[ClutterFree]

My kids absolutely love to craft. We try to do something crafty every day and then each week we have one day that we will really do a nice project that takes a little more time than any other day. I'm needing knew ideas and can't seem to find anything that all of my kids can enjoy together. I have ages 2-8 years. Anyone have any ideas on how to find crafts that require the same supplies but maybe have a different end result?

[Christine54]

We do a couple different things with colored sand. We do sand pictures with some construction paper, glue and of course the sand. And then, a family favorite, we do sand bottles. This one can be a little tricky, but the results are pretty cool and the kids love doing it.

Then of course there the paints. We of course have the kid's easel if they want to just use a brush, but we also do sponge art, and the marble art.

[alygirl]

Try crayola.com they have lots of easy and inexspensive crafts. A lot of th eprojects can be printed offline and I am sure you can find some that would take the same materials.

[newmommy]

My child is not quite old enough for crafts yet but I used to teach pre-k and there are lots of great sites on the web with good ideas. Try about.com and type in kids crafts. The site will break it down by type of craft and age group and give you lots of web pages to check out.

[craftykris]

How about checking out the craft stores like Michaels or JoAnn's. I know that Michaels actually has days set up for kids to work on a craft in store and it's free. How fun would that be. Sign up your kids online, then the store sends reminders of when the events take place.

Also there are a lot of craft books for kids at these stores or even try the local library. You can take out a book and then do similar crafts.

Happy crafting!

[Home_Maker]

I loved crafts as a kid and still do. I use to do a lot of coloring in and painting as a child. It's probably one of the cheapest activities a kid can take part in and helps them with their creative side.

[Emmalou]

How about homemade clay? My kids love to make it and decorate their creations.

I found this recipe on Family Fun, Games, Activities & Craft Ideas for Kids & Holiday Printables - FamilyEducation.com

Modeling Clay

Materials

* 2 cups salt
* 2/3 cups water
* Saucepan
* 1 cup cornstarch
* 1/2 cup cold water

Directions

1. Stir salt and water in a saucepan over heat 4-5 minutes.
2. Remove from heat; add cornstarch and cold water.
3. Stir until smooth; return to heat and cook until thick.
4. Allow the clay to cool, then shape as desired.
5. When dry, decorate with paint, markers, glitter, and so on.
6. If you like, finish with clear acrylic spray or clear nail polish.
7. Store unused clay in a Ziploc bag.

I have never tried this recipe. We use a similar one, but of course I can not find it right now. Check out that website though--there is tons of ideas for kids and crafts.

[Copacetic]

Great topic ladies. EmmaLou that post is very informative I'm sure we can all appreciate posts like yours!

I enjoy crayola.com myself as well!

[ClutterFree]

Thank you all for the great suggestions. I love trying new things with the kids and they love most any crafts. I've never used crayola.com so I really need to go there!

[Homebody]

Michael's was the place to be when it came to this kind of stuff for my boyfriend's six little cousins who I sometimes helped watch. One of their favorite ones that I remember was when I bought wooden letters (the first letter of each of their names) and gave them all paint for one day, then let them dry for a night, and then glue and feathers, googly eyes, pipe cleaners, glitter, etc. to finish decorating the next day. They all have their letters in their rooms now!