[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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[For Upper Elementary Students] Simple but Awesome! Summer Vacation Craft Ideas (211–220)
Let’s make it out of paper
If you want to enjoy art casually, we recommend this crumple-paper art.
As you crumple and tear paper, you imagine what to make and build your piece.
By enjoying the feel of the paper and using your hands a lot, you naturally nurture fine motor skills, concentration, and imagination.
Moments like “It turned into this shape!” and “Let’s try this next!” spark discoveries that reveal the fun of creating.
You can freely express your individuality and easily create one-of-a-kind, captivating works—so give it a try!
Snow globe made from an empty bottle
Many people have probably received or bought snow globes as souvenirs or gifts.
Why not try making one with an empty jar? It’s easier than you think, and the result is beautiful and soothing.
All you need is an empty jar, a melamine sponge, liquid laundry starch (or thick laundry glue), small figurines or similar parts, and some glitter.
You can get them cheaply at a 100-yen shop.
First, attach the melamine sponge to the inside of the jar lid, then glue the figurines or other parts onto the sponge.
Put glitter into the jar itself, add laundry starch and water, mix, and screw on the lid—that’s it!
A truly usable cooler made from cardboard
Here’s a DIY cooler idea using cardboard, plastic bottles, a battery pack, and a motor.
First, cut three circular holes in the side of the cardboard box, each the same size as the bottom of a plastic bottle.
Insert and secure plastic bottles cut to one-third length into the holes, using the bottle neck ends.
On the inside of the cardboard, attach a propeller to the side opposite the bottles, and make small holes on both sides.
Mount the motor’s switch on the lid, place ice packs inside, and close the box to finish.
Decorate as you like with vinyl tape or similar materials.
Palm-sized ocean diorama
Let’s try making a diorama that captures a summer scene.
It’s palm-sized, so you won’t have trouble finding a place for it, and it’s easy to bring to school.
Prepare a container you like, apply glue to the bottom, and lay down paper clay.
Use sand, powdered pastels, and resin to create the beach and the sea.
Add stones and moss, place parts made from paper clay, and you’re done.
You can depict any landscape you like, so try making it while recalling the fun things you did during summer vacation.
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.
bento crafting
@n.annlee321♬ Nerd Strut (Instrumental) – Gen Hoshino
Bento craft that looks just like the real thing through clever use of color and shape is an art form that lets you enjoy the fun of making food.
Layer tissue over yellow crepe paper, offset them, cut into quarters, and fluff it up to get a texture like rolled omelet.
Roll up red crepe paper and add a green calyx, and it turns out just like a cherry tomato.
Wrap tissue in white crepe paper, shape it into a triangle, then wrap with black origami paper, and you’ve got a proper onigiri.
Even though every component is made only of paper, the thoughtful colors and shapes make it look delicious.
By planning the placement of side dishes and the overall arrangement, it becomes a work that greatly boosts creativity and powers of observation.
Flower papercut
Kirie—the art of creating beautiful patterns simply by folding and cutting origami—is a craft filled with surprise and discovery.
Fold the origami paper several times until it becomes a triangle.
Draw motifs like snowflakes or hearts, then cut them out with scissors.
The moment you unfold the paper and a completely unexpected pattern spreads out is pure excitement.
Depending on how you sketch the design and where you cut, you can create completely different works even with the same theme.
Choosing colored origami paper or adding glitter for the finishing touch makes the result more vibrant and striking.
Through the process, you can develop dexterity and a sense of design, and once displayed, the pieces brighten up any room.