When it comes to screen-free activities, you just can’t beat spending time outdoors with the kids.

Maybe that’s why camping is popular among families with young kids; it’s a great way to get plenty of time outside.

Even if your family isn’t planning a camping trip this summer, you can still enjoy camping crafts, roasting marshmallows and taking hikes at local parks.  That makes this duct tape craft perfect for this time of year!

Grab a few colorful rolls of tape and let the kids have fun learning how to make a sit upon.  It’s perfect for toting on hikes and using to sit around the campfire.

Duct tape is a fun material to work with in kid crafts, especially for tweens.   We’ve even used it in several fun duct tape crafts for school.

We made this sit upon at day camp as one of our scout camp crafts, and it’s seen plenty of use since then.

This duct tape sit upon would be fun to make before a family camping trip or as a craft to welcome summer.

What Is a Sit Upon

A sit upon (sit-upon) is a padded seat cushion that provides you with a dry seat when camping or hiking.  They are also great for using on bleachers during sporting events.

I remember making a Girl Scout sit upon as a young girl before our first scout camping trip.  

This no-sew sit-upon is quick and simple to make, allowing kids of all ages to create their very own colorful place to sit when outside.  

How to Make Sit Upon with Duct Tape

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Materials needed:

• • Cloth shopping bag
  • Plastic shopping bags
  • Polyester Fiberfill  (Optional)
  • Duct Tape

This craft is a great way to recycle some of those plastic shopping bags!  

Take one plastic bag and stuff it with 15-20 other plastic bags.  Try sitting on it.

Need more stuffing?  Add more bags.  (An alternative is to fill the plastic bag with polyester fiberfill.)

Once you have the thickness you prefer, tie your plastic bag in a knot and stuff it into your cloth shopping bag.

We chose to keep the handles on our reusable shopping bag sit-upon to make it easier to carry when hiking.

Not interested in toting it with you?  You can cut the handles off or tuck them inside the bag.

Then it’s time to start with the decorating!

Start by covering the seams of the cloth bag with duct tape, folding the tape over the edges to help waterproof it.  When taping the top of the bag, cut pieces of tape to fit around the bag’s handles.

Once the edges are sealed, use strips of duct tape to decorate the outside of your sit-upon.

You can use all one color, make a pattern, or get as creative as you wish!

This duct tape sit upon is perfect for carrying on that hiking trip, giving you a clean, dry place to sit when you need a rest.

The homemade sit upon is also perfect for sitting around the campfire.  (I remember always having my Girl Scout sit upon to sit on during campfire time at camp.)

This duct tape craft pairs greatly with our simple duct tape water bottle holder.

While you’re sitting around that campfire why not give this soap carving camp craft a try?

That comfy sit upon craft makes a great seat for reading time, too.

You could even use these sit-upons for outdoor classroom use.  Kids will love having their very own dry and comfy spot to sit when they go outside to study.  

Your child will love learning how to make a sit upon.  That duct tape sit upon may even inspire a little more reading time this year.

Other posts you may like:

• Soap Carving
• Duct Tape Water Bottle Holder
• Colorful Soda Straw Weaving 
• STEM Activity: Craft Stick Catapults 
  
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Originally published August 10, 2015. 

The post How to Make a Colorful Sit Upon with Duct Tape first appeared on There's Just One Mommy.

Having that much-needed water is important in the summer heat, but who wants to have to hold it in their hand all day?

One of our favorite camp crafts is this duct tape water bottle holder.   With this design even young kids can help decorate their own carrier they’ll be proud to use.  

Colorful duct tape crafts like this one are fun for all ages.  

Once you’ve made your own DIY drink carrier, try making this duct tape sit upon.  They’re both perfect for taking on hikes and using around the camp fire.  

DIY Water Bottle Holder

Materials Needed:

• Water Bottle 
• Cheap Drink Cozy 
• Colorful Duct Tape 
• Tape Measure (optional)

Start with your drink cozy.  You can usually find these at local dollar stores.

Slip your bottle into the cozy to help give it shape.   

You can use a reusable bottle, if you’d like.  If you use a disposable bottle, you may want to use it for this water bottle sun catcher when it’s empty.  

I have seen people make homemade drink holders with just duct tape, but using the cozy will help keep your water cold a bit longer.  Plus, it makes this craft super easy for kids to make their own water bottle holder.

Once your bottle is in the cozy, cover the cozy’s sides with duct tape.  

You don’t need to cover the bottom.  In fact, it is better not to.  This way any condensation from the water bottle will have a way to escape.

Simply take strips of duct tape to wrap around the cozy and cover the outer sides.

Of course, in order to make carrying that water easier, your drink holder needs a strap.

Measure how long you want your strap to be.  If you want to be able to carry it across your body diagonally you will want it a bit longer.

Cut off a piece of duct tape the length you need for your strap.  

You will fold this piece of duct tape in half length-wise.  This step is best done with a partner!  

One person can hold the end of the tape while the other carefully works to fold the tape a little at a time.

Once your strap is created you will attach it to the outside of your drink carrier. 

Position the ends of the strap so they are on opposite sides of your cozy.  Then use another strip of duct tape and circle the top portion of your drink holder, covering the ends of the strap.  

This personalized duct tape water bottle holder is perfect for taking on hikes, or for that trip to the amusement park.

You may also enjoy these posts: 

• How to Do Soap Carving
• Water Bottle Fish
• Cook S’mores in a DIY Solar Oven

Originally published on June 17, 2015.

The post How to Make a Colorful Duct Tape Water Bottle Holder first appeared on There's Just One Mommy.

This year we plan on getting creative while getting into that back to school spirit with a few simple duct tape crafts for school.  

These colorful kids crafts would be perfect for kids heading off to school, homeschoolers, or for organizing school supplies around the house.

These kids duct tape crafts will keep your child organized and get them excited about the new school year.

If your kids love duct tape as much as we do, they will also love making their own duct tape picture frames, perfect for displaying artwork or school photos.  

Duct Tape Crafts for School

Why start school with the same generic pencil pouch everyone else has?  Your child will love creating this unique Zipper Pouch by Happiness is Homemade.  (pictured above)

These Duct Tape Rose Pens by Red Ted Art are sure to be a huge hit with tween girls.  (pictured below)

Here’s another version of a Duct Tape Pencil Case  your child will have fun designing by While They Snooze.

Make carrying that water bottle to class easier with this DIY Water Bottle Holder by There’s Just One Mommy.  (pictured above)

Brighten up your homework area with a Colorful Homework Caddy from Aunt Peaches.

Here’s a fun idea for a gym bag!  Make your own Duct Tape Backpack by Frugal Fun for Boys & Girls.

You can even get the dolls ready for back to school with this American Girl Doll Backpack by Doll Diaries.

You’ll love how organized this DIY Pencil Roll by Club Chica Circle is.  (pictured below)

Make taking notes more fun with a Personalize Clipboard and Matching Pen from Creations by Kara.

These colorful Duct Tape Pencil Toppers by Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom are fun and whimsical.  (pictured above)

Go green this year with Reusable Lunch Bags by The Gracious Wife.

Kids will love marking their spot with this DIY Magnetic Bookmarks by Happy Go Lucky.  (pictured below)

Keep that homework area tidy with your own Decorated Desk Top Organizer by Frugal Fun for Boys & Girls.  (pictured above)

More Back to School Crafts with Duct Tape

Here are a few more fun ways your child can express themselves with duct tape this school year.

• This Duct Tape Wallet  by Frugal Fun for Boys & Girls is the perfect place to keep lunch money.
• Girls will go crazy for this DIY Duct Tape Hair Bow by Real Life at Home.
• Label that bag with a fun saying or a quirky picture with this Back to School Backpack Tag by Kids Activities Blog. (pictured)
• Go to class in style with Duct Tape Bracelets by Teach Me Mommy.  They’d be fun to give new friends at school, too!
• Can’t find a belt to fit your child?  Try this DIY Belt by Frugal Fun for Boys & Girls.
• This Duct Tape Sit-Upon by There’s Just One Mommy is perfect for reading time or doing homework outside.  (pictured)
• Keep that lip balm handy with this Duct Tape Lip Balm Holder by Artzy Creations.

You’ll also like: 

• Simple DIY Back to School I-Spy Craft 
• Recycled Magazine Pages Butterfly Craft 

Originally published July 21, 2017

The post 20 Colorful Duct Tape Crafts for Back to School first appeared on There's Just One Mommy.

For me the smell of wood smoke brings memories of scout camping trips, complete with singing around the campfire, cooking in a Dutch oven, and, of course, the crafts.

Whether you are looking for craft ideas for your next camping trip, backyard camp activities, or you just want a great craft the kids can do at home this summer, you’ll find it in these camp crafts.

These awesome crafts for camp are guaranteed to make summer memorable.

You may also like these camping crafts. 

Camp Crafts

Sit-Upon — This is a fun duct tape twist on a classic scout camp craft idea.  This sit-upon can easily be carried on long hikes so you always have a clean, dry seat.  And it’s perfect for using when roasting marshmallows on the campfire at night.

Water Bottle Holder — Inspire your child to drink more water, and even carry their own water bottle on that hike, by making your very own personalized water bottle holders at camp.

STEM:  Build a Boat that Floats — Challenge your child to build a simple stick raft or boat with materials they find around the campsite and a bit of string from home.  Then take it to the creek (or beach) and see if it floats.

Soap Carving — This is a great activity when sitting around the campfire.  With just a bar of soap and a couple craft sticks (or a pocket knife for older children) kids can practice carving skills while at camp.

Squirt Gun Painting — This is a simple and fun activity for a hot day at camp.

Leaf Creatures — No need to wait until fall for this simple camp craft.  With a bit of imagination and leaves found around the campsite your child can create all sorts of creatures.

American Girl Doll Camp Fire — Get your child excited about your upcoming camping trip by creating a camp fire for their doll or even their stuffed animals.  So much fun for pretend play!

Glow in the Dark Firefly — Collecting fireflies is a classic summer activity.  With this glow in the dark firefly craft your child will have the perfect nightlight for your camping trip.

Seashell Art — Camping near the beach?  Once the kids have collected all those seashells, this super simple craft is perfect for kids of all ages to do at the campsite.

Rock Trolls — Skip the hot glue and wiggly eyes and just bring along permanent markers and the kids can have a blast making old-fashioned pet rocks or even rock trolls like those in the movie Frozen.

Whatever your plans this summer, these camp crafts are sure to make it memorable.  

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The post Awesome Camp Crafts first appeared on There's Just One Mommy.

That meant I had to figure out how to make a cardboard helmet for a costume.

In case any of you are still working on Halloween costume pieces (no judging here, I just started working on his latest costume this week), I thought I’d share how I made the cardboard helmet.

Not only is it perfect for a costume, it could be a fun kids craft for tweens, as well.

This simple helmet craft would go perfectly with your very own cardboard castle playhouse.

How to Make a Cardboard Helmet

I  used cereal boxes to make the majority of his helmet.  They are thinner, which makes them easy to cut and more comfortable to wear.

To start with, you will need to cut a 2 inch thick strip of cardboard that fits around your child’s head.  I wound up having to connect two pieces of cardboard together with duct tape to make it long enough.

Use tape to secure your cardboard strip in a circle that fits snugly around your child’s head.

Then cut two more strips of cardboard, taping them inside the circle and crossing in the middle (as seen in the picture below).

Be sure these two strips sit high enough that your child’s head can still fit inside the helmet.

 Tip:  A roll of paper towels is perfect for holding your cardboard helmet while you work.

You will notice one other addition in my picture, the start of Chop-Chop’s helmet decoration — a triangular nose guard.

At this point you can add in the start of a nose guard.  You could also add in side pieces to the helmet, like ear guards. It all depends on how you want your finished product to look.

The next step is to fill in the top of your helmet.

Cut four triangular pieces to fill in the spaces left from the criss-crossing cardboard strips you have at the top.

To make them fit better, make a small cut along the triangle’s bottom to allow you to overlap the bottom a bit, making the triangles rounder at the bottom.   This helps them curve more with the helmet.

Use plenty of tape, cutting off any pieces of cardboard that stick out, until you are happy with the result.  It doesn’t have to be perfect smooth, as that will be covered in a bit.

You could paint your homemade helmet, but duct tape helps make it look more finished.  Plus, it will make it more durable and a little more water resistant.

Start by covering the top of the helmet with strips of tape.

Then use long strips to go around the circumference of your duct tape helmet.

You can leave your helmet as is, or you can make it a little fancier.

We put a large crest on top of the cardboard helmet.  For this I used a slightly thicker cardboard, hot gluing two pieces together to make it even thicker.

If you choose to add a crest, you will want to cut the bottom of the crest so it curves inward, allowing it to fit snugly against the main portion of the helmet.

You can paint the crest or use more duct tape to give it color.  My son decided to color his with crayons.

Use hot glue to secure the crest to the helmet.

You can add other decorative pieces in the same manner.

We decided to make a larger nose guard out of thicker cardboard to add to our helmet.

That’s all there is to it when it comes to how to make a cardboard helmet for a costume.

A homemade cardboard helmet will help transform any young boy (or girl) into their favorite character.  It’s the perfect addition to dress up clothes for pretend play.

You’ll also enjoy these posts:

• Coat of Arms Craft — Perfect for adding a shield to your dress up area!
• Shark Party Games
• Straw Weaving Bracelet — tween craft

Edited post.  This post was originally published October 27, 2014. 

The post How to Make a Cardboard Helmet for a Costume first appeared on There's Just One Mommy.

This simple Star Wars craft is perfect for Star Wars fans of all ages.  (I mean, who can resist swinging their very own lightsaber?)

And I promise this pool noodle lightsaber craft will be a huge hit (pun intended) at your Star Wars party.

Affiliate links have been used below.  See my full disclosure policy here.

For us it all started with a picture book that told the stories of the original three Star Wars movies.  What started as curiosity and flipping through those pages has turned into a Star Wars obsession for both my kids.

I even had to come up with a DIY Darth Vader cake for my son who favors the Dark Side.

You can easily find pool noodles at the dollar store.  And most people have duct tape and electrical tape at home, making this Star Wars kids craft not only easy, but super inexpensive as well.

Materials Needed:

• Pool Noodles
• Silver or Grey Duct Tape
• Black Electrical Tape
• Serrated Kitchen Knife  (I used my bread knife.)
• Colored Duct Tape (optional)

Pool Noodle Lightsaber Craft

First, use a serrated knife to cut your pool noodle in half.  (This step should be done by an adult.)  You can also choose to use an entire pool noodle for a super long, extra wiggly lightsaber that is fun to use outside.

Next, cover the bottom hole of the noodle with duct tape.

One piece will not cover it completely.  Overlapping two pieces that are approximately 5 inches long does a nice job.

Once the bottom is covered it is time to create your lightsaber’s hilt.

Tear off 10 inch long sections of duct tape for your child to wrap around the bottom portion of the lightsaber.  The first piece should overlap the duct tape pieces covering the hole at the bottom.

You will need 3-4 pieces of duct tape to make your hilt, depending on how big you want it to be and how much your child overlaps each piece.

Finally, it’s time to personalize the hilt with electrical tape.

For a younger child you may want to just cut various lengths of  tape for them to use.

Older children can wrap the electrical tape around the hilt and cut it to the length they want on their own.

If you have other colors of duct tape, they can use it for details like buttons.

If your kids are anything like mine a lightsaber duel will happen immediately.  (These are perfect for lots of Star Wars party games.)

Unlike those plastic lightsabers they sell at the stores, pool noodle lightsabers don’t hurt if you get caught in a battle.

They can even be used inside.  And, if one breaks, you can easily make a new one.

I love it when a good book inspires an interest in something new.  I have a feeling this Star Wars obsession will be around for a while at our house.

Want your pool noodle lightsaber craft to really glow?  Check out this lightsaber craft at Kids Activities Blog.

You may also like:

• Cute R2-D2 Craft — a fun DIY party decoration
• Simple Storm Trooper Cupcakes 
• Shark Party Games

The post Make Your Own Pool Noodle Lightsaber first appeared on There's Just One Mommy.