Winter Vacation Crafts for Kids

Christmas is almost here, your kids will be home for at least 10 days, and you have nothing planned because you spent the last two weeks making magic at home. Art Bar to the rescue! I gathered a list just for you with the best winter vacation crafts for your kids.

These are not really “crafts” though, they are more like open-ended art projects. Most of these projects use recycled materials (yay!) so you don’t have to go out and buy any fancy supplies. If you don’t have a certain material, then I’ll suggest something you can use instead.

Here we go…

Paper Bag Crowns ~ Brown paper grocery bags turn into magical, sparkly crowns.

Shoebox Mansion ~ If you build it, they will come. (Ten points for that movie reference.) Starting out with simple shoeboxes, the kids spent days building their mansion.

Snowflake Medalions ~ This one is for teens, and also you, mom! The process is almost therapeutic, and the results are spectacular.

Yarn Wrapped Letters ~ Cardboard and yarn is all you need. Children as young as four can manage this one. Great for motor skills, too.

Wintery Mobiles ~ Cupcake liners are one of the most versatile materials. You can use colorful ones, too, if you don’t have these light colors.

Drawing with Feet ~ A wonderful drawing prompt for kids. Just cover a wall with paper. Soon they will be appreciating their hands very much!

Sock Caterpillars ~ Use up those mismatched socks! Read The Very Hungry Caterpillar first and then have the kids “feed” their caterpillars. Use collage bits if you don’t have pom-poms.

Scrap Paper Collage ~ My son used to make these all day long. Use up that scrap paper, or let them use scissors to cut and fold, strengthening those hand muscles.

Puffy Star ~ Making paper “pillows” has never been so fun. Make hearts and clouds, too! Any shape will do.

Patchwork House ~ These endearing little houses use just four materials. You can use paper scraps if you don’t have fabric.

Paper Bag Collage ~ Here come those paper bags again! If you’re like me, you’ll have plenty to use. Put out collage material, glue, and paint, then let them create.

Name Garland ~ Using paint chips from the paint store, these garlands are a good project for tweens and teens, too.

Here is a fun video of some of the projects in action! The song was written by my friend and high school classmate, Dre Towey, who has written countless children’s albums and is SO GOOD. You can download her song here!

I hope these crafts keep the household occupied so you can relax with some tea and a good book!

Happy Holidays!

XO, Bar

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