![[Crafts] A special feature on ideas to try with three-year-olds in August! Choose from a variety of motifs](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/eZDbrn5dsBs/maxresdefault.webp)
[Crafts] A special feature on ideas to try with three-year-olds in August! Choose from a variety of motifs
August, the height of summer.
Are you struggling because your craft projects end up looking similar every year, even though you want fresh ideas?
It’s often hard to find time to incorporate new ideas, isn’t it?
So this time, we’ve gathered August craft ideas perfect for three-year-olds.
We’ve included a variety of motifs and techniques, so you’re sure to find ideas you’ll want to try!
Be sure to check them out.
Note: Since the children’s creations are treated as “artworks,” we use the term “制作 (seisaku)” in the text to mean “production/creation.”
[Crafts] A special feature on ideas to try with 3-year-olds in August! Choose from a variety of motifs (1–10)
Jelly Cup Wind Chime
A wind chime that plays a cool, soothing sound when the breeze blows—it’s a traditional Japanese summer decoration.
Let’s make one using a jelly cup! You’ll need a jelly cup, cotton twine, a small bell, and decorative stickers or washi tape.
First, decorate the jelly cup however you like.
Sparkly stickers will glitter beautifully when the wind chime sways.
Once you’re done decorating, make a hole in the cup and attach the twine with the bell tied to it.
Finally, attach a paper strip to the end of the twine, and your original wind chime is complete! With this, you’re sure to enjoy even the hottest days.
ice pop
https://www.instagram.com/p/Ctl68NeJs81/Popsicles you crave in summer.
They’re not just cold and delicious—their colorful look is adorable, too.
Here’s a craft idea for making popsicle art.
Prepare construction paper in your favorite colors.
Bright hues like neon also turn out super cute.
Draw popsicle shapes on the paper and decorate them.
Paint them with colors, or go all out with stickers and washi tape! Once you’re done decorating, cut them out along the outlines and glue on popsicle sticks to finish.
Hang them on a wall and soak up the summer vibe!
Piggybacking a home! Mr. Hermit Crab
A hermit crab lugging a heavy shell across the beach—you sometimes spot them when you go to the sea, right? Let’s make a picture of a hermit crab with origami.
First, prepare your favorite sheet of origami paper.
Cut it into thin strips, like narrow ribbons.
When you cut, make several strips in different lengths, from long to short.
Once you’re done cutting, glue the strips while keeping in mind the look of the spiral shell the crab carries.
If you layer the strips from long to short like a pyramid, it will resemble a spiral shell more easily.
Finally, add the face, and your hermit crab is complete.
It’s a perfect summer craft idea that will make you feel like you’re at the beach!
Paper Plate: Wobbly Whale
https://www.instagram.com/p/CgY6WQcL_VW/Here’s a craft idea for a breezy-looking whale that gently sways.
Fold a paper plate in half and cut it into the shape of a whale.
Be sure to keep the plate’s roundness intact.
Once cut out, paint the whole piece.
Drawing big teeth will make it look even more whale-like.
After you finish decorating, prepare a strip of paper cut long and thin.
Fold it in a zigzag and attach it to the whale’s head.
When you unfold the folded strip, it will represent the whale spouting water.
It’s a lovely piece that shows a whale gently swaying.
Sunflower balance with paper cups
https://www.instagram.com/p/Ctd1w5zJfmq/Sunflowers bloom with large flowers of yellow petals and are loved by everyone as a symbol of summer.
Here’s a crafting idea for a balance toy inspired by sunflowers, which can sometimes grow quite large.
Prepare about five paper cups.
Decorate them—by drawing or adding embellishments—so that the five connected cups form a single sunflower.
Stack the cups by matching bottoms to bottoms and rims to rims.
You can enjoy various ways to play: stack them without toppling the sunflower, race to see who can stack them the fastest, and more.
It’s a fun, homemade toy idea.
“Paper Plate” Goldfish Bowl
Goldfish that swim with fluttering grace are a beloved symbol of summer, aren’t they? Let’s make a goldfish bowl where goldfish swim, using paper plates! Prepare two paper plates and cut a round window out of the center of one plate.
Since a utility knife is needed for this step, be sure an adult does it.
Next, attach plastic wrap over the cut-out opening.
On the center of the other paper plate, paste light blue construction paper, then stick on colorful goldfish made from construction paper or origami paper.
Finally, place the plate with the plastic wrap on top and glue the plates together.
Your charming goldfish bowl, with adorable goldfish swimming inside, is complete!
Osakana Maru Uchiwa
How about making a round fish uchiwa fan that feels like summer? First, cut a circle about 20 cm in diameter out of thick paper, and cut out a finger hole and a fish shape.
Next, cut a clear file to a size that will cover the fish opening and attach it to the thick paper.
Any work using a craft knife should be done by the caregiver/teacher.
Then, cut colorful cellophane and stick it on like fish scales.
Finally, layer and glue another sheet of thick paper on the back, add a round sticker for the fish’s eye, and draw freely around the edges.
When light passes through, the sparkling cellophane looks beautiful and brings a pleasant sense of coolness.
