Summer Craft Ideas to Do Outside

Summer is getting closer and closer, with Memorial Day serving as the kickoff in my way of thinking.  In 2011, that weekend marks the end of school, at which point I will be back to spending all day with my three energetic children.  Thankfully, we share some common loves, like crafting, nature, and berry picking.  Ever since the weather warmed, for instance, my son cannot stop talking about summer and inquiring when the berries will be ready to pick.

When we are not picking strawberries, mulberries and raspberries, among other things, we will be doing some crafts in the summer months.  Preferably we'll bring our materials outdoors, though some crafts are not compatible with the summer breezes.  Choosing projects with materials that are less likely to be blown off the table is key.

Craft projects that, in my opinion, can be made outdoors:

Patriotic Pinwheel Bracelet

Spider Web Lacing
(a perfect compliment to The Very Busy Spider)

Ribbon Wrapped Ring Toss Game

Pistachio and Pasta Art

Bejeweled Boxes

Sandpaper Castles

Recycled Snack Boxes
(handy for our jaunts to nearby parks)

Gumball Bracelets
(a great way to use up parade candy)

We will surely be spending time indoors as well, and I hope to make more effective use of my "Jar O' Fun" idea this time around.  My plan is to have the kids draw out ideas at the end of each week and then slot those activities into the coming week.  That way we can create a workable schedule and make sure we are stocked with any necessary supplies.

How do you plan to spend your days this summer?

I am also linking to Friday Flair and Penny Pinching Party.