Weekend Crafts & Activities For Tweens

Spring is here, the weather is improving and it's the perfect time to get crafty with your tweens! This post is full of fun, hands on projects that celebrate the season.

Bath Bombs (Easy):

Fizz up bath time with homemade bath bombs! These are totally customisable, so let their creativity flow.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup bicarbonate of soda
• 1/2 cup citric acid (from local zero waste shop or online)
• 1/2 cup Epsom salts 
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup oil (like coconut or almond)
• A few drops of essential oil (optional, for fragrance)
• Food colouring (optional)
• Small molds (silicone muffin cases or old yoghurt pots work well)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients (baking soda, citric acid, Epsom salts, cornstarch).
2. In a separate bowl, mix the oil and essential oils (if using) and food colouring.
3. Slowly drizzle the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing constantly. You want the consistency of damp sand.
4. Divide the mixture evenly among your molds. Pack it in firmly.
5. Let the bath bombs dry completely in the molds for at least 24 hours.
6. Pop them out and enjoy a fizzy bath!

DIY Wind Chimes (Medium):

You can get really creative with these homemade wind chimes.

Materials:

• Recycled materials (cans, lids, buttons, beads, etc.)
• String or fishing line
• Scissors 
• Paint and paintbrushes (optional)
• Sticks or a hanger (for hanging)

Instructions:

1. Adult: Carefully remove any sharp edges from cans using scissors.
2. Wash and dry all your recycled materials.
3. Decorate your materials with paint (optional).
4. Adult: Using a drill, create small holes in the top of cans, lids, and other materials you want to use as chimes.
5. Cut string or fishing line into different lengths.
6. Tie one end of each string to a chime and the other end to a stick or hanger.
7. Hang your wind chimes outside and enjoy the melodies!

Tissue Paper Flowers (Easy-Medium):

Transform colourful tissue paper into beautiful blooms! This is a great project for all skill levels.

Materials:

• Tissue paper in various colours
• Pipe cleaners or sticks
• Scissors
• Stapler 

Instructions:

1. Cut large squares of tissue paper (around 20cm x 20cm).
2. Stack several squares of tissue paper on top of each other.
3. Fold the stack in half like a book, then concertina fold from short end to short end.
4. Staple the bottom (short folded end) of the tissue and cut a rounded petal shape on the opposite end.
5. Fan out the tissue paper layers gently to create a full flower.
6. You can add a pipe cleaner or stick from the garden as a stem.
7. Experiment with different colours and folding techniques to create a variety of flower shapes.

Seed Bombs (Easy):

Spread some wildflower cheer with seed bombs!

Materials:

• Wildflower seeds
• Dry clay (available at craft stores)
• Compost

Instructions:

1. Mix together equal parts wildflower seeds, dry clay, and compost in a bowl.
2. Add a little water and mix until it forms a moldable consistency.
3. Roll the mixture into small balls (about the size of a marble).
4. Let the seed bombs dry completely for a day or two.
5. Toss your seed bombs into bare patches of ground where you'd like wildflowers to grow. Spring rains will help them germinate!

These fun crafts are a great way to celebrate spring with your tweens. Get creative, have fun, and enjoy the beautiful season!

If you have younger children too, check out our other blogs or if you just need a ready made kit to entertain the children - take a look at our fun and themed eco friendly activity packs.

Happy Crafting,

Danielle