Easter is almost here, mama. But if you're anything like me, you haven't had time to prepare. Surviving during the coronavirus outbreak with a preschooler and 11-month-old has taken up much of my energy. And since I'm constantly thinking of fun activities to entertain them, I find myself exhausted with the mere thought of having to think of cool Easter crafts—I'm tapped out!
Thankfully, there are tons of Easter crafts that are perfect for the season (and really, any day). So grab some paper, scissors, glue and googly eyes and let your imagination fly.
Here are 10 easy Easter crafts your kids will love making: Speckled egg planters
Bring the outdoors indoors with a fun spring gardening project.
What you'll need:
Eggs Acrylic paint Paint brushes Mini cups (disposable or whatever you use for crafting) Paper towels or newspaper Organic potting soil Spoons and bowls (disposable or whatever you use for crafting) Small fresh potted flowers Empty egg carton to display planters
Instructions:
1. Gently tap the top of each egg against a hard surface until it has started to crack. Carefully remove pieces of shell from the very top of the egg, leaving about three quarters of the remaining shell intact. Pour out the yolks and whites, then wash and fully dry the empty shells.
2. Fill up your mini cups with paint in the colors of your choice.
3. Using a brush, start splattering paint by tapping your paint brush with your index finger. Let the shells dry completely.
Craft from Nellie's free range eggs.Pom pom bunnies
There's nothing sweeter in the spring than fuzzy little animals.
What you'll need:
Scissors Tacky glue Yarn Cotton balls Felt Beads
Instructions:
1. Start by creating a small pom-pom for the head and a large pom-pom for the body. Wrap yarn around the "arms" of your pom pom maker and make sure not to wrap too tightly. The more yarn you use, the thicker and fluffier your bunny will be! For the small pom-pom, we wound the yarn about 15 times. For the large pom-pom, we wound the yarn about 40 times.
2. Cut a 10-inch piece of yarn and tie it in the center. Tie the yarn so it leaves one long tail. Gently remove the yarn from the pom-pom winder.
3. Take scissors and cut the loops to create your pom-pom. Make sure not to cut the long tail on the pom-pom. Repeat steps with the large pom-pom maker to create the bunny's body.
4. Take the two pom-poms and tie the long tails together to create the bunny. Trim off any excess yarn.
5. Decorate your bunny with felt and beads! Make eyes, a nose and a tail, and glue them on the pom-poms.
Craft from Kiwico.
Easter egg suncatcher
Similar to a wind chime, a suncatcher can be hung near windows to "catch" light. Make your own by following these easy steps.
What you'll need:
Clear contact paper 2 sheets of construction paper Tissue paper in various colors 1 sheet white paper 12-inch piece of yarn Glue Scissors Pushpins Foam board
Instructions:
1. You will need a sheet of contact paper that is twice the size of a piece of construction paper. Lay the contact paper, clear side down (do not remove the backing yet!) onto the foam board and tack it in place with pushpins, one in each corner.
2. Draw an egg shape on white paper with a black marker. Slide the egg drawing underneath the contact paper on the left side. Carefully peel the backing off the left side of the contact paper (the sticky side should be facing upward) and fold it over to the right, tacking it under the pushpins on the right to hold it in place.
3. Have children decorate the sticky side of the contact paper with tissue paper, using the egg drawing underneath as a guide.
4. When children are done decorating, peel the backing off the right side of the contact paper and fold it over to the left, sticky side to sticky side. This will sandwich the tissue paper design between the contact paper.
5. Take the egg drawing and cut it out. Use that as a guide to cut egg shapes from the purple construction paper. Stack both sheets of construction paper together and cut around the egg, leaving about a 1-inch border all the way around.
6. Use the egg cut-out to cut the decorated contact paper in the same fashion, only leaving about 1/2-inch border all the way around.
7. Tie your yarn into a loop. Use a glue stick to adhere the egg inside the two construction paper eggs, creating a frame for your suncatcher. Be sure to glue the yarn inside with the contact paper egg.
Craft from Crafts by Amanda.
Crafty cascaróns
Making cascaróns is a great way to gather friends, family, and neighbors together to celebrate Easter and share Latino traditions.
What you'll need:
Newspaper, craft paper, or a plastic tablecloth One dozen eggs (and carton) Easter egg coloring kit or natural dyes Small bowls Vinegar (optional for vibrant colored eggs) Scissors Tissue paper, cut into small squares Glue Paper confetti (you can make DIY confetti by hole-punching construction paper)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the egg decorating work area by covering your table with newspaper, craft paper or a plastic tablecloth. Be sure to have plenty of napkins handy for little decorators to dry their hands on or to clean up any spills.
2. With a spoon, gently tap the top of an egg.
3. Remove the bits of shell, peeling away enough to make a small 1/2-inch hole.
4. Empty the contents of the egg out into a bowl. Thoroughly rinse the egg shell inside and out, shaking out excess water. Let the eggshell air dry upside down in an empty egg carton.
5. Dye the egg shells using an egg coloring kit or natural dyes in individual bowls. Add a splash of vinegar to the dye for vibrant color. Note: Brown eggs produce pretty earthy colors, and usually need to sit in the dye a bit longer.
6. When the egg shells are dry, fill with confetti to the brim. Once filled, apply glue around the outside of the hole and cover with colorful tissue paper. Let sit until completely dry.
7. Find an unsuspecting friend to sneak up on and gently tap your colorful cascarón over their head, then watch the confetti fly!
Craft from Nellie's free range eggs.
Rainbow play dough
Playing with playdough is a classic activity kids love and it's very easy to make.
What you'll need:
1 1/2 cups flour 1 cup salt 1/4 cup cream of tartar 2 cups water 2 tablespoons vegetable oil Food dye Wax paper
Instructions:
1. Mix flour, salt and cream of tartar in a medium saucepan. Add water and oil; mix well. Add 20 drops of desired food color.
2. Cook about 5 minutes on medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture holds together.
3. Remove from heat. Scrape dough onto wax paper to cool. Knead lightly until the dough is smooth.
4. Store in an airtight container. May be kept for 2 to 4 weeks.
Craft from McCormick.
Egg carton floral garland
Spring has sprung and it's the perfect time to add color to your kitchen, living room or your child's bedroom. Use this garland to liven your home.
What you'll need:
Empty egg carton Mod podge Oversized needle Green thread/string Tissue paper (purple, pink and green) Scissors
Instructions:
1. Cut the empty egg carton into individual cups.
2. Cut tissue paper into 3-inch squares.
3. Apply mod podge onto the outside of each egg cup. Place a tissue paper square onto the bottom of the cup, pressing to adhere, and then press onto the sides as well, gathering the paper to fit and forming a crinkled flower. Repeat for as many flowers as desired, and set aside to dry completely.
4. To make the leaves, cut out the flat top of the egg carton lid, recycling the off-cuts.
5. Use mod podge to apply green tissue paper onto the lid and let dry.
6. Once the tissue-covered lid is dry, cut lid into leaf shapes, each about 1-inch long. Once the tissue-covered egg cups are dry, use scissors to trim the excess tissue from the edges.
7. Thread an oversized needle with green thread. Carefully pierce the egg cup as close to the base as possible, and pull the needle all the way through.
8. To add the leaves onto the string, poke two holes into one side, as shown. Then, put the needle through each of the holes.
9. Continue adding flowers and leaves onto the string. Once all flowers have been added, cut contrasting tissue paper centers. Pinch the center of each circle and crumple the excess. Add a dot of mod podge into the center of each flower and attach the new tissue paper center onto each dot. Let dry completely, then hang as desired.
Craft from Nellie's free range eggs.
Easter egg wreath
Wreath making isn't just for the holiday season. This colorful wreath from paper plates is perfect for kids of all ages to create.
What you'll need:
paper plates construction paper Scissors Glue Markers ribbon
Instructions:
1. Cut the middle out of your paper plate. Cut ovals out of construction paper or encourage your child to try cutting the ovals.
2. Decorate the eggs with markers, paint, or stickers. I envisioned polka dots, stripes, and springtime decorations. Instead he made Angry Birds, Tic Tac Toe, and happy face eggs. It's times like these when I remember it's all about the process and creativity and not about the end product.
3. Arrange and glue the eggs onto the paper plate.
4. You can layer the eggs or arrange them onto your wreath in any way you want. You could even add a ribbon to hang it. This craft would also work well with egg shapes cut from craft foam.
Craft from Kiwico.
Yarn pom pom bunny tails
There's no doubt that Bunnies are an important part of Easter. Make your own bunny costume and start with a super cute tail.
What you'll need:
Scissors Yarn Yarn winder
Instructions:
1. Take your scissors and cut a piece of yarn that is about 4 feet-long. This will act as a belt to secure your pom-pom tail. Put it aside.
2. Hold the pom-pom winder in one hand. Using your dominant hand, start winding the yarn from the skein around and around. Don't wrap it too tightly or it may be difficult to remove from the winder. Keep winding. One full yarn skein will create a big fluffy pom-pom tail.
3. When you are done winding, take the 4 feet-long piece of yarn and tie it around the middle of the looped yarn between the arms of the pom-pom winder. The long string of yarn will act as a belt so make sure to secure the bunny tail in the center. Tie it twice to make sure it is extra secure.
4. Pull the yarn off the pom-pom winder. Take the scissors and cut both ends of the looped yarn. Adult assistance may be required! As you do this, make sure not to cut the piece of yarn that was used to tie the middle. Once the loops are cut, you will have your pom-pom tail.
5. Take the long string and tie it around your waist to secure the tail in place. Now get hopping!
Craft from Kiwico.
Homemade Easter marshmallows
Forget store-bought treats and create your own Easter marshmallows.
What you'll need:
2 cups granulated sugar 1 cup cold water, divided 1/2 cup light corn syrup 2 envelopes (1/4 ounce each) unflavored gelatin 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 cup granulated sugar
Instructions:
1. For the colored sugar, place sugar in a large resealable plastic bag. Select your desired Marshmallow variation in the tips section below and add the designated amount of food color with the sugar. Seal bag and knead gently until color is evenly distributed. Spread colored sugar in a thin layer on a large rimmed baking sheet and break up any large lumps. Allow to dry thoroughly, about 15 to 20 minutes. Sift or press through sieve, if needed. Spray a 13x9 baking dish with no stick cooking spray then coat with some of the colored sugar. Set aside.
2. For the marshmallows, microwave 1/2 cup of the water, sugar and corn syrup in a medium microwavable bowl on high for seven minutes. Stir to dissolve sugar. Microwave on high for five more minutes. Carefully remove the hot bowl from the microwave.
3. Place remaining 1/2 cup water in a large mixer bowl. Sprinkle with gelatin. Let stand 5 minutes. Gradually beat in hot syrup mixture with whisk attachment on medium-low speed. Beat 8 minutes. Increase speed to medium-high. Beat 10 to 12 minutes longer or until mixture is fluffy, shiny and at least tripled in volume. Beat in vanilla.
4. Spread marshmallow mixture in prepared dish. Smooth top with a spatula. Sprinkle some more of the colored sugar on top to coat. Let stand at room temperature overnight or refrigerate at least three hours. Reserve remaining colored sugar in a large resealable plastic bag or airtight container.
5. Cut marshmallows with 1 to 2-inch cookie cutters. Add marshmallows in batches to reserved colored sugar in the bag; toss to coat well. Shake off excess. Store marshmallows in an airtight container at room temperature up to three days.
Marshmallow color variations:
Pink Marshmallows: Add 10 drops pink color with the sugar. Purple Marshmallows: Add 5 drops purple color and 8 drops blue color with the sugar. Blue Marshmallows: Add 15 drops blue color with the sugar.
Craft from McCormick.
DIY scented rainbow bubbles
What's better than bubbles? Rainbow-colored bubbles scented with essential oils. Have fun experimenting with colors, smells and bubble recipes at home.
What you'll need:
Empty egg cartons Unscented dish soap Glycerin Essential oils Food coloring Bottles or jars (with lids) Scissors Wire and/or pipe cleaners Wire cutters
Instructions:
1. Open up the empty egg carton and cut along each hinge so that you have three pieces. The two egg-compartment pieces will be used for holding bubbles, while the flat lid piece can be recycled, set aside for another craft.
2. In a pitcher, mix together 6 cups of water, 1 cup of unscented dish soap, and 1 tablespoon of glycerin. Use a large spoon or whisk to stir the solution until well combined.
3. Pour the solution into eight jars or bottles, one for each color of the rainbow.
4. Add a drop of food coloring into each jar. Once the colors are mixed, add a drop or two of essential oil to each color and stir to combine.
5. Have fun forming the wire into loopy shapes, making sure that they either fit into the openings on your jars or are the size of one egg compartment. Use tape to secure the handles if necessary, or simply twist the wire together. Pipe cleaners work in a similar way and are a great option for younger kids. Once shaped, your bubble blowers are ready to use, but you can choose to give them a quick coat of spray paint if desired.
6. To set up your rainbow bubble station, pour the colored bubbles into the egg compartments. Dip your DIY bubble wands into each solution, gently blow and watch the bubbles take shape!
Craft from Nellie's free range eggs.
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