14 creative ideas for children of all ages
Here you’ll find plenty of easy craft projects for children of all ages. From the very little ones to older kids who love diving into creative activities.
Staying at home with the kids can be filled with cosy creative moments and quality time together. That’s why we’ve gathered an inspiring guide you can return to again and again whenever you feel like making something new.
Here you’ll find lots of easy craft projects for children of all ages. From the very youngest to older children who enjoy immersing themselves in creative play.
Some projects are perfect to make side by side, while others are great for kids to dive into on their own while you relax with a cup of coffee and enjoy watching them create. Creative play should be easy, fun and relaxing for everyone.
Craft projects for the youngest
#1 Let creativity flow with easy finger painting
With Mucki finger paints the youngest children can let their creativity flow and make cool designs, colourful fingerprints and much more on cotton fabrics.
The paint is water-based and contains no harmful chemicals, so children from the age of 2 can use it. We offer 10 bright, vibrant colours that little ones can mix into endless favourite shades. Ready, steady… paint!
#2 Turn old cardboard into lively toys
When upcycling old cardboard and creating DIY projects for children go hand in hand, we can’t help but smile. Help the kids make an artistic cardboard picture, a cute playful lion, a imaginative aquarium – or teach them how to tie shoelaces with a fun cardboard shoe!
In these four free DIYs, you’ll be guided easily through each step, complete with simple shopping lists. And there’s plenty of opportunity to use leftover materials from your craft drawers too.
#3 Magical colouring templates
Being creative with kids doesn’t have to be stressful. It can easily be simple and fun. Our designers have created the loveliest colouring templates and paper dolls – and they’re completely free.
All you need to do is print, colour, cut, and watch the figures come to life. This activity offers hours of entertainment and is without a doubt one of our favourite craft projects for little kids.
#4 Fun figures with pipe cleaners and pompoms
Let little hands explore the world of pipe cleaners. These soft and colourful materials provide a delightful tactile experience.
Flowers or patterns
Kids can unleash their creativity by shaping pipe cleaners into different figures. They can make charming flowers decorated with beads or pompoms, or imaginative monsters with wiggly eyes wrapped around a pencil.
Colourful necklaces
Create colourful necklaces with pompoms and beads – perfect for small hands. Children can use a blunt needle to thread the beads so they avoid pricking their fingers. This activity is not only fun but also great for developing hand–eye coordination. Let their imagination run wild as they design their very own unique jewellery.
This activity not only stimulates fine motor skills but also their tactile senses as they feel and shape the soft materials.
#5 Make your own table tent
Let the children unleash their creativity and build a cosy little den under the table while you can still set a lovely table on top.
Admittedly, mum or dad will probably need to help with the construction of the tent itself. But afterwards it becomes the perfect place for hours of play, especially if you let the children decorate the tent themselves.
We’ve created a free guide to a table tent showing you how to sew the “house” so it fits your table perfectly. Our example is made from unbleached cotton canvas and decorated with fabric markers and fabric paint.
You can choose the type of fabric that best suits your home interior. So let the fun begin and create magical moments with your children!
Craft projects for school-age children
#1 Sew a tote bag
This is a great way for children to practise sewing straight lines on a sewing machine and end up with a lovely bag they can use afterwards. In our free tote bag pattern you’ll find templates for this exact project – ready to download.
And as your child becomes more confident at sewing, he or she can gradually expand their skills, perhaps making a handmade gym bag or snack bag or even a homemade cushion for their bedroom.
#2 Create unique jewellery
Kids love making jewellery – the process is fun and the result is ready to wear.
We offer a wide selection of beads, tools and jewellery supplies, and of course plenty of free DIYs to inspire you.
Create a pretty ring, a beaded hairpin – or how about a lovely bracelet? The possibilities are endless.
#3 Sew your own scrunchie hair elastic
The word “scrunchie” alone brings instant joy. Help your children make their own cool hair ties with our free DIY. Choose favourite colours or prints – maybe even matching mum–child or sibling scrunchies?
Check out our large scrunchie and if you’re in a crocheting mood, you can also make the lovely Miss Maya Scrunchie from FRAYA.
So there’s no excuse – let the scrunchie fun begin!
#4 Embroidery for kids, by kids
Embroidery is a fun and creative activity for school-age children. We offer a wide range of free templates and a large selection of embroidery threads, along with accessories such as needles, embroidery hoops and embroidery fabric.
Through embroidery, children develop their creative skills and fine motor control while creating beautiful pieces of art. These creations can be used to decorate school bags, bedrooms or jackets, adding a personal touch to everyday items.
Craft projects for teenagers
#1 Knitting and crochet projects for teens
Learning to knit takes a little time, but once your teenager gets the hang of it, it’s not difficult at all.
A great suggestion for a first knitting project is our free pattern You are so mine scarf in FRAYA yarn. The beautiful colour changes in the scarf don’t need to be perfect or precise.
Or a crochet project for teens?
Crochet is an ideal beginner activity for teenagers. It’s relatively easy to learn, making it a great starting point for anyone new to needlecraft. With just a few basic stitches, they can quickly create impressive projects like hats, scarves or a cute soft toy.
Crochet is also a relaxing, enjoyable way to spend time while creating something unique.
#2 Sew your own cushions for the bedroom
Sewing with kids can be really rewarding – and your teen might already love it. Here’s a great idea: personalised cushions for their room!
We have a large selection of free cushion patterns – and of course all the lovely fabrics you need for the project. Explore our wide range of upholstery fabrics, including velvet, cord, textured fabrics and much more.
The possibilities for cushion projects are almost endless – you should also check out our heat and cooling pad.
#3 Make beautiful headbands and hairbands
If your teen is like most, their hair needs to look good EVERY day. That’s why headbands make an excellent craft project.
Sew a headband from scratch or cover one of our plastic headbands with fabric and beads. There are lots of possibilities.
Get help on Instagram
Check out our Instagram reel to see a guide on how to sew a range of different stylish headbands. It’s a great way to add a personal touch to any outfit.
#4 Get started with linocut printing
We’ve expanded our selection with a range of products for linocut printing – andlinocut is the perfect craft project for teenagers.
Create beautiful decorations for the bedroom with linocut prints on paper or canvas, or on boxes and notebooks. Using fabric paint, you can even print on clothes and other textile items like tote bags and cushions.
Be careful with fingers – linocut tools are very sharp. We recommend giving your teen a linocut cutting mat, which holds the linoleum block in place while cutting.
#5 Make stylish jewellery
Fashion-conscious teens can easily create simple yet stylish necklaces. With a leather cord or velvet ribbon combined with a single beautiful bead or pendant, they can design their own unique jewellery.
This project is not only a chance to express individuality but also a lovely introduction to jewellery making.
Start your child’s creative journey here
These ideas are just the beginning of the many craft projects children can enjoy. And believe us, there are many more to explore. If your child is eager for even more creative fun, they might enjoy customising old shoes with fabric paint.
We also offer lots of other easy and fun craft ideas for kids. Discover a world of products and inspiration in your local Selfmade store or dive into our extensive collection of craft projects online.
You’ll find a huge selection of products and inspiration in your local Selfmade store. Or explore our entire world of craft projects here.