Girls grow out of play mode at different ages. An eight-year-old girl might still enjoy pretend play just as much as a five-year-old and a twelve-year-old might still be asking for an 18” doll for Christmas. That is okay. Let your child play. Let them enjoy their youth! Even though a child of this age might still enjoy playtime, it is also a good idea to challenge them with crafts. Your tween might already enjoy crafts and seek them out, continue to encourage this. The discipline is beneficial for them. If she tends to shy away from crafts, here are several ideas to encourage them to use their hands, to make a plan and stick with it and see the benefits that hard work can produce!
No-Sew Fleece Blanket
This craft is easy peasy! Simply cut out two equal sizes of fleece material. Be sure to allow four to five inches around the edges of the actual size blanket that you would like. Hand your daughter a ruler and pencil and have her draw four to five-inch lines three-inches apart around all four sides of one of the pieces of material (be sure to draw the lines on the back of the fabric). Line the two pieces of material up and cut along the lines so that there are slit on both pieces of fleece. Align them so the good sides are facing out. Tie two corner pieces together into a double knot. Go around and tie all of the corners together. Have your daughter tie the rest of the pieces together except on one side of the blanket. Stuff the blanket with a thin layer of stuffing (optional) and then have her tie the last side up. Easy as that!
Sock Puppets
This craft is pretty self-explanatory. All you need are some old socks, buttons, and a needle and thread. The reason why I love this craft so much is because it teaches basic sewing skills, button skills, and your child is so proud of herself when she completes this project entirely on her own! Once you teach your daughter how to thread a needle, she can complete this craft time after time on her own and even create her own puppet show with several characters to perform for you!
Easy Pillow
Once she knows how to thread a needle. Have her practice her stitching by making a pillow. If you have a sewing machine on-hand this is also an easy way to teach her how to use one. I prefer to start out my children with sewing by hand so they have that skill. Then, I move on to the sewing machine. A pillow is simple. Simply take two pieces equal-sized fabric. Cotton or fleece work the best. Turn wrong-side out and show your child how to stitch evenly around the edges. Have her complete three sides. Have her complete all but four inches of the last side. Turn the pillow right side out. Use a pencil or knitting needle to poke the corners out. Stuff with stuffing. Sew up the last four inch hole.
String Art
Kids love stencils. Adults love stencils. There is just something about creating an image from an empty space that is satisfying! Move beyond the basic plastic stencil craft and hand your daughter some string and a canvas (cardboard will work too). Give her some acrylic paint or spray paint as well. Have her lay several pieces of string along the canvas taping them down on the edges. Encourage her creativity as you hand her some paintbrushes! Have her paint methodically or abstractly on the canvas. WHen the paint dries, have her remove the string revealing an exciting masterpiece!
