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7 Family Friendly Summer Projects

I don’t know about you, but it’s been less than a full week of summer vacation and my kids are already driving me crazy, looking for things to do. This afternoon they spent an hour on the back patio making paper mache pinatas. Now, lest you think I’m one of those with-it moms who encourages her kids to do messy art projects with creative abandon, I must admit that this came about under duress. Hence the back patio. And the mess that is still out there, long after the kids got bored with that project.

No, this is not a post about how to make a paper mache pinata. This afternoon proved that I’m not qualified to teach you that. This is a post about the things I do know how to do, and that I think your kids would enjoy if you’re looking for creative ways to answer that question: “Mom, what is there to do? I’m bored.”

Looking for something to do this summer?Some are artistic, some are organizational, and one may even get your kids to help more around the house. So check them out (click on the title or the pictures to get more details), and then see my list of resources at the end.

Headband OrganizerHeadband Organizer

This is by far the simplest project, but it just may save your sanity if headbands are threatening to take over your house like they were at ours. The headbands make their own fun and colorful decoration in this cute and simple organizer.

3 Ways to Decorate with Mason JarsMason Jar Flowers

This post originally ran near Christmastime, but you can update it for summer by changing out the style of craft paper and the type of flowers you arrange in the mason jars.

Personalized Hair Clip HangerCute Hair Clip Holder

My kids loved helping paint their own hair clip organizers. Then they had a great time arranging the clips just the way they wanted them on the ribbons. This project held their attention for quite a while!

DIY Woven PaintingHow to make your own painting

This one probably requires a decent amount of parental supervision, but in the end you have an actual piece of art. Also, I would recommend doing it on a smaller scale than I did, if you’re including small children in the fun.

Chore JarsAllowance System

Shhhh, this one’s really for the moms. The kids love coming up with ideas, but you’re the real winner here when they pick their own chores and do them! Enjoy…

Craft Paint OrganizerFinished Paint Caddy

I originally did this project for myself, but my kids stole the finished product! So I thought it would be a fun one for kids to design their own paint caddies. This project also requires some parental supervision, at least with the power tools!

Magnetic Photo CornersTools for Magnetic Photo Corners

My kids love to see their artwork, awards, and invitations on the fridge. If you let them make and use these easy photo corners, they can arrange the fridge masterpieces themselves.

Here is a one-stop shop (affiliate link) for some of the supplies that may not be readily available at your hobby or hardware stores.


I hope you have a great time with these projects, and let me know if you have a hard time finding any of the supplies.

I always love to hear from you! Leave me a comment below…

Theresa

Thursday 15th of September 2016

Where did you find that headband organizer? I looked on Amazon, but I must be looking under the wrong title. Thanks for the awesome suggestions!!

Meredith

Saturday 17th of September 2016

Thanks Theresa! It's been quite a while since I've seen that organizer on Amazon (or anywhere else for that matter). It may not be available anymore. I just checked the link and it says it's out of stock. I'm so sorry! Maybe you could find a different type of craft storage and repurpose it?

Natasha In Oz

Thursday 19th of June 2014

There's lots of great ideas here. I've just pinned your post!

Thanks for sharing at the Say G'day Saturday linky party. Hope you can join us again this weekend.

Best wishes, Natasha in Oz

Meredith

Friday 20th of June 2014

Thanks Natasha! I'm already looking forward to this weekend's party!

Tammy

Monday 9th of June 2014

I love the woven panel. Will have to try that. Thanks for linking up to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party. I've pinned your post to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Board

Meredith

Tuesday 10th of June 2014

Thank you Tammy! I love your Bloggers Brags party!

Michele Harvey

Friday 6th of June 2014

Your craft ideas are creative and fabulous. I used to do a lot more crafts with my children when they were small. On my own, I have the illusion when I see crafts, that I'd like to do them but in fact, I don't work much with my hands. Once I get started, the allure wears off quickly.

Meredith

Saturday 7th of June 2014

Thank you Michele! My kids give me a great excuse to get my hands dirty. :)

Moxie'sGroovyMom

Thursday 5th of June 2014

love all of these. I'm not too crafty, so the last one will be best for me

Meredith

Thursday 5th of June 2014

That's a good one. It's more about organizing than crafting, and requires very few supplies (and skill). Thanks for stopping by!

ABOUT MEREDITH


Creating a color-filled life. Conquering my little world one DIY project at a time. With lots of coffee and chocolate. Albuquerque NM. Pinterest ~ Instagram ~ Facebook