When it comes to introducing your child to craft, the simplest of projects will totally delight a toddler.
And by using stuff that’s lying around the house or scattered outdoors, it’s a really affordable way of having fun. So here we bring you some great projects that are perfect first steps to getting creative and having fun!
At a glance
- There are a number of arty projects that don't have to cost the earth
- Be prepared to have a mess to clear up but it'll be worth it
- You can buy washable glue that's designed for toddlers
Make a creative nature box
Take your toddler for a waddle outdoors and ask them to collect a few little gems, like feathers, leaves or flowers – this alone will be their idea of heaven! Then when you get home, ask them to glue them to the outside of a small box. (Just make sure you use washable glue that’s designed for toddlers.) Your kids will be proud as punch. And yes, it’s time to wave goodbye to that lovely minimalist house!
Tray painting-tastic!
Help your toddler squeeze blobs of different-coloured paint onto a tray. Then carefully place a large piece of paper over the paint, press down gently together and show them how to lift it up for a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
Paint with pasta
Dried farfalle, (bow-shaped pasta), is also great for sticking on pictures - or you can use a whole range of pasta shapes to help your toddler bring a picture alive. Add stickers and sequins for a splash of colour. And if you have any paint and glitter handy, pasta is great for making jewellery. It’s not exactly bling, but the kids will love it!
Print hands in a heavenly heart
A messy but fun thing to do with tiny hands and a tray of ready-mixed kids’ paint is creating hand prints. Press each of their hands down in the paint then press them on the paper, arranging the second hand next to the first in a heart shape. These also make lovely cards and keepsakes – why not create a stock pile of these creative little treasures to send on special birthdays?
Create your own wrapping paper - with potatoes!
Carve some fun shapes out of potatoes – hearts and stars both work well. Then dip them into brightly-coloured trays of paint. Print them on brown paper or newspaper, leave to dry and you have some unique DIY wrapping paper.
Design a bird’s nest
Cut up old wrapping paper, newspaper or tissue paper into thin shreds (or collect long grass, leaves and feathers on your next walk). Then show your toddler how to glue it onto the bottom half of a paper plate to make a nest. Now it’s time to find your inner artist (and don’t worry if it doesn't look perfect – kids will think anything you have created is fab!). Grab some card and cut out silhouettes for a bird and some eggs for your toddler to glue onto the plate. And hey presto, there’s a bird sitting in the nest!