Well winter has well and truly set in and mothers and toddlers everywhere are struggling with the inevitable ‘cabin fever’ that comes with wet, rainy days.
What can we do with bored little people when it’s too cold to play outside? Craft of course! Now don’t turn away… crafting sessions don’t have to be stressful! Here we have two perfect indoor craft activities that will keep your little ones entertained for hours [or, if they’re anything like my kids, at least fifteen minutes!]
[mc_block_title custom_title=”Painting with Trucks and Cars”]
Toddlers love painting, they love getting messy and they love trucks and cars. Put this all together and you have a super fun toddler activity! I’ve yet to meet a toddler that hasn’t loved this activity, and it’s so easy (a bit messy though). This is definitely not a ‘boys only’ activity – it’s a favourite for the girls too!
What you need:
- A large sheet of paper. I like to use the large rolls of butcher’s paper. You can normally get these from Ikea or Kmart.
- Any toy cars and trucks that you have. A variety of sizes work best.
- Poster Paint.
- A plastic tablecloth or similar for any paint spills.
- Painting clothes or a paint shirt – this is a messy activity!
What to do:
- Spread out the tablecloth in a large flat area.
- Place a large sheet of butcher’s paper on the floor.
- Place paint in random spots over the paper.
- Give the trucks and cars to your toddler and let them go!
- The paper will rip if you let them paint for too long, so it’s best to change the paper regularly.
- Leave the painting to dry.
    
[mc_block_title custom_title=”Glitter Butterfly Craft for Toddlers”]
Butterfly paintings are an old favourite, and they are definitely popular with toddlers. They’re simple and fun, and are always met with a ‘wow!’ when the final painting is revealed. We love making these after reading ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Make sure you have plenty of paper as my toddlers never want to stop after making only one!
What you need:
- White A4 paper
- Poster Paint – squeezy bottles work the best
- A plastic tablecloth or similar for any paint spills
- Painting clothes or a paint shirt
- Glitter (optional)
What to do:
- Spread out the tablecloth.
- Fold a piece of A4 paper in half and open it back out.
- Have your toddler (with help) squirt paint onto one half of the paper.
- Fold the paper back in half.
- Have your toddler swirl their fingers over the paper to spread the paint around.
- Open the paper to reveal a beautiful butterfly!
- While the paint is still wet add the glitter (parental help is highly recommended).
- Wait for the paint to dry and have an adult cut around the outside.
   
