My kids miss our extended family. They miss spending time in person with them, and they miss their hugs. So when I proposed we get our paint and craft supplies out to “make a hug” to send to their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins they loved the idea.
This craft idea is a fabulous way of both keeping the kids busy and entertained, while also spreading some love to family and friends near and far while we’re all safe at home.
Craft Supplies Needed to Make a Hug
- Pen or pencil
- Paint: Washable tempera paint works best, as its fast drying, but watercolor can used too
- Long sheet of paper
- Scissors
- Envelope (unless you decide to send it virtually as we did)
How to Make a Hug
Step 1: Roll out a piece of paper (or tape them together) and make sure it’s long enough for your kiddo’s wingspan.
Step 2: Trace each kid’s outline on their own piece of paper.
Step 3: Set up a paint station so they can paint their self portrait within their outline. Before they got started we talked about what colors they wanted to paint for their hair, eyes, and clothing.
Step 4: After the paint has dried, cut out each kiddo’s outline.
Step 5: Make a hug by folding the arms in.
And that folks is how you can “make a hug”!
Once the craft is done, pair the artwork with a handwritten or printed note sharing how much you love and miss the hug recipient. One idea for a poem comes from Rutherford County’s Facebook page:
I miss you when you’re far away.
I’d love to see you every day.
But since I can’t come over to play,
I’m mailing you a hug today!
So although it may be quite a sight,
Wrap my arms around you tight!
Repeat daily to keep your smile bright
Until we get to reunite!
Whether you decide to mail the hug, or text/email it, chances are, it’s something loved ones will treasure and appreciate.
For us, after we were done, my three-year-old wanted to keep his, because he liked it so much. So, chances are we’ll make another hug, because he had so much fun making this one. If you liked this, also check out these fun craft kits to keep kids busy!
MORE FUN THINGS TO DO WHILE YOU’RE STUCK AT HOME:
- Check out these kids education websites offering free subscriptions.
- Help your kids learn how to make bubbles at home!
- My kids are obsessed with these active indoor games.
- 5 minute crafts are so fun and easy!
- Coloring is fun! Especially with Easter coloring pages.
- You won’t believe why parents are gluing pennies on shoes.
- Rawr! Here are some of our favorite dinosaur crafts.
- Get kids off technology and back to basics with learning worksheets you can print at home.
- Make being stuck at home fun with our favorite indoor games for kids.
- Have fun coloring our awesome Fortnite coloring pages.
- Check out how hugs make a real difference in your kids!
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