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Winter Crafts for Kids to Make - Fun Art and Craft Ideas for All Ages

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It sure is fun to play in the snow, but there are days when you are stuck inside and what better way to entertain yourself than with a crafty session. We have a whole lot of

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children activities, more than 2000 coloring pages

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Explore the changing of seasons with this fun four season tree craft. It is a good opportunity to talk with your kids about the changes in nature in general and particularly how trees are affected. It will also help them practice their fine motor skills and get creative with paint.

Another variation of this craft is our 4 season tree craft made with paper rolls and paper strips. These trees can actually stand out on their own and kids can easily include them in their play.

How to make the four season tree craft
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Supplies:

Step 1: Begin by creating the basic tree. Cut a paper roll in half and glue one half at the bottom of a blue card stock paper. Glue cotton balls on top of the paper roll. I used my hot glue gun for this but an instant craft glue or even a school glue will also work.

Depending on the age of the kids you're crafting with, you can do the prep work for little ones, and glue the paper rolls and cotton balls on the card stock paper. Young kids can add the color to the trees and create the accessories: grass, clouds, sun and so on.

Older kids can manage to do everything on their own and even use a low temp glue gun to make the basic tree.

We will use this basic tree for each of the four seasons.

FOUR SEASON TREE CRAFT: SPRING

Paint the cotton balls with a mixture of green and pink paint.

Cut out two thin strips of green construction paper and glue them at the bottom, on each side of the tree.

Cut out two clouds out of white paper and glue them on the blue cardstock paper.

FOUR SEASON TREE CRAFT: SUMMER

Paint the cotton balls with green paint.

Cut out two thin strips of green construction paper and glue them at the bottom, on each side of the tree.

Cut out a sun out of yellow paper and glue it above the tree.

FOUR SEASON TREE CRAFT: AUTUMN

Paint the cotton balls with a mixture of green, yellow and orange paint.

Cut out two thin strips of green construction paper and glue them at the bottom, on each side of the tree.

Cut out flying birds out of black paper and glue them above the tree.

FOUR SEASON TREE CRAFT: WINTER

Use a snowflake punch to make a few snowflakes from white paper and glue them on each side of the tree as well as all around it.
Check out more easy crafts for kids.

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Four Season Tree Craft For Kids To Make With Paper Rolls & Cotton Balls

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Explore the changing of seasons with this fun four season tree craft. It is a good opportunity to talk with your kids about the changes in nature in general and particularly how trees are affected. It will also help them practice their fine motor skills and get creative with paint.

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It's hard to believe that these pinecone pom-pom mobiles were made by children. They did everything, from painting the pinecones and beads, to making the pom-poms, to stringing it all together. (I just did the very last part tying them onto the ring.) Children are so capable. And these mobiles are just stunning!
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Supply List for Pinecone Pom-pom Mobiles

~ pinecones (I collected mine from the ground in the Spring in Connecticut, but you can buy them, too)

~ tempera paints (mix with a little white to make them more opaque to cover brown pinecones)

~ small piece of cardboard for pom-pom maker

~ yarn & scissors

~ wooden beads

~ liquid watercolor or palette watercolor

~ wooden rings

Step One: Paint the pinecones

~ I set out jars of tempera paint (I use a variety of different brands, and usually I mix them with a little bit of white to make the color more opaque), I put a paint brush in each jar, and let the kids paint.

~ The pinecones had to dry overnight. In the meantime, we made the pom-poms.

Step Two: Make the pom-poms

1. Cut a small rectangle from cardboard. Mine was 4″ X 6″. Then cut an opening in the middle, going a little more than halfway down.

2. Wrap the yarn around the side with the opening. I told the kids to just keep wrapping. When they thought they were done, I said to wrap 10 more times. The more you wrap, the fluffier the pom-pom.

3. Use the opening to tie a piece of yarn around the middle. Tie it really tight, using your child's finger to hold it down while making a double knot.

4. Cut the pom-pom off of the cardboard by cutting the ends.

5. Trim the pom-pom into something more round. We call this part giving the pom-pom a haircut.

Step Three: Paint the wooden pieces

~ I set out liquid watercolor, but you can easily use a regular watercolor palette. I also provided toothpick so the kids who didn't want their fingers to get dirty could put the bead on the toothpick first and then just hold the toothpick while painting.

Step Four: Tie them all together

~ This step was hard to photograph as I was helping the kids and couldn't pick up my camera. Basically, we cut a long piece of yarn, tied it around the bottom of the pinecone ( I mostly did this part) so that the pinecone was dangling upside-down. Then the kids strung the beads. Then I tied them all to the ring.

~ They each had about three pinecones and three pom-poms. We only beaded the pinecone strings and left the pom-poms unadorned.

Aren't these just stunning? I love all of the color combinations. Kids choose the best colors.

Let me know if you have any questions!

XO Bar

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Did you like this post? Here are more mobile ideas for kids:

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It's hard to believe that these pinecone pom-pom mobiles were made by children. They did everything, from painting the pinecones and beads, to making the pom-poms, to stringing it all together. (I just did the very last part tying them onto the ring.) Children are so capable. And these mobiles are just stunning!

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By Melissa Lennig on . This content contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Playdough is an adaptable, open-ended, and inexpensive sensory experience. It's fun and easy to delight your children by preparing a fresh batch for any occasion or holiday. Shared below is a recipe for Marbled Valentine's Day Playdough. It's bright, soft, and only takes 5 minutes to make.
This post contains affiliate links. Opinions are my own.
I love the colors of this playdough! It reminds me of the bicycle I rode in elementary school-a purple and pink Huffy!

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Marbled Valentine's Day Playdough
Materials: Directions:
Whisk 1 cup water, 1 cup flour, ½ cup salt, 1 tbsp oil, 1 tsp Cream of Tartar, and several drops of purple or pink dye in a saucepan. Heat the dough mixture until it forms a ball. Remove from the pan and knead well. Repeat 2 more times to make the other colors (for white, leave out the food dye). Twist the playdoughs together and roll into a ball to create a marbled effect!

Great Playdough Toys

Playdough toys are smart, fun gifts for kids. My boys have been enjoying many of theirs for years! Shared below are their favorites:

This classic playdough extruder is so much fun! My kids love to use it to make "worms!"

Melissa & Doug Shape, Model, and Mold
The textured rolling pins are the best part of this kit!

Play-Doh Learn About Shapes and Numbers
My boys love the shape cutters in this set.

Play-Doh Beach Creations Bucket
I love the miniature pail and shovel in this set. We use it all the time with Kinetic Sand, cloud dough, and playdough.

Wilton Animal Pals 50-Piece Cookie Cutter Set
What a great selection of animal cookie cutters! Great for baking and playdough.

Small Rolling Pins
Perfect for little hands, these rolling pins are also fun to give as a gift with homemade playdough!

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Marbled Valentine's Day Playdough | Fireflies and Mud Pies

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By Melissa Lennig on . This content contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Playdough is an adaptable, open-ended, and inexpensive sensory experience. It's fun and easy to delight your children by preparing a fresh batch for any occasion or holiday.

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This content contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Inside: Mindfulness, or the ability to be fully present and aware, is an important skill for children to develop. In this post, learn how to make a glitter jar to promote mindfulness and calm in your home or classroom.
He stormed into my office, face hot and fists balled. I wasn't surprised, as his teacher had called and told me he was on the way. Without speaking, he reached for a blue, glittery jar on the table, shook it, then set it back down. With a huff, he fell into a nearby bean bag chair.

I quietly continued working. He wasn't ready to talk... yet.
Related: Anger Management Skills for Kids
How a Glitter Jar Can Help Kids Control Their Feelings

When kids are stressed, sad, or angry, the amygdala's natural fight, flight, or freeze response kicks in, making rational decision-making nearly impossible.

Mindfulness gives kids space and time to calm down and pay attention to what is going on in their body and environment. Regularly practicing mindfulness reduces stress and increases wellness and self-control.

Glitter jars are a useful mindfulness tool at home and school. Watching the glitter swirl to the bottom of the jar gives kids time to calm down and regain control.
Related: Pink Glitter Jar Instructions
How to Make a Glitter Jar

It's easy and fun to make glitter jars with kids. It's a lovely project for kids who are learning about emotions and mindfulness.

At home, I've found glitter jars to be a very useful tool for managing behavior and time. After evening baths, I shake the jars and tell the boys, "Pajamas on and teeth brushed by the time the glitter settles." They race against the glitter, and usually win! This is good for our family because the high-pitched ring of traditional kitchen timers upsets and startles my boys.

As an Elementary School Counselor, I use glitter jars with small groups of kids who are learning about feelings, anger management, or mindfulness. I keep one in the center of my table so when emotional kids visit my office, they can flip the jar and relax on a nearby cushion.
Related: Calming Jar
To Make This Calm Down Jar You Will Need

Directions for Glitter Jar

1. After gathering supplies, pour 1/2 cup of distilled water into the jar. We used 16-ounce glass mason jars, but plastic water bottles would work as well (and should be used for kids who are prone to throwing objects when they are angry).

Why distilled water? Unlike tap water, distilled water contains no contaminants or minerals and will help keep your glitter jars mold-free.

2. Invite kids to pour 1/2 cup of glitter glue or clear glue into the jar. If you use our exact ingredients and recipe, it will take about 2 minutes for the glitter to settle in the jar.

3. If you are choosing to do so, add 1-2 teaspoons of extra glitter to the jar.

4. Fill up the remainder of the jar with distilled water.

5. Use a hot glue gun to squeeze a ring of glue around the lid of the jar. Press the lid onto the jar and secure with the metal ring.

6. Shake the jar well to distribute the glitter. (It took many shakes and a rest overnight to convince the glue to disperse completely.)

How to Use a Glitter Jar

Before you give a glitter jar to a child, you must teach them how to use it. Invite your child to sit down comfortably. Encourage them to shift their gaze to the swirling glitter, breathing deeply in and out as they watch it sink to the bottom of the jar.

Next, invite them to notice the calm feeling moving through their body as they breathe. Perhaps their feet feel heavy and warm, and that feeling is moving up towards their shoulders. As they breathe, ask them to notice how their heartbeat feels steady and their body temperature feels just right. All the while breathing in...and out. As the glitter settles and the water clears, so will their thoughts, feelings, and body.

As the boy in my office watched the glitter, his breathing deepened and became more rhythmic. His expression softened as his fists relaxed. After 10 minutes, he asked for permission to get a drink.

He was ready to talk.

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How a Glitter Jar Can Help Kids Control Their Feelings

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Mindfulness is an important skill for kids to develop. Learn how to make a glitter jar to promote mindfulness and calm in your home or classroom.

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There's a certain charm about toddler and preschool crafts, and this kid-made Valentines Heart Bouquet is guaranteed to melt the heart!

I love the random sprinkle of glitter and button here or there.

And you will love the simplicity!

With minimal prep, our Valentines Heart Bouquet is a hands-on activity for little hands to scrunch, cut, sprinkle and stick.

Put them together and you have a gorgeous, colourful Valentines bouquet with a difference.

Here's what you need...

SUPPLIES: Toddler Valentines Heart Bouquet

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Toddler Valentines Heart Bouquet

The best way to to create a symmetrical heart is to simply fold the card in half and cut out half a heart shape.

Unfold the card and you ta-da, you have a heart!

Next, it's time to decorate the hearts.

Offer your toddler or preschooler tissue paper, sequins, buttons, glitter or even paint, as well as some PVA glue, step back and watch the magic happen.

Attach a pipe cleaner along the crease of the heart using PVA glue or sticky tape.

Gather the heart flowers together to create a bouquet!

I hope you and your kiddos love this simple Valentines Heart Bouquet and if you're looking for more Arty Crafty Valentines inspiration, take a look at our messy heart painting, heart crown and love birds!

Pin for later!

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Toddler Valentines Heart Bouquet - Arty Crafty Kids

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There's a certain charm about toddler and preschool crafts, and this kid-made Valentines Heart Bouquet is guaranteed to melt the heart! I love the random sprinkle of glitter and button here or there. And you will love the simplicity! With minimal prep, our Valentines Heart Bouquet is a hands-on activity for little hands to scrunch, cut, sprinkle and stick.

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Wouldn't it be incredible if love grew on trees and you could just reach up and grab a heart and feel instant love? Ok, ok, that's probably not ever going to be in the realm of possibility but in the mean time, you can just pretend by making one of these incredibly sweet Valentine's Day heart tree crafts. They make a perfect Valentine's Day craft for kids of all ages.

Incredibly Sweet Valentine's Day Heart Tree Crafts

1. The 3-dimentional look to this handprint heart tree craft is amazing isn't it?! The pretty pink hearts mixed with the handprint trunk make this darling craft a keepsake you'll want to keep for years to come. | I Heart Crafty Things

2. This gorgeous Valentine's Day Heart fingerprint tree craft fills the air with love! Put it in a frame and display it in your home as pretty Valentine's Day decor. | Easy, Peasy and Fun

3. Using newspaper for crafting is a fabulous way to recycle! Cut out different sized hearts out of painted newspaper and arrange them around a printed handprint to make a darling Valentine Heart Tree. | Arty Crafty Kids

4. You probably already have everything on hand to make this cute Valentine's Day paper tree craft. Construction paper, scissors and glue are all you need for an afternoon full of crafting fun! | Housing a Forest

5. This pretty love tree craft comes with a printable tree template making set up a breeze! Add some sparkly glitter glue along with hearts for a magical Valentine's Day tree. | Glued to My Crafts

6. Here's a fun way to turn a paper lunch bag into a gorgeous Valentine heart tree craft. Mount it on a doily for added Valentine's Day flare! | I Heart Crafty Things
More Valentine's Day Fun → Paper Plate Heart Sewing Craft
Couple one of these sweet Valentine's Day Heart Tree Crafts with a cute book:
Get excited for spring with our yarn wrapped blossoming tree craft, handprint cherry blossom tree or our puffy newspaper tree craft!

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Incredibly Sweet Valentine's Day Heart Tree Crafts | I Heart Crafty Things

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Wouldn't it be incredible if love grew on trees and you could just reach up and grab a heart and feel instant love? Ok, ok, that's probably not ever going to be in the realm of possibility but in the mean time, you can just pretend by making one of these incredibly sweet Valentine's Day heart tree crafts.

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Isn’t it fascinating how some animals have the ability to withstand bitter cold temperatures?! The Winter months are a great time to learn about Arctic and Antarctic Animals and there are so many fabulous children’s

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Karmnik z rolek - Prace plastyczne dla dzieci

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Do okładki kartonu przyklejamy rolkę od papieru toaletowego. Na rolę przyklejamy dno karmnika też z okładki, do dna karmnika przyklejamy dwie rolki po papierze toaletowym jako ściany. Do ścian przyklejamy czerwony karton zgięty na pół - daszek karmnika.

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Sztuczne ognie praca plastyczna dwa pomysły - Moje Dzieci Kreatywnie

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Sztuczne ognie praca plastyczna, fajwerki, techniki plastyczne, sylwester praca plastyczna, sylwetrowe zabawy dla dzieci, sylwester w mieście.

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We are taking recycled toilet paper roll crafts to a whole new level with this amazing Snowman Windsock Toilet Paper Roll Craft - it can't get cuter than these.

These are a great way to put those toilet paper rolls to good use, if you can't use them for whatever reason, making a paper roll out of card stock is equally fun.

*this post contains affiliate links*

We always have a bunch of toilet paper rolls at hand, and are thinking of cool new ways to use them up.

Regular toilet paper roll crafts certainly are cool, but we wanted to go a step further and make them amazingly pretty - and I think we managed to do this with our new series of toilet paper roll windsocks (we have so many ideas we'll soon share with you).

How to Make Snowman Windsock Toilet Paper Roll Craft

What you need:

toilet paper roll or two (or use paper kitchen towel rolls or craft paper rolled into a paper roll)

white paint

tissue paper or other light paper (old napkins are best if you want to make this even more of a recycled craft, or newpaper)

scissors

paint brush

glue

black marker

buttons (optional)

orange construction paper (optional)

single hole punch

yarn for hanging

Step by Step Instructions

Start by painting the paper roll with white paint. More than one layer of paint might be needed.

Allow the paint to dry completely before moving to the next step. I

When the paint has dried completely, punch two holes on one side of the paper roll.

The holes should be across one another (so if you look through one, you should see another - roughly)

Thread yarn across the holes (this can be done at the end too).

Thread it through both holes...

Tie a knot.

Cut a carrot shaped nose out of orange construction paper (alternatively you can also paint the nose with orange paint or draw it with orange marker).

Glue it just above the middle of the paper roll (the thread is on top).

With black marker, draw a set of eyes and mouth.

A nice looking snowman needs a set of nice looking buttons. We used real buttons and glued them on with glue dots, other materials can be used or the buttons can be drawn on the snowman too.

Cut long thin strips of tissue paper. For our snowman we choose two colors, white and light blue.

Glue them on the inside, one after another until you glue them all around.

Hang your Snowman Windsock Toilet Paper Roll Craft for display.

Happy crafting.

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Snowman Windsock Toilet Paper Roll Craft

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We are taking recycled toilet paper roll crafts to a whole new level with this amazing Snowman Windsock Toilet Paper Roll Craft - it can't get cuter than these. These are a great way to put those toilet paper rolls to good use, if you can't use them for whatever reason, making a paper roll out [...]

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Zima w kubeczku - Prace plastyczne dla dzieci

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Na początek z czarnego papieru wycinamy konar drzewa i przyklejamy go do białej kartki zaginając stopkę drzewa. Tniemy białą kartkę na drobne kwadraciki. Część kwadracików przyklejamy do ścian kubeczka, resztę wsypujemy do środka.

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Educational and craft activities for kids and parents

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children activities, more than 2000 coloring pages