[For Upper Elementary Students] Simple but Awesome! A Collection of Summer Vacation Craft Ideas
Summer vacation crafts—especially for older elementary students—can feel like a dilemma: “Simple projects aren’t satisfying,” but “overly difficult ones are a problem,” too, right? The truth is, by getting creative with materials and tools, you can make projects that look and function like the real deal.
Here, we’re sharing craft ideas—like coin banks, motor-based projects, and food replicas—that will make your friends say, “Wow!” They’re simple to build, yet fun to use even after they’re finished.
Use these as inspiration and add your own twists to create an original masterpiece!
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[Upper Elementary Students] Simple but Awesome! Summer Vacation Craft Ideas (161–170)
Krispy Kreme-style decorated doughnuts
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts drew attention not only for their taste but also for their colorful appearance.
Focusing on that cute, colorful look, this is about recreating them as mascots.
The base is made by shaping clay in a mold, then adding other colored clays and decorations to embellish it.
It looks fun not only to recreate actual products but also to decorate them in your own way and make original donuts.
String art
Would you like to try string art, an artwork that creates pictures using thread and nails? First decide on a design and sketch where the nails will go.
Transfer the sketch onto a board, then hammer in the nails.
After that, simply stretch and wrap the thread around the nails.
Designs with simple shapes like hearts or stars work best.
It takes patience, but the process is simple, so try making one with your favorite design.
You can get the materials at a 100-yen shop.
If it’s your first time using tools, ask an adult to help supervise.
[For Upper Elementary Students] Simple but Amazing! Summer Vacation Craft Ideas (171–180)
Running Robot
An exciting craft! Let me share an idea for a running robot.
Some of you might want to do a craft project but can’t think of a good idea, right? This time, let’s make a running robot that uses a windshield wiper mechanism.
You’ll need a rectangular plastic bottle, bamboo skewers, straws, thick paper, cardboard, plastic bottle caps, rubber bands, and so on.
It’s a great idea that lets you learn how a wiper mechanism works through crafting! Give it a try!
Let’s make dinosaur fossils
Let’s make some exciting dinosaur fossils! First, think about what kind of fossil you want to create, then draw your fossil illustration on a sheet of foam board (styrene paper).
Cut out the fossil shapes with scissors.
Glue the cut foam pieces onto cardboard to form your design.
Paint it with acrylic paints.
When it’s finished, attach a decorative ribbon to the back so you can display it.
It’s also a good idea to round off the corners of the cardboard.
Have fun creating your very own original fossil!
How to make a croaking frog
This is a cute craft where a frog hidden inside a paper cup peeks out while croaking.
You make a hole in the bottom of the cup and insert a bendy straw; by using this straw, you can move the frog up and down.
The key is the bendable part of the straw—when it rubs against the hole in the paper cup, it makes a sound like a frog’s croak.
You can add originality by choosing the frog’s expression and decorating the paper cup however you like.
Target-throwing game with disposable chopsticks and clothespins
Let me introduce a target-shooting game that launches with a burst of energy using chopsticks and a clothespin.
Prepare two chopsticks, a clothespin, tape, and a plastic bottle cap to make it.
For the launcher, clip the clothespin’s metal spring onto a chopstick, then tape the clothespin’s handle and the chopstick together to form the base.
Cut a slit in the plastic bottle cap and fasten it to the chopstick with a rubber band.
Make a target out of a milk carton and draw point values on it.
Set a marble-sized ball on the finished launcher and try aiming at the target.
Have fun seeing how many points you can score!
Paper cup fireworks
Fireworks burst out of a paper cup! How about enjoying a bright, summery craft? First, prepare some copy paper and draw any patterns you like.
Crayons or pens with vivid colors are recommended.
Next, cut the paper in half, accordion-fold each piece, then fold them in half again.
Make a hole in the center of the bottom of a paper cup and insert a chopstick.
Finally, attach the accordion-folded pieces to both sides of the chopstick, and fix their ends to both sides of the cup to finish.
You’ll love the satisfying pop as the fireworks open! It’s easy to make, so give it a try.