Summer is such a fun time of year. Kids can run around and play. There are barbecues, Popsicles, playing in the water, and campfires. It can be a fabulous time for kids. Sometimes, though, kids can get a little bored with a lot of unstructured time. If so, it is the perfect time for a fun summer craft.
Let’s face it kids will get bored. While I believe it is not our job to swoop in and provide entertainment, sometimes they need some ideas or maybe something to keep them focused.
Have you been hiking with the kids, and they are just running around like little mad people?!
I have. I was a den leader for cub scouts. All the boys did was run around. They didn’t take the time to look at things.
One way to help is to have kids collect leaves, grass, flowers, whatever they want to make some fun nature bookmarks. It focuses kids on a hike and gives bored kids a fun summer craft to work on.
So, let’s begin.
Summer Craft for Kids
I have older kids, now, so I wanted to find a summer craft kids of all ages could enjoy. I also wanted something that involves getting the kids outside. I’m finding it harder with my preteen.
When my kids are outside, they bring me back flowers. It kind of shocks me my 11 and 13 year old still do this. I hate watching them die in a cup of water in a day, so I decided to use them to make bookmarks.
I will show you a couple of ways to go about making them.
Nature Bookmarks
Materials
- cardstock or construction paper
- laminator, packing tape, or clear contact paper
- scissors
- items from nature: flowers, grass, leaves, etc.
Directions
- First, you will want to have your kiddos get outside and start collecting. They can collect grass, flowers, leaves, anything that catches their eye.
- Next, your kids will need to choose the paper for their bookmarks. I would recommend heavier weight paper like cardstock or construction paper. The bookmark will be stiffer that way.
However, if you are going to use a laminator, you could use any type of paper you wish. The laminating sheets will make the bookmark more rigid.
I used cardstock paper.
- Once the kids have chosen their paper, they will need to cut it to the size they want. My bookmarks were 2 inches wide and 7 inches long.
- Now is the fun part! Kids can start placing their items on their bookmark strips. I have a couple of tips to help.
**Tip 1: If using a laminator or contact paper, I would place the paper on the laminating sheet (or contact paper) first and then lay out the flowers, leaves, etc. This way things won’t slide off when you are trying to put it on the laminating sheet or contact paper.
**Tip 2: Kids may have chosen whole flowers. They do not flatten well, so it can be a problem when sealing the bookmarks. I found this out for myself. My daisy was too big. I would recommend the kids pull off petals and use the petals.
Here are the two ways I made the bookmarks.
Laminator Method
Once you have the flowers on the bookmarks, it is time to seal them. If you are laminating them, run it through the laminator and trim them up.
Contact Paper Method
With the contact paper, you will want to carefully wrap it over the top of the bookmark and onto the opposite side of the bookmark. Press down carefully to seal it.
I did not use this method this time. It is an option, however, that should work well.
Packing Tape Method
However, sometimes we like to use packing tape when we don’t have contact paper. I cut long strips of tape that were slightly longer than the bookmark.
Next, I put one tape strip in the middle and two on either side.
After, I lifted the tape off the table and wrapped it around the back of the bookmark.
You are now all done!
Completed Bookmarks
Extras
You can keep the bookmarks as they are, or you can punch a hole in the top and add more. Kids can add a ribbon, tassel, or little charms. They could even add stickers on the back.
A Fun Summer Craft
As the summer days go by, get the kids outside, and have them collect some of their favorite summer flowers and items in nature. Turn them into a fun bookmark that holds their summer memories all year long.
Looking for other summer fun activities?! You might also like:
How to Make Cool Summer Op Art with Kids
Bird Study with Kids of All Ages
3 Solar Oven Projects for Backyard Fun
Happy crafting, and enjoy your summer!
