Four Cool Craft Ideas
While away the winter days with four of KindiCare’s favourite craft projects for young families.
BY HEJIRA CONVERY, KINDICARE
Winter is officially here, and although we’re big fans of outdoor play, even the hardiest of families need some downtime now and then, away from those windswept playgrounds and soggy scooter paths!
Having a nice, quiet, cosy time indoors cannot be overrated in these chilly months, and although activities like puzzles, storytime and tea parties are always good, we can also recommend a bit of crafting.
Making something with Mummy or Daddy is fun for your little one, and while you’re busy chatting away, picking out colours, practising cutting, and generally flexing your creativity, your pre-schooler gets to practise a whole lot of important life skills.
So, what to make?
Well, you’ll find lots of inspo when you trawl through the reels on our Instagram, and for starters, here are four KindiCare craft projects we think you’ll love this winter:
1. A cheerful tissue box
Sniffles and coughs are a common feature of this season, and while we can’t promise a cure, a decorated tissue box will brighten the home and add some cheer when you reach for that zillionth tissue.
To make a boring tissue box so much brighter, simply glue on different squares of wrapping paper, add criss-crossed ribbon (Mondrian-style), dot on some poms poms, then position the box somewhere prominent.
2. A Mem Fox masterpiece
It’s 20 years since Where Is The Green Sheep? first came out, and you can celebrate Mem Fox’s modern classic by making a very green hide and peek artwork.
With two green trees that pop up from the green hills, the biggest question remains: Where is that green sheep???
Then, once you've answered this question, check out our interview with Mem Fox to see how this classic story first came into being.
3. A blingy sensory bottle
Slowly rolling a sensory bottle upside down and all around is very relaxing for little people (especially as that rain pitter patters outside), and it’s really easy to make your own mini-sensory bottle using an upcycled peppermint/vanilla essence bottle, some water, food colouring and sequins.
To jazz up the sensory bottle a bit more, add some curling ribbon and a pom pom, then watch as your child gets lost in the moment with their little bottle of swirly sparkles.
4. Flowery finger puppets
Finger puppets are the perfect rain, hail or shine activity, and it’s fun to make your own puppets before playing with them.
Felt puppets look and feel fab, but if you’re not a talented seamstress (or don’t even own a needle!), then our paper finger puppets will work just fine.
To make them, simply cut out flower shapes in colourful paper, stick on googly eyes, draw on a cute little smile and make a cap to slip over the end of your child’s finger, with a flower attached.
