Fun Family Crafts

A library of free craft ideas from toddler to teenager

Hanger Reindeer

Transform a clothes hanger into the cutest reindeer ever! This simple project uses materials you likely already have on hand.

Barn Quilt

Create a chipboard version of the beautiful barn quilts you see in the country. Hang it on your bedroom door!

Hanger Heart Wreath

Use a clothes hanger as the base for a heart-shaped wreath. There are instructions to make both the wreath with […]

Magical Mermaid and Fairy Lanterns

Use baby food jars, battery-operated tea lights and fun decorations to create one-of-a-kind fairy and mermaid jars. It’s a fun […]

Turkey Windsock

Turn an empty can into a cute turkey windsock this fall. It makes such a festive decoration.

Scrappy Robot Magnets

It only takes about 30 minutes to transform scrap wood and extra hardware into adorable robot magnets. There are so […]

Cardboard Tombstones

Decorate for Halloween with these cardboard tombstones. Paper mache, textured spray paint, and glue gun spiderwebs make them look so […]

Homemade Blank Books

Use leftover pages from school notebooks to make brand new blank books. They’re perfect for budding artists and writers, and […]

Peanut People Drum Puppet

Turn an empty bag, old newspaper, and plastic lids into Peanut People! Give these puppets a twist and they make […]

Styrofoam Sailboats

Create easy sailboats out of styrofoam packaging. It’s great for water play on a hot summer’s day.

Cereal Box Backpack Charms

It’s easy to transform an empty cereal box (or leftover cardboard) into customized backpack charms that add flair to any […]

Kitchen Grater Owl

Turn an old cheese grater into an owl that simply could not be cuter. What a wonderful project using recycled […]

Cardboard Toy Robots

See the creativity bursting forth as kids make their own toy robots from cardboard. Half the fun is dreaming up […]

Floating Pelican

Create a pelican that floats on a cork. You can draw your own bird or use the printable.

Harry Potter Sorting Hat

Create an awesome Sorting Hat just like the one from Harry Potter. This paper mache project is great fun for […]

Swimming Marionette

Mimic the actual movements a swimmer makes with this marionette. It takes a little practice but is great fun to […]

Paper Plate Pelican

Create a pelican using paper plates and cardboard tubes. This easy project is fun to pair with a study of […]

Space Needle Science

This fun science experiment explores how towers such as the Space Needle can withstand strong winds and earthquakes. It’s a […]

Paper Mache Canopic Jars

Use empty Pringles containers to make Egyptian-inspired canopic jars. This educational craft is a great way for preteens and teens […]

Woven Jean Seam Coaster

Recycle old jeans to make this pretty coaster. It’s a nice, inexpensive gift to give to a friend or relative.

Cardboard Flower Power Wreath

Gather scrap cardboard and turn it into a whimsical flower wreath. The whole family can work together to make this simple wreath.

Animal Print Cards

Don’t throw out old makeup – use it for crafts! This tutorial shows how to make giraffe and zebra print […]

Cardboard Cupcake

This cupcake looks good enough to eat! But don’t try it, since it’s made of cardboard, tissue paper, and other […]

Dream Big Wall Hanging

Create an inspirational “Dream Big” wall plaque using recycled materials and some glitter. What a wonderful recycling project for kids (or […]

Pizza Banner

Make your next pizza party extra special with an easy-to-make pizza banner! Create it ahead of time, or have it […]

Polka Dot Bottle Vases

Don’t recycle those empty bottles just yet! With a little bit of paint, you can turn them into beautiful, polka-dotted vases.

Alien UFO Space Craft

Dig through the recycling bin to find the supplies for this whimsical alien craft. Use your creativity as you decorate […]

Animal Treat Jars

Turn an empty jar and a plastic animal into a fun little container. Use it to hold treats, toys, coins […]

Tissue Paper Jars

Save tissue paper and empty glass jars to make this fun and easy craft from recycled materials. Use the jars […]

Button-and-Cup Toy

Turn an egg carton into a simple toy that dates back hundreds of years. Make your own, then practice until […]

Tuna Can Seder Plate

Celebrate Passover with a Seder plate made with tuna cans. It’s a wonderful recycling project for kids.

Tissue Paper Topiary

Create a topiary bunny using green tissue paper. This easy craft can be adapted for practically any animal or shape.

Yarn-Wrapped Tulips

Wrap cardboard tulips with colorful yarn to make a pretty spring bouquet. It’s an easy fine motor activity for young […]

Easter Bunny Vase

Turn an empty glass jar into an Easter bunny vase. It’s such a cute way to decorate for spring.

Cork Succulent Magnets

Bring nature indoors with these colorful Cork Succulent Magnets. They add such a fun touch to the fridge.

Bottle Botany

Can you believe that each of these plants are actually made with just plastic bottles and some paint? Incredible, beautiful […]

Seahorse Wall Sculpture

Make this stunning sea horse from cardboard and paper. It’s surprisingly simple and lots of fun!

Popsicle Stick Puzzle

Make your own Popsicle stick puzzle. You can feature any design or theme and make it as difficult or as […]

Paper Bracelets

Create colorful bracelets using paper! Try newspaper, magazines, gift wrap or anything else you can dream up.

Rubber Band Pencil Holder

Turn an inexpensive plastic cup into an eye-catching pencil holder using rubber bands! It’s easy to do and a fun […]

Shoebox Pinto Pony

Turn a shoebox, cardboard tubes and other supplies into an awesome pinto pony. Use the box to hold art supplies […]

Folded Paper Relief Sculpture

Use wallpaper samples and construction paper to make dimensional paper sculptures. It’s easy to do and no two are the […]

Berry Basket Snowflake

Turn berry baskets into sparkly snowflakes! This fun recycling craft is a great way to decorate for winter.

Mixed Media Rainbow Fish

Make a beautiful mixed-media Rainbow Fish inspired by Marcus Pfister’s book. Drywall compound provides great texture and is a fun […]

Mini Pool Table in a Tin

Turn an empty Altoids tin into a portable miniature pool table! This clever craft is great fun and makes an […]

Plastic Lid Christmas Tree

Plastic Lid Christmas Tree Turn plastic lids and some sparkly embellishments into a Christmas tree. It’s a fun way to […]

Egg Cup Christmas Tree Ornament

Egg Cup Christmas Tree Ornament Turn an empty egg carton in to a glittery Christmas tree ornament. Even the youngest […]

Winter Money Gift

Whether it’s for a birthday, Christmas or other winter occasion, fill an empty jar with ‘snow’ and nestle some cash […]

Pine Cone Christmas Tree

Transform a pine cone into a cute little Christmas tree using washi tape and a plastic lid. This inexpensive project […]