January is a fresh page—a snowy canvas waiting for colour, laughter, and imagination. After the sparkle of the holidays, kids often need a gentle, joyful way to ease into the new year. What better way than through crafts that celebrate winter’s quiet magic?
Whether you’re a parent looking for cozy weekend fun or a teacher filling your classroom with creativity, these simple January crafts for kids are designed to inspire. They use everyday materials, spark storytelling, and invite children to explore textures, patterns, and seasonal joy.
Let’s turn chilly days into warm memories—one craft at a time.
1. Puffy Snowman Portraits
Materials
– Blue construction paper
– Cotton balls
– Glue stick
– Black and orange markers
– Googly eyes (optional)
Instructions
1. Give each child a sheet of blue construction paper as their snowy background.
2. Glue 3 cotton balls in a vertical line to form the snowman’s body.
3. Use markers to draw arms, buttons, a hat, and a carrot nose.
4. Add googly eyes or draw them in.
5. Optional: sprinkle a little glitter for a frosty effect!
Creative Twist: Have kids name their snowman and write a short story about its winter adventure.
2. Paper Strip Snowflakes
Materials
– White or pastel paper
– Scissors
– Glue or tape
– Ruler and pencil
Instructions
1. Cut paper into strips (about 1 cm wide and 15 cm long).
2. Arrange and glue strips into loops, hearts, or twists to form snowflake arms.
3. Connect 6–8 arms at the centre to complete the snowflake.
4. Hang from string or tape to windows for a magical display.
Creative Twist: Use recycled wrapping paper for a colourful, eco-friendly version.
3. Penguin Puppets
Materials
– Black, white, and orange paper
– Glue
– Scissors
– Popsicle sticks
– Markers
Instructions
1. Cut a black oval for the body and a smaller white oval for the belly.
2. Glue the white oval onto the black one.
3. Add orange feet and a beak.
4. Draw eyes or glue on googly eyes.
5. Attach to a popsicle stick for puppet fun!
Creative Twist: Create a penguin family and put on a puppet show about life in the Arctic.
4. Winter Wishes Jar
Materials
– Clean jar with lid
– Paper strips
– Markers or pens
– Ribbon or twine
– Stickers or washi tape
Instructions
1. Decorate the jar with stickers or washi tape.
2. Cut paper into strips and invite kids to write or draw their wishes for the new year.
3. Fold and place them in the jar.
4. Tie a ribbon around the lid for a finishing touch.
Creative Twist: Revisit the jar in June to see which wishes came true!
5. Mitten Matching Game
Materials
– Coloured cardstock
– Scissors
– Markers or stickers
– Laminator (optional)
Instructions
1. Cut out mitten shapes in pairs from different colours.
2. Decorate each pair with matching patterns or stickers.
3. Mix them up and play a matching game!
Creative Twist: Add letters or numbers for an educational twist.
6. Cozy Candle Collage
Materials
– Construction paper
– Tissue paper (red, orange, yellow)
– Glue
– Scissors
– Black marker
Instructions
1. Cut out a candle shape from construction paper.
2. Tear tissue paper into small pieces and glue them at the top to form a glowing flame.
3. Use markers to draw wax drips or decorate the candle base.
Creative Twist: Use this as a conversation starter about light, warmth, and hope in winter.
7. Hibernation Hideouts
Materials
– Paper plates
– Brown paint or crayons
– Cotton balls
– Bear cutouts (drawn or printed)
– Glue
Instructions
1. Fold a paper plate in half and colour it brown.
2. Glue cotton balls inside to make a cozy den.
3. Add a bear cutout inside the den.
4. Decorate the outside with snowflakes or trees.
Creative Twist: Pair with a story about hibernation and have kids name their sleepy bear.
Conclusion: Crafting Joy in Every Flake
January may be cold, but creativity keeps hearts warm. These crafts aren’t just about glue and paper—they’re about connection, imagination, and starting the year with intention. Whether it’s a snowman with a story or a mitten that matches a friend’s, each project invites kids to see beauty in the season and in themselves.
So gather your supplies, pour some cocoa, and let the crafting begin. Because every snowflake is unique—and so is every child.
Until next time…Happy Parenting!
~ Momma Braga
