Crafts are an important part of childhood development. Through art projects, children develop their fine motor skills, eye-hand coordination improves, and they learn patience. Below you will learn simple, affordable crafts that you and your children can do together.

Puppets have been a favorite activity with children for decades. To make your own puppets you will need socks, felt pieces, buttons, yarn, scissors and glue. With the sock as the puppet’s body, your children can put their imaginations to work as they create people, animals, and even flowers. Glue buttons for eyes, yarn for hair, and cut out various felt pieces to create clothing, spots, stripes or whatever they choose.

We’ve all seen the turkeys made from tracing around a child’s hand. Expand this thought by making flowers instead of turkeys. With different colors of construction paper, trace around your child’s hand. Cut out each hand pattern. Alternating colors and layers, glue the hands together in a circular pattern, with the fingers pointing out. Draw or glue a small circle in the center of the flower.

With items such as egg cartons, construction paper, paper plates, string, crayons, Popsicle sticks or even twigs, a colorful mobile can be made. Designs to hang from strings can include butterflies, planets, flowers or hearts. Encourage your child to be creative and proudly display it after completion.

Children are sure to love edible crafts. Bracelets and necklaces can be made by taking long licorice whips and stringing them with colored cereal rings. Snowmen, people and animals can be made by taking large marshmallows, pretzel sticks, and tube writing frosting. Use other candy for accessories such as hats, scarves or collars.

As you can see, the simplest household items can create an enjoyable arts and crafts experience for you and your child.