KIDS love their crafts – and parents love their crafty prices.
Now mums and dads can combine the two through a little-known network of shops to keep their little ones supplied with paper, foil and fabrics.
These “scrap stores” take unwanted material from local businesses and sell them on for bargain prices.
Find shops at reusefuluk. org/scrapstores-directory and follow these ideas on how to entertain the kids . . .
PICTURE PERFECT: Pick up a mixed bag of materials from £1.50 and ask your children to help sort them into piles of different colours.
Once you see what you have to work with you can create a collage.
For example, if there are lots blues and yellows, you could make a beach scene with a sun in the sky.
You may need to cut material into smaller pieces first.
Once you have the basis of a picture, stick the pieces into place on cardboard from old boxes.
ROBOT WARS: If you have enough boxes and cardboard, how about making a robot that can be painted or decorated with fabric?
This activity helps children use their imagination, as well as encouraging problem-solving skills.
Ask kids which off-cuts they think could be used as a head or an arm.
Help with any cutting and sticking.
DECORATE DEARLY: Use materials to create personalised decorations for your children’s bedroom.
Bunting always looks great and there are lots of different ways to personalise.
Simply cut material into triangles and stick on string or ribbon.
You could then cut out letters from the material that spell out your child’s name
Stick each letter on an individual triangle of the bunting.
If you have some wool, use it to create pom poms.
It’s fairly simple and there are plenty of tutorials on YouTube that will guide you step by step through the process.
Pom poms can then be used to make garlands with string or ribbon or added to bunting.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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