[For 5-year-olds] Crafts to try in July! Ideas that capture the season
Five-year-olds are getting better at using their hands to do all kinds of things.
At this stage, their desire to try new things really grows.
So here, we’re introducing July crafts that are perfect for five-year-olds.
We’ve prepared lots of ideas, from summer-themed transparent creations to fun Tanabata decorations.
Enjoy a fun time with the children while nurturing their creativity.
Because items made by children are treated as works, we consistently use the term “seisaku” (制作) in the main text.
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[For 5-year-olds] Crafts to try in July! Seasonal ideas (1–10)
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.
A cute heart-themed Tanabata card
July 7th is Tanabata.
Here’s a perfect craft idea for the occasion.
You can also use it as a wall decoration, so give it a try! Cut blue construction paper into a heart shape and use a cotton swab stamp to create a starry sky all over.
In the center of the heart, use finger stamps to depict the Milky Way.
Make the outfits for the Orihime and Hikoboshi figures using a bleeding-art technique with coffee filters, then attach the facial parts made from construction paper.
Once you’ve glued Orihime and Hikoboshi onto the heart base, it’s complete.
If you want to hang it as a wall decoration, punch a hole in the base and thread a ribbon through it.
Five types of summer origami
If you’re considering origami as a summer craft, be sure to check out these ideas.
They introduce simple ways to fold a watermelon, shaved ice, a lantern, a cicada, and ice cream.
As long as you can make straight folds along the creases and edges, you should be able to create them—so a dexterous five-year-old could give them a try.
You can copy the ideas you need and use them as focal points for your craft, or make all five, string them together, and turn them into a garland or hanging decoration.
[For 5-year-olds] Crafts to try in July! Seasonal ideas (11–20)
simple windsock
Make it with origami! Here are some simple streamer ideas.
These are recommended for anyone thinking of making streamers—simple yet super cute results.
Using solid-color origami is nice, but metallic or holographic origami adds a special touch! Fold back one edge of the paper to the front side, then cut the unfolded section with scissors.
Roll it into a tube and secure with tape—that’s it! It’s simple, but it will make an eye-catching Tanabata decoration.
Summer-themed origami
How about trying origami as a July craft project? There are plenty of ideas you can also use for summer wall decorations, like popsicles, juice, and straw hats.
It’s a perfect activity for three-year-olds whose fine motor skills are developing.
First, help them find an idea they want to make.
For parts the child finds difficult, an adult can lend a hand.
Encourage them to start with what they can do, build up small successes, and boost their motivation!
The Milky Way and Orihime and Hikoboshi
Turn a kitchen must-have—parchment paper—into the Milky Way! It’s a fun, hands-on craft you can enjoy with kids.
First, spread several colors of acrylic paint onto the parchment paper, fold it in half, and use your hands to spread the paint.
Next, open it up and flick white paint with a brush to complete the Milky Way.
Then roll the parchment into a tube, staple it, and hang Orihime and Hikoboshi motifs from twine to finish.
The tactile fun of spreading paint on parchment paper and the freedom to combine colors will give you a unique, personality-filled Tanabata decoration!
boing-boing jellyfish
Jellyfish are popular at aquariums, too.
Watching them drift and sway is so soothing! These cool-looking jellyfish are a perfect motif for a July craft.
On a sheet of construction paper, create an underwater scene by cutting tissue paper and colored paper into seaweed and rocks, and let jellyfish painted with watercolors swim through it.
Using pipe cleaners or raffia ribbon for the jellyfish tentacles helps convey movement.
Also, if you dilute the paint with plenty of water and apply it lightly, you’ll get a nice sense of transparency.
When attaching the pieces to the construction paper, adding a 3D element will likely delight the children.