40+ Crafty Things To Make For Children

Posted By Tipnut On December 9, 2010 @ 2:47 am In Crafty Ideas | No Comments

Here’s a packed list of free tutorials and patterns geared for the kids, many would make a great homemade gifts. Then I have listed several DIY projects that kiddos will love along with a few tips and ideas. You’ll find a separate list of softies patterns and tutorials here ^[1].

petitepurls.com

Character Foamies ^[2]: Free crochet pattern. A washcloth and bath toy in one!

Peek-A-Boo Toy Sack ^[3]: The design is fairly simple, make a drawstring bag with a twist: a clear plastic window to see all the toys.

tonicoward.blogspot.com

tipnut.com

10 Homemade Playdough Recipes ^[4]: A little bit of everything here from basic cooked, non-cooked, glitter to koolaid to jello.

Roll-up Kitchen Playmat ^[5]: Sewing tutorial. A pretty, portable play kitchen playmat out of fabric.

balancingeverything.com

balancingeverything.com

Lap Desk Tutorial ^[6]: You’ll find a free pdf download giving you all the details on how to put one together.

Planket Tutorial ^[7]: (also known as a quillow) Great for sleepovers and traveling, it’s a pillow & blanket in one. (also see travel pillow ^[8]).

thecraftersfilebox.com

girlinair.blogspot.com

Sesame Street Hats ^[9]: The hat is made in simple crochet with a crochet balls cleverly attached to look like your favorite character.

Retro Doll Pajama Bag ^[10]: Free vintage pattern (found at bottom of page).

tipnut.com

marthastewart.com

Cardboard-Box Oven Craft ^[11]: Make this lovely cardboard oven with materials from around your home.

Embellished Hooded Towel ^[12]: Great for bath time and swim time!

thecottagehome.blogspot.com

craftynest.com

Subway Tile Nameplates ^[13]: Make personalized nameplates out of subway tiles that you can stick on bedroom doors or wherever else you like.

Personalized Birdie Pillow ^[14]: Sweet pillow any princess will love.

modabakeshop.com

inspiremecrafts.com

T-Shirt Pillow ^[15]: What could be more comfy (and fun) to snuggle with!

Bathtub Crayons ^[16]: Made with bars of ivory soap, food coloring gel and a bit of water.

crazydomestic.com

craftastical.com

Piggy Bank Makeover ^[17]: Add a bit of flair and charm to plain piggy banks.

Laminated Kids Wallet ^[18]: Sewing tutorial.

polkadotchair.com

seekatesew.blogspot.com

Toy Camera Tutorial ^[19]: Made with black felt, a bit of vinyl and embroidery floss. Features a back “window” that you slide a photo into.

Boy’s Messenger Bag ^[20]: Learn how to jazz up a military ammo bag.

ambrosiagirl.com

marthastewart.com

Fish In A Bag Soap ^[21]: This easy-to-make soap is a wonderful Handmade Holiday gift.

Pencil Roll Tutorial ^[22]: Nice little rollup pouch for pencils and pencil crayons.

mypoppet.blogspot.com

icandyhandmade.blogspot.com

Cupboard Door Art Desk ^[23]: Some woodworking is involved (a plain router is used to dig out the groove for pencils), wooden legs attached, pieces are spray painted and decorative paper mod podged on top.

Lap Desk ^[24]: A piece of scrap wood is painted then covered with fabric and stuffing on the bottom so it’s nice ‘n soft.

sonotdonnareed.blogspot.com

littlepinkmonster.com

Lil’ Bunny Bathmitt ^[25]: Made with a handtowel, washcloth and wee scrap of felt. Includes a free pattern to download (hand drawn).

Piggy Bank Freebie ^[26]: A fabric piggy wallet that zips closed, fun idea for kiddos to hold their little treasures.

noseynest.blogspot.com

thelastpiece.typepad.com

Fabric Kite ^[27]: One side is a large piece of fabric, the other is a patchwork of fabric scraps.

Stick Horse ^[28]: Fun! These are made with a big sock, buttons, stuffing, wool yarn (for the manes), an old broomstick and other basic items.

lightbluegrey.blogspot.com

modernparentsmessykids.com

Garden Sensory Box ^[29]: Includes free printables for the veggie markers, this is made with an empty egg carton, paint, pipe cleaners and assorted items.

Chick-sicle ^[30]: A fun, rice filled cooling pad for children, pattern via pdf download. Also see these simple hot/cold packs ^[31] you can make.

justanotherhangup.blogspot.com

onecharmingparty.com

Sponge Balls ^[32]: Fun to soak in water then toss around on hot summer days, these are made with sponges in a variety of colors.

Bike Bucket ^[33]: Here’s how to make a bright and cheery basket to tote around treasures.

noodle-head.com

chezbeeperbebe.blogspot.com

Sewing Kit ^[34]: If you have an up-and-coming young crafter, here’s a lovely little item to make for them.

Lego Sack ^[35]: Nifty fabric bag with a drawstring closure, this spreads apart to double as a floor mat (keeping those little pieces tidy in one spot).

tonicoward.blogspot.ca

clumsycrafter.com

Water Blob Tutorial ^[36]: A large piece of plastic sheeting is taped shut and filled with water, what a fun way to cool down during hot summer days!

Crayon Rolls

Here’s a great project for beginner sewers since crayon rolls are so easy to make (simple sewing is all the skill you need). The idea is similar for each of the projects below but they feature their own design twist (fabric and finishing choices, etc.). A couple of these projects have been featured on Tipnut before but included here to make one handy project sheet (I included projects for both wax and pencils). I’ll be adding to this list as I find more goodies, enjoy!

thepleatedpoppy.com

Lined With Flannel ^[37]: Single row, made with two coordinating fabrics, lined with flannel and features a button and hair elastic closure.

Double Row ^[38]: Made with quilted fabric, two pieces of coordinating fabric, ribbon and binding.

etownhooks.blogspot.com

themodernhive.com

Made From Placemat ^[39]: Made with a regular size placemat and a piece of ribbon to tie it up with.

10-Minute ^[22]: Made with mid to heavy weight fabric and edges are finished in a zig-zag stitch or serged. Ties up with attached twill tape.

mypoppet.blogspot.com

yougogirl.typepad.com

For Pencils ^[40]: Designed to solve the wavy-pencil-roll syndrome and lay flat and tidy.

Fold-up Pouch ^[41]: Made with two pieces of fabric, coordinating felt and ties up with ribbon. Tutorial available via free pdf download.

nested.typepad.com

allthingsheartandhome.com

With Ric-Rack Edges ^[42]: Made with three coordinating prints, lightweight fusible interfacing, ric-rack trim and Heat & Bond Vinyl.

Roll-Up ^[43]: Holds 14 crayons with each pocket a different fabric scrap (in a rainbow of colors), lined with batting and has fabric ties.

janome.com

smallfriendly.com

No-Sew Felt ^[44]: Very easy and will hold 24 pencil crayons. Made with wool or wool-blend felt and leather cord. Includes a free pdf pattern download.

Another tutorial is found here: chocolateonmycranium.blogspot.com ^[45].

DIY Projects

First Published: September 22, 2007

Is it time to remind your kids how super cool awesome you are? Here are a few great projects you can build with your kiddos, a little bit of something for almost every age range.

• Pirate Cubby ^[46]: Download scans of this project featured in a Better Homes and Garden magazine (from 2007), includes a supplies list and diagram.
• How To: Building A Custom A-Frame Children’s Swing Set ^[47]: A sturdy A-frame design will provide years of enjoyment as the children grow.
• Dueling Lightsabers ^[48]: Whip up an impromptu set of lightsabers and have your little Jedi’s learning the way of the Force in minutes. They made up this set of dueling sabers with some garbage and literally about 2 minutes of work.
• Basketball Court ^[49]: What neigborhood doesn’t need a basketball court? They all need one! Well once you buy your pole and backboard and you put it up, how do you go about marking the court? Here are the dimensions to mark the court by.
• Build a Puppet Playhouse ^[50].
• How To Make A Tire Swing ^[51]: Items Needed: A tire. A strong rope. A tree. What you get: lotsa fun!
• Make An Outdoor Skating Rink ^[52]: Featured project on Tipnut that shows you how to build every future NHL’ers dream: their own skating rink.
• A-Frame Tent ^[53]: Includes a diagram for assembling, items needed are whitewood moulding, poplar dowel, fabric, thread and elastic.

Kids Crafts & Cookie Sheets

First Published: April 5, 2007

Give kids their own Craft Cookie Sheet to work over top of when snipping bits of paper, gluing pieces of ‘stuff’ together, dusting pom poms with glitter and all the other fun, wild & crazy things kids love to do when crafting.

By giving them each a cookie sheet to use as their crafting space, cleanup is a BREEZE. Simply pick up the sheet and flip the bits into the garbage or recycle bin.

When the glue comes out, just let it dry then scrape it off when you have a chance. Or leave the dried glue on–no problem. No more mess from one end of the table to the other.

Store the sheets for future use in the craft supplies cupboard, don’t use for baking.

Flannel Board

First Published: December 22, 2006

Materials Needed:

• Thick piece of cardboard in the size you want (or a piece of wood sheet, foam board, pizza box works as well)
• Flannel to cover board as well as fold over at least 2″ on back along all sides
• Felt pieces in a variety of colors

Directions:

• Wash and dry the flannel first before using.
• Cover cardboard with flannel and staple, duct tape, hot glue or tack the flannel overlap evenly and tightly on the back.
• Cut felt pieces into shapes, letters and words in the size you want.
• Felt pieces will stick easily to the flannel board for your child to play with.

Felt piece ideas:

• Story characters
• Alphabet
• Numbers
• Words
• Doll shapes
• Animal shapes

Homemade Goop

First Published: March 14, 2007

Fun to play with, but messy!

1/2 cup white household glue
1/2 cup water
nontoxic poster paint

1/2 cup water
3/4 tsp borax

• Combine first three ingredients and mix well. In a separate bowl, mix the water and borax. Slowly stir the borax solution into the glue mixture for instant goop!

Caution: keep the kids at a table covered with newspapers and don’t let this get on the floor or furniture–a few garbage bags on the floors are a good thing, just in case .

Article printed from TipNut.com: http://tipnut.com

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/crafty-gifts-kids/

URLs in this post:

[1] softies patterns and tutorials here: http://tipnut.com/sweet-softies/

[2] Character Foamies: http://petitepurls.com/Winter09/winter2009_cfoamies.html

[3] Peek-A-Boo Toy Sack: http://tonicoward.blogspot.com/2010/06/peek-boo-toy-sack-tutorial.html

[4] 10 Homemade Playdough Recipes: http://tipnut.com/10-homemade-playdough-recipes/

[5] Roll-up Kitchen Playmat: http://balancingeverything.com/2008/11/28/roll-up-kitchen-playmat-tutorial/

[6] Lap Desk Tutorial: http://balancingeverything.com/2010/04/09/who-wants-to-make-a-lap-desk/

[7] Planket Tutorial: http://www.thecraftersfilebox.com/2010/04/planket-tutorial-from-file-box.html

[8] travel pillow: http://mayamade.blogspot.com/2009/06/childs-travel-pillow-tutorial.html

[9] Sesame Street Hats: http://www.girlinair.com/2010/07/how-to-crochet-sesame-street-hats.html

[10] Retro Doll Pajama Bag: http://tipnut.com/pajama-patterns/

[11] Cardboard-Box Oven Craft: http://www.marthastewart.com/269964/cardboard-box-oven-craft

[12] Embellished Hooded Towel: http://thecottagehome.blogspot.com/2010/10/embellished-hooded-towel-tutorial.html

[13] Subway Tile Nameplates: http://www.craftynest.com/2010/08/camp-craft-subway-tile-nameplates/

[14] Personalized Birdie Pillow: http://www.modabakeshop.com/2009/08/personalized-birdie-pillow.html

[15] T-Shirt Pillow: http://www.inspiremecrafts.com/inspireme_crafts/2009/06/gotta-make-it-tshirt-pillow-.html

[16] Bathtub Crayons: http://www.crazydomestic.com/2010/08/bathtub-crayons.html

[17] Piggy Bank Makeover: http://www.craftastical.com/2010/04/tutorial-pretty-piggy-bank-makeover.html

[18] Laminated Kids Wallet: http://www.polkadotchair.com/2010/02/tutorial-tuesday-laminated-kids-wallet.html/

[19] Toy Camera Tutorial: http://seekatesew.blogspot.com/2011/01/toy-camera.html

[20] Boy’s Messenger Bag: http://www.ambrosiagirl.com/blog/tutorial-boys-messenger-bag/

[21] Fish In A Bag Soap: http://www.marthastewart.com/267472/fish-in-a-bag-soap

[22] Pencil Roll Tutorial: http://mypoppet.blogspot.com/2009/09/10-minute-pencil-roll-tutorial.html

[23] Cupboard Door Art Desk: http://icandyhandmade.blogspot.com/2011/06/guest-post-cupboard-door-gone-art-desk.html

[24] Lap Desk: http://sonotdonnareed.blogspot.com/2011/08/lappin-it-up.html

[25] Lil’ Bunny Bathmitt: http://www.littlepinkmonster.com/2010/03/30/lil-bunny-bathmitt/

[26] Piggy Bank Freebie: http://noseynest.blogspot.com/2008/05/piggy-bank-freebie.html

[27] Fabric Kite: http://thelastpiece.typepad.com/the_last_piece/2009/06/how-to-make-a-kite.html

[28] Stick Horse: http://lightbluegrey.blogspot.com/2011/01/lets-diy.html

[29] Garden Sensory Box: http://www.modernparentsmessykids.com/2011/05/diy-veggie-garden-sensory-box.html

[30] Chick-sicle: http://justanotherhangup.blogspot.com/2011/03/rice-filled-cooling-pad-for-children.html

[31] these simple hot/cold packs: http://tipnut.com/make-your-own-microwave-heating-pad/

[32] Sponge Balls: http://onecharmingparty.com/2011/03/23/water-party-sponge-ball-tutorial/

[33] Bike Bucket: http://www.noodle-head.com/2010/06/bicycle-bucket-tutorial.html

[34] Sewing Kit: http://chezbeeperbebe.blogspot.com/2010/05/make-this-childs-sewing-kit-tutorial.html

[35] Lego Sack: http://tonicoward.blogspot.ca/2010/09/lego-sack-tutorial.html

[36] Water Blob Tutorial: http://www.clumsycrafter.com/2012/05/water-blob-tutorial/

[37] Lined With Flannel: http://thepleatedpoppy.com/2010/05/crayon-roll-tutorial/

[38] Double Row: http://etownhooks.blogspot.com/2011/01/very-vera-crayon-roll-up-tutorial.html

[39] Made From Placemat: http://www.themodernhive.com/2009/10/cheater-sewing-placemat-pencil-roll.html

[40] For Pencils: http://yougogirl.typepad.com/you_go_girl/2009/02/guess-what-today-is-no-its-not-my-birthday-nope-not-my-anniversary-groundhog-day-has-passed-and-valentines-isnt-yet-here.html

[41] Fold-up Pouch: http://nested.typepad.com/blog/2007/07/materials-you-w.html

[42] With Ric-Rack Edges: http://www.allthingsheartandhome.com/2010/11/06/crayon-rollmy-take-on-these-little-life-savers/

[43] Roll-Up: http://content.janome.com/index.cfm/ProjectCenter/Project_Detail/Crayon_Roll_Up

[44] No-Sew Felt: http://www.smallfriendly.com/small-friendly/2011/08/no-sew-colored-pencil-roll.html

[45] chocolateonmycranium.blogspot.com: http://chocolateonmycranium.blogspot.com/2008/04/crayon-roll-tutorial.html

[46] Pirate Cubby: http://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/better-homes-gardens/diy/articles/a/-/5825642/pirate-cubbyhouse/

[47] How To: Building A Custom A-Frame Children’s Swing Set: http://www.hgtv.com/home-improvement/custom-a-frame-childrens-swing-set/index.html

[48] Dueling Lightsabers: http://www.finkbuilt.com/blog/2-miniute-dueling-lightsabers/

[49] Basketball Court: http://www.handymanwire.com/articles/basketballcourt.html

[50] Build a Puppet Playhouse: http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/puppet-playhouse-671882/

[51] How To Make A Tire Swing: http://mymommysplace.com/blog/2009/06/14/how-to-make-a-tire-swing/

[52] Make An Outdoor Skating Rink: http://tipnut.com/how-to-make-an-outdoor-skating-rink/

[53] A-Frame Tent: http://mycakies.blogspot.com/2011/05/diy-frame-tent.html

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