5 Up-cycled Crafts to do with Your Kids

Going crazy at home? Trying to keep your kids occupied while making sure they don’t interact with other people? Yeah that’s fun….said no parent ever! While you’re self isolating thanks to COVID-19, don’t worry, you won’t even have to leave the house. Get your kids to dig out all their paints, pens glues etc while you pillage the recycle bin.

Toilet Rolls

Let’s begin small and simple. The humble toilet roll.

Egg Cartons

Plastic Bottle

Box Fort

Photo by Eileen lamb on Pexels.com

If you were a child of the 80s like me, chances are you spent some time in a box fort. I once one a prize at a Christmas party for going at a giant Christmas present. It was a washing machine box that had been a box fort that was converted into a giant present. Thanks Mom.

The box fort is versatile, easy to fold down and put away and you can go as simple or as complex as you like. Forts, rockets, spaceships, boats, cars, the possibilities are endless and the kids can draw all over it, inside and out. You’re welcome!

 

Tin Can Stilts This is a good one if you have some outdoor space. Simple get a couple of cans (bigger is better for stability), Roma Tomato cans or coffee cans can work. You know how much your kids weigh and if its safe, so use your judgement.

 I’m not a parenting expert, I’m simply recalling toys I made as a kid. Completely remove the lid if it’s still attached and using a piece of sand paper or wire wool, carefully buff away any sharp edges. 

Turn the cans upside down and pierce each one with something sharp. A bottle opener or screwdriver will do the trick. Now you need to attach the rope. If you’re short on rope, I seem to remember us having used spare bootlaces.

Thread them though and tie in a large knot on the inside. You can also anchor them in with a peg or button in the inside. It stops the string popping out. If you really can’t find rope, try platting plastic bags. This is a fun way for the kits to take part.

Once everything is secured they can be decorated or left plain, but they’re ready to go!

Photo courtesy of Pinterest