For kids, snow days are one of the best things about winter. But they can be hard for parents – what can you do with a kid full of energy? When school’s out because of snow, here are five winter crafts that will keep things fun. 

If you don’t have the exact materials, no need to trek to the store – improvise with supplies you have at home, and turn these projects into learning moments!

Stained Glass Mittens 

Materials

• Tissue paper in 4 or 5 different colors
• Scissors
• 4-5 small containers to hold squares of cut tissue paper
• Mitten frame (made from template)
• Black construction paper
• Scotch tape
• Clear contact paper

Directions

1. Cut the tissue paper into 1 inch squares. 
2. Gather your cut squares by color, and place them in each in their own container.
3. Print two mitten frames for each of your children using the template, and trace the frame onto black construction paper. 
4. Cut out one 9 x 12 inch strip of black construction paper for each pair of mittens. 
5. Peel the backing off one 12 x 18 inch piece of contact paper and lay it on a table or desk in front of your child, sticky side up. 
6. Place two mitten frames side by side on top of the sticky paper. 
7. Cut or tear ½ inch strips of construction paper to create cuffs on the mitten. 
8. Have your kids lay pieces of tissue paper on the sticky surface to create a “stained glass window.”
9. To seal each mitten “window,” place a second sheet of 12 x 18 inch contact paper on top of the entire project. 
10. Have your kids trim around the mittens with scissors. 
11. Add a piece of Scotch tape to the back of the mittens, and display on your nearest window!

(Source: Kindercraze)

Mason Jar Snow Globes 

Directions

1. Choose your snow globe focal point and jar. Whether it’s a tree or figurine, you’ll want a large item to be the center of your globe scene, so select one and make sure it fits in the appropriate jar, allowing space for other items.
2. Glue the items in place. Use hot glue to glue your main item to the center of your mason jar lid. To create a winter scene, add “floor items” like pebbles or beads around it. Just make sure not to place them too close to the edge, where they might prevent you from closing the jar.
3. Fill the jar halfway with distilled water. Add some clear glue and stir it into the water. This will thicken the water, making the snow fall slowly when your kids shake the finished item. If it is falling too fast for you, add more glue!
4. Add glitter for snow. Add 1-2 teaspoons of your favorite color of glitter.
5. Add more water and screw on the lid. Fill the jar almost all the way up with distilled water, enough to cover the focal point but not so much that the entire thing is full of water. Screw the lid on when you’re done.
6. Turn over your jar and watch the snow fall! The best part of finishing the snow globe! Your kids will love the DIY aspect of creating a snow scene of their own.

(Source: Welcome to Nanas)

Snowy Owl

Directions

1. Use the loofah to stamp paint an owl body on black construction paper using white tempera paint. Let it dry.
2. Use the brown construction paper to make branches for the owl to stand on. Let your kids get creative; there aren’t any guidelines on how the branches have to look!
3. Cut out yellow circles for eyes, and smaller black circles for pupils. You can use the bottle caps to trace a circle to cut, or let your kids freehand it!
4. Cut out a black triangle nose and black feet.
5. Glue all the pieces of your owl onto the white construction paper.
6. Done! Hang your snowy owl craft on display!

(Source: Fantastic Fun and Learning)

Paper Plate Snowman

Materials

• A white paper plate (9 inch coated)
• Construction paper
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• Markers
• Hole punch
• Yarn
• Washi tape (optional)
• Snowman craft template

Directions

1. Cut the paper plate into a spiral, with sections about an inch wide.
2. When you reach the center of the plate, fold up the center, circular tab.
3. Download and print the snowman craft template.
4. Use the template to cut out all the parts of your snowman.
5. Have your kids add the hat to the snowman’s head.
6. Cut out and glue a carrot nose to the snowman’s face.
7. Let your kids draw on the rest of the snowman’s face with a marker.
8. Add washi tape to decorate the snowman’s hat (optional).
9. Use the glue stick to attach the snowman’s head to the center of the paper plate.
10. Cut out an identical head and hat, and glue them to the back of the snowman so the tab is sandwiched in the middle. 
11. Press firmly so the glue takes hold.
12. Hold up your snowman and glue the boots in place.
13. Punch a hole in the snowman’s hat.
14. Attach a string a foot long as the hanger, and display in your home!

(Source: In The Bag Kids Crafts)

Winter Hat Scratch Art

Materials

• Printable hat template
• White cardstock
• Oil pastels
• Black acrylic paint
• Paintbrushes
• Bamboo skewers or toothpicks
• Pompoms
• White glue
• Scissors

Directions

1. Print out the winter hat template onto white cardstock. There are 2 hats on 1 page, so each of your kids can make two or you can cut the paper in half and encourage sharing.
2. Using oil pastels for extra vivid color, have your kids color in the hats using different colors in any pattern they choose. Try diagonal stripes, horizontal strips, or a circle pattern. 
3. Color in the part of the hat where the pompom will go, or leave it white.
4. If the black acrylic paint is too thick, add a drop or two of soap to it to make the design scratchable. 
5. Have your kids cut out their hats, and cover them in a layer of black paint.
6. After the paint is completely dry, have your kids scratch in a design on their hat. 
7. Glue pompoms to the top of each hat.
8. Display on your fridge!

(Source: Projects With Kids)

Looking for more crafts and fun for your family? Try our snow day bird feeder and winter fact videos!