Well, it's been a busy few weeks at my library with our summer and summer reading programs, as well as our Lunch at the Library program all starting at the same time. This year, we decided to have craft programs for tweens and teens after the lunch program, and we ended up with a very big crowd.
We were pretty tired after the first day, though, and since we have been having more of a tween crowd, we decided to go with simple crafts that are easy to do and have a really fun or creative output. See below for crafting inspiration based on our tween programs!
Fourth of July crafts
This week we hosted a Fourth of July-inspired crafts program and we had around 50 kids show up. Here are some of the crafts that we did, with links to the websites where we found inspiration and ideas for these fun and festive little beauties.
Fourth of July paper lanterns: These fun and festive paper lanterns make awesome decorations for any Fourth of July celebration.
Fourth of July patriotic necklaces: Everyone needs some colorful patriotic bling to wear this time of year.
Patriotic pretzel bites: Try out this yummy snack that will make you go wild for red, white and blue.
Red, white and blue lanterns: These adorable lanterns make great party decorations.
Looking for more Fourth of July craft ideas? Check out my May the Fourth Be With You Pinterest Board!
Cookie cutter bird feeder
As promised, I also want to feature the Cookie Cutter Bird Feeder craft this week. I found an amazing tutorial on Mashable, and I hope to have a chance to make these adorable treats for our fine feathered friends sometime soon.
Here's what you will need for this fun craft:
- 3/4 cup bird seed
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 small envelope of Knox gelatin
- twine or string
- cookie cutters, molds or Mason jar lids
- wax paper
That's all you need, and the instructions are incredibly easy. Just click on the link above and try it out with your teens!
Summer Challenge ideas
Summer is the time for tweens and teens to catch up on their sleep and to add lots of screen time to their day — but boredom will eventually strike. Check out this list of 10 fun and interactive ideas to help keep them amused all summer
long.
- Make a summery drink
- Take the teens on a nature walk outside the library
- Plan a summer spa party
- Make a summer playlist
- Hack an old beach hat
- Play with glow sticks
- Plan a lunch picnic outside
- Play messy Twister
- Make water balloons
- Make glow-in-the-dark bubbles
Tune in next week for more ideas for the Summer Programming Challenge! Let us know what fun summer programs you have planned for your tweens and teens.
Happy summer!
Mrs. Librarian Lady
