45 Cute Summer Crafts for Kids

Walk your kids through making their own accordion paper flowers to hang in their rooms. Download these templates before following the steps below.

1. Cut out 4 pieces of yellow or white paper (depending on what color daffodil you would like) using the first template.
2. Fold the paper in half both vertically and horizontally and open again. Fold the bottom up about ¼” and crease it down.
3. Flip the paper over and fold all the way to the top until you create an accordion.
4. Fold the accordion-folded paper in half and attach the two middle pieces together with double-sided tape.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 with the remaining 3 pieces of paper.
6. Connect all 4 together with a strip of double stick tape to create a flower shape.
7. Cut out a rectangle of orange paper about 2″ x 1.5″ and cut little points on one of the long edges.
8. Roll the rectangle loosely to make a tube shape and connect with a small piece of double-sided tape, folding the bottom edge down to create a flat bottom.
9. Glue the little cup you made into the center of the flower to finish your daffodil.

Kids can make these paper flowers to spruce up different parts of the house. Have them fold dyed cupcake liners in half and cut out petal and fringe shapes. Then fold a piece of floral wire in half and twist around the faux flower stamen. Poke the wire through the center of three to four paper liners. Finish it off by wrapping floral tape around the base of the liners and bringing it all the way down the stem.

SHOP CUPCAKE LINERS

If your kids are nature lovers, they’ll love making pressed flowers for their handmade cards or art. This is also a great way to recycle your old flower bouquets.

Get the tutorial at Hello Wonderful »

Even after summer ends, these felt keychains will add a burst of sweetness to any backpack or purse. But to keep it in tip-top shape, skip the keychain altogether and turn them into decorative magnets.

Get the tutorial at A Kailo Chic Life »

With essential oils and food dye, you can give homemade bubbles the rainbow treatment. Choose scents that you like best, or try to match it to the color — yellow bubbles scented with lemon, for example.

Get the tutorial at Handmade Charlotte »

Use fruit, flowers, leaves or any other natural object that strikes your fancy to dress up your kitchen. These are also perfect as DIY gifts.

Get the tutorial at JOANN »

This summer’s golden rule? If you can turn something into a unicorn, do it. Fill these magical planters with succulents, so you don’t have to worry about regular upkeep.

Get the tutorial at Red Ted Art »

These starfish might fool a visitor or two into thinking they’re actually real, but they’re DIY ornaments made from salt dough. It’ll keep those beach vibes going in a bedroom or a backyard.

Get the tutorial at Chickabug »

Bind craft sticks with layers of color-coordinated yarn to create multi-purpose baskets for pencils, craft supplies, and other small trinkets. Or stick a real or faux plant (herbs work best!) inside for a pop of greenery.

Get the tutorial at Design Improvised »

This windsock looks so happy, with all its colored ribbons, it might take you a minute to figure out that it’s made from an old soda bottle. Add your ribbon scraps, and you’ve got a trash-to-treasure creation.

Get the tutorial at Bowdabra »

Get more use out of your kid’s sand art kit by transforming basic white candles into these rainbow-inspired beauties. Talk about a ’90s throwback.

Get the tutorial at Club Crafted »

ICYMI, tie-dye is all the rage this summer. If you’ve already dipped and dyed sweatshirts, t-shirts and sweatpants, then consider giving any ol’ picnic blanket or beach towel a watercolor effect.

Get the tutorial at Club Crafted »