In central Arkansas, the month of January often ushers in the first true bites of low wintry temps. Precipitation with any real sticking power rears its frigid head. Meteorologists can be a school-aged child’s best friend during this time proclaiming the news of possible snow accumulation. Children snuggle in their beds with visions of sledding and snowmen dancing in their heads.

If conditions are right, snow days can be loads of fun. But, when your barrel of monkeys lumbers back indoors soggy and cold-soaked, it’s time to get creative. Don’t just reach for the remote. Reach for the duct tape and other stuff you have lying around instead. Warm up chilly children with these fun, artistic activities.

Duct Tape Purse or Wallet

Christi Gillum, local mom, homeschooler and co-owner of The Painted Tree Vintage Market in Bryant, creates duct tape purses and wallets with her children. Her son, Carson, is photographed here with his latest creation. She says, “This project is great for elementary children and up. You can make the purses and wallets whatever size you choose. Basic sizing instructions are below.

Supplies

• Cardboard or sturdy construction paper (Portions of cereal boxes work well.)
• Duct tape of choice
• Scissors
• Exacto knife (optional and requires close adult supervision)

Wallet Instructions

1. Cut two pieces of cardboard in the desired size of wallet.
2. Cut pieces of duct tape. You’ll cut the pieces of tape twice the length of the wallet you want. This usually means 10 pieces at 7-8” each.
3. Take the first five strips of tape and attach them to the cardboard slightly overlapping each piece. Repeat this with the other 5 strips and piece of cardboard.
4. Place them on top of each other and trim any excess edges.
5. To connect the two, you’ll add sides with strips of duct tape.
6. Then fold the wallet. It will have sections and fit into pant pockets like a store bought version.
7. Place a very heavy book on it overnight to help flatten it.

Purse Instructions

You’ll need the same basic supplies as used in making the wallet. A sample purse size would require cardboard strips and duct tape strips roughly 9” x 7” x 7”.

1. Cover the 2 sections of cardboard with duct tape on every side.
2. Cut a 3” x 9” strip for the bottom of the purse and wrap it in duct tape.
3. Once you have all of the pieces covered in strips of duct tape, you tape them all together.
4. For the carrying strap, use 2 pieces of duct tape with a ½” contrasting color for a cool stripe. A typical strap length would be 20”. Tape the strap on and your handbag is ready!

Duct Tape Toy Organizer

Storage is always an issue when it comes to toys and all things KID. Finding attractive store-bought storage solutions can be a hit-or-miss endeavor and take a hit on your bank account. Why not save up discarded boxes, collect a few roles of duct tape, and enlist your child’s help to create and declutter all at the same time? This is a great project to save for a nasty weather day. You’ll spend quality time with family while young ones hone their organizational skills to boot.

Supplies

• Boxes of all types (shoe, cereal, shipping/storage, facial tissue, etc.)
• Duct tape (Designs and color options are virtually limitless at discount and craft stores.)

Instructions

1. Decide what type of storage you need to create.
2. Measure the length of duct tape strips needed to cover box neatly and in the chosen design.
3. Cover the box entirely. For instance, you may want to cover an old boot box with hot pink duct tape for storing Barbie clothes. Or, cut off the top and angle the sides of a cereal box. Cover it with duct tape inspired by your child’s favorite sports team’s colors. It’s perfect for storing issues of Sports Illustrated Kids.

Sweater Weather Wreath

Does your front door or mantle look a little bare after you stowed away all of the holiday baubles and bows? You and your children will brighten up any spot in your home with this cold weather-inspired wreath.

Supplies

• Styrofoam wreath
• Wool scarf (1 or more)
• Mittens
• Flannel fabric or old shirts
• Straight pins, fusible web tape, fabric glue or hot glue for attaching fabric, etc.
• Wire or ribbon for hanging
• Scissors
• Iron
• Prefabricated letter form, optional

Instructions

1. Wrap the wreath form with the flannel fabric of your choosing.
2. Make sure to cover so that no foam is visible.
3. Attach with the method appropriate for your children’s ages.
4. Loop/drape the scarf around the wreath.
5. Prop gloves on the bottom portion of the wreath.
6. Hang with ribbon or wire.
7. Optional: Attach a prefabricated letter form with hot glue if you wish to personalize your wreath. Economical varieties may be found at discount or craft stores.

This article originally appeared in the January 2016 issue of Little Rock Family.