kids crafts Archives

Coffee Filter Crafts for Kids: Coffee Filter Ladybug Craft

March 27, 2018 by Selena Robinson 1 Comment

Even though I’m not the biggest fan of bugs, I adore little ladybugs. They’re so dainty and delicate that I almost don’t even consider them bugs. They’re more like debutantes that just happen to have wings and more than two legs.

Since we’ve been busy making coffee filter crafts for kids over the past few weeks (and because I’m still no closer to using up my 350 coffee filters), I thought we’d make a fun and simple coffee filter ladybug craft! This is a fabulous crafting project for young kids or big groups of children, especially if you need something that doesn’t require a lot of supplies.

This would be a fun addition to a bug unit or a spring unit study. And if you want more fun bug learning ideas, check out this list of kids’ activities about insects! And be sure to try our Ladybug Fraction activity while you’re at it!

Coffee Filter Craft for Kids: Coffee Filter Ladybug Craft

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

Before you get started, remember to flatten out the coffee filter. A simple way to do it is to lay it on a table and rest a book on top for an hour or so.

Draw a small semi-circle at the edge of one side of the filter. Then use a black crayon to draw a line down the center of the rest of the coffee filter.

Color both halves of the filter red.

Now color the semi-circle black. Use a glue stick to glue the coffee filter onto a piece of construction paper.

Cut four rough circles out of a piece of black construction paper.

Use the glue stick to glue two black circles on either side of the ladybug.

Add six legs to your ladybug and a few blades of grass and you’re done!

This was such a simple craft that you can easily make it with the kids in a few minutes. Perfect for reinforcing scissor skills, coloring, and pasting!

Be sure to check out more easy crafting ideas for the kids!

Get more fun (and easy) craft ideas on my Simple Crafts for Kids Pinterest board!

And score lots of exclusive printables for early learners when you subscribe to our email newsletter!

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!

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!

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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 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!

Coffee Filter Crafts for Kids: Coffee Filter Earth Craft

April 6, 2017 by Selena Robinson 3 Comments

I have to admit: I am NOT the craftiest person on the planet. I like to knit, sew, and write, but it’s hard for me to come up with crafts to make with my kids. The biggest issue is that I hate making a mess. So if the project involves glitter, lots of glue, or tiny pieces of paper, I’m probably going to run screaming in the other direction.

That’s not to say I won’t ever make those kinds of projects with the kids, but it’s a struggle. Have you ever tried to get glitter glue off of a four-year-old’s face? It’s not fun.

So whenever I do a craft with the kids, I prefer to make one that doesn’t take a lot of time, doesn’t need a lot of supplies, and doesn’t make a big mess. And that’s why I love coffee filter crafts for kids! There are plenty that we can make in no time flat.

This coffee filter earth craft is no exception! It’s an easy craft that only needs a few supplies and makes almost no mess at all. I promise. 🙂 Plus, it’s a great activity for kids who are learning about conservation, the universe, or geography!

If you like this craft, don’t miss our easy bouncing basketball coffee filter craft or our simple coffee filter sun craft!

Coffee Filter Crafts for Kids: Coffee Filter Earth Craft

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

Start off by coloring the coffee filter blue. You can use either crayons or colored pencils for this. I went with a blue color that looks aqua – just to give the appearance of water.

After you color the filter, glue it onto a piece of construction paper.

Use a green colored pencil to do a rough outline of the continents. I didn’t really try to draw the actual coastlines, because I…ahem…am not the best artist on the planet either. But I did enough to resemble the continents.

See? You can kind of see Florida hanging down in the top left. Kind of.

Afterward, just color in the “continents” with the green pencil. I colored these shapes in pretty heavily to make sure they showed up over the blue color.

Really, you could stop here and be finished with the coffee filter earth craft.

Or you can stretch out a cotton ball or two and glue the pieces in random spots to make “clouds”. Either way, you’re basically done. Wasn’t that easy?

Try these other fun crafts for kids!

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

Coffee Filter Crafts for Kids: Coffee Filter Sun Craft

March 30, 2017 by Selena Robinson 12 Comments

We’re feeling sunny with the latest one of our coffee filter crafts for kids! This time, we made a coffee filter sun craft and – like all the others – it’s super easy!

Now when I say that this craft is super easy, I mean it is literally SUPER EASY. This whole thing took about five minutes, so it’s a perfect activity for young kids when you’re studying spring, summer, the sun, the solar system, day and night, and plenty of other topics!

Since this project is so easy, your little ones might be looking for more! Be sure to try our coffee filter basketball craft, our coffee filter flowers, and our coffee filter ladybug craft for kids to make!

Coffee Filter Crafts for Kids: Coffee Filter Sun Craft

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

Start by simply coloring the coffee filter bright yellow. The actual color we used is called “Dandelion” and it was a nice bright color that seemed better than ordinary yellow.

Use your glue stick to glue the filter down onto the center of a piece of construction paper. Light blue works well because it resembles the sky.

Now, just use a yellow colored pencil to draw “rays” around the sun’s edge. Simple triangles work just fine. We decided to use an orange colored pencil to add a little more color to our sun and rays. To do so, we just sketched a few lines over the whole filter lightly.

And we’re done! Just easy peasy from start to finish!

If you’re working with a group of kids such as at a daycare, an afterschool program, or a group party, this coffee filter sun craft is a perfect activity since you don’t need a lot of supplies, you don’t need a lot of time, and the kids don’t need a lot of help!

Try some other easy crafts below!

See more crafting fun on my Simple Crafts for Kids Pinterest board!

Coffee Filter Crafts for Kids: Easy Coffee Filter Turtle Craft

March 16, 2017 by Selena Robinson 3 Comments

We’re still using our coffee filters to make coffee filter crafts for kids!

This week, we’re making a really easy (and cute) coffee filter turtle craft!

This easy craft is part of a science and ELA lesson we’ve been working on about animal collective nouns.

In our lesson, we’ve been learning about groups of turtles. It turns out that a group of turtles has some pretty nifty names.

Read on to see how we learned about turtles and made this fun turtle craft. Plus, grab a free collective animal nouns matching activity for use with your students.

Learn even more about turtles with our list of fun turtle books for kids to read!

This simple coffee filter turtle craft is a fun spring or summer craft for kids to make!

What Do You Call a Group of Turtles?

We’ve been learning about animal collective nouns for the past few weeks. Many animals have their own unique collective nouns for groups, so we might refer to a “pride” of lions or a “murder” of crows.

Did you know that a group of turtles can actually be referred to four different ways?

While a “bale” of turtles is the most commonly used term, a group of turtles can also be called a “nest” of turtles, a “dole” of turtles, or (my personal favorite) a “turn” of turtles.

Try saying a “turn of turtles” three times fast.

So – we decided to make our own turn of turtles using coffee filters!

How to Make a Coffee Filter Turtle Craft

To make this easy coffee filter turtle craft, you’ll need a few items. (This post contains affiliate links. For more, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Two white basket coffee filters (One for each turtle)
Washable markers
Crayons
Construction paper
Glue stick
Scissors

Easy Coffee Filter Turtle Craft Supplies

If you’re only making one turtle, you’ll only need one coffee filter. To make a family, grab a few more.

Making a Simple Coffee Filter Turtle Craft

Start by coloring the filter light green. I used green apple here.

Then use a glue stick to glue the green coffee filter onto the center of a piece of green construction paper.

Use a brown marker to outline several turtle shell spots.

Coffee Filter Turtle Craft to Make with Kids

Then go back and fill in the outlines to make your shell markings solid.

Use a pencil to outline the head and four feet.

To keep the turtle body even, I drew the feet at opposite ends of the shell.

Cut the turtle out around the shell. Be careful not to cut the feet or head off!

Because I used green construction paper, I didn’t have to color the head or feet in.

Making a Turtle Craft with Coffee Filters

Add a happy face with a black marker and you’re done!

Working with very young children? Try this even easier version that doesn’t require scissors!

With this one, color in the turtle “shell” as before. But use a green marker to color in the feet and head directly onto the construction paper.

Add a few polka dots or swirls to complete the picture.

Making an Easy Coffee Filter Turtle Craft with Kids

Aw….they love each other!

And that’s it! Our “turn” of coffee filter turtles is complete!

Get the printable instructions below!

Easy Coffee Filter Turtle Craft for Kids

This simple coffee filter turtle craft is a perfect simple animal craft to make with kids!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Active Time 10 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Difficulty Easy

Materials

White basket style coffee filter
Construction paper
Markers
Crayons
Glue stick
Scissors

Instructions

Color the entire coffee filter light green.
Glue the filter onto the center of a piece of green construction paper.
Use a brown marker to outline the turtle shell markings. Then color them in.
Lightly sketch the turtle's head and feet using a pencil.
Use scissors to carefully cut the turtle shell out, making sure not to cut off the head and feet.
Draw a face on the turtle's head with a black marker.

Animal Collective Nouns Sorting Activity

Want to learn more about how animal groups are named?

Pick up this printable collective animal nouns matching activity by clicking the image or link below!

You’ll also get our weekly newsletter – this Sunday!

>>> Animal Collective Noun Matching Activity <<<

Don’t miss these other simple crafts for kids!

This simple paper bee craft is a fun way to make an easy spring or summer craft with kids!

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

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

Check out more fun creative collective animal noun ideas below!

25 Gorgeously Colorful Rainbow Crafts for Kids

February 7, 2017 by Selena Robinson 3 Comments

When I think of spring, I think of blooming flowers, baby animals, rain showers, and rainbows.

And there’s no better way to welcome spring than to make some lovely spring crafts with kids.

These gorgeously colorful rainbow crafts for kids are a wonderful way to add art and sensory play into a spring unit study.

Or, if you’re a parent, you can just spend a lazy weekend afternoon making the whole house colorful with these beautiful crafts.

25 Gorgeous Rainbow Crafts for Kids to Make

Either way, kids will love making them and learning how different shades combine to form the gorgeous rainbow colors we know so well.

Take a look at the full list below.

While you’re here, grab our printable Over the Rainbow Playdough Mats for some sensory preschool fun this spring!

Add some color to your early learning units with this list of gorgeous rainbow crafts for kids to make!

25 Gorgeously Colorful Rainbow Crafts for Kids

This list of rainbow-themed crafts features fine motor skill practice, color recognition, and even some simple science experiments.

Some of the ideas here are even no-mess, which means that they’d be perfect for large groups or very young children.

Or teachers who don’t have time to clean up afterward. (Like yours truly.)

How to Use Rainbow Crafts with Early Learners

When you’re ready to try some of these craft ideas, you might want to start by asking the class:

What is a rainbow?
What colors are in the rainbow? (If they don’t know, the acronym ROYGBIV is perfect for helping them remember the colors red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.)
What kind of weather do we see before a rainbow appears?
When is the last time you saw a rainbow?

Beautiful and Easy Rainbow Crafts for Kids - Look! We're Learning!

As you talk about rainbows, listen for some ideas your students may have that are incorrect or some answers they may be unsure about.

Take a look at the basic facts about rainbows in this simple rainbow unit to help fill in the gaps for them!

When you’re ready to try a craft or two, let your students know it’s time to make an art project together. Then get out the crafting supplies and get crafting!

Need more rainbow-themed learning ideas? Try some of these too!

100th Day of School Rainbow Mickey Upcycle from Crafty Mama in ME
Rainbow Science from Schooling a Monkey
Rainbow Picture Books for Kids from The Jenny Evolution
Plant a Rainbow! from The Usual Mayhem

Get the list of 25 gorgeous rainbow crafts for kids below.

25 Gorgeously Colorful Rainbow Crafts for Kids

Add some color to your early learning units with this list of gorgeous rainbow crafts for kids to make!

Easy Coffee Filter Rainbow Craft - Look! We're Learning!

Rainbow Paper Science Experiment - Science Kiddo

Photo Credit: www.sciencekiddo.com

Rainbow Heart Suncatchers - Fireflies and Mudpies

Photo Credit: www.firefliesandmudpies.com

Paper Plate Rainbow Craft - Housing a Forest

Photo Credit: www.housingaforest.com

Rainbow Discovery Bottle - Preschool Inspirations

Photo Credit: preschoolinspirations.com

Fizzing Rainbow Science Experiment - Fun-A-Day

Photo Credit: fun-a-day.com

Streamer Rainbow Craft - Happiness is Homemade

Photo Credit: www.happinessishomemade.net

Rainbow Eruptions - Learn Play Imagine

Photo Credit: www.learnplayimagine.com

Rainbow in a Bag - Powerful Mothering

Photo Credit: www.powerfulmothering.com

Rainbow Colored Rice Activity Bin - Happy Hooligans

Photo Credit: happyhooligans.ca

Weaving Rainbow Fish Craft - Crafty Morning

Photo Credit: www.craftymorning.com

Rainbow Jar Experiment - Playdough to Plato

Photo Credit: www.playdoughtoplato.com

Stained Glass Rainbow Craft - From ABCs to ACTs

Photo Credit: fromabcstoacts.com

How to Make Rainbow Crayons - Pre-K Pages

Photo Credit: www.pre-kpages.com

Rainbow Slime - Mom Dot

Photo Credit: www.momdot.com

Rainbow Mobile Craft for Kids - B-Inspired Mama

Photo Credit: b-inspiredmama.com

Fruit Loops Rainbow Craft - Hands On As We Grow

Photo Credit: handsonaswegrow.com

Rainbow Soap Foam Bubbles - Fun At Home with Kids

Photo Credit: www.funathomewithkids.com

Celery Stamping Rainbow Fish Craft - Crafty Morning

Photo Credit: www.craftymorning.com

Grow Your Own Rainbow Crystals - Little Bins for Little Hands

Photo Credit: littlebinsforlittlehands.com

Paper Plate Sun and Rainbow Craft - Easy Peasy and Fun

Photo Credit: www.easypeasyandfun.com

Pipe Cleaner Rainbow Craft - Preschool Inspirations

Photo Credit: preschoolinspirations.com

Pom Pom Rainbow Craft - Artsy Craftsy Mom

Photo Credit: artsycraftsymom.com

Rainbow Threading Cereal Craft - Messy Little Monster

Photo Credit: www.messylittlemonster.com

Pom Pom Painted Rainbow Craft for Kids - Fantastic Fun & Learning

Photo Credit: www.fantasticfunandlearning.com

Don’t miss these other ideas for learning about rainbows and springtime!

This printable rainbow tally marks lesson for early learners is a great way to teach students how to count with tally marks!

Pick up these printable rainbow playdough mats for some colorful fine motor fun with early learners!

Share this list of 50 spring books for kids with early readers!

50 Spring Crafts for Kids

January 20, 2017 by Selena Robinson 4 Comments

Nothing makes me happier than hearing the first chirp of birds in early spring. Down here in the South, the weather tends to warm rather early, so we don’t have a super long winter. (It’s still too long for me, though.)

One of my favorite ways to welcome spring is to make fun spring crafts with my children! We love learning about spring animals, especially those that are waking up from hibernation or those that are having teeny little babies in the early part of the year.

Welcome the warmer weather with your children using these fun and easy spring crafts for kids! There are craft ideas here featuring all kinds of spring animals, weather, and plants! To round out your spring unit, don’t miss this list of 50 spring books for kids to read!