Things to Make and Do, Crafts and Activities for Kids - The Crafty Crow

Celebrate International Dot Day With Circle Art!

Have you heard of International Dot Day? It all began with the book,
The Dot, by Peter H. Reynolds. It's a story about a little girl who didn't
believe she was an artist and an art teacher who inspired her by telling
her to "make a mark and see where it takes you".

After reading this book to his class, teacher Terry Shay decided
to make his own mark and established International Dot Day on
September 15th - a day to celebrate your own creativity and share
it with the world. There are tons of ideas and inspiration around the
web but I have gathered some of my favorite ideas here. Click over
to International Dot Day for more information and a free teacher's
guide with even more ideas and a printable certificate
to hand out to students. 


dot art
via Art is Basic 


circle and dot monogram resist art
via The Busy Librarian 


dot art by 1st graders
via Polka Dot Spot 


open-ended circle art
via The Artful Parent 


Kandinsky inspired circle art
via Lower School Art at Kinkaid Elementary 


circle art mobile
via Adventures of An Art Teacher 


tempera circles by 1st graders
via Tina on Flickr 


printed and painted circle art
via The Unlikely Homeschool 


art warm-up activity painting circles
via Expressive Art Workshops 


International Dot Day exhibit
via Carle Museum 


collaborative circle painting
via We Heart Art 


coffee filter circle art
via Cassie Stephens 


Van Gogh inspired circle art
via Lower School Art at Kinkaid Elementary 


kindergarten abstract circle art
via Art in the Big Green Room 

Spin Art Butterflies

What a lovely way to say goodbye to summer with these
gorgeous spin art butterflies. I love the metallic paint and stick
body details. Get all the directions at Make It Your Own.

Van Gogh Sunflowers Art Lesson For Kids

Journey Into Unschooling shares an art lesson for kids
using Van Gogh's Sunflowers painting as inspiration. 

DIY Customized Pencil Pouch

Learn how to make this customized canvas pencil pouch
with glitter details at Delineate Your Dwelling.

Painted Wood Bead Keychains or Backpack Charms

I love this idea for painted wood bead keychains 
at Meri Cherry that would make adorable
backpack charms as well.

DIY Building Blocks With Cardboard Boxes

I love a good cardboard box craft like this one at Creative
Jewish Mom. Whether it's a pantry box or moving box the
same technique will work - a little paint and glue turns
them into building blocks to be used for pretend play!

Crafts and Activities for Summer Nights

glowing owl lanterns 
via Minidrops 


plastic egg fireflies 
via Matsutake 


pierced tin foil lanterns 
via The Tiny Funnel 


glow in the dark bowling with glow sticks 
via Sit A Spell 


paper lanterns 
via Willowday 


animal face lanterns 
via Bookhou Crafts 


campfire cupcakes 
via Willowday 


outdoor movie night 
via Chasing Fireflies 


glow-in-the-dark process art 
via Babble Dabble Do 


glowing water blob 
via Paging Fun Mums 


glow-in-the-dark sand 
via Growing A Jeweled Rose 


plastic bottle firefly 
via Crafts For All Seasons 

Sponge Painted Rainbows

A little paint on a sponge and you can make gorgeous
rainbows! Details are at scrumdilly-do!

Crayon Resist On Sandpaper

Visit Casa Maria's Creative Learning Zone to see how this gorgeous
artwork was created using sandpaper, crayons, and watercolors. 

10 Messy Paint Ideas Perfect To Do Outside In The Summer!

paint filled eggs
via Growing A Jeweled Rose

Summer is a great time to do those messy arts
and crafts outside where the clean up is easy
and half the fun! Get started with one
of these fun ideas today!



painting with ice - giant process art 
via Two-Daloo 


painting a sheet outside on the grass 
via The Pleasantest Thing 


painting with trucks (any wheeled object would be fun!) 
via Learn~Play~Imagine 


powdered paint and a water-filled spray bottle painting activity 
via Familylicious 


evolving process art 
via Meri Cherry 


painting on glass (Tip-add dishsoap to the paint for easy cleaning!) 
via Mess For Less 


balloon pop painting 
via Growing A Jeweled Rose 


painting with water balloons 
via Lasso The Moon 


squirt gun painting 
via Relentlessly Fun, Deceptively Educational 

Red, White, and Blue! Celebrate July 4th With These 15 Patriotic Kids Crafts!

4th of July felt medal brooches 
via AssociaLiving 


painted acrylic American flag pendant DIY 
via Hands Occupied 


paper sack flag hats 
via Spoonful 


bike decorating ideas for 4th of July parades 
via Classic Play 


crepe paper flag DIY 
Meaningful Mama 


American flag hand print hearts
via Pink Stripey Socks 


tissue paper stars votive candle holder 
via Crafts Unleashed 


fork firework prints 
via Crafty Morning 


patriotic beaded necklace craft for kids 
via Buggy and Buddy 


iced graham cracker treat that look like fireworks 
via Rhubarb Sky 


sponge painted American flag craft 
via No Time For Flashcards 


yarn printed fireworks craft for kids 
via Warm Hot Chocolate 


pipecleaner printed firework t-shirts 
via The Mother Huddle 


American flag collage art project 
via Deep Space Sparkle 


4th of July popsicle stick flag craft 
via Kids Activities Blog

Crayon Resist Feather Bookmarks

I think these crayon resist feather bookmarks are just lovely,
and a great idea to do with feathers found on a nature walk.
Visit Make It Your Own for the tutorial.