Easy and Affordable Spring Art for Preschoolers

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

18 Mar 2009 05:55 AM

Today's high temperatures are expected to reach the mid-50s... a virtual heat wave by midwestern standards this time of year. The mild temps are reason to cheer and serve as a great impetus for spring crafts.

The following simple and affordable projects are ideal for preschoolers itching to celebrate the arrival of spring with cute crafts:

FUZZY CATERPILLAR

Materials:

Pom-poms (in a variety of colors and sizes)

Popsicle sticks

Googly eyes

Glue

Red construction paper

Scissors

Black pipe cleaners

Scotch tape

Directions:

Use scissors to cut two, 2-inch long pieces of pipe cleaner. Glue and tape the pipe cleaners onto the back of a Popsicle stick.

Flip stick over.

Use the largest pom-pom as caterpillar's head. Glue on Popsicle stick. Glue remaining pom-poms to the Popsicle stick, so that the stick is completely covered.

Glue two googly eyes onto the largest pom-pom.

Cut a nose and mouth from the construction paper and glue them onto the face of the caterpillar.

DAFFODIL PIN

Materials:

Dry egg carton

Orange paint

Yellow construction paper

Glue

Safety pin

Scotch tape

Scissors

Directions:

Use scissors to cut out one of the egg compartments from the egg carton.

Paint egg compartment with orange paint. Set aside to dry thoroughly.

Cut out a flower shape from yellow construction paper.

Glue the egg compartment to the center of the flower.

When the daffodil is completely dry, tape a safety pin to the back so that your child can wear it.

SIMPLE BUTTERFLY

Construction paper (choose your favorite butterfly colors)

Googly eyes

Scissors

Glue

Embellishments: Sequins, glitter, stickers, markers, glitter glue, etc.

Directions:

Trace your child's hands (with their fingers placed slightly apart) onto construction paper and cut them out. You will need four handprints total. These will be the butterfly's wings.

Cut a long, thin oval out of a different color of construction paper for the butterfly's body.

Glue the butterfly wings to the back of the body, so that they overlap slightly on each side.

Cut two antennae out of construction paper and glue to the top of the body.

Glue on two googly eyes.

Use markers or crayons to draw a smile on the butterfly's face.

Embellish butterfly wings with sequins, glitter, buttons, markers, etc.

Related Articles:

Cheap "Cheep" Crafts for Kids

More Flower Fun

Fun with Flowers

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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krez (10) 26 Mar 2009 02:56 PM

Michele, I'm SO grateful for all of the inexpensive, kid-friendly crafty ideas you've posted. I plan to try all of them with my toddler this coming week - spring break where we are. Perhaps I'll write back to let you know how it goes. But again, thanks for taking the time to post such thoughtful ideas. It's GREAT to have things to create with kids this age, and to not have to spend a fortune is SO critical.

krezmierski@budgetartists.com

Michele Cheplic (37236) 27 Mar 2009 06:03 AM

We're expecting a snowstorm this weekend, so we'll be doing the same krez! Thanks for the comment and I ditto your remark about spending a fortune. It's not worth it when you don't have to!