Contact Paper Dolls

Contact paper makes for the perfect interactive paper doll.  The connection we share starts with an outline of a person from the shoulders up and supplies yarn, pompoms and other bits and bobbles for kids to dress up and create their own portrait.

Good for ages 4 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://blog.theconnectionweshare.com/craft-activities-ideas-for-kids/sticky-face-contact-paper-crafts/

Wooden Bead Bracelets

Wood beads and nylon rope make a simple jewelry project for preschoolers to practice their fine motor skills.  Panda hall shares all of the details including the trick for how to keep all of the beads from falling off.

Good for ages 3 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://lc.pandahall.com/articles/2041-tutorial-on-making-rainbow-wooden-bead-bracelet-with-simple-knots.html

Another version with other types of beads.

Another version with colorful beads.

Shell Bird Mobiles

White shells make the bodies for this cute bird mobile from parenting.  They add on scrapbooking paper feathers and leaves and twigs for the wings and legs. 

Good for ages 12 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.parenting.com/gallery/bird-mobile-easy-spring-crafts-kids

Beaded Pipe Cleaner Fish

A pipe cleaner is bent into a simple fish shape for this craft that helps the preschool set practice fine motor skills as they string on the beads.  Find all of the details at it happens in a blink.

Good for ages 3 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://ithappensinablink.com/2014/05/pony-bead-fish.html

Panda hall uses more beads and jewelry wire.

Get the instructions here:
http://lc.pandahall.com/articles/2373-diy-kids-crafts-instructions-on-making-marine-style-beaded-fish-for-kids.html

Shadow Box Banks

A shadow box becomes a bank with this tutorial from a moms take.  The project involves printing and tools.

Good for ages 15 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.amomstake.com/2014/07/diy-shadow-box-bank-tutorial/

Fingerprint Train Painting

Fingerprints are laid out in a row and turned into a train with craftoart. 

Good for ages 4 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.craftoart.com/2011/10/thumbprintfingerprint-freight-train.html

Splattered Paint Vase

Kids will have fun flinging paint at a clear glass vase to make it more artful with madigan made.

Good for ages 8 and up.

Get the instructions here:

http://www.madiganmade.com/2012/11/diy-splatter-painted-glass-vases.html

Everyday dishes uses clay terra cotta pots.

Get the instructions here:
http://everydaydishes.com/creative-crafts/splatter-paint-pots/