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Make it with everyday materials! A collection of fun summer vacation craft ideas

Summer vacation crafts are exciting even just to think up ideas, aren’t they? Still, lots of kids probably find themselves wondering, “What should I make?” The truth is, there are plenty of fun, easy projects anyone can make using everyday materials.

With things like plastic bottles, popsicle sticks, and milk cartons, you can create pieces that will make your friends say, “Wow!” So this time, we’re sharing craft ideas that are perfect for summer vacation homework.

Take a look and get inspired by these playful projects that are fun just to browse!

Made with everyday materials! A collection of fun summer vacation craft ideas (81–90)

stone art

Rock art with kids: perfect for summer vacation independent research, free craft projects, and making memories
stone art

Let’s make stone art using materials close at hand, like those from rivers and parks.

Start by collecting stones and twigs.

Choosing stones without sharp edges will help you create cute pieces.

Also, selecting twigs with branches is a key tip for making a lovely work.

Arrange the stones and twigs you found on a frame or cork board, which you can also buy at a 100-yen shop.

As children think, design, and create on their own, it boosts their imagination.

You can paint the pieces, and it’s also nice to add pinecones, leaves, and other items besides stones and twigs.

Let’s make a bamboo lantern

[Anywhere Art] [Summer Vacation Craft] Let's make a bamboo lantern
Let's make a bamboo lantern

Here’s how to make a bamboo lantern that looks beautiful when it glows at night.

Use a saw to cut the bamboo.

Make slits in the cut bamboo, then gently tap from above with a hammer to create openings where the light will shine through.

The key is to tap with the hammer without using too much force.

Drill holes to create several small windows for the light to leak out.

Wrap yarn around the top and bottom of the bamboo tube, using double-sided tape to secure it.

Place an LED light inside, switch it on, and let it shine.

It emits a soft glow that gives off a traditional Japanese ambiance.

Original handmade watch

Summer Vacation Craft Series ♡ Part 6: Handmade Clock ♡ Let’s Make Your Very Own Original [Koujoucho] DIY
Original handmade watch

When you go to a 100-yen shop or a handmade goods store, you can find just the clock movement for sale.

Let’s use that to make your own original clock! For the base of the clock, use a photo frame or a plastic plate.

Once you decide where to fix the movement, drill a hole.

Tighten the nut to secure the movement, and then decorate it to your liking.

Paint it, attach parts, or add glitter to make it sparkle—depending on your ideas, you’ll end up with a clock full of originality!

Original T-shirts made with stencil printing

Perfect for summer vacation crafts and DIY! How to make an original T-shirt with stencil printing!
Original T-shirts made with stencil printing

How about making your own T-shirt over summer vacation? We’ll use a technique called stenciling to create an original T-shirt.

You place a cutout of letters or illustrations on the fabric and paint over it with ink or other pigments.

Since you’ll wear the T-shirt, you’ll likely wash it too.

When stenciling on T-shirts or fabric, be sure to use fabric ink that won’t wash out.

While this can be a summer vacation homework project, it can also become a fun summer memory.

You might even make matching T-shirts for the whole family.

There are stencil T-shirt kits available online, so why not give them a try?

Stone painting

Summer Vacation Craft Series ♡ Part 3: Easy Stone Painting (Stone Art) [Koujoucho] DIY
Stone painting

During summer vacation, there are times when you go out with your family to rivers or mountains, right? When you do, why not try picking up stones and making art with them? Of course, stones you’ve collected from around your neighborhood are fine, too.

First, paint the stones you’ve prepared with white acrylic paint.

This small extra step will help your work turn out beautifully.

Then, use acrylic paints to create animals, plants, and more by adding color.

If you also use items like pipe cleaners or empty cans, you can make pieces that look very realistic.

Please use this as a reference and give it a try!

Let’s make a cardboard pochette

[Anywhere Art Summer Vacation Craft] Let’s Make a Cardboard Pochette — For Elementary School Students
Let's make a cardboard pochette

Here’s an introduction to making a pochette using cardboard.

Do you have cardboard boxes at home from parcel deliveries or from purchases at the supermarket? If you have some on hand, you can make a pochette simply by cutting it into shape, folding it, and assembling it.

Cardboard has lines where the inside is hollow.

The key is to keep those lines in mind when you cut.

If you want to create curves in your cardboard parts, cut across those lines.

Doing so will expand your creative possibilities.

Designing the pochette itself is sure to be an enjoyable time, too.

Made with everyday materials! A collection of fun summer vacation craft ideas (91–100)

Let’s play with paper blocks!

Anywhere Art Summer Vacation Craft: Let’s Play with Paper Blocks!
Let's play with paper blocks!

Prepare some construction paper and try playing with paper blocks.

Using long, narrow strips of construction paper, make triangles, circles, and squares, then assemble them into artworks.

By folding or curling the narrow strips, you can express a variety of shapes.

Attaching the parts you’ve made with glue or clear tape and combining them will broaden the range of your creations even more.

As children think about shapes and combine them to make pieces, they can expand their imaginations.

You can also mount the combined works on construction paper for display.

For pieces with movement, hanging them with thread is also recommended.