With even our youngest kids as tuned into social media as we are – if not more – gone are the days of entertaining with sidewalk chalk and a can of shaving cream. That's right. Kiddos can see all of the coll summertime crafts that you might be missing out on. Maybe a neighborhood friend posted her DIY-macrame monstrosity on Instagram. Maybe your kid learned some new tricks at summer camp. Either way, it's time to catch up, and we're here to help.
Galaxy Candle Jars
We know what you're thinking: “Mason jars are so 2015.” Well, yes, but have you seen them turned into what appears to be the universe in an average kitchen container? Grab a few mason jars that are laying around from the last rustic wedding you attended (we know you have them), and get your kids crafting! This one is fun for all ages.
What You Need:
8 oz. quilted crystal mason jar
Decoupage glue
Gel food coloring
Assorted glitter
Stirring sticks
Disposable plastic cup
Battery-operated tea lights
An adult
Instructions:
1. Mix two tablespoons of decoupage glue and food coloring to desired shade. Add two to three drops of water and glitter. This makes enough for one color. Repeat the process with other food coloring in separate containers. Make at least three colors.
2. Using stirring sticks, spot coat the inside of the mason jar with each decoupage mixture. Evenly distribute the colors throughout your jar. This doesn't have to be perfect, but make sure you cover the entire inside of the jar.
3. Cross two stirring sticks over a plastic cup. Balance the jar upside down over the sticks to let the excess decoupage drip out. Let it sit for about five minutes.
4. Bake the jar right-side-up for 15 to 20 minutes at 170 degrees until the decoupage is transparent. The glass will be very hot. Make sure to let it cool before removing it from the oven.
5. Now the fun part: add a battery-operated tea light for a galactic glow.
Soctopus
Eight limbs is a lot to keep up with...and that's just two kids! Add to the mayhem with a fun, easy-to-make stuffed octopus. Or rather, soctopus. As the name implies, this little critter is made from socks. Before you cross it off the list, we are happy to inform you this craft does not require sewing.
What You Will Need
One sock, printed or patterned for an extra fun octopus
A few handfuls of fiberfill - also called pillow stuffing
Elastic bands
Wiggle eyes
Craft glue
Instructions
1. Stuff the toe portion of the sock with your desired amount fiberfill to create the body of the octopus.
2. Fasten the stuffed portion with an elastic band.
3. Cut the remaining end of the sock into eight equal strips.
4. Glue wiggle eyes to the top of your soctopus to complete the look.
Crayon Cars
It doesn't get much more simple than this, but the result is sheer joy for the family car enthusiasts. Parent hack: different molds will also yield the same fun, but for the sake of this craft, we're sticking to cars. Crayon Cars are exactly what the name implies – crayons in the shape of cars. Brilliant, right? The instructions call for broken crayons, and if your kids are below the age of 10, that shouldn't be too hard to find.
What You Will Need
Broken crayons
Tip: to remove labels, soak crayons in warm, soapy water
Silicon molds – We found ours on Amazon
Baking sheet
Instructions
1. Arrange the broken crayons into the mold. Try to fill each nook. Mixing colors is totally acceptable, if not encouraged.
2. Place the mold on a plate.
3. Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Note: some blogs will tell you to microwave the molds. We tried it and highly advise against it.
4. Bake the mold for 10 to 13 minutes or until crayons are fully melted
5. Let it cool fully before popping