Crafting can be a fun and creative activity and a great way for 12 year olds to explore their skills and be creative. Through crafting, children can also develop problem solving skills, hand-eye coordination, and hone their focus. This article will discuss some easy, fun, and interesting crafts for 12 year olds, as well as some of the other benefits to crafting.
1. Sewing
Sewing is an excellent craft for 12 year olds. Not only will it help build their hand-eye coordination, but it also teaches basic mathematics and problem solving skills.
There are many simple projects, like pillows and tote bags, that any beginner can make. Even a simple pattern, such as a basic scarf, is a great place for a 12 year old to start. With a little bit of guidance, 12 year olds can easily go on to make their own pencil cases, hand towels, or dress up clothes.
For very beginners, they can start by just practising how to thread a needle, how to wind a bobbin, and how to sew a straight line. After they become familiar with the basics of sewing, they can start exploring different types of materials and stitches. When it comes to safety, make sure to always provide appropriate supervision and provide them with fixed scissors and scissors with rounded points.
Also, make sure that the parent or guardian understands how to use the sewing machine since a 12 year old may need assistance in those cases.
2. Beading
Beading is another great craft for 12 year olds. By stringing beads together, 12 year olds can create beautiful and colourful necklaces or bracelets. All it takes is some patience and concentration to achieve a beautiful result.
Beading can also help to develop fine motor skills and dexterity. And, since there are so many different shapes, colours, and sizes of beads available, there’s no limit to the designs and patterns a child can create.
Having beads in different sizes is also entry-level math. Stringing the beads by colour or size can help young children develop a sense of order and improve their cognitive skills. When it comes to safety, beading needles should be kept away from young children.
Teach your children to always keep the beading needles in their cases and to never touch them without adult supervision.
3. Colouring/Drawing/Painting
Colouring, drawing, and painting are great crafting activities for 12 year olds. Not only are they creative outlets, but they also help kids to express their feelings and frustrations in a safe and constructive way.
Drawing is a great way to help kids become more observant. They can look at their environment and try to recreate it on paper or canvas. Colouring and painting are excellent for improving coordination and colour recognition.
There are a variety of free colouring pages available online or in books, or kids can draw their own sketches and designs. Paint by number sets are also well-matched for 12 year olds, as a way to make the crafting process easier.
When it comes to safety, always use washable paints and art supplies, as well as non-toxic crayons and markers.
4. Paper Crafting
Paper crafting is another great craft for 12 year olds. This can include making cards, scrapbooks, paper sculptures, origami figures, and paper flowers.
These types of crafts can help young children to develop their artistic and creative skills, while also helping them to learn different folding techniques. If 12 year olds are having trouble understanding how to fold the paper, there are many tutorials available online that can help. All it takes is a piece of paper and a few basic tools, such as scissors or needles, and any 12 year old can start making their own paper crafts.
When it comes to safety, be sure to supervise the crafting process and make sure that the tools are sharp when necessary and appropriate for their age group.
5. Wood Crafting
Wood crafting is a great craft for 12 year olds, as woodworking projects can have varying levels of difficulty. Kids can start with basic projects like birdhouses or simple decorations, and then progress to more complex projects like furniture and shelves.
Woodworking can also help to develop organization and problem solving skills, as 12 year olds will need to learn how to measure and cut different shapes of wood correctly. Additionally, it can also help to improve their coordination and focus while they’re creating their projects. When it comes to safety, make sure to always provide adult supervision and appropriate tools, such as sawhorses, saws, and clamps.
If a 12 year old is using power tools, then it’s important to make sure that they understand the proper usage, and that they’re wearing the necessary safety equipment, such as eye and hearing protection.
6. Jewelry Making
Jewelry making is a great craft for 12 year olds. By making their own earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, they can express their creativity and explore different design styles.
Plus, they can learn how to combine different materials, metals, and beads in order to create unique pieces. Jewelry making is an activity that’s great for creative problem solving. 12 year olds will need to think of ways to combine materials, to techniques that will ensure their pieces are strong and look good.
When it comes to safety, make sure to supervise the process and provide appropriate tools, such as tools for breaking and cutting metal. They should also be provided with protective eyewear when working with metal and wire.
7. Soap/Candle-Making
Soap and candle-making are great projects for 12 year olds, as it encourages them to be creative. They can make their own candles or soap by combining different fragrances, scents, and colours. This type of craft helps to build curiosity since 12 year olds will have to investigate the different scents, oils, and dyes they can use to create their pieces.
They’ll also need to know how to combine the ingredients together in order to create the desired effect. And, finally, they’ll be able to learn how to package and design their pieces.
When it comes to safety, make sure to always provide supervision and the right supplies, such as wicks, wax, and glass containers. Also, make sure that the temperature of the wax is not too high.
8. Crocheting/Knitting
Crocheting and knitting are fun and creative activities for 12 year olds. Not only is it great for helping them to gain skills and become more independent, but it’s also a great way to express their creativity.
12 year olds can start out by just learning the basics, such as how to cast on and knit a basic stitch. Once they become more confident, they can explore different yarns and textures and designs. When it comes to safety, make sure to supervise and always provide appropriate needles, yarns, and other supplies.
9. Glass Crafting
Glass crafting is a great craft for 12 year olds, as it’s a fun, creative activity and has a lot of potential for them to explore and create unique pieces. They can learn basic glass cutting, as well as how to handle, join, and sculpt the glass. Glass crafting is also great for developing hand-eye coordination and problem solving skills.
It also teaches 12 year olds to be patient and to take their time when creating their pieces. When it comes to safety, provide supervision and make sure that the tools and materials are age-appropriate.
Glass crafting can be dangerous, since the tools and glass can cause severe injury if misused.
10. Clay Crafting
Clay crafting is another great craft for 12 year olds. Working with clay is a great way to express creativity and explore different techniques. Kids can make sculptures, pottery, and even jewelry using clay.
Clay crafting can also help with problem solving skills, as kids will need to figure out the best way to shape the clay. It can also help to develop coordination and patience.
When it comes to safety, be sure to supervise the crafting process and provide appropriate tools, such as sculpting tools, rolling pins, and kneading mats.
11. Film Making/Photography
For 12 year olds who are interested in film making or photography, this is a great craft to explore. This type of craft encourages 12 year olds to tell stories, understand the basics of light and framing, and express themselves through editing.
It’s also a good way to help them to understand how to communicate messages through images. When it comes to safety, make sure to provide appropriate cameras and accessories, such as tripods or cases. It’s also important to make sure that the children understand the basics of photography and video filming, including understanding the importance of taking breaks and not viewing the screen for too long.
12. Cooking
Cooking is another great craft for 12 year olds to explore. Not only is it a great way to express creativity and explore different flavours and textures, it’s also a way to introduce them to the basics of nutrition and food safety.
Cooking can also help to develop patience and concentration. And, it can help 12 year olds to learn about measurements, conversions, and food science. When it comes to safety, make sure to always supervise and provide the right kitchen tools and equipment, such as measuring cups and spoons, oven mitts, and cutting boards.
13. Home Decorating
Home decorating is a great craft for 12 year olds, as it encourages them to express their creativity and learn how to design different spaces within their home. Kids can explore different ways to decorate their bedrooms or create their own diy decorations like wall art and banners. Home decorating also helps enhance problem solving skills, as kids will need to figure out how to combine different colours and textures.
When it comes to safety, always supervise and provide the appropriate supplies, such as nails, hammers, glue, and scissors.
Conclusion
Crafting provides a great opportunity for 12 year olds to explore their creativity and be inventive. Through crafting, 12 year olds can learn problem solving skills, gain patience, develop hand-eye coordination, and hone their focus. There is no limit of what a 12 year old can create.
With some guidance, a few craft supplies, and an open mind, 12 year olds can make almost anything.