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It’s no surprise that crafts are not my favorite thing in the homeschool world. I mean I like them, I just don’t want to do them. However, I do realize that most kids like to create, even need to create. So then how do I come up with crafty things to fulfill the needs of my kids, but not so messy and time intensive that I never actually get around to doing it?

I have discovered a three ways to accomplish this over the last few months.

Frugal Craft Supplies

My first solution is both easy and frugal. Remember how I have been talking about my rekindled love of scrapbooking or more accurately getting my photos in my albums? When I was cleaning and decluttering my scrapbook goodies, I handed down a ton of paper, stencils, and other paraphernalia that felt like clutter to me. My kids felt like they hit the jackpot! I purchased one of these from the scrapbook store to contain the papers. This has worked out great. When they get the urge to create, they can dig into their supplies and “make” until their hearts content.

We even used leftover scrapbooking paper to make our paper boxes for our Star of the Sea craft.

In fact we have become so intrigued with simple paper crafting ideas that I started a Pinterest board just for Easy Crafts

Easy Craft Solutions for Busy Families

My second solution was a surprise to me. In January, my husband and I got away for the weekend to celebrate our 18th wedding anniversary. My parents were coming to watch the kids and I wanted some activities to keep the younger kids busy. One of my biggest obstacles to crafts is finding a cute idea, but then having to run all over the place to collect supplies. No thanks. These craft boxes solved that problem!

These boxes contained everything the kids needed for the crafts, right down to the glue stick! Plus these crafts were simple enough that the kids could open and just start crafting. They didn’t need to read instructions or get direction from me. Perfect in a busy big family.

My third solution has been a Kiwi Crate. I ordered this mostly to use with my youngest daughter. The preschool craft box has been great for us to do together. The crafts have been super cute and engaging for her.

We also get a Tinker Crate for our almost 12-year-old. It usually something he completes with my husband. Again, well worth the money. I can’t tell you how nice it is to sit down to do an activity and have all the supplies you need!