For indoor fun on winter days, here are some craft ideas tested by parents around the world. Personally I could never come up with ideas like these, so I enjoyed finding these projects with detailed supply lists and illustrated instructions. [Editor's Note: An updated version of this topic can be found here: Arts and Crafts]
Remember 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 more recipes (sidewalk chalk and 3 recipes classified as Gooey Stuff) visit Fun Crafts for Kids. I just couldn't choose between these two recipe sites, so I had to include them both.
Aunt Annie is the benchmark against which all other craft pages are measured. She has over fifty projects with an emphasis on learning, creativity, and problem-solving. All of her crafts have illustrated easy-to-follow instructions and many include patterns to download and print. This time of year, Aunt Annie's projects include napkin rings decorated with fall leaves and tiny Christmas tree ornaments. In addition to Aunt Annie's own crafts, you'll enjoy the projects contributed by visitors in the Craft Exchange. Have an idea to share? Aunt Annie welcomes it.
Although its projects lack illustration, Crafts For Little Hands fills a niche for younger artists. Highlights include clever projects like spin art using paper plates on record players and painting the sidewalk and exterior walls with water. Whether you're a parent or a teacher, I'm sure you'll find a new idea for your preschooler here.
Sponsored by the craft store of the same name, Michaels Kids Club has an extensive and varied list of crafts. Each project includes a detailed supplies list (often using specialized items not usually found around the house on rainy days) and illustrated directions. Patterns are available for printing from your Internet browser, or can be picked up in the retail stores. Visit the bimonthly Kids Club newsletter for a story with related crafts. This month's edition features flying machines with a short history of human flight, a recipe for Flying Taco Cheese Boys and instructions for party favors with a flying theme.
The following links are either new discoveries or sites that didn't make it into my newspaper column because of space constraints. Enjoy!
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