[Summer Vacation Crafts] Not just make-and-done! A collection of practical ideas you can use every day
We often hear things like, “I don’t know what to make for my summer break project,” or “I want to create something practical!” But don’t worry.
With simple, everyday materials, you can make wonderful projects that are useful in daily life.
Here, we introduce crafts that grow more endearing the more you use them: a sturdy pen holder made from a milk carton, a cute felt humidifier, a metal door plate made from an aluminum sheet, and more.
They’re all simple to make, yet durable enough to use long after they’re finished.
This summer break, try your hand at practical projects the whole family will love!
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- A collection of summer vacation craft ideas made with 100-yen shop materials
- [For Upper Elementary Students] Simple but Awesome! A Collection of Summer Vacation Craft Ideas
- [Summer Vacation Crafts] Stylish Ideas for Girls
- DIY science projects that elementary school boys will love: ideas you can make with everyday materials
- Recommended performance ideas for elementary school (middle grades) cultural festivals and learning presentations
- Make it with everyday materials! A collection of fun summer vacation craft ideas
- [Milk Carton Crafts] Fun ideas for elementary school kids. Perfect for summer vacation homework!
[Summer Vacation Crafts] Not just for making and forgetting! A collection of practical ideas you can use every day (71–80)
How to make a basic robot
Build a robot with your own hands! Here are some ideas for making a basic robot.
These days, we often see robots active in various roles.
In fast-food restaurants, there are robots that carry food and drinks, and some households even keep robot pets.
This time, let’s try making a simple robot.
You’ll need items like a ruler, scissors, a pen, thick paper or cardboard, batteries, a battery holder, a switch, a motor, and wires.
Be sure to work together with a teacher or a guardian.
Flower-shaped round case
This is a round case assembled into a flower shape using the cores from plastic wrap.
Simply cut the wrap cores, arrange them in a flower shape and glue them together, then attach a lid that surrounds the whole piece.
Just arranging circles won’t make it look like a flower, so use decorations around the edges and on the lid to clearly create a floral look.
It’s also recommended to cover the wrap cores and the lid with felt before adding decorations, as it gives a soft, cozy feel.
You might also decide first what you want to put in the case and then choose the overall colors and embellishments based on that.
interior light
Let’s use a hot glue gun to stylishly customize a simple string light.
Wrap paper and draw lines with the glue gun, then peel off the glue pattern and attach it to the light—done! You can enjoy different looks by trying various shapes, such as patterns made with crumpled paper or ones made from milk cartons cut into triangles.
The color of the glue sticks also changes the overall impression, so mixing different colors is highly recommended.
cotton ball lights
A lamp shade with a soft, round texture that’s adorably charming.
It’s nice that you can make it just by inflating a water balloon, wrapping colorful cotton yarn around it, and letting it dry.
What you’ll need: water balloons, cotton yarn, glue, LED string lights, batteries, and a brush.
For the paste to stick the yarn, put glue in a container, add a little water, and brush it on.
After letting it dry completely for 1–2 days, pop the balloon inside and it’s done.
Make several in different colors for a vibrant piece that fits perfectly into your interior decor.
Using jute twine instead of cotton yarn will give it a different look.
tile coaster
How about making your own original tile coasters using wooden coasters and tiles? Small tiles and glass tiles are also sold at 100-yen shops.
Arrange the tiles however you like and glue them onto a wooden coaster with wood glue.
Once the glue has dried, apply cement thinned with water to fill the gaps, and wipe the surface before it dries.
Don’t worry if there are small holes or if you wipe too much—you can touch it up with more cement.
Wipe the tile surfaces with a wet wipe and let everything dry thoroughly, and you’re done!
cardboard table
This is a table that combines simplicity and sturdiness, with legs made from plastic wrap cores attached to a cardboard tabletop.
Holes are punched in the corners of the cardboard, and the wrap cores are inserted to form the table shape.
A notable detail is that the tabletop is made by stacking two sheets of cardboard, which not only makes it sturdy enough to place items on but also secures the legs firmly.
Circular pieces of thick paper are attached over the holes in the wrap cores, creating a structure that allows the holes to be used as pen holders, and so on.
It also seems fun to adjust elements like the placement of the holes in the cardboard or the height of the wrap cores to suit different uses.
handheld vacuum cleaner
A practical DIY idea: a plastic bottle handheld vacuum! It’s recommended for anyone who wants to try electronic projects.
Attach a cup holder fitted with a motor and propeller to a plastic bottle with the bottom cut off.
Use soundproofing tape to secure it firmly.
After that, connect the motor and a battery-powered switch with wires, and you’re done.
To ensure it actually sucks properly, precision in making the propeller is crucial.
Carefully check ruler markings and build it to the exact dimensions!
