Crafts are a great way to keep children entertained during school holidays and when the weather is wet outdoors. While painting and drawing are always fun, wool is a versatile material that can be used for all sorts of fun and creative crafts. From pom poms to finger knitting, here are some woolly craft ideas that will keep kids entertained for hours.
Finger Knitting
Finger knitting is the perfect introduction to knitting for kids. All it requires is some wool yarn and their own two hands. Have them wrap the yarn around their fingers in a pattern to create a tube of knitted fabric. They can knit scarves, headbands, belts and more. Let them explore combining colours and textures. Finger knitting develops fine motor skills and creativity.
Pom Poms
Pom poms are a delightfully fluffy craft that kids love. You can find pom pom makers in craft shops that make it easy to wrap wool around two circles to form the pom pom shape. Or make your own by wrapping wool around cardboard circles. Use a pair of child-safe scissors to snip the wraps, then tie a piece of yarn between the circles to form the pom’s centre. Attach pom poms to hair clips, string them together for garlands or turn them into arts and crafts.
Weaving
Simple cardboard looms can introduce kids to the art of weaving. Set up the loom by securing warp threads across a cardboard frame. Give kids bundles of wool in varying colours and textures to weave through the warp. They can experiment with patterns and shapes to create fun wall hangings. As their skills improve, move on to more complex looms and patterns. Weaving boosts concentration, problem-solving and fine motor control.
Coin Rubbings
Here’s a quick and easy craft for younger kids. Gather a collection of different coins and lay them out on a table. Cut some wool into small pieces, about 2-3 inches long. Show your kids how to place the wool on top of a coin then gently rub over it with the side of a crayon. The coin’s shape and texture will be imprinted on the wool. Try using coins from different countries or making patterns and shapes with the rubbings.
Pompom Animals
Once kids have mastered making pompoms, let them take it to the next level by creating pompom animals. Start with a pompom body, then use smaller pompoms, googly eyes and wool scraps to decorate features like ears, nose, limbs and tail. Glue or stitch the pieces together to form cute woolly creatures. Hold a pompom animal fashion show when they’re done.
Buying Craft Supplies
Pick up inexpensive craft supplies from stores like Hobbycraft or the Range. If you are fostering with ISP Fostering, use some of your fostering allowance to help cover the cost of fun activities like this.
With just some wool, creativity and simple materials, kids can have hours of fun crafting. Wool is a great option for little hands, providing a tactile and engaging material to spark their imagination. Try out these woolly activities to ward off boredom on rainy days or school holidays.
