Easy Summertime Arts and Crafts for Kids

"I'm bored" is a phrase commonly heard by stay at home parents during the summer months. While in school, kids are constantly occupied with lessons and activities, making it difficult for them to adjust to summer's slow pace. This summer, help keep boredom at bay and the television turned off with these fun and easy crafts.

Pet Rocks: If dogs are a man's best friend and diamonds are a woman's best friend, then pet rocks are a kid's best friend. Begin this time-treasured arts and crafts project with a hunt for the perfect rock. The smoother the rock, the better. Once you've found just the right rock, bring it to life with paint or by gluing on materials like googly eyes, buttons for noses and yarn for hair. Don't forget to give your new pet a name.

Friendship Bracelets: The ultimate symbol of friendship. Not only are they easy to make, they're inexpensive and universally appreciated. Pick up embroidery floss at a craft or sewing store like or in Avon. Tie a knot at the top and braid the floss. For advanced bracelet patterns, visit a how-to site like http://www.how-to-make-jewelry.com/how-to-make-friendship-bracelets.html.

Create a sidewalk masterpiece: Add some fun and color to your neighborhood with sidewalk chalk. Let your imagination soar as you spend the day creating large murals, self-portraits or hopscotch grids to play on. Non-toxic, washable sidewalk chalk can be found at stores like Michaels Arts and Crafts or in Avon. You can also make your own at home. Find a recipe by typing “homemade sidewalk chalk” into any Internet search engine.

Add Life to Boring Tees: Plain white T-shirts are so last season. Update the look by adding colorful designs, iron-ons or rhinestones. To write words, try using stencils or dipping letter stamps into fabric paint. For designs, try using sponges cut into different shapes like hearts, triangles and circles. Prevent fabric paint from bleeding by placing a piece of cardboard or a thick layer of newspaper inside the shirt.

Raid the Recycle Bin: Using recyclable items to create art is not only fun, it's good for the environment too. Make a rain stick out of a cardboard tube, aluminum foil and popcorn kernels. Line the inside of the tub with foil and seal the kernels, then decorate the outside with markers, construction paper and glitter. When the stick is turned upside down, the kernels falling against the foil will sound like rain. Paper plates, tissue boxes, egg cartons and plastic bottles also work well for recycled creations.

For additional craft ideas, visit Avon-based CreativeWorks for Children LLC's website, http://creativeworksforchildren.com/arts-and-crafts-projects-for-children.htm.