Craft ideas for 1-year-olds to enjoy in spring: flowers and koinobori (carp streamers)

20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherhiyoko sensei
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.
Nursery Teacher Mom Writertsukada moe
After working for five years at an after-school childcare club and three years at a nursery school, I began working as a freelance writer. I’m a mother of two children. Inspired by playing the flute in the school wind ensemble in elementary school, I joined a jazz club at university. I’ve also incorporated ukulele and piano performance into childcare. Playing, laughing, feeling sad, feeling frustrated—through all kinds of experiences, I want children to grow.

Curious and eager to go and try things, one-year-olds often have a strong desire to explore.

They also show interest in making things, and their motivation to “give it a try” grows.

For those wondering what kinds of projects to enjoy with one-year-olds, here are some spring recommendations.

We’ve gathered ideas for creating fun motifs like flowers, animals, and carp streamers (koinobori) using a variety of materials and techniques.

These activities will make craft time exciting for the children, so please use them as a reference.

Because we treat children’s creations as works of art, we use the term “seisaku (制作)” to mean “art/craft projects” throughout the text.

[For 1-year-olds] Craft ideas to enjoy in spring: flowers and koinobori (41–50)

Dandelion sponge stamp

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Here’s a dandelion craft made with a sponge stamp.

The process is the same as making a traditional tampo stamp, but since you use a sponge, it seems easy to make.

Wrap a sponge around the tip of a disposable chopstick and secure it with a rubber band—your stamp is ready.

Then stamp orange paint onto a yellow piece of construction paper cut into a dandelion shape, and it’s complete.

You can display it on the wall as is, or add a stem and leaves to make it look even more like a dandelion.

When infants are making it, wrapping the chopstick with colored tape or vinyl tape can make it safer to use!

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hiyoko sensei

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Butterflies made with finger painting

Happy little fingers that stay clean! Here’s a butterfly craft idea using finger painting.

By using a zippered plastic bag, there’s no mess on their fingers, so even infants in the 0-year-old class can enjoy it—such a great point.

With finger-painted butterflies, kids can press with their fingers, step with their feet, or grab with their hands, enjoying art in any way they like.

Using their hands helps develop their senses and fine motor skills, and they can also enjoy the excitement of not knowing exactly how the artwork will turn out.

Let’s create together with the children and have fun seeing what kind of art emerges.

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Stamp Cherry Blossoms Made from Scrap Materials

Here’s how to make cherry blossoms using recycled materials.

Prepare construction paper, scissors, glue, a toilet paper roll, and paint.

First, create the base of the cherry tree on the construction paper.

Shape the toilet paper roll into a heart, dip it in paint, and stamp it onto the tree.

The stamped shapes look like cherry blossom petals, giving the artwork a springtime feel.

Since children’s hands are small, it’s recommended to cut the toilet paper roll in half to make a stamp that’s easier for them to hold firmly.

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Strawberries made with sensory play

Let’s try making something while enjoying the feel of paint! Here are some strawberry craft ideas using sensory play.

These ideas are perfect for anyone who wants to do a strawberry-themed project in spring.

You’ll need: bees, strawberries, hearts, caps (leaf tops), and a backing made from construction paper; paint; zipper-seal bags; round stickers; crayons; glue; and scissors.

As the children touch the paint inside the zipper-seal bags, we want to observe and support them while watching how they react.

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Tulips made with handprints

We’d like to introduce a tulip wall display made with handprints that will be a lovely keepsake of children’s growth.

Prepare construction paper, green paint, brushes, and a palette.

Cut out the flower and stem parts from construction paper, then glue them onto a background sheet.

Apply paint thinned with a little water to the children’s palms and press their handprints onto the stem area of the tulips.

The key is to press quickly when making the handprints.

Make sure to prepare everything thoroughly in advance so the activity goes smoothly.

The tulip leaves will turn into adorable handprints.

If you like, add paper cutouts shaped like butterflies for a charming, springtime wall display.

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mayumi

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Spring laundry

Let’s have fun playing with colors! Here are some spring laundry-themed craft ideas.

Using paint for art projects is great for one-year-olds because it stimulates their senses and creativity.

By freely applying and mixing paint, they can develop self-expression and curiosity.

Making art with their hands and fingers also supports sensory growth by letting them enjoy different textures.

If you’d like to enjoy paint with children who are interested in it, here’s what you’ll need for the spring laundry craft: drawing paper, scissors, paint, origami paper, jute twine, paper towels, and craft glue.

Give it a try!

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