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Low-Mess Crafts for Kids: 72 Projects to Create Your Own Magical Worlds
Messy crafts have met their match with these 72 creations that keep out the clutter and mess but pack in the fun and creativity
When craft time rolls around, parents usually cringe at the thought of a creativity storm’s aftermath. Glue, glitter, globs of paint―it all adds up to Mom and Dad assisting (let’s be honest, doing everything) with cleanup. But Debbie Chapman―the supermom behind One Little Project ―keeps that freshly cleaned kitchen table in mind with tips to keep these tutorials as mess-free as possible. With tricks like twisting pipe cleaners into fun shapes to avoid glue and using brightly colored cups and patterned paper to avoid paint, Debbie shows that keeping it simple doesn’t mean play time has to be less fun.
Low-Mess Crafts for Kids brings parents and caretakers solutions to the craft time conundrum. As well as being low-mess, all 72 of these awesome projects feature everyday items like pipe cleaners, pom poms and clothespins, which make playtime a cinch. And with step-by-step pictures, kids of any age can create something they can be proud of.
Watch as little ones create their own enchanting worlds―whether they want to explore outer space with a Paper Plate Flying Saucer, race cars on a Poster Board Road Track, or create a whimsical fairy city with Paper Roll Fairy Houses, each craft promises to spark your child’s imagination while leaving you stress free and ready to play along.
When craft time rolls around, parents usually cringe at the thought of a creativity storm’s aftermath. Glue, glitter, globs of paint―it all adds up to Mom and Dad assisting (let’s be honest, doing everything) with cleanup. But Debbie Chapman―the supermom behind One Little Project ―keeps that freshly cleaned kitchen table in mind with tips to keep these tutorials as mess-free as possible. With tricks like twisting pipe cleaners into fun shapes to avoid glue and using brightly colored cups and patterned paper to avoid paint, Debbie shows that keeping it simple doesn’t mean play time has to be less fun.
Low-Mess Crafts for Kids brings parents and caretakers solutions to the craft time conundrum. As well as being low-mess, all 72 of these awesome projects feature everyday items like pipe cleaners, pom poms and clothespins, which make playtime a cinch. And with step-by-step pictures, kids of any age can create something they can be proud of.
Watch as little ones create their own enchanting worlds―whether they want to explore outer space with a Paper Plate Flying Saucer, race cars on a Poster Board Road Track, or create a whimsical fairy city with Paper Roll Fairy Houses, each craft promises to spark your child’s imagination while leaving you stress free and ready to play along.
- GenresCraftsNonfictionAdult
192 pages, Paperback
Published June 26, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 30, 2019
Wide range of skill levels. I was looking for ideas for our library story time, and it had several that will work for toddlers. Also picked up some tricks for speedy construction like glue dot rollers used in scrapbooking.
January 22, 2019
This book is organized into nine child-friendly and engaging themes:
--My Secret Garden
--Under the Sea
--Summer at the Beach
--Animals at the Zoo
--Little Monsters Puppet Show
--On the Road
--Exploring Outer Space
--Let's Go Camping – My favorite
--Fairy Tale Dress Up
The introduction is about 'Building Up Your Craft Stash'. The author encourages the use of recyclable materials whenever possible.
*Safety Note: I personally have a safety concern re glue guns for children. The author mentions low-temperature glue guns for independent use by children because they aren't as hot as regular glue guns. However, I have burned my fingers many times by touching the hot glue or glue gun inadvertently. I don't recommend allowing kids as young as age three to use guns as the author does. I'd advise they wait until a child is at least eight years old or so. Adults supervising these activities will obviously have to make their own decisions about this issue.
Each chapter features a 'Low-Mess Tip' before the projects are presented. Tips include: 'Keep It Simple', 'Organize Your Craft Supplies', 'Use Washable Art Supplies', etc.
Each project includes a level of difficulty rated on a scale of 1 to 5. and then states: Parental Supervision is Required/or Not Required. The author offers a couple of suggestions to make project less messy and/or less expensive. For example--Use colored paper instead of painting a cardboard tube to make your project.
Materials and tools are listed in a color-coded box at the top of the instructions list for each project.
Each project includes good stepped-out instructions with photos.
*My favorite projects in this book include:
--Clothespin Shark {opens and closes shark's mouth when child squeezes and releases a spring-loaded clothespin}. Kids will love this project!
--Coral Reef with DIY Crystals: Uses popular science experiment with borax in water to grow crystals on pipe cleaner coral plants. An amazing way to use science to create art.
--The entire set of 'Little Monsters Puppet Show' projects are awesome. Projects include hand puppets made using socks, rubber gloves, soft gloves, pipe cleaners, beads on string – very appealing to youngsters!
--Tissue Box Fire Truck: What child does not like making something they can push around on the floor or on a table/bookshelf/bed, etc.? This project exhibited an excellent use of recycled materials to make a fun plaything. Will be a big hit with girls and boys alike.
*My favorite chapter: 'Let's Go Camping'. Fun play set to make includes trees, tents, snakes, campfire, people, ladybug, frog, and my favorite project in the entire book—a craft stick {I still call them popsicle sticks!} picnic table!
The back matter includes a list of supplies for each chapter along with a detailed index.
Highly-recommended for teachers, librarians, youth group/scout leaders, child care providers, parents/grandparents, and teens who want to work with younger children to make projects kids will enjoy making and playing with for hours on end!
I borrowed this book from the non-fiction section of the new book shelf in the children's section of the local public library.
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November 17, 2018
I tutor and supervise kids from age 6-11 at an after-school homework club, and on days when they finish their homework early, I like to make simple craft activity available for them. And since it's just me with anywhere from 3-9 kids, I like to keep it non-messy!
This book is full of cute and colorful ideas with inexpensive, readily available craft items, many of which you would already have around your home. Pipe cleaners, Popsicle sticks, construction paper, beads, straws, tape, tissue paper, googly eyes, pompoms, yarn, markers, and a glue gun are all you need for most of these, though I will need to invest in a low temperature glue gun. I have the coupon app for both Michael's and JoAnn's craft stores, and I frequently pick up items when they're on sale.
The activities are organized by chapter with themes, such as My Secret Garden, Under the Sea, Summer at the Beach, and others so that you can make numerous crafts around a single theme. Each activity includes a list of materials required and step-by-step instructions and photos. Some of the activities are achievable by the youngest kids, though might be a bit boring for the older kids.
I'm sure I'll be referring to this book frequently as I try to make homework club a fun and educational time for the local kids.
This book is full of cute and colorful ideas with inexpensive, readily available craft items, many of which you would already have around your home. Pipe cleaners, Popsicle sticks, construction paper, beads, straws, tape, tissue paper, googly eyes, pompoms, yarn, markers, and a glue gun are all you need for most of these, though I will need to invest in a low temperature glue gun. I have the coupon app for both Michael's and JoAnn's craft stores, and I frequently pick up items when they're on sale.
The activities are organized by chapter with themes, such as My Secret Garden, Under the Sea, Summer at the Beach, and others so that you can make numerous crafts around a single theme. Each activity includes a list of materials required and step-by-step instructions and photos. Some of the activities are achievable by the youngest kids, though might be a bit boring for the older kids.
I'm sure I'll be referring to this book frequently as I try to make homework club a fun and educational time for the local kids.
April 4, 2019
I'll admit that I never use books for art program inspiration. I typically make something up or Google the project. But I found this book through the Beaded Pipe Cleaner People tutorial that inspired one of my most recent art program, and I had to give it a try.
This book is bright, happy, and full of inspiration. If you do children's projects a lot, there are bound to be many you've seen before, but it includes a clear written and pictorial instruction that help your project come to life. This book included some new ways of doing projects I've tried before. And I definitely see the Dancing Ostrich Marionette in my future.
This book is bright, happy, and full of inspiration. If you do children's projects a lot, there are bound to be many you've seen before, but it includes a clear written and pictorial instruction that help your project come to life. This book included some new ways of doing projects I've tried before. And I definitely see the Dancing Ostrich Marionette in my future.
April 3, 2020
This wonderful little book is currently at “lockdown” favorite. My littles love it. Great selection of easy-to-make crafts (I have a 4 and 5 year old, so they do need some assistance), that truly are low mess. Most of the items are things I’ve been able to make with supplies we have around the house already.
January 7, 2020
This was a fun book! My kids loved browsing it too and chose which activities we'd try next. Pinterest can be overwhelming sometimes, so it was a nice departure from my go-to resource for activities.
July 31, 2021
This book holds a ton of craft projects with elementary-aged children. It also gave me so many ideas for DIY displays in the library, like tissue paper campfires, plastic cup whales, and sparkling pipe cleaner crowns. I will definitely revisit this soon!
June 26, 2018
Brilliant! Love it!
Great easy ideas! Would be good to have had a page of all the photos of crafts to make easier to decide what to make! But very very happy with my purchase :-)
Great easy ideas! Would be good to have had a page of all the photos of crafts to make easier to decide what to make! But very very happy with my purchase :-)
June 5, 2019
Brilliant title! I made the fairy & the snake first & liked them a lot.
June 25, 2019
Super cute craft book for kids. Many of the projects require adult help, but so worth it. I have used several of the crafts with kids in the library.
January 1, 2020
Great ideas
January 23, 2021
The best book ever!
March 7, 2022
love!
May 18, 2023
Easy, clever ideas...eager to try several!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews