Crafting with kids is one of the most joyful ways to connect, encourage creativity, and build confidence all while having a little fun (and maybe a little mess!) along the way.
Whether you’re brand new to crafting with children or just looking for ways to make it smoother and more enjoyable, these beginner-friendly tips will help set you both up for success.
From prep tricks to creative encouragement, here’s everything you need to know to make your next craft time a fun and stress-free experience.
Tips for Crafting with Kids (Especially Beginners!)
Keep It Simple
Start with easy projects that use basic supplies and simple steps. Check below for some easy beginner craft ideas where your kids can just glue, paint, and cut!
Prep Ahead of Time
Have materials ready to go: paint poured, shapes pre-cut (if needed), and glue guns warmed up. A little prep can go a long way in reducing frustration.
Embrace the Mess
Put down a plastic tablecloth or newspaper, and let the creativity flow! Mess is part of the fun, and washable supplies help make cleanup easier.
Pro Tip: Don’t have a dedicated crafting space? Working on a tray allows you to move the project off the kitchen table (or wherever you’re working) so it can finish drying without tying up your space.
Let Them Take the Lead
Perfection isn’t the goal – confidence and creativity are! Offer guidance, but let kids make their own choices, even if their project ends up looking nothing like the example.
Focus on the Process, Not the Product
It’s about having fun and exploring, not creating a masterpiece. Celebrate effort, experimentation, and problem-solving.
Use Child-Safe Tools and Materials
Opt for age-appropriate scissors, non-toxic paints, and low-temp glue guns. For younger kids, swap in glue sticks or liquid glue.
Practice Using Art Tools.
Give your kids the opportunity to practice using things like markers, colored pencils, scissors, glue sticks, and so on. As adults, we often forget that we can’t just hand these items to kids and expect them to know how to use them without assistance.
When I was teaching, I had to show my students that they could color with crayons or colored pencils with varying amounts of pressure to create different effects. Use hand-over-hand assistance for cutting if needed until their skills improve.
And don’t forget about glue. Even with glue sticks, children are inclined to use way more than they need.
Add a Personal Touch
Encourage personalization. Let them add their name, a silly face, or decorations like sunglasses and funny hair to make the craft uniquely theirs. This builds ownership and pride in their creation.
Avoid Taking Over
When crafting with kids, it can be easy to jump in and take over when you see things going in a different direction. We want to allow them to explore their own creativity.
If it’s a matter of safety or how to use the tools, of course it’s appropriate to step in and offer guidance. But it’s also important to allow them the opportunity to experiment and learn.
Pro Tip: If you love crafting yourself and have the urge to take over when kids are crafting, craft alongside them! This is a great way to model appropriate use of materials and allows you to make your own crafts instead of getting too involved in your kids’ creations.
Take Breaks if Needed
Short attention spans are normal! It’s okay to pause and come back later—or even finish another day.
Talk About the Craft as You Go
Ask open-ended questions like: “What colors do you want to use?” or “What does your pineapple remind you of?” This encourages language and critical thinking skills.
Display Their Artwork Proudly
Hang it on the fridge, frame it, or use a string with clothespins to create a rotating gallery. Feeling seen fuels more creativity!
Crafting with kids doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. A few simple supplies, a dash of patience, and a whole lot of encouragement can turn a small project into a big memory. So gather your glue sticks and paintbrushes and let creativity lead the way!
Looking for kid-friendly crafts to get started with? Be sure to explore the site for fun, beginner projects that are perfect for little hands. Here are some of our favorites:
- Interactive fire breathing dragon
- Moving caterpillar craft
- Craft stick narwhal
- Toilet paper roll octopus
- Paper plate fish
- Spoon dragonfly
- Paper jellyfish
- Craft stick farm animals
- Clothespin sharks
- Interactive eating frog craft
- Craft stick bird feeder
- Travel tic tac toe game
- Clothespin bird buddies
- Craft stick catapult
And don’t forget to sign up for the Creative Cynchronicity newsletter below to get new ideas delivered straight to your inbox.
Want to make crafting time with your kids more fun and less stressful? Pin this post to your favorite parenting or kids’ activity Pinterest board so you’ll have these helpful tips handy whenever creativity strikes!
Leave a Reply