Spending more time at home? These fun craft activities will keep children engaged for long stretches of time yet they are super easy to set up. All you need is some everyday objects so grab the paper, scissors and let their creativity shine.

These crafts were brought to you by the lovely Annabelle from Annabelle's Busy World and are themed around the ocean and the fascinating creatures that inhabit it.

The benefits of arts & crafts

Arts and crafts not only engage children in productive activity but also promote physical and social development skills. They encourage creativity, which will be a helpful skill for the kid’s entire life, both personal and professional. These are some of the arts and crafts benefits:

• Improve motor skills – Holding a pen or using a scissor to cut different shapes helps to develop muscle strength of the hands and fingers. It is an excellent activity for children to exercise their motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
• Stimulate self-esteem – When creating something, young explorers have the feeling of being in control of something and that they are capable of finishing a project. The sense of achievement when the creation is complete plays a significant part in boosting their self-esteem.
• Teaches maths concepts – Children learn to recognise distinct forms, sort supplies, evaluate dimensions, and so on. These skills are all needed to master mathematics during school.
• Family bonding – During our free time, it is normal to find the children entertaining themselves with tablets, smartphones, or television. Arts and crafts can create a common ground for both kids and parents to join and have fun.
• Help kids to socialise better – Arts and crafts are a way of expression. Sometimes, words are not enough, and feelings might flow easier while drawing or creating something. So, by encouraging your children to arts, you are also allowing them to learn how to express and cope with their emotions.
• Boosts creativity and productivity – Kids imagination is endless, and crafts can help them turn this imagination into creativity and productivity. They might also find a new hobby, like painting, sewing or drawing.

So, clear some space in the house, where you can keep an eye on the little ones, organise some activities and let them use their imagination! The best part is: you probably already have most of these materials at the house, so no need to spend any extras. 

1) Ocean Creatures

The ocean life is mysterious and exciting. Let your children give life to turtles, whales, crabs, and starfishes. Use different coloured papers to create different animals, and if you prefer, check for some free printable animal templates online. 

2) Create lovely key chains

Almost everyone loves a personalised key chain, it is the perfect accessory for bags and, of course, keys! It is also an excellent gift for friends, family, or to keep it for yourself (No one will judge!). You can make your own felt anchor or buy it ready from your local arts and crafts supplies shop, where you can also find the beads and other small decorative items. If you feel like taking this project to the next level, add a customised label with your children's names. It is the perfect manner to encourage them to claim the creation as their own and raise the sense of achievement. You can easily find suppliers online, which can print at low minimum quantities. You can design your own label and opt for materials such as woven, satin, or leather labels. 

3) Fish toys

Do you have some old CD's no one else listen to anymore? Well, this is the perfect excuse to give them a new life. Also, take those gift-wrapping papers you never use and add some colours to these sea creatures. 

4) Cute jellyfish

Jellyfish in real life might be scary, but not these ones! They are fun to make and can become an exciting decoration for parties. All you are going to need is some disposable tableware, glue, non-toxic paint for kids, and coloured crepe paper or felt. 

5) Charming octopus

This octopus is easy to make, and it is super cute! You are going to need some old kitchen paper rolls, coloured paper, scissors, and glue. If you don't have the googly eyes at home, you can make them by using different coloured papers. Just cut on the shape of the eyes and mouth, and it's done!  About the author: Annabelle Carter Short is a professional seamstress of more than 8 years. In her free time, she likes to make crafts with her children. Annabelle homeschools her autistic son and works with few organisations to provide the best resources for raising and educating special needs child.