Easy Winter Crafts To Reduce Screen Time This Season!

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As the sun sets earlier and temperatures continue to fall, the temptation to increase screen time is strong.  Although I love holiday shows as much as the rest, I am trying my best to change up our activities and add in some creativity.   Here are 2 of my favorite winter crafts to keep kids busy when it’s cold!
 

Winter Craft 1: Homemade Finger Paint

Finger paints can be purchased, or you can easily make a batch at home with ingredients you likely already have in your cupboard.  I mixed an equal portion of corn starch with water & cooked it over medium heat.  The exact time to cook varies, so make sure to keep an eye on it and stir often until the mixture reaches the desired consistency.  
 
Once the batch cools, divide it into smaller portions and add food coloring for variety.  Make sure your little artist wears a smock or old clothing as this may stain.
 

Store the paint in a sealed container when not in use.  

 
We enjoyed using a paper towel roll as a stamp to make a snowman and we also painted paper plates, turning them into trees.  There are many household items that create cool patterns and textures for painting, depending on the age of your child.  Since my little guy is still quite young & crafts are a team effort, we went pretty simple.  
 
 
 
 
 

Winter Craft 2: Salt Dough Ornaments

 
Ah, the simple joys of salt dough – another easy winter craft to make at home.  The dough is 2 parts flour, 1 part salt, &  1 part cold water.  Simply mix these ingredients together in a large bowl & knead the dough.  Store the dough in an airtight container until ready to use.  My 4 & 6-year-old nieces LOVED making ornaments.  We spent an hour or two rolling out the dough, picking the perfect cookie cutters, and even doing some “freestyle” designs.  To involve the younger kids we helped them make footprint & handprint ornaments.
 
Salt dough can either be baked, or it can air dry to harden.  But, before doing this step – use a toothpick to poke a hole in each ornament so you can tie a string on it once dry.  Our ornaments sat out for a few hours, but ultimately I ended up baking them at 200 degrees for about an hour – turning them over part way through baking.  Each batch is a little different, so keep an eye on the oven if you go that route.  
 
After the ornaments cool, they can be painted and then sealed with mod podge.  Painting/sealing can easily be its own activity for another day!
 
 

What are some of you and your children’s favorite winter crafts??  Let us know in the comments!!

You may also like: My Favorite Christmas Cookies

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Christie
Christie is originally from Appleton, WI.  She & her husband met in college, and they settled in Manitowoc shortly after graduation for his career.  In order to follow her dreams, Christie went back to school,  which resulted in a long distance marriage for 4 years.  She was thrilled to move to the Green Bay area in 2018 to split their commutes to work, & be closer to family.  In spring of 2019, Christie embarked on what she thought was her "last vacation before baby" however, her little boy had other plans & arrived early - while she was in Florida!  Thankfully he is healthy, happy, and growing like crazy (& that hubby made it to FL in time for the big event!).  Christie also shares her home with 2 cats and 2 dogs.  In her free time, she enjoys traveling, crafting, & blogging at https://sunsetscribbles.com/ & http://stitchsense.com/