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As a homeschool mom, I always dream of being the kind of mom who has fun, creative activities at the ready—full of glitter, popsicle sticks, and bright paper. But let’s be real, sometimes it’s a struggle to come up with cute craft ideas on my own. Between homeschooling, housework, and everything else that fills our day, planning elaborate craft activities can feel like another overwhelming task on the to-do list.
That’s where craft kits have become my saving grace. They make it easy to dive into fun, hands-on projects without the hassle of brainstorming, gathering materials, and coming up with instructions. Plus, my kids love them, and I get to feel like the “fun mom” I’ve always wanted to be.
In this post, I’ll share the benefits of doing craft projects with your kids and some practical tips to make crafting easy and enjoyable for everyone. We’ll also look at affordable craft kits that take the stress out of planning, like those from Purple Ladybug.
The Benefits of Doing Craft Projects with Your Kids
1. Boosts Creativity
Crafting encourages kids to use their imagination and explore their creative side. Whether they’re making a simple drawing or decorating a birdhouse, kids love the freedom to make something unique. Craft projects, especially those with open-ended outcomes, allow them to express their personalities and develop problem-solving skills.
Even structured kits provide room for creativity. For example, when we used a Purple Ladybug craft kit to decorate rocks, my sons came up with their own fun designs, experimenting with different colors and patterns. The project gave them guidelines while still allowing them the space to be original.
2. Strengthens Fine Motor Skills
For younger children, craft projects are an excellent way to build fine motor skills. Using scissors, coloring with markers, painting with brushes, and sticking small embellishments all require precise hand movements that develop fine motor control. As a bonus, these skills come in handy for everyday tasks like writing, tying shoes, and using utensils.
I’ve noticed that my own kids’ hand-eye coordination and dexterity have improved thanks to the regular crafting we do, especially when we work with different textures and materials.
3. Encourages Patience and Focus
In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, getting kids to focus on one activity for an extended period can be a challenge. Crafting provides an opportunity for them to slow down, focus on the task at hand, and practice patience. It teaches them that projects take time and effort, but the end result is worth it.
I’ve found that craft time is one of the few activities that can keep my sons fully engaged for an extended period. Whether they’re stringing beads or carefully painting details on a wooden ornament, the sense of accomplishment they feel after finishing a project makes them proud of their hard work.
4. Creates Bonding Time
Crafting is a perfect way to spend quality time together. In our busy day-to-day homeschool routine, it can be hard to carve out time for purely fun activities. Sitting down together to create something beautiful provides a relaxed environment where we can chat, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company without distractions.
Some of my fondest memories with my kids have been made while working on craft projects. Whether we’re working together on a larger project or doing our own individual crafts side by side, it’s a wonderful way to bond.
5. Teaches Practical Skills
In addition to creativity and focus, crafting can teach valuable life skills. Kids learn how to follow instructions, make decisions about design, and handle materials safely. From cutting to gluing to organizing supplies, crafting teaches responsibility and helps kids understand the importance of neatness and care.
For example, when we put together DIY craft kits from Purple Ladybug, my kids learn to follow the step-by-step instructions, stay organized, and clean up afterward. These skills translate into other areas of their lives, from schoolwork to chores.
Tips for Making Craft Time Easy and Fun
1. Keep It Simple
Don’t feel pressured to come up with intricate or overly complicated crafts. Simple projects are often just as engaging and enjoyable for kids, especially younger ones. You can create a fun, memorable crafting session with basic supplies like colored paper, glue sticks, markers, and stickers.
When I first started crafting with my kids, I thought every activity needed to be Pinterest-worthy. But I’ve learned that the simpler the project, the more fun we tend to have.
2. Organize Supplies Ahead of Time
One of the biggest challenges in crafting is the mess. To keep things under control, try to organize your supplies in advance. Use bins, baskets, or boxes to sort items by category—paintbrushes in one, glue and scissors in another, and so on. Having everything in one place makes setting up (and cleaning up) much easier.
I’ve dedicated a small shelf in our homeschool room to craft supplies, and it’s been a game-changer. Now, when the mood strikes to do a project, we can dive in without spending precious time hunting for materials.
3. Embrace the Mess
Craft projects are often messy, and that’s okay! Let go of the need for everything to be perfect and focus on the experience. Lay down a tablecloth or old newspaper to catch spills, and let your kids enjoy the process. You can always clean up later.
Whenever we do crafts that involve glitter, I mentally prepare for the sparkly aftermath. But seeing how much fun my kids have with it is worth the extra vacuuming!
4. Use Craft Kits for Easy Setup
If you’re like me and sometimes struggle to come up with cute craft ideas on your own, craft kits can be a lifesaver. They provide everything you need in one box, so you don’t have to worry about gathering materials or coming up with a project. Kits from Purple Ladybug are especially great because they offer a wide variety of creative options that kids love.
Craft kits allow you to create fun, impressive-looking projects with minimal effort on your part. Plus, they’re usually designed to be easy to use, so even young kids can participate without getting frustrated.
Affordable Craft Kits by Purple Ladybug
If you’re looking for affordable and fun craft kits that your kids will enjoy, Purple Ladybug has a great selection. They offer a wide range of craft kits that are perfect for different age groups and skill levels. Here are a few of my favorites:
1. Purple Ladybug Scratch Paper Art Set
If your kids love the satisfaction of revealing hidden colors, this scratch paper art set is perfect. It comes with sheets of black scratch paper that reveal a rainbow of colors underneath when scratched with the included stylus. This kit is mess-free, making it great for quick, no-fuss crafting sessions.
- Price: Around $10–$15
2. Purple Ladybug Picture Frame Craft Kit
The Picture Frame Craft Kit allows kids to decorate a wooden photo frame using colorful, shimmery mosaic pieces made from mother of pearl shells. It includes all the necessary materials—mosaic pieces, glue, a spreader stick, and a frame that fits a 4×6” or 5×7” photo. This kit makes an ideal gift for children and teens, encouraging creativity and boosting confidence. It’s a great option for DIY crafts and comes in an attractive, ready-to-wrap box, perfect for gifting at Christmas or Easter.
- Price: Around $10
3. Purple Ladybug Sun Catcher Kit
This kit lets your kids paint their own sun catchers and hang them in the window to catch the light. It’s a fun way to teach kids about colors and light reflection while they create beautiful, translucent artwork for the home.
- Price: Around $15–$20
The Struggle of Finding Time and Ideas for Crafting
If you’re anything like me, finding the time—and inspiration—for cute and fun craft projects can be a challenge. Some days, I want to be the mom with all the creative ideas, but between homeschooling and managing daily life, it can feel like too much. That’s why craft kits are my go-to solution. They take the pressure off and allow me to be the “fun mom” without all the extra effort.
With the materials and instructions provided, craft kits make it easy for both me and the kids to enjoy crafting without the added stress. Plus, I love seeing how proud my kids are when they finish a project.
Conclusion
Crafting with your kids can be a fun and rewarding way to spend time together while encouraging creativity, patience, and practical skills. Whether you’re coming up with your own simple projects or relying on ready-made kits like those from Purple Ladybug, the benefits of crafting are endless. It’s a wonderful opportunity to bond, learn, and create lasting memories with your children.
So the next time you’re looking for a fun activity to do with your kids, consider pulling out a craft kit and letting their imaginations run wild. You’ll be amazed at how much fun you can have—and how easy it can be with the right tools.
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