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Friday Fun, for kids

Simple crafts for family, classroom and group craft time

Friday Fun, for kids

Simple crafts for family, classroom and group craft time
 
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Friday Fun

Children's Craft Box

Stock your child's creativity for endless possibilities!
Children's craft box
What you will make:

Make it easier for your children to "create" by filling a box that's just for them with craft supplies. The box is theirs to use however they wish, with no need to ask permission. The only rules are that they must lay out the small plastic table cloth before starting, and when finished, they must clean up the mess.

Your children will enjoy helping to make the craft box. Involve them in gathering materials for the box and in filling it. Take them on a shopping trip for the box, or let them scout around the house for recyclables that can be used in their creative endeavors.

Here's what you need:
  • Banker's/archive box with lid, or other box at least 12" by 12" by 6"
  • Plastic tablecloth, oilcloth, or vinyl
  • Zipper plastic bags, various sizes
  • Basic craft supplies (see  below)
  • Sewing and crafting odds and ends
  • Recycled cardboard tubes, plastic tubs
  • Optional: Pencil box, large mailing envelopes, craft supplies for a specific craft like origami, spool knitting, etc.

This project is rated VERY EASY to do.

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Before you start
  • Make a place to work.
  • Read all of the directions.
  • Gather everything you need to do the project.
  • Think about the project. Imagine how it will look and what you will do with it.
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How to Create a Children's Craft Box

Read all of the steps before starting.
Step 1: Project Preparation

Read through the project, then gather the materials needed for making the children's craft box. A banker's box (archive box) with a removable lid works well as a craft box. These boxes (10" x 12" x 15" / about 250 x 400 x 300 mm) can be found in packs of two or more at "big box" or office supply stores for a reasonable price. Of course, any medium-sized box (at least 6" x 12" x 12") with a removable lid will work; just be sure that the construction paper will lie flat inside and that there is plenty of room for everything.

An inexpensive plastic tablecloth will pack nicely inside the box and keep everything neat and tidy during craft time. You can also purchase a yard or so of oilcloth or vinyl and use that as a crafting mat.

Keep in mind the age, abilities, and interests of the children when selecting supplies for the box. For example, thick crayons and markers are best for preschool children, while the supplies should be limited in number and any small items avoided.

Step 2: Basic Supplies
Craft box basic supplies

You might start with a box that contains just these basic supplies and later add items to enhance creativity. The basic supplies for the craft box are:

  • Construction paper, 12" by 9"
  • Sketch or doodle pad, 12" by 9"
  • Scissors
  • ¼" hole punch
  • Glue stick and white/PVA glue
  • Crayons, markers, and colored pencils
  • Ruler and pencil
  • Yarn or string
  • Clear tape
Step 3: Creativity Boosters
Craft box 'extras'

Adding a variety of "extras" to the craft box will give your child more creative options. It's not necessary for the box to have all these items or to be limited to this list. For example, if a child has an interest in making clothes for dolls, the box can be tailored toward sewing items. Here are ideas for items to add to the box:

  • Tissue paper, white and colored
  • Water colors, paintbrush, and plastic cup or tin for water
  • Pipe cleaners (chenille stems)
  • Snips of paper
  • Felt scraps
  • Buttons
  • Ribbon, lace or rickrack
  • Wiggly eyes
  • Foamies
  • Pom-poms
  • Glitter
  • Beans and/or noodles
  • Empty cardboard tubes (TP, paper towel)
  • Cereal box cardboard
Step 4: Organize Supplies
Craft box containers, bags and envelopes

Place the basic supplies, other than the paper and yarn, into a large zipper bag or a pencil box. Put the yarn, string, lace, ribbons, and rickrack into a plastic bag. Put the snips of paper into one baggie, or divide them by color into several bags. Put the other items into one bag, or sort them by type into a few bags.

Keeping the supplies and tools organized will make the box easier to use. It will also be easy to spot when any supply is running low.

Larger items like the paper, pipe cleaners, and ruler can be left loose or placed in large mailing envelopes.

Step 5: Load the Box
Load paper and larger items into craft box

Place the paper in the bottom of the box, along with the tablecloth. Next, layer in the larger items.

 
Load smaller items into craft box last

Finally, layer in the envelopes, smaller items and all the bags of odds and ends.

 
Label craft box

Put the lid on the box and label the outside "Craft Box"—you might add the children's names, too.

That's it! The craft box is ready to use!

Your children can get started on their own or with these Friday Fun crafts!

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