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

scratch art

[Elementary School Craft] Scratch Art

Scratch art is an art form where you scrape a black scratch surface with a pointed pen or similar tool to reveal colorful patterns and designs underneath.

One of its charms is how easy it is to enjoy.

Let’s try making scratch art by hand.

First, color a clear plastic file folder with bright colors using permanent markers.

Next, paint over it entirely with black paint.

Once the paint is completely dry, it’s ready.

Use a bamboo skewer to scratch the dried paint and draw any pictures you like!

Let’s make a super ball

Simple Craft: Let's Make a Super Ball! #MakeASuperBall #ElementarySchoolExperiment #shorts

Did you know you can make a super ball yourself? You’ll need PVA laundry glue, salt, and food coloring or paint.

First, dissolve 40 g of salt in water and add color, then pour the saltwater into the glue and stir with a chopstick.

You’ll see a gooey mass start to form around the chopstick.

Gather it up and blot the moisture with a paper towel, and you’ll have an easy homemade super ball.

Depending on the batch, some bounce very well and others less so, but try adding your favorite colors and make all kinds of super balls!

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Bamboo Speaker

[DIY] How to Make a Bamboo Smartphone Speaker for Zero Material Cost

Let’s try making a speaker that plays sound from your smartphone using bamboo.

It takes advantage of bamboo’s tubular shape to naturally amplify sound through resonance.

If you have a bamboo grove nearby or can get hold of bamboo, this is a perfect summer vacation craft project.

Cut the bamboo, peel off the green outer skin, and lightly scorch the surface with a gas burner.

Charring it with the burner turns it black and gives it a beautiful finish.

Cut out the section where the smartphone will go and drill holes on the surface.

The key is to be careful not to crack the bamboo.

It’s a detailed project, but that makes it all the more rewarding, and you’ll end up with a one-of-a-kind creation.

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Nakajima Junko

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Pictogram-style collage

[Elementary School Craft] Inspiration from Pictograms 🌟 Collage

Let’s combine pictograms to create a storytelling collage.

First, use colored construction paper or similar materials to make a shallow box.

Once it’s made, fold it at a 90-degree angle to create a stage-like setup.

Next, copy the pictograms you want to use and cut them out with scissors.

Depending on your story, you can use only certain parts of a pictogram.

It can also be fun to create or draw additional non-pictogram elements.

By all means, use a variety of ideas to make your own entertaining pictogram theater.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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10 Musical Instruments Made from Plastic Bottles

Summer Vacation Independent Research: 10 Musical Instruments You Can Make with Plastic Bottles [Crafts]

Musical instruments can produce all kinds of sounds and are fascinating, but many people may feel hesitant to buy a lot when they’re not sure how much they’ll actually use them.

Here, we’ll introduce many instruments you can make using plastic bottles.

For example, castanets made by attaching plastic bottle caps to cardboard, a whistle made by punching a hole in a cap and inserting a straw, and even instruments with different pitches just by letting the air out of a plastic bottle.

There are also plastic bottle drums and a “petphone,” made by connecting plastic bottles cut to various lengths.

Use these as references and give it a try!

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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big cracker

[Elementary School Craft] Giant Party Popper 🎉 Playable Megaphone

Here’s how to make a fun megaphone cracker.

First, cut off both edges of a clear file folder to separate it into two sheets.

Fold one of the sheets in half lengthwise and cut along the fold.

Next, roll one of the cut pieces into a tube, then tape this tube to the center of the larger remaining sheet.

Roll the sheet into a megaphone shape and secure it.

Then roll the other remaining piece into a long, thin tube, thread it through the center of the megaphone, and tape one end so it connects with a rubber band-like loop.

Prepare three pieces of plastic string cut to an appropriate length, attach aluminum foil to their tips, and crumple the foil into little balls.

Finally, tape the strings with the foil tips to the end of the inner tube that runs through the center.

And you’re done! A flashy, eye-catching megaphone cracker—give it a try!

Let’s make a professional kalimba

Let's make an authentic kalimba!

It would be fun to make a genuine musical instrument using items you can get at home improvement stores or online, wouldn’t it? This time, we’ll introduce a handmade, authentic kalimba.

A kalimba is a traditional African instrument played by plucking thin metal tines attached to a box or board.

Using a box or board allows the sound to resonate.

Let’s try making one by building a wooden box and attaching thin rods.

Specialized kalimba metal tines, called kalimba keys, are also available from online retailers.

Master the playing technique, and let your kalimba produce beautiful tones.

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Nakajima Junko

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