Crafty kids: 8 boredom-busting projects
By: Amanda Fornecker
With summer quickly approaching and the last bell about to ring, you’ll want to keep your kids occupied outdoors or on those rainy summer days where hanging by the pool just isn’t an option. We’ve come up 
with a list of eight fun projects for your crafty kids. Check ‘em out below!
The young fashionista
Let your young fashionista jazz up her wardrobe this summer with IToys Girl Zone Jewelry. From bangles to rings to graphic tees, she’ll love this craft full of glitz, glam, and glitter. Her unique creations may even get her started on thinking about a future career. This cool product won’t be available until August, so if you can’t wait that long check out Alex Bead Bash Jewelry Making Kit from Target stores.
Playing with dough
For those children with active imaginations who like to mold new (and old) things into their own special creations, check out Make Your Own Playdough, Paint, and Other Craft Materials: Easy Recipes to Use with Young Children (Redleaf Press, 2007). The book tells the eager parent the materials and steps to use to help their kids make their very own special playdough and more.
A jammin’ treat
Looking for a special summertime treat? Why not help your child create some delicious jam? Ball’s No Cook Freezer Pectin Jam is a yummy treat that you can create with your child in a matter of minutes. Spice up this craft by placing the same mixture in popsicle molds and freezing them with yogurt for an after-dinner treat.
Lasting summer memories
September always brings the “What I did on my summer vacation” essays. Help your child keep track with Crayola’s Digital Camera Scrapbooking Kit. You’ll take pictures, make a book, and create stories that will last a lifetime. The kit comes with a digital camera and case, markers, a CD with games, and more.
Outdoor activities
More than just taking the kids out to the playground to interact with others, why not have them interact with you? Nature’s Playground: Activities, Crafts, and Games to Encourage Children to Get Outdoors (Chicago Review Press, 2007) is a book that has a variety of activities you can complete along with your child. So get out there and have a good time enjoying kid activities!
From the experts
Craft stores are the perfect places to find the most creative projects and materials. At JoAnn’s Craft Store, the crafting experts have come up with special craft kits especially for those with an artsy disposition. Some of these cool crafts include 
creating flip-flops, bookmarks, and necklaces.
A sunny day
Why not make a craft fun and functional? With Protect A Bub’s Sun Hat kits, your child can paint his or her hat and then wear it outside to protect their sensitive heads and faces from the summer sun’s strong rays. It’s fashionable, practical, and affordable. Your child will love being creative with their paint and showing off their fabulous new creation!
Christmas in July
Have your children make their very own ornaments that they can hang on the tree in December, but enjoy in the summer. With DAS modeling clay and Prang paints, both sold at Office Depot, your children will get crafty and artsy, while giving you a special keepsake for a special holiday.
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