Keep your children busy with summer crafts during the holidays
Here in the UK the summer holidays are up on us and we are suddenly responsible for entertaining the children for 6 weeks. If you are looking for some ideas to keep the children occupied below are the top 10 summer crafts for children.
Flower pot fairy house
Most small children are amazed by the concept of magical creatures and fairies. Why not hone into this interest and have them design and create their own fairy house. These can be made and then placed in the garden to add a touch of whimsy to your outside space. If you don’t have a garden don’t worry they can look just as good added to your children’s bedroom décor. For full instructions and some ideas head over to Angela’s article https://www.projectswithkids.com/easy-painted-fairy-houses-garden/
Glue Suncatchers
An stained glass themed craft activity is perfect for this time of year as the sunshine can really light up their creations. These glue suncatchers are great as they stick easily to a window or mirror and have a really striking stained glass effect. Browse of Mishell’s guide over at https://www.printablesfairy.com/black-glue-bugs-suncatchers/
Painting with bubbles
Angela of https://livingwellmom.com/paint-with-bubbles/ explains how you can create some fun art using bubbles to paint. This is a simple craft that could be done with children of a range of ages and abilities. They require minimal equipment for set up so will be easy to quickly prepare for some garden fun.
Water Bottle Spirals
CBC have created a how to guide for creating wind spinners that can be hung in the garden from plastic bottles. These are great to use up any plastic bottles teaching the little ones about recycling. Once decorated they make a colourful and interesting addition to your garden following the activity as well. Follow the instructions at https://www.cbc.ca/parents/play/view/water-bottle-wind-spirals
Bird kite
Even if the weather isn’t that great there is bound to be a day that will be nice and windy. These kites are simply made out of a piece of decorated card and some string. Each child can decorate their bird prior to being sent out the help it fly. For full instructions including a video for the children to follow have a look at http://krokotak.com/2017/06/simple-bird-kite/
Tie Die Art
There is something very summery about tie die. This version is very low on the mess scale and can be done by children of all ages. All that is needed is some wet wipes, felt tip pens and elastic bands. Leave your children to unleash their creativity with colour and create bold pieces of art. Full instructions can be found over at http://www.mudmates.co.nz/blog-baby-wipe-tie-dye-art/
Bird Feeder
Children generally have an interest in nature and what better way to introduce them to the wildlife that exists in their own back garden than creating a bird feeder that will attract all the local birds. They are really simple to make and use general household items. For all the ingredients for feeding your garden birds have a look at https://www.honeyandlime.co/how-to-make-a-bird-feeder-fun-summer-crafts-for-kids/
Puffy Outdoor Paint
Back in the day children were happy with just a tub of chalk and a pavement. This idea has had a bit of an update with this puffy paint that can be used by children to make artistic creations outside. The full recipe can be found on https://www.midgetmomma.com/sidewalk-paint/
Shadow Drawing
This has got to be the easiest activity to set up for children. All that is needed is some paper and something to draw with. Then the children can spend endless time trying to find items from around the garden or house to draw around. It can even be made into a guessing game where other family members have to try and guess what object’s shadow was drawn around. If you need some inspiration have a read of https://growinghealthykids.co.uk/easy-weather-crafts-and-activities-for-kids/
Shell handprints
Many trips to the sea side result in a whole pile of collected shells and stones however you are then left wondering what to do with these afterwards. This keepsake idea on https://www.artycraftykids.com/craft/handprint-shell-keepsake/ will put them to good use and will provide a lovely reminder of a holiday or particular time in your child’s life.
Let me know if you have any other go to summer crafts that you like to provide for little hands over the holidays. If you are looking for further inspiration have a look at the collection of the best garden activities for children https://www.claireyatfairycrafters.com/garden-craft-activities-for-the-children/
Many trips to the sea side result in a whole pile of collected shells and stones however you are then left wondering what to do with these afterwards. This keepsake idea on https://www.artycraftykids.com/craft/handprint-shell-keepsake/ will put them to good use and will provide a lovely reminder of a holiday or particular time in your child’s life.
Let me know if you have any other go to summer crafts that you like to provide for little hands over the holidays. If you are looking for further inspiration have a look at the collection of the best garden activities for children https://www.claireyatfairycrafters.com/garden-craft-activities-for-the-children/
Best summer crafts 
Children’s summer crafts
