

17. Pine Cone Fireflies – Fireflies and Mud Pies

18. Toy Surfboard Craft – Play Trains

19. Tin Can Lanterns – Coffee Cups and Crayons

20. Footprint Flip Flops Art – Fun Handprint Art

21. Sponge Sailboat Craft – Easy Peasy and Fun

22. Paper Plate Boat Craft – Non Toy Gifts

23. Summer Daisies Handprint Craft – Beauty Through Imperfection

24. Paper Plate Seagull – Local Fun for Kids

25. Seashell Jellyfish Craft – I Heart Arts and Crafts

See more awesome summer crafts for kids on page 2!

Pages: 1 2

Coffee Filter Crafts for Kids: Coffee Filter Baseball Craft

May 11, 2017 by Selena Robinson 2 Comments

Sometimes I get an idea for a post that is so, so simple I fear it may not be worth sharing.

That’s how I kind of feel about this craft.

I try to keep all of my craft projects really simple for moms that are not so crafty (like me), but this one takes “really simple” to a whole ‘nother level.

This coffee filter baseball craft is so simple it’s ridiculous. It is truly the easiest craft I think I’ve ever done.

But – it might be helpful if you’re rushed for time, looking for an evening time filler, or if you have a group of kids you’re trying to entertain.

So I’m sharing it. I hope your kids love it!

And if they do, be sure to try this bouncing basketball coffee filter craft or this coffee filter sun craft for more easy peasy coffee filter craft ideas!

Coffee Filter Crafts for Kids: Coffee Filter Baseball Craft

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

Start by flattening out the coffee filter and gluing it to a piece of construction paper.

I decided to use green, because I want my baseball to look like it’s lying on the grass.

I used a pencil to draw a curve lightly at each end of the filter.

I could have just winged the stitch lines, but as I mentioned earlier, I’m not the most crafty mom and I could easily have messed it up.

Then I got a red colored pencil and added the baseball “stitches” along the right side.

I used my pencil curve as a guide and drew the “V” shapes in the center of the line.

Like so. Now for the other side!

Did you know that the stitches on a baseball run in opposite directions? I didn’t notice until I got ready to make this craft.

But on one side, the stitches run upward and on the other side, they run downward.

So, make sure you draw your stitches running in opposite directions.

Or you could just ignore that little detail and let the kids draw them however they like. After all, this is an easy craft, right?

Finito!

Well, let’s add a few patches of grass and then we’ll call it finito.

If this baseball coffee filter craft is a big hit with your kids, try these other projects!

Coffee Filter Crafts for Kids: Coffee Filter Moose Craft

May 4, 2017 by Selena Robinson 2 Comments

Have you ever gotten to see a moose up close? Down here in the South, we don’t have them. It’s just too hot. (Shucks, it’s too hot for me sometimes, so I don’t blame them.)

But they are lovely, regal animals, especially when they’re adults and they have a full set of antlers. Although the small ones with the fuzzy antlers are cute too. 🙂

Since we’ve been busy making coffee filter crafts for kids over the past couple of months, I thought a coffee filter moose craft would be a neat addition! Read on to see how we made this sweet sleepy moose!

If you love making this project, be sure to try some of our other coffee filter crafts! Plant a few coffee filter flowers, bounce a coffee filter basketball, or adopt a pet coffee filter cat!

Coffee Filter Crafts for Kids: Coffee Filter Moose Craft

You’ll need the following supplies: (Affiliate links are provided here for convenience. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Start by flattening out the coffee filter with your hands. Sometimes it’s good to rest a book on it overnight to get it to lie a little flatter.

Color the entire filter brown with a brown crayon. Then glue it to a piece of construction paper. Try to place the filter in the center but toward the bottom. You need to leave room for the antlers on either side.

Use a black colored pencil to draw two closed eyes toward the top of the filter.

Now add a moose’s snout.

And a teeny smiling mouth. I know I’m happy when I take a nap!

On either side of the moose’s head, freehand draw a few antlers. If the kids are adding the antlers themselves, you can let them draw big letter “Y” shapes or use a fork to add antlers with brown paint.

Color in the antlers and you’re done!

Have a good nap, moosie!

Try some of these other easy crafts while you’re at it!

Plus, get more craft ideas on my Simple Crafts for Kids Pinterest board!

Coffee Filter Crafts for Kids: Coffee Filter Beach Ball Craft

April 27, 2017 by Selena Robinson 3 Comments

Summer is right around the corner! When I was younger, summer was easily my favorite season of the year. I grew up about 30 miles from the beach, so hitting the shore was my favorite pastime.

Now we live further inland. About five hours further inland. So my trips to the beach are few and far between. But that doesn’t stop me from trying to have some summer fun with the kids!

I’ve even been known to make moon sand on our driveway. Hey, at least it’s sand, right?

One of the ways we’re welcoming summer this year is by making another one of our coffee filter crafts for kids. This time, it’s a beach ball coffee filter craft!

Remember those multi-colored beach balls you’d see all over the shore as a kid? Here’s a way to make one of your own with the kids, even when the weather won’t cooperate with a trip to the beach.

If you enjoy this craft, be sure to try our coffee filter sun craft as well!

Coffee Filter Crafts for Kids: Coffee Filter Beach Ball Craft

For this coffee filter beach ball craft, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links are provided for convenience. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Start by using a black crayon to trace a circle around the center of the coffee filter. Then draw a horizontal line on either side of the circle.

Draw two diagonal lines inside each “half” of the filter. You should end up with six (roughly) equal-sized sections.

Then color every other section with a primary color. I went with green, blue, and red, leaving the other sections white. Glue the filter onto a piece of construction paper.

Now all you have left to do is color the center circle yellow…

and trace over all of your section lines again with a black crayon. Done! Looks like it needs a little air, though. 🙂

Check out some of our other easy peasy coffee filter crafts for kids to make!

And see more easy activities on my Simple Crafts for Kids Pinterest board!

This post is part of the Summer Unit Study roundup! Click on over to read even more summer learning ideas from my fellow bloggers!

Children’s Board Books about Summer from The Jenny Evolution

Summer Field Trip Guide from Bambini Travel

Summer Apps for Younger Kids from The Moments at Home

25 Summer Learning Activities from My Joy-Filled Life

Coffee Filter Crafts for Kids: Coffee Filter Umbrella Craft

April 21, 2017 by Selena Robinson 1 Comment

We’ve had some pretty rainy days around here lately. I mean, they say that “April showers bring May flowers”, but we’ve been having some rainstorms that are a few degrees beyond “showers”. With all the rain we’re getting, we should see more flowers than ever before this May!

Since the weather’s been so windy and rainy lately, I thought it would be cool to make another one of our coffee filter crafts for kids: a fun coffee filter umbrella craft!

This is a simple craft that only takes a few minutes and a handful of supplies. Plus, it’s easy to do with several kids at once!

If you love making this craft, check out some of our other easy art activities, including a coffee filter basketball craft and a coffee filter sun craft. Or if you want to get a jump on your May flowers, make our coffee filter flowers!

Coffee Filter Crafts for Kids: Coffee Filter Umbrella Craft

To make this coffee filter umbrella craft, you’ll need the following supplies: (Affiliate links are provided here for convenience. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Start by cutting the coffee filter in half. You’ll only need one half for the craft.

Color the filter half. I wanted to use a bright color to contrast with our dreary day background, so I went with yellow. But you can use any color you want.

Use a glue stick to glue the filter onto the construction paper at an angle.

Use a red crayon to draw an umbrella handle. We just made a letter “J” shape.

Draw some raindrops in the corner falling onto the umbrella.

If you want, you can add some rainclouds at the top too.

Ta-da! So easy and simple for little hands to make!

Want to try a fun twist on a basic coffee filter umbrella craft? Make one that’s been blown inside out!

To do this, color the coffee filter half yellow as above, but glue the filter onto the construction paper with the curved side down.

For ours, we cut a chenille pipe cleaner in half and curled one end into a “J” shape to form the umbrella handle. I used red, but (again) use any color you want.

After you draw the raindrops, add some storm clouds to show how hard it’s “raining” in your picture.

And you’re done! Until a little hand decides to add a few more details. 🙂

Did you get a chance to make this easy coffee filter umbrella craft? I’d love to know how your kids liked it!

Try these other simple kids’ crafts!

See more easy crafts for children to make on my Simple Crafts for Kids Pinterest board!

Coffee Filter Crafts for Kids: Coffee Filter Cat Craft

April 14, 2017 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

When I was about 20, I found a stray tabby kitten outside my job. She was so tiny and she just kept mewling and mewling. Of course, I caved and took her home.

That was years ago (I’m not going to say how many!), but I still remember her grey striped coat and her giant eyes. She was adorable.

So, for our newest coffee filter crafts for kids idea, I thought I’d make a coffee filter cat craft that looked like her. This is really simple and cute for kids! And, while I made mine grey, you can make it in any color you like!

This fun craft isn’t the only one you can make with a simple coffee filter! Try our easy Coffee Filter Bouncing Basketball Craft or our Coffee Filter Sun Craft for more crafting fun!

Coffee Filter Crafts for Kids: Coffee Filter Cat Craft

To make this coffee filter cat craft, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links are provided here for convenience. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Star by coloring the coffee filter grey. I used a crayon, because I didn’t want the color to be so heavy that the details wouldn’t show. Then glue the filter onto the center of a piece of construction paper.

Basically, all that’s left to do is build the cat’s face. Start with a pair of ears above the filter and then add some eyes with a black colored pencil. Be sure to make the eyes rather large so that the face fills the filter.

Use a red colored pencil to draw a nose. (An upside-down triangle works fine.) Then use the black colored pencil to draw a mouth. Add a red tongue if you like.

You know how cats have those little freckles that their whiskers grow out of? Add a few of those, with some whiskers. Again, I just used the black colored pencil for this.

Then a few stripes at four diagonal corners! And those little fat roll lines they have under their chins. 🙂

We’re pretty much done!

Okay, let’s add some long eyelashes. Then, we’ll be done.

Check out these other simple coffee filter crafts for kids to make at home!

See more easy craft projects on my Simple Crafts for Kids Pinterest board!