18 Half Term Craft Ideas for a Week of Making
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Quick answer: 18 Half Term Craft Ideas for a Week of Making. This guide gives 18 ideas in 4 sections: Paper and card; Paint and print; Clay and dough; Nature and recycling. Budget: Supplies under 拢20 in total. Best for: Ages 4 to 11.
- Time: 20 to 60 minutes each
- Budget: Supplies under 拢20 in total
- Best for: Ages 4 to 11
By Wednesday of half term, the craft cupboard has been raided, the glitter has migrated to the dog and someone has glued a sock to the table. That is a successful craft week.
These eighteen projects are grouped by material, so you can stock up once and spread the making across the whole week. Cover the table first, and keep wet wipes close.
Top tip: Buy one big pack of basics, such as card, PVA glue, washable paint and pipe cleaners, and store them in a single box. A ready made craft kit saves you from hunting for supplies each time.
Paper and card
The cheapest craft material of all, and the one that turns into almost anything.
- Paper chain garland: Cut strips of coloured paper, loop and glue them into a long chain. Hang it across a bedroom for a very cheerful display.
- Pop up cards: Fold card, cut two slits in the fold and push the tab inside. Decorate it with a bold design and give it away.
- Paper plate animals: Paint a paper plate and add ears, whiskers and a tail. Children enjoy deciding which animal to make.
- Rolled paper beads: Cut thin triangles from magazines, roll them tightly and varnish. Thread on string for a pretty necklace.
- Quilling spirals: Roll thin paper strips into coils and glue into flowers. A calm task for older children who enjoy detail.
Paint and print
Washable paint, a roll of paper and a big apron: that is all it takes.
- Bubble wrap printing: Paint a piece of bubble wrap and press it onto paper for dotty textured patterns. Great for making fish scales.
- Fork flowers: Dip the back of a fork in paint and stamp petals. Add stems with a brush for a quick, charming bunch.
- Splatter art: Tap a loaded brush over paper in the garden. Tape shapes on first and peel off for crisp white silhouettes.
- Rainbow resist painting: Draw with a white wax crayon, then wash over with watery paint. The drawing appears like magic.
- Handprint animals: Print hands in paint and turn them into birds, trees or lions. Keep a record by writing the date on the back.
Clay and dough
Squishy, satisfying and a lovely thing to keep afterwards.
- Air dry clay bowls: Press a thumb pot, smooth the edges and let it dry for a day. Paint it and use it to hold jewellery or sweets.
- Name plaques: Roll out clay, stamp letters and add a hole for string. Perfect for bedroom doors.
- Playdough bakery: Bake plastic cakes from homemade dough and sell them to the family. Practise counting out play money.
- Fridge magnets: Shape small clay figures, let them dry, paint and glue a magnet to the back. A thoughtful gift for grandparents.
Nature and recycling
Look in the recycling bin and the garden before you buy anything new.
- Egg box caterpillars: Cut an egg carton lengthways, paint and add pipe cleaner antennae. Make a whole colony.
- Tin can pencil pots: Cover a clean, smooth edged can in paper and decorate. Check for sharp rims and tape over them.
- Pebble pets: Paint smooth stones as ladybirds, owls or cats and place them in the garden. Seal with a clear varnish to protect.
- Sock puppets: Turn an odd sock into a character with button eyes, wool hair and a felt tongue. A few stitches or fabric glue.
Helpful links and further reading
A few trusted places to find out more.
- National Trust: Find gardens, parks and historic places for a day out.
- English Heritage: places to visit: Castles, abbeys and gardens with family events through the year.
- Forestry England: Forest walks, trails and family activities across England.
Frequently asked questions
How do I keep craft mess under control?
Use a wipeable tablecloth, wear old clothes, and keep paints to a small tray. A damp cloth within reach saves a lot of stress.
What crafts suit younger children?
Finger painting, sticker collages and playdough are simple and safe. Always supervise and avoid tiny parts for under 3s.
How can I store finished crafts?
Choose a display line with pegs for flat pieces and a shoebox for each child for keepsakes.
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