Kids can be the most imaginative human beings on the planet. That is why old or recycled materials can be just as exciting for children to use to create crafts as brand new materials. Here are a few tips on how to help kids have fun creating crafts from old crafts or recycled materials.
Recycle Recyclables
Using recyclable materials such as egg cartons, milk jugs, glass jars, or news papers is a great way to gets children started on an exciting new craft. While brand knew items like poster board or flashy beads may seem tempting to purchase, “junk” will spark children’s imaginations. Encourage them by asking “Could this (item) be a Christmas ornament, space ship, hat, etc.?” Spark kids’ imaginations by using recyclable materials.
Disassemble Old Crafts
Instead of throwing away old crafts, let the kids pick through them to find items that will add flair to their crafts. New beads, ornaments, ribbons, and jewels can be expensive. The kids will no doubt have much more fun tearing apart old crafts in order to create new and innovative ones. Gather all of the broken crayons from the crayon box and create candles in some old jars (view a craft book for specific instructions). Old ribbons, decorative balls, beads and jewels will helps children make their crafts fun.
Another way to get materials is to allow kids to go through old junk. Before having the garage sale, or donating old items, let the kids go through it to see if there is anything that could be used on a craft project. Buttons from old shirts or couches, hardware on old furniture, or the pieces of an old fan can all be used to create exciting new crafts. Also, consider creating a new wind chime with old silverware. These types of items will encourage kids to use their imaginations.
Use Nature
Another way to get materials for children to make crafts is to use Mother Nature. Go on a treasure hunt, and have the kids pick out sticks, leaves, or other items they find around the yard. Then help them assemble those items into ornaments, picture frames, or pot holders. Whatever the imagination can create, mixing natural items with recyclables and items from old crafts will give children the materials they need to make what they have imagined come to life.
Be Careful
Working with recycled materials does carry a few risks. Make sure that children do not work with tin cans that have sharp edges, or glass that is broken. Also, make sure the items collected outside are sanitary and safe. It might be a good idea to wash everything before craft time to ensure clean crafting.
Creating crafts with kids does not have to be expensive. In fact, very little needs to be purchased at all. Simply use old recyclables, disassembled crafts, and natural items to help the kids create decorative, useful, or simply fun crafts. However, be sure to watch them closely, as some items may be potentially dangerous. And, if the children need more ideas on how to use this array of materials, check out a craft book for children at the local library or surf the web. Using old crafts and recyclable materials is a great way to help kids have fun making crafts.