’Tis the season for kids to be home from school, and for battle cries of “I’m bored” to fill the air. Head them off at the pass with a few of our favorite winter crafts. Most require materials you probably have laying around, and all are incredibly customizable, forgiving and swappable if there are art supplies you’d rather use instead — or omit entirely. (This is a judgement-free zone.)
Popsicle stick snowflake
Outside of drawing actual snow, this might be the easiest snowflake craft ever created. Zero folding, absolutely no scissors, and only as much glitter as your brain (and vacuum) can handle.
Materials
- 3 popsicle sticks, any color
- Glue (hot glue if you’re feeling it, glue stick if not)
- Sparkles, stickers, glitter
Directions
Put a dab of glue in the center of two Popsicle sticks to form a cross. Add more glue in the center and place the third stick across the diagonal. Let dry. Decorate! (An easy upgrade? Glue a loop or ornament hanger to the back and let it snow, let it snow all season long.)
Fingerprint crafts: cardinals and holiday strands
I’ll admit it, I’m a sucker for tiny (and purposeful!) fingerprints on things. When they’re turned into crafts, it’s also a guarantee that I’ll never, ever part with them. (Throw away a physical representation of my children’s smallness? For shame.) These ones are — ha ha — more hands-on than the rest, but really pull their weight in terms of sentimental value. (Maybe send the best January mail the grandparents will ever get?)
Materials
- Paint, all colors
- Ink pads, all colors
- Construction paper, all colors
- Paper plates
- Sharpie markers, all colors
- Crayons, all colors
Directions
For the cardinal, pour red paint onto a paper plate and coat your child’s palm and fingers. Place a handprint sideways on a piece of paper — let dry. With a Sharpie, draw a beak on the palm side, facing out. Draw legs, eyes, and whatever else you think a bird might want to have. Have your kids draw a scene for their new little pal with crayons. Voilà! A bright cardinal, a sure sign that spring is just around the corner (in five months).
If, like me, you’re of the opinion that holiday strands should be kept up year ‘round, then you’ll love these fingerprint lights. Using a Sharpie, draw a winding tangle across the page. Now the fun part: let your kids place their fingers in a variety of paint colors (or ink pads, if you prefer!), and print individual “lights” every inch or so. Let dry. Hang ‘em up for as long as you’d like— the neighbors won’t even mind.
Votive candle: washi tape and snow people
Winning the “most versatile craft” award is definitely the humble votive. (And who couldn’t use a little more light this time of year?) Here are two ways to dress it up.
Materials
- Washi tape, any pattern
- White paint
- Paper plate
- Sharpie markers, all colors
- Tea lights
Directions
Washi tape is foolproof fun. Have your kids choose their favorite colors and wrap the sticky side around the outside of the votive until it’s as covered as they’d like. (This works for any length, too, since layering is easy— and part of the overall collaged effect!) Add a tea light.
Fingerprints work exceptionally well on votives, too! Pour white paint onto a paper plate and have your kids lightly coat their fingers before you place the bottom of the votive in the center of their palm. Gently press each finger up onto the side of the votive— let dry. Time to Sharpie it up! Decorate your tiny snow people with hats, scarves, and mittens and then add a tea light. (Snow people love to be backlit.)
Happy Crafting in Your Jammies Week!
