5 rainy day spring DIY crafts to make with the kids
By Lesley Kennedy
April showers got you and the family stuck inside all afternoon? There are only so many Dora episodes, games of Sorry Spinners and whining fits that we’re just so bored we can take.
It’s time to get crafty. Whether you put Martha Stewart to shame, fear the glue gun or fall somewhere in between, rainy spring days offer the perfect opportunity to try a new DIY project with the kids or grandkids. We found six super rain-themed ideas that are fun for the family — no TV, board games or complaining allowed.
1. Make a rainbow of homemade Play-doh. ArtNest blogger Susannah Kate offers an easy recipe to make your own version of the popular kids’ stuff using food coloring to create Play-doh at home in every hue. Store it in a Ziploc or other airtight container, and if it gets left out and dries up? Just whip up a new batch.
2. Decorate your umbrellas. When we saw this DIY yellow rainbow-dotted umbrella at Happy Together, we actually made a little wish for a rainy day. All you need is a plain umbrella — grab one from your stash or run out and pick up a cheapie from Walmart — some acrylic paint and a round sponge to recreate this colorful customized style. The kids will have fun placing their dots just so, and even more fun getting to show off their masterpieces once the paint dries.
3. Decorate umbrella cookies. Forget that whole adage about lemons and lemonade. We say, when life hands you a thunder storm, make umbrella cookies. We found these darling cookies from the folks at Land O’Lakes (mmm….butter) and can already see the grins on the little one’s faces as they decorate the sweet treats. The coolest part? You don’t even need an umbrella-shaped cookie cutter. Just use a round version and a crinkle cutter to get the scalloped edge. Add a lollipop stick, topped with a bendy straw and go crazy with the icing and candy toppings. Best of all: Your kids (and you!) get to eat your good work. (Find Land O’Lakes coupons here.)
4. Create a cherry blossom “tree.” Martha Stewart‘s tissue cherry-blossom tree is pretty enough to leave up year-round. Just find some fallen branches from the yard (hopefully before it rains, otherwise, you’ll need to let them dry), and attach small squares of pink tissue with glue. A jar makes a perfect vase. See, April showers can bring flowers even before May.
5. Bake rainbow cupcakes. Searching for a way to keep the kids from fighting for at least a good half hour? Baked Bree has this deliciously fun and kid-friendly recipe for whipping up layered rainbow cupcakes in no time. It’s easy, too — a white cake mix from a box, food coloring and icing are pretty much all you need to brighten up that rainy day. (Search grocery coupons here.)
Find free kid crafts coupons and deals here.
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