Believe it or not, I’m at a loss when it comes to kid crafts. Yes. I’m an event planner, which calls for a lot of imagination and creativity. I know my way around a pair of scissors and a glue stick. A washi tape wizard if you will. But when I open my tykes’ art supply bins, it’s like staring into a googly-eyed, construction paper abyss.

Needless to say kid crafting books and DIY sites are my saving grace. I crack a craft book open and the wheels start turning. I scroll through a DIY site and ideas come together. Coffee filters and paper towels magically turn into jellyfish with the help of watercolor paints. I know what can be substituted as I read through the materials list. Somedays it’s cotton balls instead of pompoms. But an entire hour blissfully passes by without us realizing it.

Figuring I wasn’t the only one who sweats bullets when a mini wishes to do a project or a frightful storm is passing by too slowly and we need to do something, I gathered a few favorite kid-focused craft books and DIY sites to share.

Top, Site: Little Inspirations // Bottom, Site: Eat Drink Chic* // Book: Craft-a-Day: 365 Simple Handmade Projects, by Sarah Goldschadt

Due to space and time – so many options out there! – these are just a handful but you can find others on my Home: Kiddo Crafts & Ideas Board on Pinterest. It includes links for all the books in this post along with others that have helped me entertain my boys. Be sure to follow the board if you’re on Pinterest since I’ll add more ideas over time. While this is ideal for curing winter cabin fever, it’s also perfect for summer days when you’re looking for ways to lay low on really hot days.

Top, Book: You Are Awesome: 21 Crafts to Make You Happy, by Abbey Hendrickson* // Bottom, Site: Krafty Kath // Site: Pars Caeli

As a FYI: the teen-related resources have asterisks by them on this post. While the youngers might be able to do a project or two from them, these are geared more toward the olders and filled with trendier projects. If you’re unsure about a resource being age appropriate, scroll through the site or flip through the book with your teen. The sites and books noted are NOT specifically made for teens, so there might be drink stirrer or whatnot. If that’s the case, maybe said stirrer can be created to make an afternoon hot cocoa treat a little more exciting and memorable. Just throwing an idea out there; do what you will with it.

Top, Site: P.S. I Made This…* // Bottom, Book: I Love Dirt!: 52 Activities to Help You and Your Kids Discover the Wonders of Nature, by Jennifer Ward

Last, but certainly not least: here in the US, I know this has been an insanely long winter especially for those in certain regions. I realize some of these ideas may not make you melt with excitement. I totally get it. There are only so many cancelled school days filled with macaroni necklaces and paper plate tambourines with dried beans you should be allowed in one month, let alone three. I tip my hat to each of you and hope some warmer weather heads your way soon.

Are there any sites or books you like to use for kid or teen projects? Or sites you use for inspiration? Let me know below! I’d love to check them out and add them to my Pinterest board. My only request is the projects are “doable within reason” by tykes, kids or teens.

Come hang out with this lil’ bird!
like sparrow | tweet with sparrow | sparrow’s pins | sparrow’s snaps