August can be a weird month, can’t it? Summer break is winding down, school is almost here, and the kids are caught somewhere between “I want to go swimming” and “I’m so bored I might clean my room for fun.”
If your house is full of stir-crazy kiddos and you’ve already maxed out your snack budget and screen time limits, don’t worry — I’ve got you covered. This is the perfect time to break out some easy, low-mess crafts and DIY projects that’ll keep little hands (and minds) busy while giving you just a few precious moments to sip your coffee in peace.
Here are some of our favorite August-approved craft ideas that are fun, simple, and won’t require a trip to five different stores.
Paper Plate Sunshines
Grab a few paper plates, some yellow paint, googly eyes (or a marker), and construction paper. Let your kids turn those boring plates into happy little suns. Add rays with handprint cutouts for extra cuteness! It’s cheerful, easy, and perfect for those “one last summer hurrah” vibes.
DIY Bird Feeders
If your kids love animals, this one’s a winner. Smear peanut butter on a toilet paper roll or pine cone, roll it in bird seed, and hang it outside with some twine. Boom! Instant bird buffet. It’s a great way to enjoy nature and learn a little while you’re at it.
Frozen Treasure Hunt
Okay, this one isn’t exactly a craft, but it’s a crowd favorite. Freeze small toys (plastic animals, LEGO pieces, beads) in a bowl of water. Then let your kids excavate the treasures with spoons, spray bottles, or toy tools. It’s part science, part sensory play — and perfect for a hot August afternoon.
Painted Rock Garden
Send the kids outside to hunt for smooth rocks, then bring them in to paint. They can make animals, patterns, or positive messages. You can even start a neighborhood rock-hiding game. It’s simple, sweet, and just messy enough to be fun without destroying your kitchen table.
Watercolor Coffee Filter Butterflies
All you need is coffee filters, washable markers, water, and clothespins. Let the kids color the filters, spritz with water to blend the colors, and then pinch them in the middle with a clothespin to create colorful butterflies. Hang them in the window or clip them onto backpacks for a cute decoration.
DIY Summer Memory Book
Have your kids make a mini scrapbook of their summer adventures. It doesn’t have to be fancy — folded paper, drawings, photos, or little written memories are all it takes. It’s a creative way to reflect on the fun they’ve had (and give them a little writing practice before school starts).
Why August Crafts Are a Mom’s Best Friend
Let’s face it — August can feel long. The novelty of summer is fading, but the routine of school hasn’t started. A few good craft projects can totally shift the mood in your house. It gives kids a creative outlet, keeps them busy, and gives you a much-needed break from the constant “what are we doing today?”
So grab your glue sticks, put on a playlist, and dive into the glittery, paint-splattered world of August crafting. You might even have a little fun yourself.
And hey, if all else fails — hand them a cardboard box and call it an “imagination station.” Works every time. 😉
Got a favorite August craft? Share it in the comments or tag us on Instagram — we love seeing your creations!
Want more creative ideas delivered straight to your inbox?
Sign up for our monthly newsletter full of mom faith boosts and encouragement, delicious recipes, and sanity-saving tips.
