Crafting with children is not only a delightful way to spend quality time together, but it also provides a myriad of benefits that foster their overall development.
Engaging in crafts can enhance fine motor skills, encourage problem-solving abilities, and ignite a child’s imagination and creativity.
Moreover, such activities can significantly contribute to a child’s sense of accomplishment and self-esteem as they witness their thoughts transform into tangible creations.
In this article, we’ll delve into five enchanting December craft ideas perfect for children.
These crafts are designed to be not only fun but also to provide educational value and a great platform for parental bonding.
Considering that the festive season of December brings with it a magical atmosphere, this is an excellent opportunity for kids to express themselves artistically and get into the holiday spirit.
From creating whimsical toothpick cacti to personalized bookmarks, each craft promises to be an adventure in its own right.
We’ll also explore the advantages of turning everyday items like egg cartons and wine corks into art, and even how to make your very own slime! There’s something special about each of these crafts that makes them perfect for chilly December afternoons.
So, let’s roll up our sleeves, gather our materials, and dive into a world of creativity and joy.
5 December Crafts for Children
Cool Toothpick Cacti
Materials Required
For this desert-inspired craft, you’ll need the following items:
· Toothpicks (a lot of them!)
· A piece of cardboard or thick cardstock
· Green paint and a paintbrush
· Small pots or recycled containers
· Playdough or modeling clay
· Decorative stones or sands (for added realism)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Begin by painting your toothpicks green.
It’s a good idea to do this in batches.
Let them dry completely.
2. While waiting for the toothpicks to dry, prepare the base that will hold your cactus.
Take the playdough or modeling clay and firmly press it into the container.
This will give your cacti a stable foundation.
3. Once the toothpicks are dry, it’s time to assemble your cactus.
Carefully insert the toothpicks into the playdough, starting from the bottom and working your way up, to form a cactus shape.
4. Repeat this process to create as many cacti as you like.
You can create a variety of shapes and sizes to mimic a true desert landscape.
5. Finish off by scattering decorative stones or sand around the base of your cacti for a realistic touch.
Importance of the Craft
This craft is not just a fun activity but also a lesson in patience and precision.
Children will learn to carefully handle the toothpicks and devote attention to creating their mini desert garden.
It’s a fantastic way to discuss desert habitats and the unique plants that grow there.
Tips for Variations
Encourage creativity by varying the cacti designs.
Use a combination of sticks for arms or even mix in some colored toothpicks.
You could also add little flowers made out of craft paper for a pop of color on your cacti.
Safety Considerations
Given that toothpicks can be sharp, it’s essential to ensure that younger children are supervised while handling them.
Also, it’s wise to dull the ends of the toothpicks with scissors before starting the craft to minimize the chance of any pricks.
Confetti Bookmarks for Kids
Gathering the Necessary Supplies
To create these fun and functional bookmarks, gather the following items:
· Sturdy cardstock or pre-cut bookmark blanks
· Clear contact paper or self-adhesive laminating sheets
· Confetti or small sequins
· Hole punch
· Yarn or ribbons
· Scissors
Creating the Bookmarks
1. Cut the cardstock into long rectangles to serve as bookmarks.
The standard bookmark size is about 2”x 6”, but feel free to adjust it.
2. Cover one side of the bookmark with clear contact paper, leaving enough space around the edges to seal it later.
3. Sprinkle confetti or sequins onto the sticky surface of the contact paper in a decorative pattern.
4. Place another piece of contact paper on top to seal in the confetti, making sure to press out any air bubbles and seal all the edges properly.
5. Use the hole punch to make a hole at the top of the bookmark.
6. Thread a piece of yarn or ribbon through the hole for a finishing touch.
Adding Personal Touches
Personalization goes a long way.
Encourage kids to write their names, draw designs, or add stickers to their bookmarks before laminating them.
This creates a feeling of ownership and makes the craft even more special.
Using the Bookmarks
Now, your children have a unique bookmark to use during their reading adventures! It’s a practical craft that instills a love for books and keeps children excited about their next reading session.
Sharing the Craft with Friends and Family
Bookmarks make fabulous gifts, and kids will be thrilled to share their creations with friends and family members.
It’s a sweet and personal way to encourage others to read while showcasing the child’s artistic skills.
Egg Carton Art
Materials Needed for the Craft
For this eco-friendly project, you’ll need:
· Empty egg cartons
· Paint and paintbrushes
· Scissors
· Glue
· Embellishments like googly eyes, buttons, and beads
Crafting Process
1. Before starting, cut the egg carton into individual cups or in sections, depending on the art piece you’re planning to create.
2. Have the children paint the egg carton pieces in a variety of colors and let them dry.
3. Once dry, the pieces can be glued together to form various shapes and characters – think insects, flowers, or even fantastical creatures.
4. Finally, add embellishments to give the creation personality and dimension.
Ideas for Different Art Pieces
Let imagination be the guide here.
With egg cartons, the possibilities are nearly endless.
Create caterpillars, turtles, or even a full-blown miniature garden with eggcarton flowers.
Displaying the Artwork
Proudly display the egg carton creations on a shelf or mount them onto a canvas for a special piece of art.
Displaying the artwork serves as an ongoing inspiration and a wonderful conversation starter.
Environmental Awareness
Engaging in crafts using recycled materials like egg cartons teaches children about the importance of reducing waste and repurposing items.
This is a valuable lesson in preserving our environment and fostering sustainable habits.
Make Wine Cork Stamps
Collecting the Materials
For creating unique wine cork stamps, you will need:
· Wine corks
· Craft foam or rubber carving blocks
· Craft knife or scissors
· Glue
· Ink pads in various colors
Making the Stamps
1. Start by cutting out small shapes from the craft foam or rubber carving blocks.
These will be the stamp designs, so think of simple shapes like hearts, stars, or holiday-themed shapes like trees or snowflakes.
2. Glue the foam shapes onto one end of the wine corks.
Let the glue set according to the instructions.
3. Once dry, press the stamp onto an ink pad and test it on a piece of paper to ensure it stamps cleanly.
Exploring Different Stamp Designs
Encourage children to experiment with different designs and combine stamps to make intricate patterns or even tell a story with pictures.
Using the Stamps for Art Projects
The stamps can be used on cards, wrapping paper, or to create beautiful artwork.
It’s a fantastic way to customize and add a personal touch to holiday decorations and gifts.
Storing the Stamps for Future Use
Once the crafting session is over, store the stamps in a dry place so they can be used again.
Keeping the stamps organized will encourage children to revisit this craft and explore new designs in the future.
Laundry Detergent Slime
Necessary Ingredients
Get ready for some gooey fun with just a few ingredients:
· Glue (white or clear)
· Laundry detergent (with borax as an ingredient)
· Food coloring (optional)
· A mixing bowl and spoon
Step-by-Step Slime Making
1. Pour the glue into a bowl.
The amount of glue will determine the amount of slime, so use as much as desired.
2. If you want colored slime, add a few drops of food coloring to the glue and mix well.
3. Slowly add laundry detergent to the glue mixture while stirring.
You’ll notice the mixture turning into slime as you stir.
4. When the slime begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl and form into a ball, it’s ready.
You may need to knead it with your hands to achieve the right consistency.
Playing with the Slime
Slime provides a sensory experience that children love.
They can stretch it, pull it, and squeeze it to their heart’s content.
It’s also an excellent stress reliever and can be used during quiet-time activities.
Storing the Slime
Store the slime in an airtight container to keep it fresh for future play.
Make sure to label it properly, especially if you’ve made different colors or batches on separate days.
Safety Precautions and Clean-Up
Always supervise young children when making and playing with slime, as the ingredients are not edible.
In case of accidental ingestion or if an allergic reaction occurs, seek medical advice immediately.
For clean-up, vinegar can help dissolve any residue left by the slime.
Conclusion
We’ve explored a variety of creative December crafts for children, each providing a unique way to foster imagination and fine motor skills while having a lot of fun.
By encouraging kids to try these crafts, you’re not only helping them create cherished memories but also developing skills that will serve them for years to come.
Creativity and imagination are invaluable qualities that the act of crafting nurtures.
Children learn to see the potential in simple materials, transforming them into something wonderful and often surprising.
It’s the process, not just the final product, that holds the value.
So, roll out the craft paper, uncork the glue bottles, and spread out the confetti – it’s time to craft! And once your young ones have created their December masterpieces, you’re warmly invited to share their work with friends and loved ones.
Celebrate their efforts, encourage their talent, and most importantly, cherish the joy that comes from crafting together.
