26 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.
Cut paper ear shapes in advance for younger children. Check that googly eyes, if used, are appropriate for the child's age and not a choking risk.
How to make it
1Choose an animal to make.
2Paint or colour the outside of the cardboard tube in the animal's main colour. Allow to dry.
3Cut or use pre-cut paper shapes for ears, wings, or fins.
4Glue ears and other features onto the top of the tube.
5Draw or glue on facial features.
6Allow to dry fully before playing with the finished animal.
Creative variation
Make a family of animals in different sizes using different tube sizes. Create an imaginary animal with no specific model.
Display or reuse: Use as a finger puppet, display on a shelf, or use in a small pretend play scene.
You will need
Cardboard tube (toilet roll or kitchen roll cut down)
Non-toxic paint or crayons
Paper scraps for ears and details
Glue stick or PVA glue
Optional extras
Googly eyes
Pipe cleaners for whiskers (adult handles cutting if sharp)
CTA
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Safety note
Adult handles any cutting. Check paint is non-toxic and child-safe. Ensure googly eyes are not used with children under 3 who may detach and swallow them. Supervise drying so wet paint is not touched.
Cleanup
Wash brushes immediately after use. Wipe paint from the table with a damp cloth. Wash hands with soap and water.
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.
Collect and check a variety of fallen leaves. Remove paper from the side of crayons so the flat side can be used. Ensure leaves are dry and flat.
How to make it
1Place a leaf face-down on the table.
2Lay a piece of plain paper on top of the leaf.
3Hold the paper still and rub the side of a crayon firmly over the paper where the leaf sits.
4The leaf's veins and outline will appear through the paper.
5Try different leaves and colours on the same sheet.
6Arrange the rubbings into a pattern or collage.
Creative variation
Layer two leaf rubbings in different colours on the same sheet. Try very large leaves alongside very small ones.
Display or reuse: Frame or display as autumn wall art. Use as wrapping paper or card backing.
You will need
Fallen leaves (collected outdoors)
Plain white paper
Crayons with paper removed from the side
Optional extras
A second sheet of paper to overlay the leaf
Different crayon colours
LRA
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Safety note
Wash hands after handling outdoor leaves. Check leaves for mould, insect eggs, or sharp edges. Ensure the child does not have plant allergies. Keep leaves away from very young children who may mouth them.
Cleanup
Collect and compost leaves. Wash hands. Wipe table if crayon residue remains.
Collect a small selection of natural items. Check for sharp ends on twigs and remove them. Ensure items are dry before gluing. This craft works best when natural materials are gathered fresh on the same day.
How to make it
1Lay all collected natural items on the table.
2Arrange them on the card backing without gluing — try different layouts.
3When satisfied with the arrangement, glue each item in place.
4Allow to dry completely — PVA glue may take thirty minutes.
5Display or frame the finished collage.
Creative variation
Focus only on items from a single colour family — all brown, or all green. Make a seasonal collage with items specifically from spring or autumn.
Display or reuse: Display as wall art. Give as a nature-themed gift.
You will need
Fallen leaves, twigs, dried grass, small pebbles, seed heads
Thick card or a piece of cardboard for backing
PVA glue or glue stick
Optional extras
Crayons to add colour between natural items
NTC
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Safety note
Check all natural materials for sharp ends, insects, or mould before use. Wash hands after handling. Do not use berries or unknown seeds. This activity is not suitable for children with plant allergies without guidance from a caregiver or medical professional.
Cleanup
Collect unused natural items and return them outdoors or compost. Wash hands. Allow glue to dry before handling.
Cut the cardboard into a frame shape — a rectangular border with the centre removed — and cut a small stand or backing piece. Cutting is done by the adult only.
How to make it
1Decorate the frame border using crayons, paint, or glued paper scraps.
2Allow to dry.
3Place the drawing or photograph behind the frame opening.
4Tape or glue the backing card on to hold the image in place.
5Attach a folded card strip at the back to act as a stand, or add a loop of tape to hang it.
Creative variation
Decorate the frame to match the picture inside — a sea-themed frame for a fish drawing. Make a series of frames for a mini gallery.
Display or reuse: Give as a gift, display on a shelf, or hang on a wall.
You will need
A piece of thick cardboard
Crayons, paint (non-toxic), or paper scraps for decoration
Tape or glue
A picture or drawing to frame
Optional extras
Buttons, fabric scraps, or pressed leaves for decoration
CPF
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Safety note
Adult handles all cutting. Check cardboard edges are smooth. Use non-toxic paint.
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.
Check paper bags are clean and dry. Prepare paper scraps for features if the child will need them pre-cut.
How to make it
1Hold the bag with the folded base at the top — this will be the face.
2Draw or glue on eyes, a nose, and a mouth across the fold and the bag below it.
3Add hair, ears, or other features.
4Put a hand inside the bag, with fingers in the folded flap and thumb below — the mouth opens when moved.
5Use the puppet in a story.
Creative variation
Make an animal rather than a person. Make two puppets and perform a short conversation.
Display or reuse: Use in a puppet show. Store flat inside one another.
You will need
A small paper bag (lunch bag size)
Crayons, pens, or paint
Paper scraps for features
Optional extras
Yarn for hair
Buttons for eyes (not suitable for children under 3)
PBP
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Safety note
Check that paper bags do not have handles that could catch around fingers. Do not allow young children to place bags near their faces. Keep plastic bags entirely away from children of all ages. Avoid using small detachable parts with children under 3.
Cleanup
Store flat. Paper bags are compostable or recyclable.
Tear or pre-cut tissue paper into small pieces. Prepare the glue if using PVA diluted with a small amount of water.
How to make it
1Brush a section of the card with watered-down glue.
2Place torn tissue pieces onto the glue, overlapping them.
3Continue across the card, working in small sections.
4Add more glue on top if pieces are not sticking.
5Allow to dry fully — tissue colours may bleed slightly into one another, creating soft blended areas.
Creative variation
Work within a simple shape — a heart, a leaf, a sun — drawn on the card in advance. Use only two colours for a more graphic result.
Display or reuse: Display as artwork. Use as gift wrap decoration. Frame and give as a gift.
You will need
Sheets of coloured tissue paper
White card or thick paper
Watered-down PVA glue or a glue stick
A brush for applying glue
Optional extras
A simple shape drawn on the card in advance
TPC
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Safety note
Tissue paper dye can transfer to hands and surfaces. Protect the work surface. Wash hands after the activity. Ensure the child does not eat tissue paper — it is not suitable for mouthing.
Cleanup
Wash brush immediately. Wipe table with a damp cloth. Wash hands.
Select magazines without inappropriate content for children. Provide child-safe scissors. For younger children, pre-tear pages into sections to make cutting easier.
How to make it
1Look through magazines for interesting colours, patterns, or textures.
2Cut or tear out sections.
3Arrange pieces on the backing card — try different layouts before gluing.
4When satisfied, glue pieces in place.
5Add any drawn details with crayons.
Creative variation
Make a collage entirely from one colour. Create an abstract pattern rather than a scene.
Display or reuse: Display as artwork or use as a background for another project.
You will need
Old magazines or catalogues
Scissors (age-appropriate)
Glue stick
Backing card or paper
Optional extras
Crayons to add drawn elements between cut pieces
MSC
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Safety note
Adult supervises cutting, particularly with younger children. Check magazines do not contain harmful imagery. Child-safe scissors should still be used under supervision.
Cleanup
Collect and recycle unused magazine scraps. Wipe table. Wash hands.
If using a tin can, an adult should check that the rim has no sharp edges. Sand or tape the rim if needed. This is an adult-only step. Wash and dry the container thoroughly.
How to make it
1Wrap the outside of the container in plain paper and secure with tape.
2Decorate the outside with crayons, pens, or stickers.
3Add strips of tape or fabric scraps for texture if desired.
4Allow any glued pieces to dry before using.
Creative variation
Make a matching set of three to hold different items. Decorate to match a room or season.
Display or reuse: Use on a desk, give as a gift, or display as a decorative piece.
You will need
A clean tin can, large plastic pot, or cardboard tube with a base
Paper to wrap the outside
Tape or PVA glue
Crayons, pens, or stickers
Optional extras
Fabric scraps or washi tape strips
RCP
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Safety note
Adult must check all container edges before this craft begins. Tin can edges must be covered or taped securely. Use non-toxic materials.
Cleanup
Wipe table. Wash hands. Collect paper scraps and recycle.
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.
If tubes are not available, roll two pieces of card into tubes and tape. Punch two small holes at the outer edge of each tube for attaching the strap — adult handles hole-making.
How to make it
1Decorate the outside of both tubes with crayons or paint. Allow to dry.
2Tape the two tubes firmly side by side.
3Thread string through the outer holes and tie securely at both ends to create a neck strap.
4The binoculars are ready to use in an outdoor nature walk or imaginative adventure.
Creative variation
Add a small circle of coloured cellophane across one end for a coloured view. Write a name or mission on the side.
Display or reuse: Use in outdoor play, nature walks, or imaginative spy or explorer games.
You will need
Two cardboard tubes (toilet roll tubes)
Tape
Crayons or non-toxic paint
A piece of string or yarn (about 50 cm)
Optional extras
Stickers for decoration
PB
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Safety note
Ensure the strap is not so long that it could catch or present a strangulation hazard. The strap should sit safely around the neck at a comfortable length. Adult supervises strap attachment. Do not allow children to pull the strap tight.
Collect and press natural items in advance — place between book pages for two to three days. Cut card into bookmark-sized strips. Adult handles any laminating if used.
How to make it
1Lay the card strip flat.
2Arrange pressed leaves or petals on the card.
3Glue each piece carefully.
4Allow to dry.
5If available, an adult applies clear self-adhesive film over the top to protect and seal.
6Punch a hole at the top and thread a short piece of yarn as a ribbon marker.
Creative variation
Make seasonal bookmarks: spring blossom, autumn leaves, winter evergreen.
Display or reuse: Use personally in a book. Give as a gift.
You will need
A strip of thick card or laminated paper
Pressed and dried leaves, flower petals, or small seed shapes
PVA glue
Clear sticky tape or self-adhesive laminate to seal (optional)
Optional extras
Crayons to add drawn details
NB
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Safety note
Wash hands after handling natural materials. Check that the child has no plant allergies before handling pressed flowers. Adult handles any laminating.
Cleanup
Wash hands. Collect unused plant material for composting.
Lay newspaper over the work surface. Pour paint into a shallow tray. Collect a variety of fallen leaves.
How to make it
1Brush a thin, even layer of paint onto the back of a leaf — the veined side.
2Press the leaf firmly onto the paper.
3Lift carefully to reveal the print.
4Repeat with different leaves and colours.
5Arrange prints to create a pattern or picture.
6Allow to dry fully.
Creative variation
Print a repeating pattern. Overlap two leaf prints in different colours. Use the prints as gift-wrapping paper.
Display or reuse: Display as artwork. Use as wrapping paper. Give as a gift.
You will need
Fallen leaves of varied shapes
Non-toxic child-safe paint
Paper for printing on
A foam brush or paint sponge
Optional extras
Newspaper to protect the table
LP
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Safety note
Use only non-toxic, child-safe paint. Wash hands after printing. Do not allow younger children to put paint-covered leaves in their mouths. Adults check leaves for insects before handling.
Cleanup
Wash hands thoroughly. Rinse brushes immediately in cold water. Wipe table with damp cloth. Compost leaves after use.
Cut one rectangle of card per letter of the name. Punch a hole in the top two corners of each card. Thread string through in advance if the child will not be handling the hole punch.
How to make it
1Write one letter of the name on each card piece — large and bold.
2Decorate around each letter with colours, patterns, or stickers.
3Thread string through the holes in order.
4Hang and adjust spacing.
Creative variation
Spell out a word or message instead of a name. Make a seasonal word banner for a celebration.
Display or reuse: Hang above a bed, a door, or a shelf.
You will need
Card or thick paper
Scissors (adult-handled)
Crayons or pens
String or yarn to hang the banner
A hole punch
Optional extras
Stickers, stamps, or patterned washi tape
DNB
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Safety note
Adult handles hole punching and hanging. Ensure the hanging string is secured at a safe height and not accessible to young children as a strangulation risk.
Cleanup
Collect paper scraps and recycle. Store crayons and pens.
Cut card into triangles in advance. Thread string loosely between two points where the bunting will hang.
How to make it
1Decorate each triangle with colours, patterns, or a letter.
2Fold the top edge over the string and tape it, or punch holes and thread through.
3Adjust spacing along the string.
4Hang at a safe adult-supervised height.
Creative variation
Spell out a word or name across the bunting. Use shaped flags — pennants, circles, or scalloped edges.
Display or reuse: Hang for celebrations, seasonal events, or as a permanent room decoration.
You will need
Triangles of card or thick paper
Crayons or non-toxic paint
A length of string or yarn
Tape or hole punch
Optional extras
Stickers, fabric scraps, or patterned tape
CB
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Safety note
Adult handles hanging. Ensure the string is fixed at a safe height and cannot be reached by very young children. Do not use near open windows or heat sources.
Cleanup
Store flat or rolled. Reuse for future celebrations.
Cut card pieces in advance. Discuss what types of coupons are appropriate — choosing a film, a favourite meal, a special afternoon activity — before the child writes them.
How to make it
1Each coupon has a heading: "This coupon is good for..."
2The child writes or draws a different offer on each coupon.
3Decorate the front cover of the booklet.
4Bind the coupons together.
5Give as a gift.
Creative variation
The whole family makes coupons for one another. Focus on experience-based coupons rather than material ones.
Display or reuse: Give as a personal gift for a birthday or celebration.
You will need
Small pieces of card or thick paper (business-card sized)
Source a plain paper bag or make one by folding a piece of paper and securing the base with tape. This is more straightforward than it sounds and is a good adult preparation step.
How to make it
1Lay the bag flat.
2Decorate the outside with a drawing, pattern, or design related to the gift or the recipient.
3Allow any paint or ink to dry fully before using.
4Place the gift inside, add tissue paper if using.
5Fold the top over or tie with ribbon.
Creative variation
Make a matching gift tag from a small piece of card. Decorate a series of bags in the same theme for a set of small gifts.
Display or reuse: Use as gift packaging for a birthday, celebration, or any occasion.
You will need
A plain paper bag or a sheet of paper folded into a bag shape
Crayons, non-toxic felt-tip pens, or paint
Ribbon or string for closing (optional)
Optional extras
Stickers
Tissue paper for lining
Stamps or sponge printing
PBG
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Safety note
Use non-toxic materials. Keep plastic bags of all kinds entirely away from children — this craft uses paper bags only. Do not use any bag with handles that could wrap around a young child's neck or fingers.
Cleanup
Allow ink or paint to dry before placing gifts inside. Collect scraps and recycle.