5 eco-friendly crafts that’ll make your kids ditch screens

5 Eco-Friendly Crafts That’ll Make Your Kids Ditch Their Tablets

1. Nature collages
   Gather leaves, flowers, and twigs from your yard or a nearby park. Encourage your kids to create stunning collages by gluing these natural treasures onto cardboard. This craft promotes creativity while teaching them to appreciate nature.
2. Recycled paper beads
   Transform old magazines or scrap paper into colorful beads. Cut strips, roll them up, and secure with glue. Your little ones can then string them into necklaces or bracelets. This activity not only sparks creativity but also promotes recycling habits.
3. DIY bird feeders
   Help your kids craft bird feeders using pine cones, peanut butter, and birdseed. Coat the pine cone with peanut butter, roll it in seeds, and hang it outside. They’ll enjoy watching birds flock to the feeder, connecting their creativity with the wonders of wildlife.
4. Upcycled T-shirt tote bags
   Turn old T-shirts into stylish tote bags. Cut off the sleeves and neckline, then tie the bottom to create a bag shape. This project shows your children how to repurpose items, reducing waste while crafting something practical.
5. Seed paper cards
   Blend paper scraps with water to create seed paper. Roll the mixture flat, inserting wildflower seeds in the process. Let it dry, then use the paper for unique greeting cards. When planted, the cards will bloom, reinforcing the beauty of eco-friendly crafts.

These activities not only engage your kids but also embody the values of Crafty Corners for Kids. So, grab some supplies and have fun while nurturing creativity and eco-conscious habits in your family! Explore more crafty ideas with us to inspire your next family project.

Craft Idea 1: DIY Recycled Paper Mache

Get ready to unleash your child’s creativity with DIY recycled paper mache! This fun craft not only uses materials you already have at home but also encourages eco-friendly habits. Let’s immerse!

Materials needed

To kick off this project, gather these simple supplies:

• Recycled newspapers or old magazines
• Flour
• Water
• A mixing bowl
• A whisk or spoon
• Balloons or cardboard shapes (as molds)
• Paint and brushes (for decorating)

These materials are easy to find and often lying around your house. Using recycled items not only keeps costs down but also teaches kids the value of upcycling. Crafty Corners for Kids encourages creativity while being kind to the environment!

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1. Prepare the paste: Mix one part flour with two parts water in a bowl. Whisk it until it’s smooth—think of it like a pancake batter!
2. Tear the paper: Tear the newspaper or magazines into strips. Each piece should be about one inch wide. This is a great way for kids to practice their tearing skills!
3. Dip the strips: Dip the paper strips into the flour paste, ensuring they’re fully coated. Shake off the excess.
4. Apply to the mold: Start applying the strips to your balloon or cardboard shape. Overlap them for strength. This makes a sturdy base for your creations!
5. Build layers: Add at least three layers. Let the paper mache dry completely—this might take overnight.
6. Paint it: Once it’s dry, pop the balloon (if you used one), and paint it to bring your creation to life!

Craft Idea 2: Upcycled T-Shirt Tote Bags

Transforming old t-shirts into trendy tote bags is a fun and eco-friendly craft that you and your kids will love. Not only does it teach valuable lessons about reducing waste, but it also provides a useful item at the end. Let’s gather some materials and immerse!

Materials needed

To create your upcycled t-shirt tote bags, you’ll need just a few things:

• An old t-shirt: Grab one that’s outgrown or has a fun design. Cotton works best!
• Scissors: Sharp ones will make cutting easier and neater.
• A ruler: For measuring and ensuring straight cuts.
• Fabric marker or chalk: To mark your cutting lines, making the process clearer.
• Optional: A sewing machine or needle and thread, if you want to add some extra strength.

These materials are easy to find, and you likely already have most at home. Crafty Corners for Kids loves keeping it simple and accessible, so dig through those closets!

Step-by-step instructions

Ready to create? Here’s how to make your t-shirt tote bag:

Read also: Trash to treasure: surprising uses for toilet paper rolls

1. Lay it flat: Start by laying your t-shirt on a flat surface. Smooth out any wrinkles.
2. Cut off sleeves: Snip off both sleeves along the seams, using your scissors for a clean edge.
3. Cut neck opening: Cut a big scoop out of the neck area, creating an easy opening for your tote.
4. Create the base: Turn the shirt inside out. Then, make a few cuts along the bottom hem about 2-3 inches deep for fringe. Knot these strips together tightly to form the bag’s bottom.
5. Turn it right side out: Flip the t-shirt back to its original side, and voilà! You have a cool tote bag ready to use.

Craft Idea 3: Nature-Inspired Collages

Nature-inspired collages are a fun way to get your kids engaged with the outdoors. These crafts not only spark creativity but also help children appreciate the beauty of nature. They’ll love using items they find on nature walks, turning ordinary leaves and twigs into extraordinary art.

Materials needed

• Various leaves, flowers, and twigs: Collect a colorful assortment during your outdoor adventures.
• Cardstock or thick paper: Use this as your base for the collage.
• Glue: A good quality craft glue works best to secure all pieces.
• Scissors: Handy for trimming items to the right shape.
• Optional embellishments: Glitter, markers, or stickers can add a personal touch.

These materials are easy to find and eco-friendly. You might already have many of them at home. Remember, the more unique the materials, the more interesting the collage will be! Encourage your kids to explore their surroundings—today’s debris could be tomorrow’s craft supplies.

1. Go for a nature walk: Seek out interesting leaves, flowers, and twigs. Let your kids pick what captivates them. This makes the project feel personal.
2. Arrange materials: Once you’re home, lay everything out on the cardstock. Let your kids play with the placement until they find a design they love.
3. Glue the pieces down: Apply glue to the back of each item and secure them on the cardstock. It’s important to press firmly so they stay in place.
4. Add embellishments: If your kids want, let them sprinkle glitter or use markers to add borders and details, making it even more special.
5. Let it dry: Allow the collage to dry completely before displaying it. This transformation will lead to pride in their handiwork.

This craft is a great way to bond and create lasting memories. Why not explore more tips and ideas at Crafty Corners for Kids and inspire even more creative projects?

Craft Idea 4: Homemade Crayons from Scraps

Transforming old crayon bits into new, vibrant ones is not only fun but also eco-friendly! This creative activity lets kids use their imagination while learning about recycling.

Read also: Recycled crafts that actually look good enough to display at home

Materials needed

To make your homemade crayons, gather these supplies: leftover crayon pieces, an oven-safe silicone mold (fun shapes work best), and a knife or peeler. If you don’t have silicone molds, any heat-safe container will do. Make sure to preheat the oven to around 250°F (120°C). Safety reminder: adults should handle the oven and hot items.

1. Gather the crayon bits: Start by collecting broken crayons or small remnants from used ones. The more colors, the better!
2. Prep the mold: Cut or peel the crayons into small pieces. Fill the mold with these bits, mixing colors for a unique blend.
3. Bake the crayons: Place the mold in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes. Make sure to keep an eye on them as they melt into a gooey, smooth liquid.
4. Cool and remove: Once melted, take the mold out of the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. After cooling completely, pop the crayons out of the mold.
5. Enjoy your new crayons: Watch as your kids create colorful masterpieces with their newly made crayons!

Craft Idea 5: Eco-Friendly Bird Feeders

Creating bird feeders is a fun way to connect your kids with nature while helping the environment. Not only do these feeders attract beautiful birds, but they also engage children in hands-on crafting that you can all enjoy together!

Materials needed

To get started, gather a few basic materials:

• Pine cones – Look for ones that are large and open.
• Peanut butter – Use this to hold everything together.
• Birdseed – Pick a variety that local birds love.
• String – For hanging your feeders.
• Bowl or plate – For mixing ingredients.
• Optional: Paint or glitter – To make it extra fun.

These items are often around the house or can be found easily at your local store. If you’re short on pine cones, don’t worry! You can use empty toilet paper rolls or even plastic bottles as alternatives. Just like making a delicious sandwich, combining these simple ingredients can create a delightful treat for your feathered friends.

Read also: The weirdest materials for amazing crafts you need to try

1. Start by covering the pine cone in peanut butter. Use a butter knife or a child-safe spreader, letting your kids dive right in! It’s like making a sticky glue that birds will love.
2. Roll the pine cone in birdseed until it’s completely covered. Make sure to press down a bit to secure the seeds—just as you’d roll dough for cookies.
3. If you’re using the toilet paper rolls, spread peanut butter inside and roll them in birdseed. It’s an easy way to prepare several feeders!
4. Tie a string to the top of the pine cone or roll, creating a loop for hanging.
5. Choose a tree branch or post in your yard to hang your feeder, and watch the magic happen. You and your kids will enjoy seeing birds swoop in and out, making it a rewarding experience!