Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Summer Activities: Woodworking Crafts for Kids

Written by Marie Hunter


[photo via Parents.com]

If your kids are stuck indoors because of summer rains or are taking a break from the hot sun, woodworking crafts can be a fun and creative way to keep kids busy during the summer. Most parents don't consider woodworking crafts for children because of the safety risks involved. But there are plenty of craft ideas your kids can participate in that are safe for every age.

Wood Collages for Young Children


Any age group can make a wood collage, but it's especially fun for children who are too young to use woodworking tools. For this project you’ll need an unfinished wood base that's approximately 1 square foot, decorative craft items, a paintbrush and wood glue.

A great way to start the project is by taking your kids on a nature walk to collect decorations for the collage. Depending on where you live, kids can use small pine cones, seashells, colorful pebbles, small rocks or pieces of wood and twigs as decorations.

Spread a thick layer of glue over the surface of the wood. Let your kids place the decorations on the surface however they want. Have them brush wood glue over the top of the project when it’s finished and let it dry for 24 hours. Drill holes at the top of the canvas so you can proudly hang your child’s artwork on the wall.

Hand-Painted Jewelry


This project allows kids to paint wooden beads for jewelry. All you need is wooden beads, paint, paint brushes, masking tape and a piece of string or ribbon for the finished beads.

To start, have your kids select the colors of paint they want to use for their beads. They can paint freestyle and make their own designs, or they can use the masking tape to cover parts of the bead so they’ll paint a more structured design. For a handmade Mother’s Day gift, kids can paint large beads to look like their faces and string them on a necklace or bracelet.

Decoupage Furniture


By the time they reach a certain age, most kids aren't interested in doing projects with their parents. But a decoupage table, desktop or chair will allow your teens to personalize their spaces, enjoy some craft time with you or, if desired, by themselves. This project requires wood furniture, photos or pictures from magazines and decoupage glue.

Have your teen gather some favorite photos and meaningful magazine pictures, such as favorite singers, celebrities, places or activities. Arrange the photos over the piece of furniture, securing each with a drop of glue. Brush decoupage glue over the entire wood surface and allow it to dry for 24 hours.

Creating Lifelong Hobbies


Helping kids experiment with woodworking allows them to explore new activities, and it may spark their interest and become a lifelong hobby. As your children get older, talk to them about other woodworking crafts they'd like to try. This encourages independence while maintaining a common interest you can share with your kids.

About the author:
Maire likes to read romance novels, jog, practice hot yoga and walk her Scottish Terrier, Pete. She also enjoys baking and experimenting with new craft projects.

18 comments:

  1. Good ideas! We have done the hand painted jewelry beore.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I loved woodworking crafts when I was younger. My mom has many clothespin Santas from my siblings and I that she puts on her tree every year!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Great ideas. I love crafts and I'm always looking for ideas for future classes or projects when working with youth.

    Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is such a fun idea! I cant wait to do more things like this when the boys get older.

    ReplyDelete
  5. My daughter and I have never tried woodworking crafts before. I'm sure she'll love this. Thanks for the idea :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. THIS POST REMINDS ME OF THE PAINTED PASTA NECKLACE MY BOYS MADE FOR ME WHEN THEY WERE SMALLER. THEY CAME TO ME ONE DAY UNHAPPY ASKING "MOMMY HOW COME YOU DIDN'T WEAR THE NECKLACE WE MADE FOR YOU?" WELL, MOMMY WORE THEM AFTER THE WHOLE DAY AT HOME OF COURSE :0

    KISSES FROM :
    A SMALL BLOG WITH A BIG HEART
    MRS JACK OF ALL TRADES DAILY where Fashion and Food collide!
    http://mrsjackofalltradesdaily.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  7. These are such cute and creative crafts. Thanks for the ideas!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Good idea. I love to craft. I am actually going to make my way over to the store in a few.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Indeed a good idea shared and a proper use of wood glue. Great work done..

    ReplyDelete

  10. Thanks for sharing this new, advance information.. It's really amazing and give me a lot of information ..
    Please share me more.. it's really good. I hope you have more information about this article.. ..
    Thanks..!!!!!
    Router mills

    ReplyDelete
  11. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  12. We make a team of the creative-minded carpenters and we help re-designing the residential and commercial places on demand. Do you want to know more about us? Well, you will have to visit our website to get in touch with us directly.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I like the idea of woodworking crafts for kids. I have been searching for something like this for my kids.Thanks for sharing this incredible post.
    wayne t

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thanks for the blog loaded with so many information. Stopping by your blog helped me to get what I was looking for. Equipmentarea

    ReplyDelete
  15. It is important to identify the type of tools to a specific woodworking project. As a woodworker, you should identify what area in woodworking that you are most interested, and then you should create a list of necessary tools on your area of specialization.
    home depot wood

    ReplyDelete
  16. Get some articles from advanced parents on what is teensafe and how to use it.

    ReplyDelete
  17. America Gun Ban Home, Syndicated by Countrymen Your News Source Worldwide. Taking the stink out of Gun Control and being a Patriot.  Dust Collector Reviews

    ReplyDelete

I love reading what you have to say!

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...