If you are a grown-up looking for something creative to do with your munchkins that minimizes screen time and saves you money, get a library card and take the kiddos to the library. Allow them to select picture books that interest them, plus check out a couple of your childhood favorites. Consult the library’s calendar and/or ask the children’s librarian about any special activities offered by the library. You may have access to free take home craft kits, discovery boxes, family passes to local attractions, etc.
Start simple: a fresh box of crayons/colored markers and printable coloring pages from the internet that go along with the stories you read together make for a fun time. Check out author and publisher websites for additional activities to accompany the books you share. Pinterest is your friend for hands-on arts & crafts inspiration. There are plenty of free printables out there if you look. Bookmark those sites. You can also print some inspiration pictures and create your own designs. (Use the library’s printer for a nominal fee if you don’t have one at home.) Tip: unless you can score craft supplies during back-to-school sales, I’ve found Wal-Mart and Dollar Tree are the best places to buy supplies.
Start with: crayons, washable markers, glue stick, school glue, kid scissors, printer paper and a pack of construction paper.
Scour your house for solid colored napkins, gift tissue, plain paper plates, coffee filters and cupcake liners.
Do you have any extra yarn, ribbon or buttons? Straws? Pipe cleaners? Popsicle sticks? Paper lunch bags?
How about a glue gun and glue sticks? Adult scissors? Single hole punch?
Save cardboard boxes and brown packing paper. They’ll come in handy.
My point here is to use supplies you already have on hand. If a paper bag puppet project calls for paints, substitute construction paper cut into specific shapes instead. If you need a dowel rod for a project, search for a similar size stick in your backyard or while out on a walk. Likewise, use items from nature to create your craft own projects – leaves, acorns, flowers, rocks, pinecones – or ingredients from your own kitchen to create slime and play-dough.
Realistically, unless it’s a craft activity you enjoy, limit yourself to only purchasing the minimum supplies needed such as a small pack of artist brushes, the 10 pot pack of tiny acrylic paints, small pack of wiggle eyes, smallest variety pack of pom poms and chenille stems, individual felt sheets in colors needed rather than a big pack or yardage. Dollar Tree and Hobby Lobby also offer reasonably priced prepackaged craft kits, which might be a better option for a one time activity.
Word to the wise: GLITTER IS MESSY. I only do glitter projects outside and on a disposable table cloth from the dollar store.
Above all – enjoy your time with the littles and happy crafting!
Come Stitch With Me 