All these snow storms giving you and your kids cabin fever? Here are some tried and true arts and crafts projects that are sure to keep them busy — and interested.
For the toddler and pre-school set, washable and less mess is always the way to go with indoor projects. Crayola continues to churn out amazing products that we parents so appreciate. Try out Model Magic Presto Dots ($9.64 for set of 2). The kits come with enough clay to design two creatures. The best part is that the kids get to create the dots, pop them out of the mold and then make these whimsical models themselves.—
Crayola has also come out with washable Window Markers in a pack of eight colors ($4.99). These work on your home’s windows, mirrors, and other glass surfaces (they can be used on car windows as well). Why not let your tween decorate a window for a holiday or just to brighten up the ever-increasing grey skies of winter? And if you trust your littler one, let them in on the fun too. They wipe right off when the time has come to say goodbye. All crayola items can be found at http://www.crayola.com/ or at Target, 517 East 117th Street (right off the FDR Drive).
Another source of amazing crafts projects can be found at State News, with two convenient locations on the Upper East Side (112 East 86th St and 1243 3rd Avenue). Boys and girls ages 5 and up will love the Alex Sticker Factory ($24.89). Kids can design their own stickers by cutting out pictures, using stencils, or drawing their own creations. Then they simply roll them through the machine to retrieve their stickers. Who doesn’t love instant gratification? http://www.alextoys.com/ . The Orb Factory has been delightng this same age group for years with their Sticky Mosaics (think paint by number, but with mosaic self adhesive foam tiles). Now State News is offering their newest product in the line, 3D Sticky Mosaics ($17.98). Check out Pixie Magic or Ocean Magic for boys and girls. http://www.orbfactory.com/. Also at State News for boys and girls ages 8 and up is the EZ Pop Button Maker ($26.98). Just pop in the parts, add a design, and out comes their button. Choose from various designs or create your own. Tweens will love expressing themselves with this easy to do project.
For tweens, the big trend is all about duct tape. Create wallets, bags, and flowers of all sorts with this tape, once considered dull and strictly functional. Now available in an incredible array of colors and patterns: neon pink, green and orange, leopard and zebra prints, and even fleur de lis, this is not your garden variety tape. Available at Michael’s, 808 Columbus Ave. There are amazing samples at the store to add some more inspiraton. Also check out http://www.duckbrand.com/ . This website gives step by step instructions for a plethora of duct tape creations.
And if you find yourself needing to escape the confines of your home, why not try a few craft places in the city? Make Meaning has opened recently on the Upper West Side (329 Columbus Avenue). They proudly refer to themselves as a “Creativity Experience.” Walk-ins are welcome to paint a ceramic figurine, create a candle with mosaic pieces of wax, or design jewelry. There are activities for all ages. There is also a Make Meaning Mini at FAO Schwarz. Reservations are recommended. http://www.makemeaning.com/
Another great choice is Little Shop of Crafts (431 East 73rd Street or 711 Amsterdam Avenue). They offer art, beading, watercolor classes for all ages. Walk-ins can choose from pottery or plaster painting, beading, or mosaics. Customers are welcome to stay long as they like as there is no charge for time spent on the project. These activities are fun, easy, affordable – and will keep your kids busy for hours. You may even find yourself getting into the action too. And sanity will be restored.
