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[Summer Vacation Crafts for Lower Grades] Make It with Everyday Materials! Simple Yet Awesome Craft Ideas

Have you ever had the experience of working hard on a summer vacation craft project, only to have someone say it looks “simple”? In fact, with a little creativity, you can make projects that really impress people, even using basic materials.

Here, we’ll introduce craft ideas that even lower elementary school children can enjoy.

Using familiar items, you can create lots of projects that are more fun and interesting than they look.

Be sure to use these ideas to find a favorite craft that you’ll be proud to show off to your friends once it’s finished!

[Summer Vacation Crafts for Lower Grades] Make It with Everyday Materials! Simple Yet Awesome Craft Ideas (41–50)

Infinite Marble Run

Here’s a perfect boredom-buster for kids: a marble run that rolls endlessly.

You’ll need two stiff, deep paper plates and two paper cups.

First, cut a hole in the center of each plate to make a donut shape.

Next, make a single slit on each plate, then interlock the two plates so they form a figure eight.

When assembling, a hot glue gun is recommended over glue or paste.

Finally, insert the paper cups into the holes you cut in the plates, and you’re done! The marble will whirl around the figure-eight track so kids can enjoy it for ages.

To make it more challenging, try playing with the paper cups removed.

Fun-to-shake shaker

Here’s a fun shaker made from a plastic wrap core.

Use origami made of film.

Wrap double-sided tape around the core and seal one end with the origami.

From the other side, add beads or similar fillings and seal it the same way with origami.

Wrap washi tape around it, then cut the origami into strips and wrap them on.

Add googly-eye stickers and a mouth to finish! It’s fun to dance with to music, too.

Little kids will enjoy it, so be sure to make it together and have a great time!

Fly! Core Rocket

Here’s how to make an easy “core rocket.” You’ll need a plastic wrap core, a toilet paper core, two rubber bands, and a straw.

First, cut the straw so it’s just a little longer than the opening of the toilet paper core.

Link the two rubber bands by looping them together.

Tape the rubber bands to the straw, then tape the straw onto the plastic wrap core with cellophane tape.

Once it’s set up so the toilet paper core can be launched, you’re done! Decorate the toilet paper core however you like to make your own original rocket.

Have fun and get creative!

Fly! Core Rocket

Here’s how to make an easy “core rocket.” You’ll need a plastic wrap core, a toilet paper core, two rubber bands, and a straw.

First, cut the straw so it’s just a little longer than the opening of the toilet paper core.

Link the two rubber bands by looping them together.

Tape the rubber bands to the straw, then tape the straw onto the plastic wrap core with cellophane tape.

Once it’s set up so the toilet paper core can be launched, you’re done! Decorate the toilet paper core however you like to make your own original rocket.

Have fun and get creative!

Making instruments with a plastic wrap core

No drill or cutter needed: Make instruments with a plastic wrap core [Crafts]
Making instruments with a plastic wrap core

Let’s make a Chilean instrument that sounds like rain using a plastic wrap core! First, mark a bunch of toothpicks at the length of the wrap core so they match its length.

Next, cut the wrap core in a spiral.

Glue the cut toothpicks along the spiral using wood glue or similar adhesive.

Once you return the spiraled core to its original shape, seal the openings with duct tape.

Put in grains like mixed grains, different sizes of rice, beads, or beans.

After you cap it, your Chilean instrument, the rainstick, is complete!

Making instruments with a plastic wrap core

No drill or cutter needed: Make instruments with a plastic wrap core [Crafts]
Making instruments with a plastic wrap core

Let’s make a Chilean instrument that sounds like rain using a plastic wrap core! First, mark a bunch of toothpicks at the length of the wrap core so they match its length.

Next, cut the wrap core in a spiral.

Glue the cut toothpicks along the spiral using wood glue or similar adhesive.

Once you return the spiraled core to its original shape, seal the openings with duct tape.

Put in grains like mixed grains, different sizes of rice, beads, or beans.

After you cap it, your Chilean instrument, the rainstick, is complete!

Extending Sword

Let's make a sword that extends using a calendar and a wrapping paper core!
Extending Sword

Here’s how to make an extendable sword using a plastic wrap core and paper.

First, cut the core and use construction paper or similar to make the handle.

Next, make the blade with calendar paper.

Cut the paper so it’s as long as possible.

Roll it tightly so it fits inside the plastic wrap core.

Apply cellophane tape to the paper and adjust it so it matches the inside of the core, then stick it in place.

Once it’s the right size, you’re done! You can twist to extend and retract it for play.

Be careful not to pull it out too far.