When the weather warms up, we try to spend as much time as possible OUTSIDE — and most days, that’s A LOT of time outside!
However, after spending so much time outside, the kids immediately seem to go through “withdraw” on rainy days.
They are happy to help me cook and bake for a while; we read books, watch TV, play with toys, play games, etc. etc. But Nora’s request for rainy day activities is almost ALWAYS to do some sort of craft — specifically a “painting craft”.
So if rain is in the forecast, I try to have a few painting craft ideas lined up for Nora to do when Simon and James are napping.
Today I’m sharing 4 fun flower crafts she did one rainy day last week. They are very simple, very quick, and can easily be adapted to use whatever crafting supplies you have in the house.
#1 = Dandelions
Yup, we’re starting off with a weed — but if it were up to Nora, I would transplant as many Dandelions into our grass as possible!
She told me they are “the most beautiful shade of yellow that reminded me of the bright morning sun” and said I should never pull or kill another dandelion ever again.
Anyway, this super quick and simple painting craft is extra fun because the kids get to paint with a fork!
SUPPLIES:
- Paper
- Yellow and Green paint
- Plastic fork
- Paint brush
DIRECTIONS:
Put a small amount of yellow and green paint on a paper plate.
Use the fork to “paint” the head of the Dandelion flower.
Use the paintbrush to make the stem and leaves.
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#2 = Giant Paper Plate Flowers
When I looked up craft ideas on Pinterest, these were called “sunflowers” but since we did the yellow Dandelions, I knew Nora wouldn’t want to make yellow sunflowers.
Instead, we used multi-colored paints to create a giant rainbow flower.
SUPPLIES:
- Paper plate
- Scissors
- Colorful paints (and paintbrush), crayons, or markers
- Something to make a stem (I used very thick green construction paper)
DIRECTIONS:
Use the scissors to cut slits in the outside edge of the paper plate.
Color or paint the plate.
Attach some sort of stem.
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#3 = Egg Carton Flowers
This was another ridiculously easy projects for me to prep — especially since we go through several dozen eggs every week. I don’t save all my egg cartons, but it is amazing how many different uses I’ve found for them over the years.
These egg carton flowers were a big hit with Nora!
SUPPLIES:
- Egg carton
- Scissors
- Paint and paintbrush or markers
- Pipe cleaners for the stems
DIRECTIONS:
Cut egg carton into 3 sections (4 egg compartments for each flower)
Let child paint or color inside of each section
Insert pipe cleaner through egg carton and bend to create a stem and leaves.
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#4 = Bottle Stamp Flowers
I usually save this “craft” for the very end of any other craft we’re doing since it’s a great way to use up any extra paint that’s still on the paint plate. It’s also a great way to “decorate” the large sheets of butcher block paper I usually have on the table when we’re doing any sort of paint craft.
SUPPLIES:
- Large piece of paper or poster board
- Plastic bottle with “flower pattern” on the bottom
- Paint
- Buttons (optional) for the center of the flower
- Something to make the stems (we used green Washi tape)
DIRECTIONS:
Dip the bottom of the plastic bottle into the paint and press onto the paper.
Repeat until all paint is gone.
Let dry — then add flower center and stems (either by glueing something on, or just drawing them on)
After I had taken all the pictures, I realized we never glued the buttons on for the center of the flowers — but I think you get the idea!
All together, I spent probably 15 minutes gathering up all the supplies for these 4 crafts — and Nora easily completed them all with little help from me in about 30-40 minutes.
It was the perfect little grouping of spring crafts to occupy her for a bit while her brothers were napping and it was raining outside!
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Want more fun projects, crafts, and activities for young children?
Here you go!
- Handprint and Footprint pictures (we made ours into a calendar)
- A Simple Photo Collage (kids can actually help you with this, and then you can use it to decorate their room)
Natalia says
Such fun projects! And I totally agree with Nora about dandelions!
Andrea says
thanks 🙂
Stay tuned tomorrow — I’m launching a free 7-day program for kids with crafts, recipes, and activities (for those who are staying home for Spring Break). If you like the flower craft, you’ll love this series too!
Karyn says
Great painting crafts. When I was a kid we had Carol Duvall, who was the craft queen. I remember the egg carton flowers. She used one “cup” from the carton, and cut (4) “petals” around the top. Then painted or decorate the flower. Add a green pipe cleaner, through the bottom, for the stem. Different color foam egg cartons made different color flowers. The “bouquet” can then be put in a vase. Fun stuff.
Kristy says
What kind of paint do you use?? The little bottles are so cute.
Andrea says
we use Crayola paint — it’s very washable 🙂
Ann says
Since i am the mom who homeschooled for preschool and kindergarten but told my kids they could paint on the first and last day of school only since I HATE painting and I HATE the mess, I can’t believe I am even asking this question. However, what kind of paint do you buy (and where do you get the best deals on it) and where would you buy Butcher paper?
Andrea says
haha! We use Crayola paint (and finger paint). You can get it online, at office supply stores, at the grocery store, etc. It’s not too expensive so I’ve never really priced it out at different places. I just buy more when we need it.
As for the butcher block paper — you could also use this wrapping paper, newspaper, etc. You can find the butcher paper at most craft stores, and office supply stores.
Happy painting!
Avia says
Great ideas. Note to self: buy butcher paper. I usually avoid paint projects because of the mess. My three and a half year old also loves dandelions and calls them sunflowers.
Avia says
You’ve probably mentioned this before but how do your store art supplies? I’m finding it a bit overwhelming so I tend to avoid accumulated much in the way of crafty stuff (I’m not really crafty myself).
Andrea says
Avia, here is the link to the blog post I wrote about how we organize our craft supplies (https://andreadekker.com/our-new-craft-corner/). That was already a few years ago, but things are basically stored the same with. The only difference is that I’ve moved the playdoh stuff to a different cabinet because I didn’t want the kids getting into it without my help 🙂
Also, yes, the butcher block paper is fabulous! Newspaper would work well too, but we don’t get the newspaper anymore 🙂
SIms says
Stupid question:
What do u do with all these crafty flowers? Throw them away after the kids are done with these.. or do u store them? I am asking this because I always think that I should be saving these lovely crafts made by kids.. but then how many and how much can we save… So really would LIke to know what do u do with these or other such craft work???
Andrea says
That’s a GREAT question!
We usually hang them up for a week or so (She has a special spot that we hang her artwork) then we toss them. We really don’t save any of her artwork at this point, but I take pictures of it and have a Flickr “album” for her artwork 🙂
Christine @ The (mostly) Simple Life says
These turned out really cute! I think I might try the paper plate one with my niece when we go to visit them in a few weeks. I’m glad you’re encouraging Nora’s artistic side even though it’s not really your thing. I’m sure she loves the special time with you!
Andrea says
The paper plate one was my favorite too!