[For Upper Elementary Students] Simple but Awesome! A Collection of Summer Vacation Craft Ideas

Authentic handmade guitar

[Summer Vacation Craft] Authentic! How to Make a Cool Guitar (Toilet Paper Rolls, Rubber Bands, Paper Cups) [Handmade Instrument, Playable Toy, Playable Craft] Upcycled Fun • Lower and Middle Elementary Grades • Independent Study

Here’s an introduction to a genuine-sounding guitar you can make using items like toilet paper rolls and paper cups.

You’ll also use a sample-size paper cup; the key is to choose one whose bottom fits the toilet paper roll.

Cut slits in the paper cup, hook rubber bands onto both the cup and the toilet paper roll, and stack the two pieces together.

By adjusting the position of the toilet paper roll, you can improve the sound when you pluck the rubber bands.

If you attach the sample cup and make a pick, you can create an even more authentic guitar—give it a try!

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Nakajima Junko

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beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)

[At-home time] I made a rhinoceros beetle and a stag beetle using a glue gun from the 100-yen shop!!

Let’s try making rhinoceros beetles and stag beetles—the quintessential summer insects—using a hot glue gun.

If you use the finished pieces as decorations, they’ll really highlight the summer vibe.

Create each part on parchment paper and then glue them together at the end to finish.

A key tip is to give each piece a good rounded shape, which creates a sense of three-dimensionality when it’s done.

You can aim for a realistic look, or play with colors and shapes to create your own original creatures—it might be fun to experiment.

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kappamaki

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Marble run

Handmade marble run

This is a fun craft where a marble spirals down around a cardboard wrap core as it falls.

The process is simple: just insert bamboo skewers into the wrap core while creating stepped levels.

The angle of the skewers and the gaps between them are the key points.

If the skewers are placed poorly, the marble won’t roll all the way down, so it’s best to insert them while testing as you go.

The light sound it makes while rolling also adds to the fun, so aim for a pleasing sound by adjusting the number of skewers and the angles of the steps.

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kappamaki

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miniature car

[Handmade Toy] Make it with chopsticks! 1/20 Scale Mini Car

You can make a cool miniature car using chopsticks! It’s sure to boost the creativity of elementary school kids who love cars.

It’s highly recommended as a summer break craft project, so give it a try.

Combine cut chopsticks to build a three-dimensional mini car.

By attaching wheels, you can actually make it roll! Since the material is wooden chopsticks, it transforms into a miniature car with a warm, handcrafted feel.

You can also have fun painting it in your favorite colors.

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miyabi

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Tulips made with pipe cleaners

Let's make 'Easy Chenille Stem Tulips' at the mall as a small gift for occasions like presenting them to teachers at a preschool graduation, a handmade Mother's Day present, cute handmade DIY accessories, or a little gift for an anniversary.

How about making a cute bouquet of tulips using chenille stems (pipe cleaners)? You’ll need chenille stems, wire for the stems, and floral tape.

Use the chenille stems to create the tulip petals and leaves.

Make six petals for each tulip.

Attach the petals to the wire using floral tape, adjusting as you go to keep the balance.

Once you’re done, gently press to shape and refine the overall balance.

It’s also adorable to make lots of colorful tulips and arrange them into a bouquet.

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utatane

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