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.”
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 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 Jars
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 Hanger
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 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 Jars
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 Organizer
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 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…
Anita says
That first photo looks like a perfect cover for a book. Hint, hint!
Meredith says
I thought I’d dip my toe in the waters this way, and see if I like it. See, sometimes I do listen to your advice!
Doreen Pendgracs says
Hi Meredith: Such creative ideas! My husband’s daughter is like you, in that she really finds creative ways to dress things up and make things look approachable (as in your job jars.) Very cool!
Meredith says
Thanks Doreen! It’s fun to spice things up with a little creativity and beauty. Thanks for stopping by…
Paul Graham says
Hi Meredith. I like the idea of attaching some creativity into helping kids stay organized in order that they learn to associate the two ( with my son the garage was the key). These all look Family Friendly indeed
Meredith says
Thanks Paul. in my mind, organization and creativity go hand in hand. Without one, the other always seems to suffer. I never consciously thought about passing this idea down to my kids, but I guess that’s what’s happening. Not such a bad thing. 🙂
normaleverydaylife says
I was so excited when I read your first sentence, until I got to the looking for things to do part. I thought, oh, yes! I’m not the only mother who is already exhausted and crazy with nine more weeks to go! 🙂 Your ideas are good though and maybe they’ll help me make it a few more hours! 🙂
Meredith says
I hope so! I love my kids and always look forward to summer, but sometimes all the together-ness gets to be a bit much, right? Doing projects together makes me feel better about it. Sometimes. 🙂
kindazennish says
My kids have a couple of days left of school, so I haven’t quite gotten to the I’m bored part yet. I give it a week.
I love these ideas, especially the woven painting and the mason jar candles in the link. That one I think would make a neat gift, I may make myself some!
Meredith says
Yep, a week sounds about right! 🙂 I’d love to hear if you try some of the projects. (The mason jar with candles is pretty easy.)
Max's Midway Marketplace says
Hi; when i was a kid we never wanted to complain to my grandmother that we didn’t have anything to do. telling her would result in being drafted for chores. and since it was the summer these would be things like scrubbing canvas balley clothes, washing cotton candy pans or snow cone syrup jugs, sticking apples for dipping, wrapping change, tearing up old ride tickets, etc. i remember the mason jar and paint caddie posts. and its good that you managed to combine fun projects with cleaning up your clutter. great job, max
Meredith says
Hi Max, your chores sound a lot more interesting than my chores! I’m sure there was never any shortage of work to go around. But I guess in the end, chores are just chores, and never very much fun. But it’s character building, right? And what kind of people would we all be if we grew up not doing chores! At least, that’s what I tell myself, and my kids…
Jeri Walker-Bickett (@JeriWB) says
I did something similar to your chore jar for my classroom, but I put students’ names on the sticks instead. It was a more diplomatic approach to encourage participation from students less likely to do so.
Meredith says
That’s a great idea! So, when you have a job that you need someone to do, you just randomly pull their name out of the jar? Maybe I’ll try that too.
Pure Grace Farms says
Great projects! Thanks for sharing.
Meredith says
Thank you! Hope it’s helpful…
A.K.Andrew @artyyah says
Fantastic projects Meredith. I love crafty things and especially when they are useful/ Thanks so much
Meredith says
Thanks A.K! No reason things can’t be useful and pretty, at the same time, right?
Arleen says
I passed your blog to my daughter for her children. There is nothing like being creative and using your hands.
Meredith says
Thanks Arleen! I hope it’s helpful to her.
lenie5860 says
Never mind the kids – I’m going to have my husband build the headband organizer and I’m going to make the personalized hair clip hanger. I have a seven year old granddaughter who is real ‘girly’ and she would love both of those so there’s one knocked off the Christmas gift list. Thanks Meredith.
Meredith says
Lenie, that makes me so happy! I never thought of making the headband holder, but it would be super easy, with just a few tools. Good job getting a head start on your Christmas list!
Tim says
I do not have a lot of children in my life but the ones that are seem to e completely occupied by the computer. Playing games, being creative electronically with music and sketching etc. How do you even tear yours away from that to make these items? Just curious.
Meredith says
Good question Tim. I enforce a time limit on the TV and computer, which is never popular (lots of groaning and complaining) but it’s easier to tear them away if I can offer them something else creative to do. Although I do make exceptions if they are being creative on the computer, as you say. I think all creativity is valuable, as long as they are actually using their own creativity and not just dragging and dropping from a computer program. Just my two cents…
Mina Joshi (@GiveMeSomeSpice) says
Some very good suggestions here. My kids used to love helping in the kitchen too and playing with the dough whilst I was cooking.
Meredith says
Thank you Mina! I’ve been trying to cook more with my kids too. It’s such a good learning experience for them, but it sure takes more patience on my part! 🙂
jankedonna says
I like the magnetic photo corners. Cute idea.
Meredith says
Thanks Donna! I’ve been using that one a lot lately.
William Butler says
Hi Meredith,
I enjoy seeing how your natural creativity spills over into giving your children something to do to stave off boredom. These family friendly summer projects will certainly keep them busy, especially the chores. Clever! Have a great week!
Bill
Meredith says
Thanks Bill! I’m pretty passionate about encouraging their creativity, as I see it becoming less and less valuable in their school setting. Summer is a great time for catching up on projects.
Crystal Ross says
The chore sticks are An awesome idea. You could almost use that idea to make a game. Great ideas! Very creative! 🙂
Meredith says
Thanks Crystal, that’s a great idea! I’ll have to give it some thought…
jacquiegum says
Seriously…how cool are those chore sticks!!!! I do love all of these and especially love the correlation between the organized and creative. And I agree with the first comment. That’s one heck of a beautiful and appealing book cover. Hope you do that some day Meredith. You are so talented!
Meredith says
Thanks Jacquie! That first comment is from my mom, who’s been encouraging me to do a book. It’s such a daunting prospect, so thanks for the encouragement!
aspectsgalore says
What fun ideas, Meredith. Even though my kids are now adults, this has given me a few ideas on how I can organize some of my “stuff”. Roll on Sunday – when I can make the time to do it.
Meredith says
Yay for Sundays! Have fun organizing, and thanks for stopping by!
xaralouise says
I’ve got two boys, so some of this isn’t quite in their “realm” but in the next 6 weeks, that creative list IS going to be written! Oh boy… 🙂
Meredith says
Yes, I guess boys probably wouldn’t be as thrilled with the headband holders, etc. 🙂 Oh, well, maybe it’ll at least help you get your creative juices flowing…
Susan Cooper/findingourwaynow.com says
I do love projects like these. I still have some in my “to do” pile from your previous posts … :D. The woven painting looks like something I could really get into. 🙂
Meredith says
Thanks Susan! The woven painting was one of my favorite projects. It was a lot of fun to make.
treanah says
Stopping over from Merry Monday’s link party! Thanks for sharing with us. Love these kiddo ideas LIKE WOAH!
Meredith says
Thanks for stopping by!
Rena McDaniel-The Diary of an Alzheimer's Caregiver says
Meredith you must be peeking in my windows! I have my great niece for the summer and boy did I need ideas! Its the first summer since I’ve had mom and we can’t run like we used to. Thank you so much I’m pinning them all!
Meredith says
Wow, Rena, you have your hands full! Hope this helps you keep everyone happy, at least for a couple of afternoons. Pinterest is a great way to come up with fun craft ideas.
Jeannette Paladino says
You’re assuming that everyone is as creative as you are. Your children are lucky!
Meredith says
I figure not everyone is going to be into creative projects, but for those who are, this gives them a few options. My kids love to create, so it’s a challenge to find them projects to work on (that don’t destroy my house in the process!).
Duke Stewart says
Wow, this was really cool. I’ll definitely be passing these ideas on to my friends with kids. Or I can just use them around MY house.
Meredith says
Thanks! You never know when you’ll need a great holder for all your fancy headbands! 🙂
Home Jobs by MOM (@HomeJobsbyMOM) says
Love the chore jar. I have a chore bowl. It’s a win for mommy!
Meredith says
Yep, whatever works to get the kids helping out, right?
tuhinmech says
Good creative kids…and with guidance from you,they are sure to become more creative in the years to come…
Meredith says
Thanks, that’s my hope!
jbutler1914 says
Those are some great projects. You make me almost want to start a family.
Meredith says
Haha! I’m not sure I’d go that far…it may be easier (and cheaper) just to do a few projects yourself! 🙂
Laurie S Hurley says
You are so dang talented. I you know from past comments I have left on your blog that I am so far from a DIY person it’s not even funny. So living vicariously through reading about your creative projects is always enjoyable. So glad you joined our group.
Meredith says
Thank you Laurie! I’m glad it’s fun to read them, even if you don’t plan on doing any of them. Kind of like window shopping. 🙂
Moxie'sGroovyMom says
love all of these. I’m not too crafty, so the last one will be best for me
Meredith says
That’s a good one. It’s more about organizing than crafting, and requires very few supplies (and skill). Thanks for stopping by!
Michele Harvey says
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 says
Thank you Michele! My kids give me a great excuse to get my hands dirty. 🙂
Tammy says
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 says
Thank you Tammy! I love your Bloggers Brags party!
Natasha In Oz says
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 says
Thanks Natasha! I’m already looking forward to this weekend’s party!
Theresa says
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 says
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?