Enjoy making these crafts for children with your own family

Most packaging for everyday goods can be recycled and used in the construction of all sorts of items. Using a little initiative and creative thinking, one can not only save a bundle on cost of materials but also feel good that you have done something towards conservation.

For your crafts, collect the following from around the house: Used containers and apple boxes to sort and keep things in order. You can decorate these storage boxes. We keep our boxes to one side and out of the way to avoid them being thrown away.

Collect and use:

- Fabrics, off cuts, pieces of ribbon and lace. - Sea shells. - Old Magazines. - Some old newspapers. - Small containers: empty tins, boxes, empty yogurt containers with lids. - Empty coffee tins. - Bottle caps. - Cardboard boxes and tubes. - Corks. - Combs. - Keys. - Drinking straws. - Egg boxes. - Pipe cleaners. - Film canisters or small tablet containers. - Paper clips. - String. - Sticks. - Old socks, tights and stockings. - Seeds of all kinds. - Sand. - Stones and pebbles. - Beads. - Glitter or glitter glue. - Tin cans. - Wooden skewer sticks. - Tissue paper, (not used facial tissues!) - Toothpicks. - Wool offcuts. - Old gift wrap . - Old synthetic ribbon. - Nails, odd sizes. - Paper bags. - Elastic bands . - Shoe boxes. - Grease proof paper . - Odd old buttons. - Permanent markers. - Serviettes . - Dowel sticks.

Very important: Keep these materials safely away from small children during storage. Only bring them into use when a competent adult is available to supervise.

From the above list it becomes clear that the apple boxes and large cardboard boxes will definitely be useful for storing materials.

Tip: Date your boxes when starting to pack your recycleable materials. Also mark clearly the contents. In this way you can check on how long materials have been stored and dispose of ones that have been taking up valuable space for too long.

As we make things out of collected items from this list we are able to not only develop creativity but also teach our children how one can practically recycle.

Most of these crafts can easily be made by everyone in the family at their own level of experience. I am learning not to underestimate the ability of children to create. For all your special days and people, try these homemade cards. Or a paper plate flower. Click on the pictures below to open the 'How to make' pages.

For three easy activities to make try a robot or dollhouse or train

These three are easy enough for young toddlers to make under supervision.

String is wonderfully versatile when creating things

Young ones love string. Try this out.

Percussion crafts for children

Drums are a favourite amongst crafts for children, tubedrums can be used outside attached to a jungle gym if you would like some peace and quiet inside the house.

Try these shaker and chimes

These three are so easy and quick.

Even hands can be used as implements for stamping

Hands or even feet can be used here as well as specially made stamps.

More stamping using vegetables

Readily available raw materials for this stamping fun. Click on any of the pictures to link through to the 'How to make' pages.

A finger puppet can go anywhere the little fingers that made it can take it.

Using foil for crafts may seem tricky but the results will please all involved.

Some technique may be involved but go ahead and grab the opportunity.

Beads are versatile, easily available, fun to work with.

Crafts for children lantern decorations just for fun.

A craft that can be made musical with a little thought.

Puppets of any sort can be fun to make as well as recycle some otherwise unwanted household items.

Making crafts for children means you can give your imagination free reign. Use yours to create your favourite bird.

One of many forms of printing that gives a unique finish.

Try out this crafts for children mobile for a child's bedroom.

A little effort, a little time and you have a child's fun percussion rainmaker.

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