School will start back soon. Before your kids' afternoons and evenings are consumed by homeswork, plan a few inexpensive and fun summer projects you can do together.
Although you might think it'll cost a fortune at the craft store to make some of these super creative ideas, good news — they're all under $25.
Check out these five projects your kids will love to make with you this summer.
Make a hand-painted canvas tote
Bring this personalized tote with you to the pool, a picnic or the library, or use it to carry groceries.
What you need
- Canvas tote bag
- Piece of cardboard
- Fabric paint
- Plastic cups
- Foam brushes
- Stencils
How to make it: Slide a piece of cardboard inside the canvas tote bag. You can find a wide selection of ready-to-paint canvas products at Hobby Lobby in Stone Mountain. Pour fabric paint into plastic cups to make them easier to work with. Apply the fabric paint to the tote using foam brushes in whatever creative way you like. You can also try using stencils to create patterns across the bag. Allow the paint to dry before use.
DIY sidewalk chalk
Use this homemade chalk to create sidewalk art or to play hopscotch with friends.
What you need
- Plaster of Paris
- Tempera paint in various colors
- Silicone mold
- Plastic cups
- Plastic spoons
How to make it: Fill six plastic cups with 1/3 cup of water, then add 2 tablespoons of tempera paint into each cup. Mix well with the plastic spoons, then add 2/3 cup of plaster of Paris. Continue stirring until smooth. Pour each mixture into one of the silicone mold cups. Tap the filled mold slightly against a table to remove any trapped air bubbles. Allow the mold to sit for 24 hours, then pop out your homemade pieces of chalk and enjoy. Find all the supplies you need to make homemade chalk at Michaels in Kennesaw.
Flip-flop wreath
A wreath featuring that classic summer icon is fun for a door, fence or kid's room.
What you need
How to make it: Pick out six pairs of colorful flip-flops, which you can find at Hobby Lobby in Dunwoody. Arrange the flip-flops in a circle, overlapping them at the heel ends. This will enable the toe ends to fan out like a flower. Using hot glue, adhere the heel ends together, then allow the hot glue to harden for a few minutes. Attach colorful silk flowers and gemstone stickers to the flip-flops using the hot glue. Once cool, attach the suction cup end of a wreath hanger to the back of one of the flip-flops so you can hang up your new wreath.
Play with ribbon fairy wands
Make magic for your little ones with ribbon fairy wands. They are simple, beautiful and inexpensive to create.
What you need
How to make it: Cut three to five 72-inch pieces of satin ribbon and fold each piece in half. Michaels in Atlanta carries satin ribbon in a multitude of colors. Tie a folded ribbon to the end of a wooden dowel, placing a dollop of hot glue under the knot to secure it in place. Now your kids can play with their fluttering fairy wands.
Spruce up your garden with stepping stones
Give your garden a personal touch with handmade stepping stones from your children.
What you need
- Aluminum pie pan
- Cooking spray
- Oval glass gems
- Seashells
- Bucket
- Stepping stone mix
- Paint stick
How to make it: Spray an aluminum pie pan with cooking spray, which will make the finished stepping stone easy to remove once it's finished. Arrange oval glass gems, seashells or any other decorations in the bottom of the pie pan. In a bucket, prepare the stepping stone mix per the instructions on the box, and stir the mixture with a wooden paint stick until smooth. Pour the mixture into the pie pan, covering the decorative items and filling the pan. Tap the pan gently against a table to remove any trapped air bubbles, then allow the pan to cure and harden for about three days. Remove the stepping stone from the pan and turn it over to reveal the beautiful design. Find everything you need to make your own stepping stone at Hobby Lobby in Austell.
Most kids have to go back to school in just a couple of weeks. Are you ready? Our back-to-school stories will help you and your kids start the new year strong.
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