Crafts for All the Family to Enjoy

With the British summertime finally upon us, there’s a growing emphasis on getting families outdoors and engaged with nature. Here are some great ideas for free and cheap days out with the family in Essex. But what can you do on those typical rainy days, or when you simply fancy a cosy indoor activity as a family? Here are some fantastic family craft ideas that are suitable for all ages and will keep everyone entertained.

Family Scrapbook

Creating a family scrapbook is a wonderful way to preserve memories and keep them all in one place. It’s a project that can be revisited and added to over time, making it a sentimental family heirloom. Scrapbooking with kids is a great family craft idea.

What you’ll need:

• A scrapbook or a large blank notebook.
• Craft supplies such as pens, pencils, coloured paper, glue sticks and scissors or paper trimmer.
• Photographs.
• Mementos from outings, holidays, or special occasions, for instance ticket stubs.
• Stickers, sequins, ribbon or other embellishments.
• Coloured papers or patterned scrapbook papers.

Make sure you are well stocked up on those all-important card making supplies – patterned paper, stickers, washi tape – to make your scrapbook stand out!

Instructions:

• Decorate the front cover of your scrapbook together. You can use photos, stickers, paint or anything that reflects your family’s personality.
• Dedicate each page to a specific event, holiday or occasion.
• Grab your photos and arrange them on the pages.
• Encourage everyone to contribute – Combine it with journaling to tell the story about that day. Younger children can draw pictures or write captions, while older children can write more detailed accounts of their experiences.
• Include any mementos you’ve collected along the way.

DIY Bird Feeder

This is a brilliant activity that combines creativity with a touch of environmental awareness. It’s perfect for all ages, with younger children focusing on the decorating aspect, while older ones can help with assembling the feeder.

What you’ll need:

• A clean, empty plastic bottle (milk or juice bottles work well)
• String or twine
• Wooden spoon
• Birdseed
• Paint and paintbrushes
• Stickers, glitter or other decorations

Instructions:

• Wash and dry the plastic bottle.
• For younger children, help them decorate the bottle with paint, stickers or glitter.              
• Adults can carefully pierce a small hole on either side of the bottle near the top, ensuring it’s large enough for the string to pass through.
• Cut a small hole near the bottom of the bottle, big enough for the birdseed to dispense.
• Thread the string through the holes at the top and tie a knot to create a loop for hanging.
• Push the wooden spoon handle through the larger hole at the bottom, so the bowl of the spoon faces outwards to create a perch for the birds.
• Fill the bottle with birdseed and hang it outside in a sheltered spot.

Tie-Dye T-Shirts

This classic craft activity is a fun way to create unique and personalised clothing. It’s perfect for older children and teenagers who enjoy expressing themselves through fashion, but little ones will find just as much fun getting creative too!

What you’ll need:

• Plain white t-shirts
• Rubber bands
• Tie-dye kits or individual fabric dyes

Instructions:

• Protect your workspace with newspaper or a plastic sheet.
• Dampen the T-shirts with water.
• Follow the instructions on your tie-dye kit or use rubber bands to create different tie-dye patterns on the t-shirts.
• Apply the dye according to the instructions, ensuring all areas are covered.
• Let the T-shirts sit for the recommended time (usually a few hours).
• Rinse the T-shirts thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear.
• Wash the T-shirts separately on a cool wash to set the dye.

Make a Terrarium

Terrariums are a beautiful and low-maintenance way to bring a touch of nature indoors. They’re perfect for all ages and can be customised to suit different tastes. They make a great and unusual family craft idea to enjoy together.

What you’ll need:

• A clear glass container
• Pebbles or gravel for drainage
• Activated charcoal
• Potting mix suitable for houseplants
• Small, low-growing plants such as succulents, ferns, or mosses

Instructions:

• Layer pebbles in the bottom of the container.
• Cover the pebbles with your activated charcoal.
• Add the potting mix on top.
• Place the largest plant in the middle, with ferns and moss surrounding the outer rim.
• Decorate the terrarium with small pebbles or stones to surround the plants.

You make also find this helpful: ‘10 ways to entertain your kids at home‘.

Thank you for reading ‘family craft ideas’.