Stuck Inside on a Snow Day! A Great Time for Arts & Crafts & Creativity!
Doing arts and crafts with your kids is a great way to manage the endless hours of a Snow Day when the kids are home! In the blog Happy Snow Day: “Help My Kids Are Home!" - A Caregivers Guide to “Snow Day” Prep I covered how to prepare for a Snow Day with children and teens. In Step Out Into Nature: Mental & Physical Health Benefits of Playing Outside on a “Snow Day” & 11 Snow Based Play Ideas for Children, Teens, & Families we looked at things to do outside. Now it is time for inside fun!
Creativity on a Snow Day is not about the art it is about the process. The process of engaging the mind, strengthening fine motor skills, developing problem solving skills, building connections to things and people, and having fun. One never knows where playing with designated or found craft supplies will lead. Great inventions have been made from people just “tinkering around”.
Creativity on a Snow Day can be as simple as coloring a mandala or coloring page. This can calm the brain in a meditative manner, engage fine motor skills, support focus, regulate breathing, and bring joy. Creativity on a Snow Day can be as complex as building a bird house out of toilet paper rolls, wood, or pine cones. The point is to engage the mind in a playful, curious manner.
In my creative wellness workshops and in my therapy with children and teens in Harrisonburg, VA my motto is there are “no wrong marks”. It is about the process. This process tweaks curiosity and can build frustration tolerance as we explore things through trial and error. Magical things happen when we “make mistakes” during creativity. Everyone can engage in the creative process. So many times I have heard adults say they stopped creating because someone told them as a child that they had no talent which then developed into a fear of creativity! On this Snow Day put away self-judgment, comparison, and perfectionism. Lead by example, jump into creativity with your kids!
The benefits of engaging the brain and body in the act of creativity are endless. But what is more important on a Snow Day is engaging in creativity rather than understanding it. One thing that is even better than creating is creating as a family or as a group. This builds the relational aspect of connection, laughter and joy. I encourage you to sit down with your kids today for a little while to engage in creativity. If you have the ability, you can even zoom or facetime grandparents or other important people to engage in the process at the same time. Remember it is not about being perfect it is about time spent together making something.
Engaging in Creativity helps with child and teen anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health issues in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Repetitive, predictable, and rhythmic movements help calm and reduce stress and trauma responses. The brain calms down and is soothed when we engage in repetitive behaviors. It lets the defenses and protective layers down for a second. Crafting is a great way to regulate pent up energy, stressful or overwhelming moments. Check out his video on why repetitive, predictable and rhythmic movement is important and why it works by Dr. Burce Perry.
Dr. Bruce Perry and the Role of Rhythmic, Patterned Movement in Regulation
https://youtu.be/6qr4x6s_75o?si=kvUM6RgpFVbxwvlo
Dr. Bruce D. Perry, MD, PhD, is a renowned psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and leading expert on childhood trauma. He developed the Nerosequential Model https://www.neurosequential.com/ which provides guidance and understanding on how the brains of children and teens work, particularly regarding the effects of trauma.
Following are some examples of repetitive art making and crafting.
Painting with dots is a great way to help children and teens with trauma and mental health issues regulate.
EASY Dot Art Mandala Rock Painting Using ONLY Qtip Toothpick Pencil Lip Balm tool | How To Lydia May
https://youtu.be/iu29srJPjWw?si=RbgNlvxyyniBoGIp
Amy Maricle - Mindful Art Studio How I Create Slow Drawing Patterns
https://youtu.be/eM2KmGwTNhI?si=mKSP56Dle6goRVCc
Don’t forget knitting and crocheting! 5 Finger Knitting Projects - Learn how to finger knit and 5 DIY Finger Knitting Ideas
https://youtu.be/rO_0o-BrM6c?si=3WWVEexnUmQCmIn0
Accessible supplies & tools for creativity – the list is endless!
Paper of any type Soap
Pens, pencils, markers, crayons, paint brushes Kitchen Supplies
Glue Paper Bags
String or yarn Foil
Scissors Food coloring
tape Things we might put in the trash! Recycle
stickers Pine cones
Watercolor Sticks
Acrylic paint Rocks
Melissa Deaton Cook LPC bilingual child and teen therapist knows how to have fun in the snow!
6 Ideas for children, teens, and families to be creative when it is snowing.
1. Drawing, Coloring, Painting
Color a mandala or coloring page
Draw – Free drawing or Suggested drawings.
Give your kids topics to represent with their drawings. Draw your family. Create a story together with your combined drawings.
Children’s drawing ideas or resources:
Art for Kids Hub
https://www.youtube.com/@artforkidshub
How To Draw A Cute Winter Monster
https://youtu.be/Pq0bCOMSt2M?si=lF2BRuqZfGqw7PnH
How To Draw A Mythical Kitten Dragon
https://youtu.be/eFHwTD9eHyw?si=5aIm8cxtE9wUzc_G
Kids: 16 CREATIVE DRAWING HACKS
https://youtu.be/xSsdnC896pU?si=7T3zcgnEovZ8SeK
Drawing for Teens and Adults:
Amy Maricle - Mindful Art Studio Short free ideas for teens and adults. Nature and pattern creation based. I have followed Amy for years.
Amy Maricle - Mindful Art Studio How I Create Slow Drawing Patterns
https://youtu.be/eM2KmGwTNhI?si=mKSP56Dle6goRVCc
Want something more complex for adults and teens?
Tamara Laporte at Willowing Arts for easy or complex whimsical beings and animals using mixed media. https://www.willowing.org/
Cute Bird Art Journal Page + Work Through Your Blocks with Tamara Laporte
https://youtu.be/lRw4TfrnbpI?si=Ev6RxQhgrhWRiFkD
Lightness of Being with Tamara Laporte - Willowing Arts
https://youtu.be/PjrlY7N-M_w?si=5l2wyqT1_PqovYYW
2. Paper Crafts
How to Make SNOWFLAKES for Kids - Easy 4 Beginners with Cutting Ideas! #
https://youtu.be/o2l0b-0sJLI?si=6GCog21Beg-kiPig
Children: 11 DIY paper crafts | Paper toys
https://youtu.be/zcXg-q4Wx5w?si=QcU56TANrf14GuqO
Great for teens and adults: How to make 3D ORIGAMI SWAN | DIY Easy Tutorial | Craft 4 U
https://youtu.be/mtgSvIfzTvs?si=ttmF9hrK4LiZmoyu
Paper Bags make good puppets or journals!
Paper bag snow flakes!
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=paper+bag+snowflakes
Slime is a great sensory stimulation, emotional regulator, uses fine motor skills, and is a favorite of children and teens at Spiral Roots LLC!
3. Play dough & slime
How to Make Playdough WITHOUT Cream of Tartar and No Cook! Play doh
https://youtu.be/C2ytbSa3mPg?si=8AF-_IEJd5ZrJrpb
How to Make Playdough with Koolaid Recipe
https://youtu.be/Qo_uO5tFILY?si=fUsWF0LZpJflCqop
Slime is a favorite in my office with children and teens with trauma and mental health issues. I use clear and colored glue with a pre-made activator from Michal’s. Below is a fluffy slime that uses contact solution and shaving cream!
How To Make The BEST FLUFFY SLIME! DIY Cotton Candy Slime! Slime Tutorial For Beginners!
https://youtu.be/H9ZhNuo7I9g?si=zWja1EF2hDo1fcFp
4. House Hold Crafts
ITEMS from PANTRY that can be used for ARTS & CRAFTS
https://youtu.be/qaTE8TpQJWc?si=YnnAjyYSALA9hw6X
13 SIMPLE CRAFT IDEAS WITH HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
https://www.mothercould.com/posts/simple-craft-ideas-with-household-items
Toilet paper rolls for kids
Crafty Adventures: Toilet Paper Roll Fun for Kids
Toilet paper rolls for teens & adults
26 COOL WAYS TO REUSE TOILET ROLLS AT HOME
https://youtu.be/rH8wvwzHBnI?si=LdfWZA-kjL9RngHF
Little winter hats! DIY Mini Hat Ornaments using Scrap Yarn & an empty Toilet Paper Roll
https://youtu.be/GV7ZwuZbUlo?si=8HleTYrdet_co4AS
5. Things we might put in the trash! Recycle
As a child there was no end to my imagination when using bottle caps and bits and pieces of things around the house to use in my barbie doll house.
Create a contest to see who can make out of materials found in the house!
Upcycled Crafts DIY | Upcycling Ideas For Beginners | Activities For Kids | School Project Ideas
https://youtu.be/Xs_HbZO8lOQ?si=h9Q9b5WRU0bJwS5V
How to make 3 recycled bird feeders! | Maddie Moate
https://youtu.be/CW7UYp9kLi0?si=Di2RDYyQgHIE94lU
6. Snow Science Experiments
5 Snow experiments for kids
https://youtu.be/eCqkes_15no?si=EXJBn38k5LtPKGXL
10 Steps For Images Of Freezing Bubbles
https://youtu.be/As99QsiTN8c?si=_Z9IWR7GacQNsr6f
Preserving a SNOWFLAKE to keep FOREVER!
https://youtu.be/mgBjgnmfSL4?si=CCcH9n5UO3Xm1b_i
Imagination is an amazing thing. Engage in the wonder and aw in life with your children and teens during this Snow Day with arts and crafts. Creating things with your kids will strengthen your relationships and open the door to conversations and laughter that create memories, calms, and soothes on a day with lots of high pent up energy!
Work, play, dance, laugh, and create, together to build those lasting relationships within the family. Use this “Snow Day” to make lasting memories for both you and your family. Make something with your kids today. Remember it’s the process, not perfection that counts. And as I like to say there are “no wrong marks”! Happy Snow Day from Melissa Deaton Cook LPC and Spiral Roots LLC.
Melissa Deaton Cook LPC child and teen therapist in Harrisonburg, Virginia
Melissa Deaton Cook LPC, NCC, ACS
Melissa helps kids feel safe, supported, & empowered to be their best unique selves! Struggling children and teens know that they are seen, they are heard, and that they matter when they work with Melissa. Melissa Deaton Cook LPC uses trauma informed expressive art, sand tray, play therapy, nature based, and cognitive therapy to facilitate change. “Melissa is like a child and teen first responder” Jennie -First Responder. Melissa helps dysregulated children and teens struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, mental health issues, behavior issues, family separations and more to regulate and learn to function in their community. All are welcome! Melissa’s focus is to help kids learn to regulate, communicate, and strengthen their relationships in the home and community so they can develop the capacity to grow and become their best selves. Melissa may be contracted for dynamic trauma trainings, expressive arts workshops, and team building events. Learn More
Other Blogs In This Series:
Happy Snow Day: “Help My Kids Are Home!" - A Caregivers Guide to “Snow Day” Prep https://www.spiralroots.org/blog/happy-snow-day-help-my-kids-are-home-a-caregivers-guide-to-snow-day-prep
Step Out Into Nature: Mental & Physical Health Benefits of Playing Outside on a “Snow Day” & 11 Snow Based Play Ideas for Children, Teens, & Families. https://www.spiralroots.org/blog/step-out-into-nature-mental-amp-physical-health-benefits-of-playing-outside-on-a-snow-day-amp-11-snow-based-play-ideas-for-children-teens-amp-familie