Get inspired: 5 Crafty Instagram Mums

Crafting with your kids is an excellent parent-child bonding activity. Not only do you get to spend quality time together and work towards a common goal, but research has shown that doing crafts has a important impact on a child’s social, cognitive and emotional development.

Check out these five crafty mums who share creative ways that you can engage your kids in crafting and you are sure to find inspiration for your next big crafting project with your tots.

@ohcreativeday

It's a bit weird but lids remind me of @handywithscissors. Susie once advised us to keep lids when recycling bottles, because you'll never know when they come in handy. Like when you want to make funny faces with play dough for example. We just traced around the lid onto paper, cut it out and then used Mod Podge to glue it on and a layer on top to seal it. You know the Dad in Big Fat Greek Wedding who uses Windex for all problems? That's like me. But with Mod Podge. ? The @get.creative.with tribe have been sharing their play dough ideas this week. ? To play along, 1️⃣ tag your playdough ideas with #getcreativewith 2️⃣ be following @littlebuttondiaries @playfullittlelearners and @ohcreativeday Amy, our guest judge, will post her fave ideas next Wednesday. (Nobody playdoughs like Amy and her tribe!)

A post shared by Shannon ? Mama ?? Teacher (@ohcreativeday) on May 30, 2017 at 3:10am PDT

Unveiling the Oh Creative Day Autumn/Winter Penne range. Limited stock. ? The @get.creative.with community has left @littlebuttondiaries and I inspired and hungry this week with all the amazing food-related creations. Simone from @playwithfood_au will be choosing her favourite ideas soon… but you've still got time to post and tag your creations!! #getcreativewith

A post shared by Shannon ? Mama ?? Teacher (@ohcreativeday) on May 2, 2017 at 8:31pm PDT

You’ll find a bunch of creative ideas from Shannon of Oh Creative Joy. All her DIY projects are deceptively difficult looking, when in reality they aren’t that difficult to do with your minis. She also runs a ‘challenge’ Instagram account, @get.creative.with, where she challenges other mummies to get creative, and it’s a great source for more crafty activity inspiration.

@mer_mag

School will be out in a couple weeks ? so I'm pulling together creative activities to help the kids transition into the free days without turning to screens. (Much whining and flopping in the floor oft occurs at this time). Atticus has already suggested an acting camp when he learned that the Xbox wasn't coming back straight away, an idea I love (both Jon and I were somewhat shocked that our plan to limit screens this summer actually had them turning creative so quickly!). I'm excited to have them create their own costumes out of cardboard and found materials. Oliver also wants to make sock puppets and put on the play "Oliver" – his current fav. book – naturally. We'll see how it all goes! What do you like to do the first few weeks of summer?? | bird box costume I made for @zara's #boxeswithapast campaign last year #mermagcardboard

A post shared by Merrilee Liddiard (@mer_mag) on May 16, 2017 at 9:00pm PDT

I can't believe Easter is tomorrow. Mr bunny still has lots to do. Finishing up some handmade characters for the boys and I'm just now realizing I never got or made an Easter dress for Milla. Or really anything for the boys to wear either ?? (how did I miss that?). Sigh. Well we'll keep it simple and focus on the beauty of the season and the amazing promise of renewed life, growth, change and lasting joy. Which is what it's all about anyway ?? | And if you're a last minuter like me, these downloadable and printable toys/party decor have got your back. (Like seriously I'm relying heavily on them this year ?). Happy hunting this weekend! ? #mermageaster #merillustration

A post shared by Merrilee Liddiard (@mer_mag) on Apr 15, 2017 at 8:22am PDT

If you prefer whimsical looking crafts, Merrilee Liddiard has a bunch of clever and artful project ideas for kids that she shares on her Instagram feed.

@damasklove 

Ready…Set…SWIPE! You'll need a sheet of 6×6 paper for today's #swipetorial and don't try to tell me you don't have any 6×6 paper pads. I saw one in your house next to all the other bull? you bought at the Target Dollar Spot!!! #swipetorials

A post shared by @damasklove on Apr 10, 2017 at 7:05pm PDT

Ready…set…SWIPE! A little somethin' for you crafty "chicks." Give some DIY lovin' to this year's Easter baskets. #swipetorials #swipetorial

A post shared by @damasklove on Apr 4, 2017 at 7:35pm PDT

We love the brightly coloured crafts that Amber comes up with and that she loads the step by step instructions on Instagram in an easy to follow manner. And they are simple enough that your older kids should be able to follow them with little to no guidance needed from you. The bright colours that she uses for her crafts will put a smile on anyone’s face.

@artycraftymums

I am so in love with these little peg creations I made with my youngest children to help them with their early alphabet and reading lessons. Super cute and even easier to make. SWIPE across to see how I made these and to see one in action. ?Mel. #artycraftymums

A post shared by Arty Crafty Mums (@artycraftymums) on Apr 12, 2017 at 5:49pm PDT

Super sweet, super simple Easter cards. Ready to send to Mr. Bunny himself. ? Check out our stories to see them being made. ?M&D. #artycraftymums

A post shared by Arty Crafty Mums (@artycraftymums) on Apr 5, 2017 at 5:58pm PDT

Run by two mums, Daneve and Melanie, who have a passion for all things crafty, the crafts here are easy to make and use items that you probably having lying around your home.

@acraftyliving

Coat Hanger Balance! ? Exploring weight with this simple balance contraption we made with coat hangers, yarn, plastic containers + toys & items from around the house! This is one I shared long before I started A Crafty LIVing, back when I nannied for Mr4, Mr8 & Mr10 (who are now 6, 10 & 13!) Going on 3 years later, this Mr4 has spent all day investigating with different toys. Developing: Fine Motor Skills, Problem Solving, Investigating & Exploring Weight, Exploring Process: Cause & Effect, Language Development, Cognitive Development & more. Age: 3 + years #craftyliving #craftylivingkids

A post shared by A Crafty LIVing • Olivia (@acraftyliving) on May 15, 2017 at 4:15am PDT

Got some chunky pegs? Here's a simple, yet challenging activity for Toddlers & Preschoolers, learning to manipulate pegs & colour match with a piece of cardboard! Don't forget you can share all your Arts, Crafts, Activity & Play ideas with us using the #craftylivingkids hashtag! ? Developing: Hand Eye Coordination, Colour Recognition, Language & Fine Motor Skills, Grasping, Bilateral Coordination & more. Age: 2 + year olds. Magnetic 'Bag Clips': @kmartaus #craftyliving #craftylivingkids

A post shared by A Crafty LIVing • Olivia (@acraftyliving) on Apr 5, 2017 at 2:08pm PDT

Olivia’s kids are on a bit young so rather than featuring craft projects to do together with your mini, she showcases easy to make crafts that help kids in their developmental growth and learn concepts such as weight and colour. It sure is cheaper and more eco-friendly than buying a similar toy from the store.