5 Fun Winter Crafts for Kids
February 21, 2017Winter time is here, and for all of us in the Northeast, that means cold weather. For those of us with children, winter brings along with it pent up children with plenty of leftover energy now that they are stuck indoors. We have put together some simple winter crafts to help entertain you and your kids this season, so get out your craft supplies and prepare for a fun time!
1. Cotton Ball Snowman
This first craft is great; not only is it fairly simple to set up, but it lets your child be creative without making too much of a mess.
Supplies
We are going to create a snowman using some common crafting materials, here is what you will need:
- Dark colored construction paper (so your snowman stands out)
- Cotton balls
- Scissors
- Glue
- Two googly eyes
Optional Supplies: Anything you might decorate a snowman with, including pipe cleaners, felt, 3D paint, tiny clothing, etc.
Directions
The core of this project is the snowman, which is created by drawing three circles on your paper using glue. The cotton balls are then placed into the glue to create the “snow.” From there, let your child’s imagination run wild. Let them arrange their snowman’s face, accessorize him until they see fit, and surround them with scenery.
2. DIY Snow Globe
This project can get a little messy, so make sure to help out your little one to prevent any catastrophic spills. We are going to create our own snow globe using materials you probably already have around the house. Not only is this craft fun, but your child will love playing with their new snow globe after it is completed.
Supplies
Here is what you will need:
- A clear bottle or jar with a lid
- Corn syrup
- Water
- Glitter
- Something to stir with
Directions
To start, make sure to place your container on something that will contain any possible spills. Paper towels, newspaper, or anything that absorbs water will do. Next, you are going to fill your jar two-thirds full with water, and one-third full with corn syrup, leaving a little bit of room at the top. It is best to mix your concoction as you add the liquids, allowing the corn syrup and water to mix. Finally, add as much glitter as you want (or can fit!) and close the lid. If your child tends to remove lids, it may be a good idea to tape the lid on or use hot glue to seal it in place (for adults only!).
Now your child can shake up their very own snow globe!
3. Window Star
Window stars are simple and beautiful crafts that add light and color in your home.
Supplies
All you need is:
- Kite or tissue paper
- Glue sticks
- Scissors
- Star pattern that looks like a hexagram with the star in the middle
Directions
From there, you can create pieces of paper with that pattern, and then snip the corners so there are flaps around the star’s points. You will want to make these ten at a time so they can be folded together to create colorful patterns. When you begin putting the stars together, use the flaps to connect the stars in a colorful pattern. Then you can use glue sticks to attach them to the window. You will only need warm water to take them off.
4. Walnut Candles
Walnut candles are simple and wonderful crafts that add warmth and interest to your home. You will need to help with this craft more so than the last one, though. Be sure you have at least an hour of time to safely work on this craft.
Supplies
For this, you will need:
- Walnut shells
- Beeswax
- Small wicks
Directions
First, you will need to crack walnuts and keep the shells. Then, you will need beeswax and small wicks. Warm the beeswax until it is liquid. Then, pour into the walnut shells. Once poured, place the wick into the wax and keep it steady until the wax has cooled. You can do this by tying the wick to a stick that will balance on the edges of the shells.
5. Frosty Pinecones
Frosty pinecones are possibly the simplest of the crafts.
Supplies
You will need:
- pinecones
- glue
- plenty of glitter
Directions
First, you will roll the pinecone in the glue and then in the glitter. Then, you will hang them over newspaper while they dry. In just a few hours, they will be ready to decorate your home and make it feel like a winter wonderland.
When it comes to winter and snow day activities, you’ll have no problem keeping kids big and small entertained with these winter crafts. If the kids are tuckered out, there are plenty of winter crafts for adults for you to try. And, if the winter crafts were a big hit, you can plan to try these summer crafts for kids when it gets warmer.