Summer Crafts
To Keep Kids Occupied

Summer crafts for kids are a great way to keep little hands busy and out of trouble during summer vacation!

There will inevitably be a time when all parents hear the dreaded phrase, "I'm boooooooooored!" Be ready to counter that with these fun craft ideas.

Personally, I love to save these craft ideas for those rainy (or sweltering) days when the kids are stuck inside. I have my box full of craft materials ready and just have to pull it out for hours of busy children.

**I am continually adding to this and other pages, so keep checking back for more ideas!**

Summer Crafts to Display

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Sunflower:
1. Cut a large circle out of white posterboard.
2. To decorate the middle of the sunflower, you have 2 options:

• Sponge paint with brown paint.
• Spread glue over the circle and sprinkle with real sunflower seeds.

3. Cut out lots of yellow petal shapes out of construction paper and glue in layers along the back of the center, folding up some edges to make it look more 3D.
4. Cut out leaves and a long green stem out of construction paper.
5. Glue to the back of the flower.

Suncatcher #1:
1. Take the paper back off a sheet of Con-Tact paper.
2. Tear up any color tissue paper into lots of pieces.
3. Lay the tissue paper on the sticky side of the Con-Tact paper.
4. Cover with a second sheet of Con-Tact paper.
5. Cut out desired shape (we just made a circle) and attach a piece of string to the top to hang in a window!

Suncatcher #2:
1. Pick, flatten, and dry some flowers and leaves.
2. Take the backing off a sheet of Con-Tact paper and place dried flowers and leaves on the sticky side.
3. Cover with a second sheet of Con-Tact paper.
4. Cut out desired shape around the flowers (we made a diamond shape).
5. Glue 4 popsicle sticks around the edges on both sides to make a frame.
6. Attach a piece of yarn or string along the top to hang in a sunny place!

Seashell Paperweight:
1. Mix one cup Plaster of Paris with water until it's about the consistency of glue.
2. Pour the mixture into a clean margarine-sized tub.
3. Press seashells into the top of the plaster mixture (not too deep or you won't be able to see them!) and let it harden completely.
4. When it's hard, gently remove the paperweight from the tub.
5. Optional: You can paint the shells and/or the plaster when it's dry if you'd like, or you can leave it natural!

Summer Crafts to Wear

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Tie Dye T-Shirts:
1. Pre-wash and dry t-shirt to be dyed.
2. Prepare dye according to package directions.
3. Place dye in desired number of bowls.
4. Lay the shirt on a table and gather up where you want the center to be and fasten a rubber band about an inch down from the top.
5. Continue fastening rubber bands down in 2-3 inch sections.
6. Place each section in desired color and soak for about 5 minutes (or according to directions).
7. Let dry, then take off rubber bands and see the design you made!

Other Summer Craft Ideas

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The summer crafts described above are general ones. If you are looking for a specific type of summer craft, check out these other pages:

- Many preschool teachers still have children throughout the summer months (daycare teachers, homeschool teachers, or school teachers that teach extended sessions). Check out this preschool themes page for theme-specific crafts for the summertime. The ocean theme is one of my favorites for summertime!

- I have a whole page devoted to patriotic crafts. These are perfect for Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.

- Another holiday that occurs in the summer is Father's Day in June. Have your child make one of these Fathers Day crafts to give to Dad, Grandpa, or Uncle on his special day.

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