During the tween years, it can be difficult to get them interested in art and craft projects. We have 12 MORE Funky Crafts for Kids aged 8-12 years to challenge and engage your tween in some screen-free creative activities.

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Encouraging your child’s creativity and imagination is so important, even when it seems like they are losing interest in the usual arty ideas. These crafts for kids are more hands-on, more challenging and (for the most part) something they can work on on their own.

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Crafts for Kids and Tweens

#1. Papier Mache Pants Pen Holder

This is so clever! A great craft activity that’s fun and also useful. This idea on Lunktiks uses a balloon to create the shape, and teaches your child how to papier mache. Once the basics have been learned, your child could look to create something new of their own design.

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#2. Marshmallow Shooter

Using a balloon, a disposable cup and some duct tape, your tween can create this idea for a Marshmallow Shooter from Discover Explore Learn and challenge friends to a marshmallow shoot out!

Once the shooter is made, your child could make a target and get practicing their aim and scoring ability!

#3. Button Art

I love this button art canvas from Simply Designing. You can create anything you want by painting an outline onto your canvas and gluing buttons of all shapes and sizes until you are happy with how it looks.

These would make a lovely personalised gift for friends and family too.

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#4. Crystal Names

It is always good to combine crafts for kids with a bit of science thrown in. These crystal names from Playdough to Plato do just that.

Your tween can amaze friends by growing sparkling crystals onto their own name or create a friend or sibling’s name as a gift.

#5. Unicorn Poop Slime

Anything with the word ‘slime’ or ‘poop’ or ‘unicorn’ is going to appeal to tweens – so this is the ultimate in cool crafts for kids!

Making rainbow anything is lots of fun, so check out how to make it over on Mom Dot.

#6. Tie Dye Beach Towel

Created using a simple white beach towel and some dye, these awesome watermelon tie dye beach towels from Having Fun at Home are sure to be a hit with both boys and girls.

What other tie dye creations can they come up with?

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#7. Build a Lego Candy Dispenser

Almost every house these days has LEGO in abundance, and just because your kids are getting older doesn’t mean they don’t love to build with the iconic bricks.

I love this homemade LEGO candy dispenser from Frugal Fun, where you will also find full construction instructions.

#8. Make a Snow Globe

Using small glass jars and just a few ingredients, your child could make their very own snow globe like these ones from Craftaholics Anonymous – they would be great for gifts or even party favours.

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#9. Buggles

These cute Buggle Gems from Making Life Blissful are easy to create and make great customised gifts for friends or family – you could also stick a small magnet to the back and use them as fun fridge magnets.

#10. Crochet Cat

Whether you are an absolute  beginner or have some previous crochet experience, you can easily create this rainbow cat (or another crocheted creature) for yourself or as a gift for a friend.

Get the free pattern for this colourful crocheted cat from The Green Dragonfly.

Beginners could use all one colour, moving on to a rainbow or multi-coloured version when they have more experience.

#11. Rainbow Paper Lanterns

If your child is looking to revamp their room, these really great upcycled paper lanterns from The Swell Designer would make a fun craft project. Plus, it’s an inexpensive way for them to put their own stamp on the room decor.

#12. Galaxy Print T-Shirt

Create an out of this world (and completely unique) galaxy print t-shirt using a dark t-shirt, bleach and fabric paint, along with an empty spray bottle and a paintbrush.

This super cool idea from By Hand London is a really fun project for anyone, but would make an ideal craft for Star Wars fans, as well as those interested in space.

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Have your say! Have you tried any of these funky crafts for kids? Leave a comment below and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!