Easy Kids Crafts for a Rainy Day

As a busy mum of two boys, they are very active, and I need to occupy them with different kinds of activities. They have a lot of energy and need a lot of stimulation. One thing I love to do with them is make art from reusable materials. Today I want to share with you some simple crafts that use easy to find materials and will engage your rambunctious youngsters. Here are three crafts and all the materials you will need...

---

The Sailboat

For this one you will need:

• Corks
• Rubber Bands
• Toothpicks
• And a Triangular Piece for the Sail (you can use cardstock or foam board).

To create this delightful boat: Take the three corks and put a rubber band on each side to bind them altogether. Use the end of the toothpick to puncture a hole through your triangle until it comes out the other side. Then, place the toothpick with the triangle into the center cork. (See picture for the  finished project) Now you have a nifty boat that floats. This can provide  loads of fun for later, as well, floating the boats in a pan of water. If it has  been raining, you may even find a stream for a boat race.

---

Tissue Box Monsters 

You will need:

• An Empty Tissue Box
• Clean Egg Cartons
• Some White Paper for the Teeth
• Markers, Crayons, or Colored Pencils for Decorating
• Scissors
• Glue

You can cover the tissues boxes with fun paper, collage them, or just decorate with markers or crayons. Have fun and get creative. Once the box is decorated, cut out teeth with the white paper. Glue the tooth from behind the opening to the box, upper and lower creating a monster mouth. Now cut out the egg portion of the egg carton for eyes. Your monster may have two, three, or more eyes. Use the markers or crayons to draw the pupils and glue them on top of the box. You now have some quite handsome or scary monsters!

---

Animal Storage Jars

Kids love these, and they are great to keep their rooms organized. Could even make a fun gift.

You will need:

• Jar with a Lid
• Plastic Animals
• Glue
• Pint Spray

Have each child pick an animal and take a jar. Use the glue to adhere the animal to the top of the jar lid. You may need to let it set a bit to dry. You will paint the animal and the lid to the jar the color desired. Let dry. Fill the jar with pencils, scissors, or whatever small toys desired. Can even be used for candy or treats. Put on your new, fun lid and enjoy! So, there you have three rainy day or any day crafts you can easily do with the children in your life.

Have fun with it and see the creativity flow!

m.