With the school summer holidays almost upon us, many parents will be looking for ways to keep their children entertained with some budget friendly activities. Arts and crafts are perfect for kids of all ages and are suitable come rain or shine, ideal for the unpredictable British weather!
For some simple fun you could set out pens, paints and papers along with other crafty items you have, like sequins, tissue paper or stickers to keep your little ones amused. But if you’re looking for something more creative that will produce artwork worthy of displaying why not try out these artistic ideas. Who knows – after a summer of arty activities like these, your little ones could have a crafty spark ignited that will see them become a contemporary artist of the future, with their marvellous paintings for sale here at Art2Arts in ten years’ time!
1. Fun in the sun
Suncatchers are the perfect crafty task for the summer, they can be displayed in your windows and cast a beautiful array of colours onto your walls. Using some black or dark coloured paper to make different shaped frames and then get the kids to fill in the gaps with colourful tissue paper – remember to add string so you can hang up your final product.
2. Let’s go fly kite
If the sun is shining and you want to encourage your children to get outdoors and explore their artistic side too – a kite making project could be for you. For a quick and easy option there are kits that come with everything you need or you could unleash your creativity and start from scratch.
For a simple diamond shape kite you’ll need paper, wooden skewers, string, tape and decorative items, such as ribbons. If you want to try other shapes, there are plenty of templates and inspiring designs available online, and of course you can show off your artwork at the park once it’s completed.
3. Get innovative with plates
Paper plates are a really versatile craft item if you’re planning lots of different projects with children. Cutting out the middle and adding bright paint, string or ribbons, and feathers can result in a dream catcher that will look perfect above your son or daughters bed. Alternatively, you could use a paper plate as the basis of creating an animal mask that your little ones will have fun wearing.
Being able to unleash their own innovative vision with a project like this means children can really express themselves and create something they’re proud of.
4. Time to go sailing
Sponge boats make a great addition to paddling pools, ponds or even just the bathroom sink! Simply get some sponges you can cut into shapes to form the bottom of your boat and set out your art and craft supplies and let the kids’ imagination run wild as they decorate their boat and create sails.
Your children will love this project as they can play with them afterwards staging battles with their fleets or even racing them if you can drop them into a river.
