Craft Gossip

Independent craft blog since 2007

7 Summer Kids Crafts

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It’s getting hotter as the race to lazy days in the sun is on. But what to make? Good, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve done a round-up of the best kids crafts during summer.

1. DIY Slip and Slide

Sure, you can buy a fancy one from the store for $30, but what’s the fun in that? Make your own slip and slide on a summer afternoon and get the whole family involved. Get the tutorial here, at wired.com.

 

2. Tie Dye a T-Shirt

Well, by the end of the summer, you’ll have tie dyed everything – pillowcases, t-shirts, socks, tights, curtains, you name it. You’re probably thinking, “Quick! Move on! No more mess!” But this fun craft is easy to clean up when you’re outside. Show off all your new clothing with a DIY touch! Grab the tutorial here, at parents.com.

 

3. Tricycle Car Wash

I can’t believe how simple and cute this fun project is! Sponge away the blues on a hot summer day with a tricycle car wash, using splash and splosh fun. What’s a better way to get the whole family together? Grab the tutorial here, at designmom.com.

4. Splat Painting

We’ve done heaps of fun painting over at Craftbits.com, but this one has got to be squeezed onto the summer list. Grab an old pantyhose and get splatting! With this fun (and slightly messy) activity, you’re sure to have splat-work all over your house. Toddler Approved has the splatting down pat, right here!

5. DIY Water Blob

“What is a water blob?” I hear you ask. Well, a water blob is the most fun water activity that you can enjoy wet or dry. Great to keep kids of all ages entertained for hours, the water blob is a simple piece of plastic sheeting folded in half with water inside. Glue it up – and you have a party-perfect water toy. Grab the simple (really) tutorial here at clumsycrafter.com.

6. Scary Shark Container

Proving their point, makefuncreating.com says that Fimo is not just for making key rings and jewelry. I know this amazing shark is not water play, but it is still ocean themed! This scary predator can sit by the poolside waiting for the perfect fish. Perfect for holding everything, this FIMO shark is sure to get your friends wow-ing. Grab the tutorial here, at makefuncreating.com.

7. Coke and Mentos Explosion

KA-POW! This fun experiment is certainly not craft, but it’s a Do-It-Yourself science experiment perfect for summer, so I thought I’d better put it in anyway! Once all the kids are well away, slide in the Mentos for a explosive surprise! (Just make sure it’s outside!) Head on over to frugalfamily.co.uk and get exploding!

 

Well, that’s the end! Enjoy making these fun summer crafts and make sure you sign up to Craftbits  and Craftgossip’s  newsletter for more excitement!

 

By Arabella

(Shellie’s 9 year old daughter)

Have you read?

Christmas Stick and Stitch Embroidery Pattern – Etsy Review

I am a little bit in love with these kinds of stick and stitch embroidery designs, because they are exactly the sort of project that gets you started straight away instead of sitting in a pile while you overthink thread colours and transfers for three weeks. The Christmas Stick and Stitch Embroidery Pattern from HoopArtStitch is a water-soluble peel-and-stick hand embroidery transfer, not a machine embroidery file, and Etsy lists it under craft supplies with fabric stabilizer and ink as the materials.

What makes this set especially appealing is how approachable it looks. The listing images show a pack of 12 Christmas-themed designs including a tree, ornaments, mug, pudding, reindeer, presents, mittens, mistletoe, bells, a poinsettia, and a car with presents on top, with the motifs shown at around 1.5 to 3 inches. That size feels very manageable, which is often exactly what helps people stay motivated. You can actually finish one, feel clever, and then want to do another instead of burning out halfway through some giant “character building” hoop.

I also think these are a great option for beginners because the hard part of getting the design onto the fabric is already sorted. You just peel, stick, stitch, and wash it away when you are done. That simple setup is a big part of why stick-and-stitch packs are so satisfying. They remove a lot of the fuss, which means you get to the fun part faster, and that alone can make hand embroidery feel much less intimidating. This is an inference based on the product format shown in the listing.

The shop side looks reassuring too. HoopArtStitch is marked as a Star Seller, which Etsy says means the shop consistently earns 5-star reviews, dispatches on time, and replies quickly to messages. The item reviews shown on the page are also very encouraging, with buyers calling it “very easy to apply, good designs for a first timer,” “exactly what I needed and excellent quality,” and “I really love this product.”

Another nice little sign that people are genuinely drawn to it is that the listing was posted on 15 January 2026 and already has 1,585 favourites, which is a pretty good indication that this style of project is resonating with hand stitchers.

Overall, this feels like one of those easy Christmas embroidery projects for beginners that is genuinely motivating rather than aspirational in a stressful way. It is cute, practical, and has that instant-start appeal that makes you actually want to sit down and stitch. And honestly, I completely get why you are in love with them. Sometimes the best craft supplies are the ones that make it easier to begin.