Summer Craft for Kids: Melted Bead Sun Catcher

Image via: Artful Parent

[ad#co-1]

Things You will Need

• Translucent pony beads
• Baking dishes (for cakes and muffins)
• A hand drill
• String

Instructions

1. Arrange the beads into a single layer in a baking dish. Don’t be skeptical about using your baking dishes because the beads don’t stick to the pans. As soon as the sun catchers cool, they will pop right out. If you want to make a large sun catcher, use a cake pan; to make small ones, use a muffin pan.
2. Arrange the beads to make a pattern. Heat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and put the baking dishes inside.
3. Heat the pans for approximately 25 minutes or until the beads melt. You may have to go outside to get some fresh air as the beads produce a pungent odor when melting. Alternatively, you can melt the beads outdoors on the grill.
4. Once the beads melt, remove the pans from the heat and leave them to cool (for about 30 minutes)
5. Use the hand drill to make holes on each of your sun catchers.
6. Hang the crafts using strings. You can hang them on your porch to trap the morning light.

Image via: Paige Coleman

Unquestionably, this is a great summer craft for kids. Unlike most sun catchers made out of paper and contact paper, these are made from melted beads and will last and last. Their sturdy material allows them to withstand the elements. Your kids will want to make these sun catchers time and again. They also make great gifts for kids and for the young at heart. This summer, decorate your windows with sun catchers to add to their appeal. They will bring a ray of sunshine to your interior.

What do you love about these sun catchers? For more craft ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Fun Kids Craft: Sock Snowman for Winter

Image via: Repeat Crafter Me

[ad#co-1]

Supplies

• 1 white tube sock
• About 1⅓ cups of rice
• Cotton wool
• 3 rubber bands
• Buttons of different colors and sizes
• A small strip of fabric (holiday-themed if possible)
• 2 small sticks
• Hot glue gun
• Additional decorations like ribbons, trinkets, and stickers (optional)
• Permanent marker (optional)

Image via: Freemake

Instructions

1. Fill ¾ of the sock with rice. Tie the first rubber band tightly just above the rice to create the bottom part of the snowman.
2. Repeat step one to create the middle part of the snowman.
3. Fill the top part with cotton and leave about 4-5 inches of space. Secure the area with a rubber band. At this point, your sock snowman should be able to stand.
4. Fold the remaining part over itself to create a beanie.
5. Attach the buttons using the hot glue gun. Use one color for the eyes, another for the mouth, and another for the shirt (middle part). You can also use a marker to draw the mouth.
6. Tie the small piece of fabric on top of the upper rubber band. This becomes the scarf.
7. Make two holes on the sides of the snowman and place the two sticks to create arms. Push them in so they don’t fall out. You can also secure them with hot glue.
8. If you have more decorations, put them on the snowman.

Image via: DIY Home Decor

You can make this kids craft any time of year. Don’t wait for a cold, snowy day to have some winter fun! Gather your children and build sock snowmen together. Unlike winter snowmen, they don’t melt. They will put a smile on your guests’ faces and melt your children’s hearts. Your kids will want to make them every year. You’ll love this craft for its inexpensive supplies. If you have the items at home, you won’t have to buy a single thing.

What holiday kids crafts are you making this year?

Kids Craft: Thanksgiving Pinecone Turkey

Image via: A Pumpkin and a Princess

[ad#co-1]

Video – How to Make a Thanksgiving Pinecone Turkey

Link to video: How to make DIY pinecone turkeys

Things You Will Need

• Leaves or feathers
• 1 pinecone or more (choose those that are opened up)
• Craft foam or construction paper in different colors
• Glue
• Scissors
• 2 Googly eyes

Instructions

1. Glue the leaves or feathers to one end of the pinecone. Make sure the leaves are shaped like feathers.
2. If you are using tacky glue, hold the leaves/feathers in place until it dries. Leave a small space between the leaves/feathers to create the appearance of a fan.
3. Add glue to the other end of the pinecone and place the googly eyes. Hold them until the glue dries.
4. Cut a beak out of the foam and affix it using glue. Depending on the size of your pinecones, you can cut big beaks or small ones. 1-inch beaks look good on most pinecones.
5. If you have foam left over, cut two 1-ich legs and glue them to the pinecone.
6. Use your turkey pinecones to add a special touch to your fall décor.

Image via: Marla Meridith

Pinecones abound this time of year. Kids love to look for them as they play or go for walks around the neighborhood. Tell your children to collect them so you can show them how to make this easy craft. Pinecone turkeys will add a dash of fall to your home. They are fun to make and will transform your house into a home. They will give your interiors a rustic touch. If you’ve been looking for a thanksgiving kids’ craft, this is it.

For more DIY Crafts on Stagetecture, click here.