Bow and Arrow(Ages 5-11)
Build your own bow and arrow and see if you can hit a target! Host a competition and see who can get the most points.
Paper Tube Snake(Ages 5-8)
Here's a slinky snake made from yarn and paper tubes. Make him long or short, and use any slithery colors and design you can imagine!
Mouse Necklace(Ages 5-11)
Make a mouse necklace for you and one for your friend too!
Flying Bird Toy(Ages 5-16)
Experiment with some simple mechanics by creating your very own flying bird! This project is surprising simple, and with a few materials, we were able to make a whole flock of little birds. You can even do your own experimentation by creating your own creatures with various hinged pieces.
Animal Button Necklace(Ages 3-11)
After making one of these super cute animal necklaces, imagination took over, and soon there was a collection of them for several friends!
Outer Space Parachute(Ages 3-8)
Create a space module to parachute from space.
Paper Plate Dreamcatchers(Ages 5-11)
Help your little one chase away bad dreams with this Native American craft project. Younger children will need parental assistance to tie knots while older children can do this craft on their own.
Pendulum Wave Toy(Ages 9-16)
How to Make a Pendulum Wave Toy
A pendulum is a hanging weight that swings back and forth, like the swinging arm on a grandfather clock or a swing on a playground. When you pull a swing - or any pendulum - up to one side, gravity tugs it back down. But since the swing is attached by a rope or chain, it doesn’t just drop to the ground. Instead, it swings back and forth, over and over.
But what happens when you have a bunch of different-sized pendulums swinging together? Make this mesmerizing pendulum wave toy to find out!
Tricky Thaumatropes(Ages 9-16)
Make an optical toy that will fool your eyes and boggle your mind! When you spin a thaumatrope, the pictures on either side seem to combine into one image. Check out this early form of animation!
Bird Puppets for Races(Ages 3-8)
Make these birds using feathers, disposable cups, paper and glue... then jump, swing, and bounce them down the string to the finish line!
10 Crafty Ways to Play with String
We won't string you along. Here are ten of our favorite ways to play and craft with string. Design and fly your own paper kite, build your own bow and arrow, dazzle your friends with a magic thaumatrope, construct a model of a pendulum wave, and so much more! If you've got string and some common crafting supplies, you have everything you need to get started.