Simple crafts for summer

In an ideal world, the sun would shine every day of the summer, but unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes summer weather can be unpleasant, and the kids are stuck inside. For these occasions, it’s always a good idea to have some interesting indoor activities available to entertain children.

Crafting is a wonderful creative outlet, and it is the perfect activity for keeping kids busy on rainy summer afternoons. I love crafts that are easy, inexpensive and fun. Today, I am sharing a few of my favorite simple summer crafts that use readily available supplies and require minimal set up.

Paper fans are not difficult to make, and they will help keep everyone cool when the temperature starts to rise. All you need is cardstock, crayons, scissors, craft sticks and tape. I have a free downloadable template on my blog (www.EastCoastMommy.com), but alternatively, you could just draw your own. After you have the template: just color the fan, cut it out, and tape a craft stick to the back.

Tissue paper flowers are another easy craft option. Again, I have a free downloadable template on my blog, but it isn’t hard to draw an outline of a flower onto a piece of cardstock. Once you have the drawing, have the kids color the flower, and fill the petals with crumpled up squares of tissue paper squares dipped in glue. For an extra special touch, cut out a picture of the little crafter, and glue it to the centre of the flower.

Painting rocks is another fantastic summer craft. My boys love to collect rocks when they are at the beach or hiking through the woods, and a rock makes a wonderful inexpensive canvas. Let the kids use brightly acrylic paints, and a little imagination, to create mini masterpieces. In the past, my boys have painted tic tac toe boards, ladybugs, landscapes, hearts, penguins, dominoes and more. It’s really cool to see how the shape of a rock inspires a child to come up with something awesome!

Before you start painting, make sure the kids are dressed in old clothes and the painting surface is covered with an inexpensive plastic tablecloth. Acrylic paints are fantastic because you can buy them at the dollar store and they come in beautiful, vibrant colors, but they aren’t usually washable. Also, if you are going to be keeping your rocks outside, an adult should spray them with clear indoor/outdoor paint after the children’s artwork has dried completely.

I’ll keep crossing my fingers for sunshine every day, but if the rain clouds come, these simple craft ideas will keep your little ones busy and happy until the sun comes out again.

Gina Bell is a writer, blogger and busy mom of three small boys.She has contributed to several blogs and major publications, including Disney’s Family Fun Magazine, Canadian Living and CBC Kids. Her blog, EastCoastMommy.com, is full of fantastic ideas for easy and inexpensive family fun.