Four Cheap and Easy Easter Crafts

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Easter has crept up on us. Since we’re all cooped up, this is a good time to resurrect some enthusiasm for crafts. Many people are out of work, so here are some dirt-cheap ideas to keep you and/or your little ones busy. To boot, no craft store is required. The Dollar Tree and Walmart carry these items. However, many supplies (or substitutions) you may already have in and around your home.

Stick Crosses

The best line of the “One Two, Buckle My Shoe” nursery rhyme is “pick up sticks.” Kids love sticks! They are prized outdoor finds. The fact that we don’t see more little ones sporting patches from eye-gouging accidents is surprising. In any case, this craft will be a good excuse for some outdoor time.

Supplies and Tools

• Sticks
• String
• Scissors
• Embellishments (optional)

Directions

1. Hose off the sticks and allow them to dry.
2. Arrange the sticks into cross shape.
3. Bind together with yarn, twine, or any kind of string that will work.
   (See picture.)
4. Decorate as desired.

I’m not sure you can make a cheaper craft. Keeping it plain is nice. (If Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade taught me anything, it’s that Jesus wasn’t high maintenance.) However, I made it girly by adding some fake lavender. Decorate it as simply or as elaborately as you wish. Dress it up by draping a purple cloth on it or tying a purple ribbon around it. Flair or no flair, it’s all good.

Peep Wreath

For my five-year-old, Easter isn’t Easter without Peeps. While doing this craft, be sure to police these cutesy marshmallows. My little one kept licking them before placing them atop the glue. I told her to stop, and she replied, “But Mommy, it’s the Peeps’ fault for being so delicious.”

Supplies and Tools

• Cardboard
• Decorative shred/Easter grass
• Two or more packs of Peeps
• Craft glue or hot glue/glue gun
• Ribbon or string
• Box cutter/scissors

Directions

1. Cut out a cardboard circle as big or small as you like.
2. Hollow out the circle, leaving the circle width the length of a Peep.
3. Make the hanger by cutting the ribbon or string to desired length.
4. Poke two holes through the cardboard, fit the ribbon through so that the ends are at the back of the wreath (to hide the knot), and tie.
5. Pull both ends of the ribbon even on both sides (so that you can hang both ends on the door hook), or you can have the ribbon coming up through the front. Either way, the ribbon won’t be resting on the front of the wreath (which is Peeps real estate).
6. Dry fit the Peeps on the cardboard circle.
7. Glue on the Peeps.
8. Glue shred/grass to all the exposed cardboard and between the Peeps.

The smaller the wreath, the fewer Peeps required, so that’s a less expensive option. Omit the ribbon hanger and place the wreath on a table to enhance a centerpiece. If you don’t have grass, simply paint the cardboard to make it more attractive. Add a bow! I also added some mounting tack/poster putty to keep the wreath attached to the door. The kids love to slam doors, and I want this thing to survive through Easter.

Handprint Lamb Card

This craft was the best craft because it was a gift. The amazing caregivers in Kidzone at Chase Oaks Legacy did this with the kids during MOMS Connection. This craft provides a great Easter opportunity to explain the metaphor of Jesus as a lamb.

Supplies and Tools

• Black cardstock or construction paper
• Googly eyes
• Cotton balls
• Glue
• Scissors

Directions

1. Fold the cardstock/paper in half.
2. Place child’s wrist along the fold and trace their hand.
3. Cut out handprint.
4. Glue cotton balls on the palm.
5. Cut an oval shape and place it somewhat over the thumb. (The thumb should be sticking out a bit to look like an ear.)
6. Glue on the googly eyes.

On the inside of the card is Psalm 23. Getting such meaningful presents from the kids is so exciting. Tiny handprints are timeless and treasured gifts.

Flower Pot Chick

This makes a super cute gift that you can fill with yummy treats. Being that germaphobia is now a requirement, very few people want gifts from anyone’s questionably clean mitts right now. When any kind of social exchange happens again, keep this craft in mind. This year, I gave this to my kiddos.

Supplies and Tools

• Clay pot (any size)
• Acrylic paint
• Paint brush
• Glue
• Googly eyes
• Orange felt/craft foam
• Feathers (yellow or orange)

Directions

1. Paint the outside of the pot. (This may take a few coats to completely cover.)
2. When dry, glue on googly eyes.
3. Cut a small triangle out of the orange felt/craft foam and glue to the pot.
4. Glue feathers on the sides for the wings.
5. Add a head feather and some feet if desired.

I recycled this pot from some earlier monstrosity one of my kids made. (Yes, they make some real stinkers sometimes.) This craft is so versatile. Use a disposable cup instead of a pot. Even better, use a yellow cup to avoid paint. A yellow plastic Easter egg will work, too. For the eyes and wings, substitute materials listed for paint, marker, felt, craft foam, or construction paper. Use whatever you have on hand.

Hopefully, these cheap and simple crafts bring some Easter fun your way. I’d like to end by pointing out a missed crafting opportunity. Let’s face it (or not face it rather): surgical masks are all the rage right now. However, they’re depressing, and this #AloneTogether thing is enough of a downer. So, dress up that mask! Bedazzle it. Draw cat whiskers on it. Draw a cool mustache and goatee. Make people smile with your creativity. The possibilities are endless. I pray we get to see one another in person again sometime soon. For now, happy crafting, y’all, and happy Easter!

For more fun activities you can do with your toddlers and teenagers this Easter, check out our Children and Student pages this week! Let’s make Easter special at home for our families!

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