Spring is in full bloom, making it the perfect time to bring nature and creativity together through hands-on projects! This month’s handicraft plan focuses on practical, beautiful crafts that kids will actually use and enjoy – from nature-pressed bookmarks to homemade garden markers.
If you’re not signed up for the FREE handicraft plan, you can sign up here. It’s the no hassle, no overwhelm way of doing crafts each month with your kiddos. I score the internets for the most useful, fun, and easy crafts I can find for that month – then I share them with you!
Why Handicrafts Matter
Handicrafts aren’t just about keeping little hands busy – they teach patience, creativity, and real-life skills. Whether you homeschool or simply love fostering creativity at home, these crafts are a wonderful way to encourage your children to get out in nature and create!
There will be a full handicraft supply list at the end. Let’s dive into April’s four handicraft projects! 🌿🎨
1. Nature-Pressed Bookmarks 📖🍃
Press flowers and leaves to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind bookmarks they’ll actually use!
Materials needed:
- Fresh flowers & leaves (collected on a nature walk!)
- Heavy books (for pressing)
- Cardstock or watercolor paper
- Hole punch & ribbon
- Contact paper or laminator
- parchment paper
Instructions:
1️⃣ Place flowers and leaves between two pieces of parchment paper inside a heavy book. Let them press for 7–10 days.
2️⃣ Cut cardstock into bookmark-sized strips.
3️⃣ Once flowers are fully pressed, arrange them on the cardstock.
4️⃣ Cover with clear contact paper or laminate for durability.
5️⃣ Punch a hole at the top, add a ribbon, and enjoy your handmade bookmark!
2. DIY Playdough 🌿✨
A sensory-friendly craft that smells amazing and gives kids endless creative play! This homemade playdough is softer, longer-lasting, and free of artificial ingredients.
Materials needed:
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup salt
- 2 tbsp cream of tartar
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or vegetable oil
- 1 ½ cups boiling water
- Optional: essential oils for fragrance
Instructions:
1️⃣ Mix flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a large bowl.
2️⃣ Add oil.
3️⃣ Pour in boiling water and stir until combined.
4️⃣ Knead for 5 minutes until smooth.
5️⃣ Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
3. Handmade Wildflower Seed Paper 🌼📜
A recycled paper craft that lets kids create plantable gifts—perfect for spring gardening!
Materials needed:
- Scrap paper (newspaper, construction paper, or junk mail)
- Blender
- Water
- Wildflower seeds
- paper making frame (screen or mesh)
- Cookie cutters or silicone molds
Instructions:
1️⃣ Tear paper into small pieces and soak in warm water overnight
2️⃣ Blend soaked paper until it forms a smooth pulp + squeeze out excess water
3️⃣ Stir in wildflower seeds gently.
4️⃣ Pour pulp into frame and press to remove water. Turn the frame over, slowly lift the frame and let it dry.
5️⃣ Once dry, cut into shapes or squares – ready to plant!
4. DIY Clay Garden Markers 🏡🌱
Help kids make beautiful, durable plant markers for the garden!
What You’ll Need:
- Air-dry clay or oven-bake polymer clay
- Rolling pin
- Stamps or letter imprints
- Acrylic paint (optional)
- Sealant (outdoor mod podge)
Instructions:
1️⃣ Roll out the clay to about ¼ inch thick.
2️⃣ Cut into rectangles or fun shapes like leaves.
3️⃣ Use stamps or letter tools to imprint plant names.
4️⃣ Let dry (or bake according to package directions).
5️⃣ Paint if desired and seal for outdoor use.
April Handicraft Plan: Complete Supply List
1. Nature-Pressed Bookmarks
- Fresh flowers & leaves
- Heavy books (for pressing)
- Cardstock or watercolor paper
- Clear contact paper or laminator sheets
- Hole punch
- Ribbon
- Scissors
- Parchment paper
2. DIY Herbal Playdough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup salt
- 2 tbsp cream of tartar
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or vegetable oil
- 1 ½ cups boiling water
- Essential oils (optional)
- Large mixing bowl & spoon
- Airtight container for storage
3. Handmade Wildflower Seed Paper
- Scrap paper (newspaper, construction paper, or junk mail)
- Blender
- Wildflower seeds
- Towels or fine mesh screens
- Cookie cutters or silicone molds
- Baking sheet
- Rolling pin (optional)
4. DIY Clay Garden Markers
- Air-dry clay or oven-bake polymer clay
- Rolling pin
- Alphabet stamps or letter imprints
- Acrylic paint (optional)
- Paintbrushes
- Weatherproof sealant
- Knife or clay cutter
Final Thoughts
April is the perfect time to create, explore, and bring beauty into everyday life. These handicrafts are not only fun but also practical, helping kids see the value in making things with their hands that they can actually use and enjoy.
📌 Which craft will you try first? Let me know in the comments! And be sure to pin this post for later!
🌿 Want more monthly handicraft plans? Sign up here!
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