8 matching craft projects — all using common materials, with clear instructions and safety notes.
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Paper Strip Rainbow
Ages 3–820 minEasyPaper
Adult Preparation
Cut paper into strips approximately 2 cm wide and in a range of lengths if the child will not be cutting independently. For younger children, pre-cut all strips.
How to make it
1Lay the backing card flat on a table.
2Choose one strip in each rainbow colour: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet — or choose colours you have available.
3Curve each strip gently by running it over a rounded pencil edge.
4Glue the first strip near the bottom of the card in a curve.
5Glue each remaining strip above the last, creating a layered arc.
6Optional: glue small pieces of cotton wool at each end of the rainbow for clouds.
7Allow glue to dry before displaying or gifting.
Creative variation
Instead of using fixed rainbow colours, the child chooses any order they like. Try using torn strips rather than cut strips for a softer edge.
Display or reuse: Hang on a wall, give as a card, or add to a seasonal display.
You will need
Coloured paper or strips cut from old magazines
Glue stick
A sheet of white or light-coloured card for backing
Optional extras
Cotton wool for clouds
Crayons for background
PSR
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Safety note
Adult should handle cutting. Use a glue stick rather than liquid glue for younger children. Ensure the work surface is covered. Wash hands after using craft materials.
Cleanup
Collect all loose paper scraps and recycle. Wipe the work surface with a damp cloth.
Use a pencil to divide the plate into six equal sections. Push the split pin through the card arrow and the centre of the plate — this step requires adult handling.
How to make it
1Divide the paper plate into six sections.
2In each section, draw a weather type: sunny, cloudy, rainy, windy, foggy, snowy.
3Colour each section.
4An adult attaches a card arrow at the centre using a split pin.
5Each morning, the child turns the arrow to match the day's weather.
Creative variation
Add a temperature section — warm or cool — alongside the weather type. Use picture symbols rather than drawings for younger children.
Display or reuse: Hang on a wall or leave on a surface for daily use.
You will need
One paper plate
Crayons or non-toxic felt-tip pens
A split pin (brass fastener)
Card for arrow pointer
Optional extras
Ruler for dividing the plate evenly
PPW
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Safety note
Adult handles the split pin — the pointed end should be covered or bent back carefully. Use non-toxic, age-appropriate colouring materials.
Measure and cut the card strip in advance if the child will not be cutting. Have tape ready.
How to make it
1Draw a zigzag pattern along the top edge of the card strip, or cut points if the adult handles scissors.
2Decorate the strip with colours, patterns, or stickers.
3Measure the strip around the child's head and adjust the length.
4An adult joins the ends with tape or a stapler.
Creative variation
Make a crown for a toy or soft animal. Create a seasonal crown — decorate with autumn leaves or spring flower drawings.
Display or reuse: Wear, gift, or use in imaginative play.
You will need
A strip of card approximately 60 cm long and 8 cm wide
Crayons, pens, or stickers
Tape or a stapler (adult-handled)
Optional extras
Glitter glue or small gems
Paper shapes for decorating
PC
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Safety note
Adult handles cutting and stapling. Ensure staple ends are covered or turned safely inward. Do not use with children who put items in their mouths. Check the crown fits loosely — it should not be tight around the head.
Cut strips of green paper for stems if the child will not be cutting independently. Help set up the "soil" base if needed — a strip of brown paper or a drawn line at the bottom.
How to make it
1Draw or cut out flower shapes in different colours and sizes.
2Cut green strips for stems.
3Cut or tear leaf shapes.
4Glue stems to the base card, starting from a "ground" line at the bottom.
5Attach flower heads to the tops of the stems.
6Add leaves along the stems.
7Add any other garden details — butterflies, bees, clouds.
Creative variation
Make a night garden with dark paper and white or silver flowers. Make a miniature garden inside a small cardboard box rather than on flat card.
Display or reuse: Display as wall art. Use as a background for a small model scene.
You will need
Green paper or card for stems and leaves
Coloured paper for flowers
A large sheet of card as the base
Glue stick or tape
Crayons
Optional extras
Tissue paper for textured petals
Small paper tubes as plant pots
PG
Add your own photo here
Safety note
Adult handles cutting for younger children. Use non-toxic materials.
Cleanup
Collect paper scraps and recycle. Wipe table. Wash hands.
The edges of stiff paper can be sharp — handle carefully. Adult demonstrates folding first. A rubber band used as a handle should not be too tight on the fingers.
Rule grid lines for the days of each month if the child finds this difficult. Discuss which days are the first of each month and how many days are in each month.
How to make it
1For each month, create a page with the month name and a grid of days.
2Draw a picture at the top of each page representing that month.
3Fill in the day numbers correctly in the grid.
4Mark any known family events or special days.
5Bind the twelve pages together.
Creative variation
Focus on one month only and make a detailed single-page calendar.
Display or reuse: Use as a functional calendar throughout the year.