Coffee Filter Boat – Columbus Day Kid Craft

I’ve always identified myself as the crafty girl.

Now that I’m a mother, I have molded into “that” crafty mom. A title I actually like and proclaim to the world!

Before becoming a mother, it was all about me and “my craftiness.” It was my alone time and way of relieving stress. I had no real rules, deadlines or need to hide the glitter. If I wanted to leave the paint on the table, I could. As well as anything else that could potentially make a mess.

What was my alone time before, is being shared with a spotlight of a little boy. And quite frankly – I feel like my creativity juices are overflowing because of it. {In an amazing way!}

I’m blessed with a crafty twist in my life {insert tears of joy.} I don’t just craft to preserve pictures or gift something to someone anymore. I now craft to entertain, teach and keep spirits high. Not to mention, this blog has grown because of it and see with each pin you all like kid crafts as much as I do.

When my son and I are bored and there is nothing to do, I usually grab some paint/paper & tell Lil Man to have it. This is how I keep him busy and myself sane – day in & day out. I also keep a list of craft projects I want to get done so I can share them on this very blog. I say we live a very busy, but crafty life.

Because of all that craftiness, I really don’t need ANY more excuses to craft – BUT when a holiday or celebration {even the tiniest one} comes around, I do like to make an effort to do something around it. As little man gets older, I plan to turn each craft we do into a learning lesson. I just hope my crafty gene sticks with him.

So now to the real reason of this blog post {besides telling my life story – sorry if I bored you!}

Today’s craft goes perfect with the upcoming celebration of Columbus Day. If you didn’t know it’s happening this coming Monday, October 12th. A quick recap – Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1942 and discovered the New World. Hence, why we are where we are today. He couldn’t have done it without a boat, so that is what today’s theme is – boats!

Here is what you need to make your own Coffee Filter Boat:

Supplies:

* Clean, Unused White Coffee Filters
* Crayola Watercolors
* Water Dish
* Paint Brush
* Colored Construction Paper
* School Glue
* Jumbo Popsicle Sticks

For each boat craft you need 2 coffee filters, 1 popsicle stick and one piece of construction paper. You can do one boat craft for each ship in the Columbus Day theme: the Santa Maria, Nina and Pinta.

Directions:

First have your child paint their coffee filters, however they like, using the watercolors. If you don’t have watercolors, feel free to use paint, crayons, markers etc. to make this step happen.

When done, let the coffee filters dry completely.

When dry enough, fold one coffee filter in half, while the other coffee filter into half/another half.

Then glue it all together on the construction paper so it looks like a boat.

At this time, you can embellish the boat itself even more, glue some blue tissue paper as waves or draw people in it. Take it above and beyond if you like!

Now I know I’m pushing this as a Columbus Day craft, but really you can do this all year long. In fact, we just missed the window, but this would make a great summer craft. Wouldn’t it?

Well I hope I gave you some inspiration to keep the kids busy this coming holiday! Be sure to also check out our Popsicle Stick Pirate Ship tutorial, as well! #gluedtomycrafts