50 Easy DIY Arts and Crafts for Kids to Try at Home

Pipe cleaners can be used to make simple yet stunning garland. Simply loop pieces of pipe cleaner together (metallics work) and twist the ends to secure each piece.

SHOP PIPE CLEANERS

Here’s a simple way to upgrade the front door. Start with a preserved boxwood wreath base and dried flowers. Help your kids attach the larger flowers to the wreath with a generous amount of hot glue. Tuck some of the smaller ones throughout the wreath for a sweet touch.

SHOP BOXWOOD WREATH

Kids love cupcakes, so why not have some fun with cupcake liners? All you have to do is flatten red cupcake liners, fold them into quarters and cut out a single petal shape. When you unfold the liner, you should have a flower with four petals. Layer the petals so that they overlap and secure them with double-sided tape or glue dots.

SHOP RED CUPCAKE LINERS

Say goodbye to boring garland. With just wrapping paper, scissors and a stapler, kids can create their own stylish paper chain garland to hang around the house. Cut 3 x 6 inch strips of wrapping paper, craft paper or tissue paper so that you have enough to complete your desired garland length. Loop the paper and staple the ends together to create a circle. Thread the next strip into the loop you just created and staple the ends together to start the chain. Once completed, hang on the mantel, fireplace or anywhere you want some extra homemade decor.

SHOP WRAPPING PAPER

While you prepare the cake, the kids can tackle the decorations. These paper cake toppers can be used for a variety of holidays and even birthdays — just switch up the colors depending on the occasion!

Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built »

Forget traditional sidewalk chalk this summer and go for chalk paint instead. Little ones will love using a paint brush on the sidewalk to express their creativity all season long. Just make sure you have a high-pressure spray hose ready to rinse it down once everyone’s finished.

Get the tutorial at The Best Ideas for Kids »

Put leftover boxes to good use with this DIY book bin craft. All you have to do is cover the box with construction paper and clear packing tape. You can also add a book series logo or write your own design on the front for added personalization. Not only is this craft a creative way to help kids stay organized — it may even encourage more reading!

Get the tutorial at Crafting Cheerfully »

Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or your kids just want to practice their cutting and folding skills, these simple paper hearts are an easy way to get them interested in origami crafts. With just thick paper, scissors and their two hands, kids will be able to transform the colored paper of their choice into a cute decorative heart.

Get the tutorial at Alice & Lois »

Grab a small chalkboard, watercolor paint and some ribbon, and let kids have fun decorating a sign to hang outside their bedroom door. The best part? They can change their message as often as they want so that the craft lives on even after the main work is completed.

SHOP MINI CHALKBOARDS

Get the tutorial at Crafting Cheerfully »

Rock painting is a simple, enjoyable project that combines outdoor activity with crafting. Plus, kids can have complete creative control over what they paint on their rocks. Whether it’s a cartoon face or a design of some sort, their rock painting can be put to display in the garden or indoors.

Get the tutorial at Crafty Little Gnome »

If your kids love the “Despicable Me” franchise, these minion pencils are the perfect craft for them. With pencils, googly eyes and foam paper, create your own mischievous minion. Draw on facial expressions with a black Sharpie and voila – writing just got more fun.

SHOP GOOGLY EYES

Get the tutorial at Kid Friendly Things to Do »

Preparing for Halloween? Try this wreath made from spider webbing and twigs! Have your kids gather some sticks, cutting or breaking them so that they are between five and 10 inches long. Assist them in cutting a wreath shape out of cardboard. It should be around 12 inches in diameter with a five-inch circle cut out from the inside. Hot glue the twigs to the wreath, layering them so that they fill up all of the space on the cardboard. After drying, stretch spider webbing around and tuck in a few fake spiders with hot glue.

SHOP SPIDER WEBBING

Here’s a quick way to take a basic straw basket to the next level! Kids can embellish bows with iron-on patches and stenciled monograms. Help them create their own bows using a 3″ wired ribbon or purchase a large one to design. Then, use fabric glue to attach the decorative patches.

They’ll enjoy making these colorful paper flowers to decorate their bedrooms. They’ll first fold dyed cupcake liners in half and cut out petal and fringe shapes. Have them fold a piece of floral wire in half and twist it around the faux flower stamen. Poke the wire through the center of three to four paper liners. Finish it off by wrapping floral tape around the base of the liners and bringing it all the way down the stem.

SHOP CUPCAKE LINERS

What’s not to love about flying a kite? Luckily, kids can make their own with paper lunch bags. Let them embellish the bags with stickers, washi tape, paint and any other colorful accessories. Then, work on attaching the yarn and streamers so the kite will be ready to fly.

SHOP STREAMERS

Get the tutorial at Typically Simple »

Easter may have passed, but that doesn’t mean this carrot treat cone craft should too! Mix a few drops of green craft paint with water until it reaches the consistency of milk. Soak coffee filters in the paint mixture until fully saturated (you can do this simultaneously). Squeeze out excess paint and lay the filters flat to dry on paper towels or hang them from a hanger with a clip or clothespin. Download our template and trace it onto orange paper. Cut out and roll the template into a cone shape, adhering the sides with double stick tape. Cut out the center of the painted coffee filters. Attach the remaining paper to the inside edge of the cone with double-stick tape. Fill the “carrot” cone with small treats and tie twine around the top to close.