Crafts From the Past Families Edition

As parents, we are always looking for ways to keep our kids engaged and entertained, especially on weekends or long breaks. Your children may think what they really want to do is play the newest video game, but these fun crafts from the past are sure to spark their creativity! And, as a bonus, you can relive your childhood while watching them put their own spin on these activities. Check out our list of crafts from the past for your family to enjoy and then check out our new digital series Crafts From the Past!

Paper Weaving

A popular craft for children, paper weaving can help develop dexterity and coordination and reinforce lessons on patterns! Weaving is one of the most ancient forms of creativity. In this craft, strips are woven, one over the other, to create something entirely new! This craft can easily be customized to create something unique, like these May Day baskets. 

Thaumatropes

Invented in the 19th century, thaumatropes are an optical illusion toy that your child can make at home. Thaumatropes are a card with a different image on each side. When you spin the card quickly, the images appear as one! What kind of moving image will your child create? 

Paper Doll Chain 

Another old-fashioned paper craft that can be customized in many ways is a paper doll chain! To create a paper chain, cut a 8.5x11 sheet of paper horizontally. Take one of the long pieces of paper and fold one long strip in half two times, and then in thirds. Then draw half a doll on the folded edge of the paper, making sure that the ends of the hands and feet touch this folded edge. Unfold your paper to see your creation! Your kids can try other shapes too, like stars, flowers, animals and more.

Friendship Bracelets

Welcome to the ‘80s! Friendship bracelets were incredibly popular in the ‘80s and continued into the ‘90s. There are dozens of ways to create friendship bracelets and to customize them for each friend (or yourself)! Using embroidery floss, toilet paper rolls or beads, like in this Wander and Wonder episode, your children can create something completely unique! 

Rock Painting 

Have you heard? Rock painting is a pretty big deal these days, but it’s not a new craft. People have been painting rocks and sometimes hiding them around their communities to spread joy and positivity for years! You can create special rocks with your family with just a few supplies. You can use paint or markers to make something beautiful that can be shared with others or kept as a lucky rock.

Pom Poms 

No list of crafts from the past would be complete without pom poms. These decorative balls came about in the 18th century and can be used in a variety of ways! Making pom poms takes a bit of practice but once you get the hang of it, you won't be able to stop. Your children can select the colors of yarn they would like to use and the only other tools needed are a fork and scissors. Wrap the yarn around the fork as many times as you would like. Then, get a new piece of yarn and loop it around your string bundle between the two middle fork prongs. Tie it in a couple of tight knots. Carefully remove the fork and cut the two side loops of yarn. Now you can begin fluffing and trimming your pom pom!.

Is there a craft from your past that you like to do with your kids? Share with us on social media using the hashtag #CraftsFromThePast.