Craft ideas to try in July for 3-year-olds

Tanabata craft with swipe art

Let’s make Tanabata decorations using the swipe art technique! Swipe art is a method where you brush several colors of paint onto a sponge, then swipe the sponge to create striped patterns.

We use this pattern as a representation of the Milky Way and apply it to Tanabata decorations! The key tips are to mix plenty of water into the paint and to avoid pressing too hard when you swipe.

Add decorations like Orihime and Hikoboshi, star-shaped cutouts from construction or colored paper, and stickers to finish! The steps—dabbing paint onto the sponge and swiping—are very engaging, so be sure to let children enjoy creating them.

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miyabi

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Handmade toys for pool play

Let’s make a toy with the kids that will double the fun of playing in the pool.

First, cut a plastic bottle to a suitable length, and to prevent injuries, round off the cut edge by pressing it with an iron.

Make several holes in the bottom so water comes out like a shower.

Next, thread small pieces of straw onto raffia tape to create a handle.

Finally, decorate the bottle by sticking on colorful vinyl tape cut into various shapes, and you’re done.

This activity is perfect for fine motor skills, like threading and sticking stickers.

The bright colors are sure to boost kids’ excitement for water play!

Mr./Ms. Suisui Goldfish

[Kindergarten/Daycare] July: Suisui Goldfish Painting and Crafts

Goldfish are a familiar sight at festivals.

The way they glide gracefully through the water feels so refreshing! Here’s a summer-themed craft idea inspired by goldfish.

First, take a sheet of construction paper to represent the surface of a fishbowl.

Put paint on some marbles and roll them across the paper to create patterns.

Next, cut a paper doily in half, fold both ends, and use red paint to stamp.

Finally, attach the patterned paper and goldfish parts to a fishbowl shape made from construction paper—and you’re done! With steps like marble rolling and stamping, it’s perfect for kids to enjoy, so have fun making it!

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miyabi

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Pig-shaped mosquito coil holder and wind chime

[Kindergarten/Preschool] July Pig Mosquito Coil & Wind Chimes! Painting/Crafts

Transform a single paper plate into a pig-shaped mosquito coil and a wind chime! This is an idea for creating summer-themed motifs.

Cut out the center of the paper plate and use the circular piece as a wind chime.

Have the children draw patterns on it with crayons.

You can also use a resist technique by painting over it with watercolors.

Meanwhile, color the rim of the paper plate and add pig ears to make it into a mosquito coil.

Displaying both side by side on construction paper will make for a lively and enjoyable craft project.

Note: Since a utility knife is used to cut out the paper plate, be sure that this step is performed by a teacher or guardian.

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miyabi

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Colorful-sticker fish

Sticker play suitable from age 1: Let’s make colorful fish with paper plates!

Why not make colorful fish with sticker pasting? Round stickers are easy for little hands to peel and stick, so they’re sure to be captivated! If you’re incorporating this into a July craft, turn paper plates into summery fish motifs.

To let the children go all out with sticker pasting, portion the stickers into small amounts and put them in cases so they’re easy to use.

The colorful polka-dotted fish look cool and give an early taste of summer.

Each child’s individuality will show in how they place the stickers, so once they’re finished, it’ll be fun to display their creations!

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tsukada moe

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Morning glories made with dyed paper

[Kindergarten/Daycare] Try paper dyeing with paint in July! Summer Morning Glory art and crafts

One of the things to look forward to as summer approaches is the morning glory.

Let’s use brightly colored dyed paper to express these flowers! First, cut a circle from washi paper, fold it, and dab paint onto the top so it soaks in; once it’s dry, unfold it.

Next, make leaves, vines, and a pot from construction paper and combine them with your dyed-paper morning glories.

If you use washi that absorbs paint well, you can beautifully recreate morning glories in soft, pale tones.

Coloring only the outer edges of the petals will make them look even more realistic.

You’ll end up with a summery piece that highlights each child’s individuality.

Be sure to include this in your summer craft ideas!

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miyabi

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Fireworks stamp using a toilet paper roll

Fireworks Craft (Ages 2–5): A Summer Project Using Toilet Paper Rolls

Let’s make stamps using toilet paper tubes and use them to paint fireworks.

You’ll need a few toilet paper tubes, black construction paper, paints, and a tray for the paint.

Draw guide lines on the tubes so you don’t cut too far, then use scissors to make fine cuts up to the lines.

After cutting, flare the cut sections outward.

Make several of these; if you vary the fineness and depth of the cuts to create different types, the final result will be more interesting.

Dip the stamps in paint and press them onto the black paper, and you’re done.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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