If you’re a parent on a mission to transform those tiny hands into creative powerhouses, you’re in the right place. In this blog post, we’ll explore the wholesome realm of crafting with toddlers and reveal the secrets to making it an enjoyable and enriching experience for you and your little one (because let’s get real, it’s tough sometimes, despite what Instagram has you believe!).
Vision a space filled with cute chuckles, vibrant colours, and the pride of creating something special together. Now, imagine making that 10 times easier, thanks to a learning tower—an ingenious tool designed to bring your toddler to the perfect height for crafting adventures (and daily activities!).
Whether you’re a seasoned crafting pro or just dipping your toes into toddler creativity, this guide is crafted just for you. We’ll delve into tips, tricks, and age-appropriate crafts that will turn your crafting sessions into memorable moments. So, buckle up, grab your learning tower, and let’s embark on a journey of artistic discovery with your toddler!
Before we dive into the bright world of toddler crafting, I want to thank The Learning Tower Company for generously gifting us their original height-adjustable learning tower. This product has been a game-changer in our crafting adventures, providing a safe and versatile platform for Mawgana’s creative projects. It’s also been so good to get her a little bit more independent, too.
Here’s some info on The Learning Tower Company:
The Learning Tower Company
Assembly and Customisation: The learning tower boasts a user-friendly design with three-step and platform settings, allowing parents to tailor the tower’s height to their toddler’s needs. Assembling the tower is a breeze—simply remove a screw on each side, slide the step or platform into the desired slot, and fasten the screws at the chosen height using the convenient Allen key provided. This flexibility ensures the tower can grow alongside your child, adapting to their ever-changing height and developmental stages. Mawgana was so keen to get climbing, she was on it before we got the last screw in! 😂
Sturdy and Secure: One of the standout features of the learning tower is its robust construction. Crafted with durability in mind, the tower provides a stable platform for toddlers to engage in various activities, from crafting to helping in the kitchen. The secure fastening system ensures that the tower remains steady and reliable, giving parents peace of mind during creative sessions. This was a big concern for us, as we wanted to ensure she wouldn’t fall, especially given that we’ve got porcelain tiles in our kitchen.
Colourful Choices: The Learning Tower Company offers this fantastic product in four popular colours, all adorned with safety-certified paint or a transparent coating. We opted for the clear coating, allowing us to enjoy the natural beauty of the birch wood which goes with the vibe of our home. Honestly, though, I was tempted by the dark grey! The finish not only adds a touch of elegance to our space but also makes cleaning up a breeze—just a quick wipe, and it’s as good as new (thankfully!).
Versatile in Every Way: Whether your toddler is reaching new heights in the kitchen, exploring their artistic side through crafts, or simply enjoying the view, the learning tower proves to be a versatile companion. Its adaptability, combined with thoughtful colour options, makes it a standout addition to any home. Even my parents said they thought it would be a good idea to have one at their house for when she goes to visit, as it’s just so useful!
The Learning Tower Company’s original height-adjustable learning tower has seamlessly integrated into our daily routine, elevating the experience for us both (excuse the pun!). The ease of customisation as she grows, sturdy build, and aesthetic appeal make it a valuable investment for families seeking a reliable and stylish learning tool for their little ones. We wholeheartedly recommend this product to parents looking to enhance their toddler’s creativity while maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment.
Use code SAM5 on the Learning Tower website for £5 off orders over £50!
Offer valid indefinitely
Setting Up the Crafting Space
Now that you have your Learning Tower ready for action, let’s dive into creating the perfect crafting haven for you and your toddler. Crafting is not just about the end product; it’s also about the experience, and a well-organised and inviting space can make all the difference. Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up your crafting area:
1. Choose a Dedicated Space: Identify a space in your home where crafting can happen without too much disruption. It could be a corner of the living room, a playroom, or even a spot in the kitchen. The key is to make it easily accessible and safe for your toddler. For us, that’s the kitchen. It’s the biggest room in our house and everything can be wiped clean.
2. Kid-Friendly Furniture and Supplies: Ensure that the furniture and supplies in the crafting area are toddler-friendly. Child-sized tables and chairs, along with age-appropriate crafting materials, will make your little one feel more comfortable and in control of their creative space. The convertible learning tower, also available from the same website, offers the option to quickly change your learning tower into a small table and chair, which is perfect for space saving.
3. Arrange Materials Within Reach: Organise crafting materials in bins or containers that are easily accessible to your toddler. Consider using transparent containers so your child can see what’s inside, promoting a sense of curiosity and independence. We tried to keep the area quite clear during our crafting experience so she didn’t get too overwhelmed.
4. Create a Craft Station: Designate a specific area within the crafting space as the “craft station.” This is where your Learning Tower will shine. Position it strategically, allowing your toddler to reach the craft table or countertop comfortably. The adjustable height feature makes it easy to adapt to different crafting activities. We’ve got a white 4-tier metal trolley that we used to use as a nappy station so this will be perfect to get this set up but it’s still in progress (watch this space..)
5. Adequate Lighting: Good lighting is essential for crafting. Ensure the crafting area is well-lit to enhance visibility and bring attention to the vibrant colours of your materials. Natural light is ideal, but if that’s not possible, consider adding bright, adjustable lighting to the space.
6. Protect Surfaces: Crafting can get messy, and that’s part of the fun! Protect surfaces with easy-to-clean materials like plastic tablecloths or placemats. This will make cleanup a breeze and allow you to focus on the creative process without worrying about stains. We use silicone mats for almost everything, whether it’s a messy meal, as a reusable option for baking paper, or to keep playdough off our wooden dining table – they’re great! You can buy them cheaply on Amazon, too.
7. Display Artwork: Create a display area for your toddler’s masterpieces. Whether it’s a dedicated wall or a cute bulletin board, showcasing their artwork can boost their confidence and add a personal touch to the crafting space. We have this set up in Mawgana’s playroom but we’re figuring a way to add some more of her crafts around the house (away from little hands!).
8. Safety First: With that in mind… Ensure that the crafting area is childproofed. Remove any hazardous items, secure cords, and make sure the furniture is stable. Remember, The Learning Tower makes crafting safer than standing on a chair but it does mean they can get their little mitts onto things at a higher level. Think about knives on the kitchen worktop, and in our case, we were conscious of her being close to the hob so we needed to remain vigilant when she was on this side of the kitchen.
Salt Dough Handprint Decorations
One of the most cherished ways to capture your toddler’s fleeting moments is through the creation of salt dough handprint decorations. This delightful and sentimental crafting activity allows you to immortalise those tiny hands in a tangible keepsake. I wish I had done it last year when she was so tiny but I figured it would be tricky to execute – and hey, who has time for that when you have an infant?!
Better late than never, this is how we made our salt dough decorations (and you can, too!):
Why Salt Dough Handprints
- Personalised Keepsakes: Salt dough handprint decorations are not just crafts; they’re personalised keepsakes that freeze a moment in time. The imprints of those little hands become precious mementoes that can be treasured for years to come. I know my family are going to love these as much as I do!
- Versatile and Durable: Salt dough is a versatile and durable medium that allows for creativity. It’s easy to work with, retains its shape after baking, and provides a perfect canvas for personalisation through colours and decorations (or you can keep it simple and leave it unpainted).
- Simple and Cost-Effective: The ingredients for making salt dough are likely already in your kitchen—flour, salt, and water. This simplicity makes it a cost-effective crafting option that doesn’t compromise the sentimentality of the finished product. Cost-of-living crisis, and all. This is what we need at this time of year, something affordable!
How to Make Salt Dough Handprint Decorations:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup salt
- 1 cup water
Don’t worry about the actual measurements of cups, as long as you get the ratios correct! I found a small mug based on the above measurements and worked out to make about 3 decorations of Mawgana’s hands. She’ll be 2 years-old in March and she’s quite petite!
Instructions:
- Mixing the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Gradually add the water, stirring continuously, until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and pliable.
- Rolling and Shaping:
- Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/2 inch.
- Invite your toddler to press their hand firmly into the dough to make an imprint. Ensure the fingers are well-defined (I gave her a little help here!).
- Cutting and Decorating:
- Use a cookie cutter or a knife to cut around the handprint, creating the desired shape.
- We used a larger mug for the decoration shape and then cut with a knife.
- If you’d like to hang the decoration, use a steel straw to create a hole near the top.
- Baking:
- Place the handprint decorations on a baking sheet – we used silicone reusable mats.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 200°F (93°C) for 2-3 hours or until the dough is completely dry and hard.
🍊 Top tip: Add some orange slices to another tray for dried decorations!
- Painting and Finishing:
- Once cooled, your handprint decorations are ready to be painted.
- Use child-safe paint to add vibrant colours to the handprint, or keep it natural for a classic look.
- Allow the paint to dry completely.
- Sealing:
- To preserve the handprint decoration, consider sealing it with a clear varnish or Mod Podge. This step adds durability and a subtle shine. Available from Amazon.
Use code SAM5 on the Learning Tower website for £5 off orders over £50!
Offer valid indefinitely
Don’t forget to keep it safe…
Want to give it a try? Crafting with toddlers is super fun, but ensuring a safe environment is paramount. Here are essential tips to guarantee a secure crafting experience for you and your little one:
Supervision is Key:
- Constant Supervision: Never leave your toddler unattended during crafting activities. Even seemingly harmless materials can pose risks, and your watchful eye is the best prevention.
- Childproof the Space: Ensure the crafting area is free of small objects that could be choking hazards. Secure loose cords, move sharp objects out of reach, and check for any potential dangers in the vicinity.
Choose Safe Materials:
- Non-Toxic Supplies: Opt for non-toxic crafting materials, including paints, glues, and playdough. Look for labels indicating that products are safe for children and meet safety standards.
- Child-Safe Scissors: If scissors are involved, use child-safe scissors with rounded tips. Teach your toddler how to use them safely, always under your close supervision.
Be Mindful of Allergies:
- Know the Materials: Be aware of any potential allergens in crafting materials, such as certain types of glue or paints. If your child has allergies, double-check the ingredients before starting a project.
- Choose Age-Appropriate Crafts: Ensure that the chosen crafts are suitable for your toddler’s age and developmental stage. Avoid activities with small parts that could be a choking hazard.
Craft in a Controlled Environment:
- Clear, Well-Lit Space: Keep the crafting area well-lit and uncluttered. Adequate lighting enhances safety, and a tidy space prevents tripping hazards.
- Crafting Surface: Ensure the crafting surface is stable and secure. If you’re using a table, make sure it’s at an appropriate height for your toddler, or utilise the Learning Tower to provide a safe platform.
First Aid Readiness:
- Basic First Aid Kit: Have a basic first aid kit on hand with essentials like bandages and antiseptic ointment. Accidents can happen, and being prepared allows for quick and effective response.
- Emergency Numbers: Keep emergency numbers readily available. A few seconds can make a significant difference in an emergency.
Teach Safe Crafting Habits:
- Handwashing: Encourage regular handwashing before and after crafting. This not only promotes good hygiene but also helps prevent the spread of germs. We use the Learning Tower for handwashing now and it’s so much easier than trying to use wipes to clean mucky hands.
- Respect Tools and Materials: Teach your toddler to respect crafting tools and materials. Emphasise the importance of using them appropriately and putting them away when not in use.
By prioritising safety and creating a secure crafting environment, you can ensure that crafting with your toddler remains a joyful and risk-free experience.
Use code SAM5 on the Learning Tower website for £5 off orders over £50!
Offer valid indefinitely
Crafting Learning Tower Benefits
Embarking on crafting adventures with your toddler goes beyond the joy of creating something beautiful together. It’s a dynamic and enriching experience that offers a multitude of benefits for both parent and child. Here are some of the invaluable advantages that come with crafting alongside your little one:
1. Cultivating Creativity:
Crafting serves as a playground for your toddler’s creativity. As they experiment with colours, textures, and shapes, they are not just crafting; they are cultivating their imaginative spirit. The freedom to express themselves through art fosters a sense of creativity that can influence various aspects of their development.
2. Enhancing Fine Motor Skills:
The intricate movements involved in crafting, from holding a paintbrush to cutting paper, contribute significantly to the development of fine motor skills. These activities refine hand-eye coordination, promote precision in movements, and build the strength needed for more intricate tasks down the road.
3. Nurturing Bonding Moments:
Crafting is a special time for connection. The shared experience of creating something together creates bonds that go beyond the finished product. It’s an opportunity to be present, share laughs and revel in the joy of each other’s company. Crafting becomes a language of love, spoken through shared creativity.
4. Encouraging Expression and Communication:
For toddlers who may still be developing verbal communication skills, crafting provides an alternative means of expression. Through colours, shapes, and the act of creating your little one can convey emotions and ideas in a non-verbal manner, enhancing their ability to communicate.
5. Fostering a Love for Learning:
Crafting is a subtle yet effective introduction to the world of learning. Whether it’s identifying colours, counting objects, or learning about different shapes, each crafting session becomes an educational adventure. This early exposure to learning concepts sets a positive foundation for future academic pursuits.
6. Promoting Problem-Solving Skills:
As your toddler engages in various crafting activities, they encounter challenges and obstacles that require problem-solving. Whether it’s figuring out how to attach pieces or choosing the right colours, each hurdle becomes an opportunity for your little one to exercise their problem-solving abilities.
7. Building Confidence and Independence:
Completing a craft, no matter how simple, is a confidence-building achievement for your toddler. It instils a sense of pride and accomplishment, fostering a positive self-image. Crafting also encourages independence as your little one explores materials and techniques under your supportive guidance.
8. Creating Lasting Memories:
Crafting becomes a conduit for creating lasting memories. The artworks, the laughter, and the shared moments are etched in both your hearts. These crafted treasures become tangible reminders of the special times spent together, forming a tapestry of memories that you and your little one can revisit over the years.
Crafting with your little one transcends the act of creating crafts; it’s a journey of growth, connection, and discovery. As you delve into the world of creativity together, savour these benefits that unfold with every paint stroke, glue application, and shared smile.
Elevating Your Child’s Experience
Crafting, cooking, and daily activities take on a whole new dimension when your toddler is safely perched in a Learning Tower. This versatile tool not only fosters a sense of independence but also brings a myriad of benefits to both you and your little one.
1. Fostering Independence:
The Learning Tower empowers your toddler to take an active role in their daily routines. Witnessing our little squish pulling out the Learning Tower herself and confidently standing at the sink to wash her hands is a testament to the independence it encourages. This newfound autonomy lays the groundwork for self-sufficiency and a positive sense of capability.
2. Interactive Learning at the Sink:
The ability to reach the sink transforms simple tasks into engaging learning experiences. Your toddler learns about water flow, the importance of cleanliness, and basic hygiene practices—all while actively participating in daily rituals. This hands-on engagement not only promotes practical life skills but also makes routine activities exciting and educational. Not to mention, we’re using less reusable wipes which means less laundry, hooray!
3. Happiness Through Observation:
Unlike being confined to a high chair, the Learning Tower allows your child to be an active observer. From the vantage point of the tower, your little ones can watch, learn, and actively participate in what’s happening around them. This sense of inclusion cultivates a happier and more content atmosphere, fostering a positive emotional state. Goodbye screaming “Mummy, up!” from the highchair, as she’s right by my side watching me make her lunch.
Use code SAM5 on the Learning Tower website for £5 off orders over £50!
Offer valid indefinitely
4. Learning by Doing:
Engaging in activities like preparing food together becomes an enriching learning experience. The Learning Tower positions your toddler at the perfect height to participate in meal preparation, teaching them about ingredients, measurements, and the joy of creating something from scratch. These moments contribute to their cognitive development and culinary curiosity.
5. Safety Above All:
Compared to the precarious alternatives of sitting on a work surface or using a dining chair, the Learning Tower provides a secure and stable platform. The sturdy construction and non-slip features ensure that your toddler can explore the world of cooking or crafting with confidence, minimising the risk of accidents associated with less secure alternatives.
6. A Secure Space to Flourish:
The Learning Tower creates a designated and secure space for your toddler, reducing the likelihood of slips, falls, or accidents. This controlled environment allows them to concentrate on the task at hand, whether it’s stirring ingredients, washing hands, or simply observing, without the risk of injury associated with less secure seating options.
7. Enhanced Parent-Child Bonding:
Being at counter height means your toddler is right there with you, making the Learning Tower a catalyst for enhanced bonding. As you work side by side, the shared experiences foster a strong connection, creating lasting memories and building a foundation for a positive parent-child relationship.
In essence, the Learning Tower is not merely a piece of furniture—it’s a tool that transforms everyday moments into valuable learning opportunities. From promoting independence to ensuring safety and fostering happiness, the Learning Tower is a multifaceted addition to your child’s developmental journey.
Other Age-Appropriate Crafts
Not feeling our salt dough decorations? Here are some other age-appropriate crafts we tried this year that you and your little one can explore together:
Paper Angels
Crafting Materials:
- Coloured construction paper
- Safety scissors
- Glue
- Googly eyes
- Markers or crayons
Crafting Steps:
- Draw or print out a simple angel template.
- Assist your toddler in cutting out the angel shape from coloured paper.
- Add googly eyes and let your little one decorate the angel’s face.
- Create wings by cutting shapes from different coloured paper.
- Glue the wings onto the back of the angel.
- Display the paper angels around your home or use them as festive decorations.
Gingerbread Cookies and Icing
Crafting Materials:
- Pre-baked gingerbread cookies
- Icing in various colours
- Sprinkles and decorations
Crafting Steps:
- Bake gingerbread cookies in advance, ensuring they are cooled and ready for decorating.
- Set up a cookie decorating station with different coloured icings and a variety of sprinkles.
- Allow your toddler to express their creativity by decorating the cookies.
- Use this activity as an opportunity to talk about shapes, colours, and patterns.
- Once decorated, enjoy the delicious and uniquely crafted gingerbread cookies together.
Dried Orange Slices Decorations
Crafting Materials:
- Fresh oranges
- Sharp knife (adult use only)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Twine
Crafting Steps:
- Preheat the oven to a low temperature (around 200°F or 95°C).
- Slice the oranges into thin rounds using a sharp knife (adults only).
- Place the orange slices on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Bake the slices in the oven until they are dried and slightly translucent (this may take a few hours).
- Once dried, thread the orange slices onto twine to create a festive garland.
- Hang the garland in your crafting space or around the house for a natural and aromatic decoration.
Gingerbread Loaf
Crafting Materials:
- Gingerbread loaf mix or recipe ingredients
- Mixing bowls and utensils
- Baking pan
Crafting Steps:
- Prepare the gingerbread loaf mix or follow your favorite gingerbread recipe.
- Involve your toddler in measuring and mixing the ingredients (with supervision).
- Pour the batter into a baking pan and bake according to the recipe instructions.
- While the loaf is baking, discuss the wonderful smells and flavors associated with gingerbread.
- Once baked and cooled, slice the gingerbread loaf and enjoy a tasty treat together.
Wreath Making
Crafting Materials:
- Sturdy cardboard or a foam wreath form
- Artificial foliage or real leaves
- Craft glue
- Ribbons, bows, or decorative items
Crafting Steps:
- Cut out a wreath shape from the cardboard or use a pre-made foam wreath form.
- Assist your toddler in gluing the artificial foliage or real leaves onto the wreath.
- Allow them to explore their creativity by adding ribbons, bows, or other decorative elements.
- Discuss the concept of wreaths and their significance in various celebrations.
- Hang the finished wreath in your crafting space or use it as a festive door decoration
Happy crafting! x
Use code SAM5 on the Learning Tower
offer valid indefinitely
website for £5 off orders over £50!