I don’t know about you, but I get a little dismayed when I come across crafts for kids such as the chicken below …

Sure, it looks easy to some, but to the crafty-challenged such as myself, I am very put off by seeing something like this. I couldn’t even replicate that myself, let alone expect my child or children in my class to do so. It doesn’t mean I don’t think there is a place for crafts like this, it just means I think they belong to the Art teacher, the ultimate crafty child or parent, or perhaps, just someone with a lot of time on their hands to prepare.

 

But let’s face it – most of us are run off our feet. Wouldn’t it be great if you just had a bank of household items that your children could create crafts out of? Items that don’t involve going out of your way to the supermarket or art supplies shop because they are staples in your house anyway? Well I thought so!

Here is my ULTIMATE Five Crafts for Kids using Household Items Only!

And they can be done inside on a rainy day, or outside in the beautiful Summer sun. The choice is yours. Children will be engaged, they will be learning and they will reap the benefits of being proud of what they have made. Isn’t that what matters?

1. Playdough

The best recipe I have found is that on the back of the McKenzie’s Cream of Tartar: 2 cups plain flour, 4tbs McKenzie’s Cream of Tartar, 2 tbs cooking oil, 1 cup salt, food colouring & 2 cups water. Mix in a saucepan, stir over medium heat for 3-5 minutes or until the mix congeals.This playdough been sitting in my pantry for a few weeks now and is still as pliable and moist as ever. I do believe playdough is the most classic homemade craft for a reason.

2. Paper Plate Crafts

Paper plates are fantastic. They’re faces, clocks, bodies, suns, masks and so much more. You can use glue and paint and other crafty items on them if you wish. But sometimes all you need is some colourful pencils or markers!

3. Plastic Containers

They’re easy to set aside after they’re emptied and they come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. I love plastic containers for musical instruments. Poke some holes in the top and make a drum. Or fill with rice and make some shakers. And what can the children do? Decorate!

4. Egg Cartons

Another versatile household item that’s easy to set aside when it’s empty! I love egg cartons for caterpillars, snakes and spiders.

5. Cardboard boxes

There is something about cardboard boxes that appeal to a child’s imagination and creativity. Hand them a few boxes in different shapes and sizes and some sticky-tape and see them shine! The possibilities are endless. They are easily the bodies of cars or the shape of robots, but they can also be photo frames, pencil holders and more.

 

So you don’t anything fancy – just the things you might find in your cupboard on a day to day basis. The fancy bit is their imagination and creativity being brought to life.

The complete list is as follows:

  • Cream of Tartar
  • Flour
  • Oil
  • Food Colouring
  • Salt
  • Paper Plates
  • Plastic Containers
  • Egg Cartons
  • Markers – Pencils, paint, textas or anything else!
  • Cardboard Boxes

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