Arts and Crafts

Barbara J. Feldman

For indoor fun on winter days, here are thousands of craft ideas tested by parents around the world. I could never come up with ideas like these on my own, so I enjoyed finding these projects with detailed supply lists and illustrated instructions.

Crayola Crafts

5 stars

If you think Crayola is only about crayons, think again. After registering as a free member (which requires a first name, email address and selecting your favorite Crayola color) you can access multimedia craft ideas from Alphabet to Zoogles. Begin your search with a keyword phrase or from one of three drop down menus. The Activity menu lists venues (classroom, party, outdoors) and intent (gifts, homework helpers.) On Themes, you'll find dozens of topics such as Animals, Architecture and Artist's Lives. The Media drop-down lists dozens of possibilities including crayons (of course), glitter glue, and watercolors.

DLTK Kids

4 stars

DLTK Kids specializes in printable crafts such as cut, color, and glue projects. It is run by Leanne (no last name provided) with her two kids providing field testing, There are eight categories listed on the front page (starting with ABCs, Animal Crafts, and Bible Crafts) but as you move inside the site, you will see dozens of additional topics listed in the left-hand menu. Although the printable templates include advertisements, each page includes instructions on how to print without ads.

Enchanted Learning: Crafts

4 stars

Grouped by topic (from African Crafts to Wreaths) and by material (from Balloon Crafts to Twig Crafts) Enchanted Learning offers hundreds of illustrated craft projects using "materials found around the house, like egg cartons, cardboard, paper, boxes, string, crayons, paint, glue." Holidays are included in the topic list, and those looking for ideas for theme birthday parties (such as dogs, flowers or dinosaurs) will find plenty.

Kids Domain Crafts

4 stars

Although most craft sites are geared for very young kids, Kids Domain covers all ages. They even have a section for teens. In fact, the variety of their craft categories is their biggest strength. Craft topics you won't find anywhere else include Decorate Your Home (won't the bead and button teacup makes a great mother's day gift?), Hair Fun (scrunchies and barrettes) and Educational Crafts (including a kaleidoscope and an erupting volcano.)

Rainy Day Resource Page: Arts and Crafts

3 stars

Lost the play dough recipe the preschool teacher gave you? When you've got to have it, but can no longer find it, just log in to Arts and Crafts. Here you'll find simple recipes for play dough, silly putty, salt clay and finger paint. For even more recipes (sidewalk chalk, paper mach and three recipes classified as Gooey Stuff) visit Funroom Free Resources. I just couldn't choose between these two recipe sites, so I included them both.