May is one of our favorite crafting months. It sits right in that sweet spot between spring and summer, bursting with reasons to create. From honoring moms to exploring flowers in full bloom, there are so many ways to get creative with kids this month. Whether you’re doing process art with your toddler or diving into a themed craft with your preschooler, these May crafts for kids are easy, fun, and made to spark imagination.
We’ve rounded up several themed sections to help you plan your crafts around the celebrations and seasonal joys of May. All of them use everyday craft supplies or items you already have around the house. Let’s jump in!
MAY CRAFTS FOR KIDS
Star Wars Crafts for Kids: May the Fourth Be With You:
May the Fourth is a perfect excuse to get a little nerdy with your crafts. Whether your child is into droids, Wookiees, or lightsabers, there’s a Star Wars craft for every kind of little fan. Think: paper plate Baby Yodas, paper plate R2-D2s, or even galaxy painting with toothbrushes and splatter paint. Not only are these crafts great for imaginative play, but they also tie in fun storytelling and fine motor work.
Baby Yoda Paper Plate Craft
This Baby Yoda paper plate craft is an out-of-this-galaxy favorite for little Star Wars fans who love hands-on painting and gluing.
Death Star Paper Plate Craft
Build your own Death Star—no galactic empire required—with this fun and easy paper plate painting activity.
Cardboard Tube Light Saber Craft
Turn a simple cardboard tube into a colorful lightsaber—perfect for pretend play and May the Fourth adventures.
Darth Vader Suncatcher Craft
Let the dark side shine bright with this Darth Vader suncatcher that brings Star Wars fun to your windows.
Darth Vader Paper Bag Craft
Make your own Sith puppet with this Darth Vader paper bag craft—great for Star Wars storytelling and roleplay.
Star Wars Slime
Whip up a batch of galaxy-inspired Star Wars slime that’s sparkly, stretchy, and full of sci-fi fun.
Darth Sidious Paper Bag Puppet
Create a spooky Darth Sidious puppet using a paper bag, and bring the Emperor to life in your own mini theater.
DIY Mandalorian Jet Pack Craft
Strap in for pretend play with this Mandalorian jet pack made from recycled materials and a lot of imagination.
Star Wars PlayDough Activity
Use Star Wars toys, cookie cutters, or stamps to turn everyday playdough time into a creative galactic adventure.
Mother’s Day Crafts
Mother’s Day is a sweet opportunity for kids to make something truly meaningful. Handmade cards, fingerprint flower pots, tissue paper bouquets, or even a kid-drawn portrait of Mom make for treasured keepsakes. These crafts tend to be simple enough for toddlers and preschoolers, but with room to personalize so older kids can get into it too.
Tape Resist Mom Craft
Check out this tape resist art project—it’s a fantastic way for kids to unleash their creativity while making a personalized gift that any mom would treasure!
Painted Canvas Tote
Why not help the kids turn a plain canvas tote into a stylish accessory? It’s an ideal project for little artists eager to give a handmade and practical gift.
Handprint Mason Jar Candle
Light up mom’s day with a handprint mason jar candle. This craft is a beautiful way to make a glowing keepsake that captures a moment in time.
Popsicle Stick Flower Vase or Pot
Transform popsicle sticks into a charming flower vase or pot! It’s a sweet and simple project that kids will love putting together for a special Mother’s Day surprise.
Craft Stick Picture Frame
Grab some craft sticks and let’s make a picture frame that’s as fun to make as it is to give! It’s a perfect way for kids to frame their favorite moments with mom.
Handprint Flower Flower Vase or Pot
Creating a handprint flower vase or pot adds a personal touch to any plant gift—ideal for moms who love a bit of greenery with a sentimental twist.
Melted Crayon Picture Frame
Unleash the vibrant colors of melted crayons to make a one-of-a-kind picture frame. This colorful project is sure to brighten any mom’s day.
Egg Carton Flowers Craft
Let’s turn old egg cartons into delightful flowers! It’s an eco-friendly craft that makes a cute and colorful gift for Mother’s Day.
You Are My Jam’ Handprint Card
Spread some love with the ‘You Are My Jam’ Handprint Card, a playful and heartfelt way to tell mom she’s as sweet as her favorite jam, with a personal touch only a handprint can provide.
You Are My Sunshine Handprint Card for Mother’s Day
Brighten up Mother’s Day with the ‘You Are My Sunshine’ Handprint Card; it’s a warm, personalized way for kids to show their love and bring a smile to mom’s face.
Egg Carton Teacup Craft
Transform egg cartons into adorable teacups with this creative craft that’s perfect for a Mother’s Day tea party; a wonderful way for kids to recycle and create.
Cotton Pad Flower Card
Soft cotton pads become sweet petals in this flower-themed Mother’s Day card kids can easily make themselves.
Spoon Flower Card
Make Mom smile with a handmade flower card using painted spoons as petals—unique, creative, and adorable.
Cinco de Mayo Crafts
Celebrate Mexican culture with colorful, kid-friendly crafts for Cinco de Mayo. Tissue paper flowers, paper plate sombreros, or DIY maracas made from recycled materials are fun ways to introduce kids to the celebration. These crafts are bright, festive, and often incorporate music, movement, and color sorting—all perfect for early learners.
Free Cinco De Mayo Coloring Pages
Cinco de Mayo, the annual celebration of Mexican heritage and culture, is just around the corner. And what better way to get kids excited about this holiday than by providing them with fun and educational activities like coloring pages?
Cardboard Box Guitar Craft
Channel your inner mariachi band with this Cardboard Guitar Craft inspired by Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s legacy on rock & roll.
Cactus Letter Matching
Cactus letter matching is a fun letter matching activity for preschoolers! It is also an amazing fine motor activity using clothespins!
Flower Crafts
May is when flowers really start showing off, so it’s the ideal time for flower crafts. Try painting with flowers, using cupcake liners to make daisies, or creating puffy paint blossoms. These crafts are especially great for practicing scissor skills and working with different textures and layers.
Pom Pom Painted Flowers
Painting with pom poms gives kids a fun way to explore texture and color while making gorgeous spring flowers.
Materials:
- Clothespins
- Pom poms
- Washable paint
- Paper or cardstock
- Paint brush
How to Set Up:
Clip a pom pom with a clothespin to create a “brush.” Paint the stems and leaves on the brush. Dip the pom poms into paint and stamp onto the paper in flower shapes. Use different colors for petals, centers, and stems.
Sponge Painted Flowers
Soft sponges make perfect stampers for chunky, colorful flowers. This is a great activity for little hands!
Materials:
- Kitchen sponges
- Scissors
- Washable paint
- White cardstock
- Paint tray or paper plate
How to Set Up:
Cut sponges into flower petal, rectangle and/or tulip shapes. Dip the rectangle and leaf shape sponges into paint and create the stems and leaves. Dip the flower petal and tulip sponges into paint and press onto paper to make flowers.
Salt Painted Flowers
Salt painting turns any drawing into a cool, raised texture art piece. Combine it with flowers and watercolor paints for a magical activity. Free flower templates available below.
Materials:
- Flower templates
- White glue
- Table salt
- Watercolor paints
- Paintbrush or pipettes
- Cardstock
How to Set Up:
Print on white cardstock. Use glue to draw a flower outline on your cardstock. Sprinkle salt over the glue and shake off excess. Dip your brush into watercolors and lightly touch it to the salt lines to watch the colors spread.
Bleeding Tissue Paper Flower
Bleeding tissue paper is an art material that creates dreamy watercolor effects without the mess of paint. Perfect for floral crafting!
Materials:
- Bleeding tissue paper (not regular tissue!)
- Spray bottle or paintbrush with water
- White cardstock
- Scissors and glue
- Flower templates
How to Set Up:
Print out the flower templates. Tear bleeding tissue paper into small pieces and arrange on the flower. Spray with water and let the color transfer. Once dry, peel off the tissue, cut out the flower and glue to a piece a construction paper.
Straw Painted Flowers Craft
Grab a straw and let the painting fun begin. This process art activity creates fun, spiky petals while building fine motor skills.
Cherry Blossom Crafts
If you’re lucky enough to have blooming cherry blossoms nearby, take that inspiration inside. Kids can recreate cherry blossoms with tissue paper, pom poms, cotton balls, broccoli, corks, or bubble wrap. These textured process-art activities are a great way to explore color blending and pattern repetition.
Tissue Paper Cherry Blossoms
Materials:
- Pink tissue paper,
- Glue bottle
- cardstock or blue paper
- Tree template
How to Create: Print out tree template on white cardstock or blue construction paper. Tear or cut tissue paper into squares. Scrunch and glue onto branches.
Cork Stamped Cherry Blossoms
Materials:
- Wine corks
- Washable pink and white paint
- cardstock or blue paper
- Tree template
How to Create: Print out tree template on white cardstock or blue construction paper. Dip corks in pink paint and stamp around tree limbs.
Bubble Wrap Cherry Blossoms
Materials:
- Bubble wrap
- Washable pink and white paint
- cardstock or blue paper
- Tree template
How to Create: Print out tree template on white cardstock or blue construction paper. Paint bubble wrap pink, then press onto tree branches.
Sponge Painted Cherry Blossoms
Materials:
- Sponge
- scissors
- Washable pink and white paint
- cardstock or blue paper
- Tree template
How to Create: Print out tree template on white cardstock or blue construction paper or trace handprint on brown construction paper. Cut sponge into a small shape, dip in pink paint, and dab on.
Puffy Paint Cherry Blossoms
Materials:
- Shaving cream
- glue
- Washable pink and white paint
- Bowls
- cardstock or blue paper
- Tree template
How to Create: Print out tree template on white cardstock or blue construction paper. Mix shaving cream, glue in 1:1 ratio. Add pink paint to make puffy paint. Make white puffy paint as well. Use craft stick or brush to paint blossoms.
Cotton Ball Cherry Blossoms
Materials:
- Cotton balls
- clothespins
- cardstock or blue paper
- Washable pink and white paint and brown paint (optional)
- Tree template
How to Create: Print out tree template on white cardstock or blue construction paper. Or paint a tree trench and branches with brown paint. Clip cotton balls in clothespins, dip in pink paint, and stamp cherry blossoms onto branches.
Free Tree Template
Grab your free tree template here:
Garden and Nature Crafts
Warmer weather means more time outside, which makes nature-based crafts perfect for May. Go on a nature walk and gather materials for a DIY weaving loom, press flowers for a bookmark, or build a cardboard bug hotel. These crafts invite observation, conversation, and a love for the outdoors.
How to Make a Bug Hotel Craft
Ever thought about creating a cozy space for your garden critters? Making a bug hotel is not only super fun but it’s also a great way to teach kids about nature and the importance of insects in our ecosystem.
Nature Butterfly Sticky Wall Craft
Create a beautiful butterfly craft using items found in nature! This nature butterfly sticky wall craft is a fun and easy summer and spring craft for kids!
Nature Weaving
Get those little hands working with some beautiful outdoor weaving! Nature weaving is a creative way to blend art and natural elements, perfect for a day spent in the garden or a park.
Grass Seed Head
This grass seed head craft is such a fun idea, perfect for small and bigs kids to make this spring or summer! Its one of those crafts that they can observe daily to see if there are any changes.
DIY Watering Can Craft
Looking for a fun and practical craft project to do with your kids? Making a DIY watering can from a milk jug is a fantastic way to combine creativity with functionality.
Dinosaur Herb Garden
Have you ever made a dinosaur herb garden with your kids? Well neither had we until recently and I have to say that it was great fun!
DIY Egg Carton Garden
Getting your garden started can be a fun and educational experience for kids. Using an egg carton as a seed tray is an excellent way to recycle while teaching kids about the growth process of plants. Let’s explore how you can turn an ordinary egg carton into your very first mini garden!
Bottle Cap Flowers
Upcycle your recycling bin with these adorable bottle cap flowers. Kids can create colorful blossoms while learning about reusing materials.
Whether you want to make something for mom, celebrate culture, or just enjoy what’s blooming, May is full of creative opportunities. The crafts you choose this month don’t have to be complicated—they just have to invite play and creativity.
Play2Learn Toddler & Preschool Programs for Curious Toddlers
There is no limit to your toddler’s energy and curiosity. That energy and curiosity although a joy can be challenging at times. Their interest in just about everything around them is what makes them great learners. One and two year olds can soak up so much just from their senses!
But as a teacher or parent that thirst for learning can be exhausting. That is why I created this toddler and preschooler program. To help you get the most out of this time with your curious toddler without having to come up with creative ways to play and interact with them.
Play2Learn for Toddlers includes 20 Units for toddlers. Each 2-week toddler unit has 20 super easy to set up and engaging activities for toddlers 18 months to 3 years.
Play2Learn Preschool which includes 20 Units for preschoolers. Each 2-week preschoolers unit has 20 unique and easy to set up and engaging activities for preschoolers 3 years to 5 years. That’s over 800 learning activities for your toddler and preschooler at your fingertips! So many ideas you and your child will never be bored again!
These toddler and preschool lesson plans and activities will definitely keep you and your toddler and preschooler busy playing and learning!
Click here for more information: Play2Learn
Book: Exciting Sensory Bins for Curious Kids
Did you know I wrote a book of sensory bins? Click here for more information Exciting Sensory Bin for Curious Kids. Or grab your copy at Amazon.
Boring afternoons are made exciting with awesome animal-based bins, like Salty Shark Bay or Yarn Farm. Pretend play bins like Birthday Cake Sensory Play or Bubble Tea Party encourage creativity and imagination. And your kids will have so much fun they won’t even know they’re getting smarter with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) activities like Sink or Float Soup, Magnetic Letter Hunt or Ice Cream Scoop and Count.
Designed for toddlers 18 months and up.
Book: Super STEAM Activity Book for Kids
Learning all about science, technology, engineering, art, and math sets kids up for scholastic success―and it can be so much fun! Watch kids enjoy building STEAM skills as they color friendly fish, help water find its way to tree roots, solve math problems with mazes, and more.
Find out more and grab your copy here.
Designed for preschoolers 3 years old and up.
Book: Big Book of Riddles for Kids
Riddle me this: What’s an exciting way to practice critical thinking while having a blast? The Big Riddle Book for Kids, of course! From hilarious puns to tough brain teasers, kids can build problem-solving skills with hundreds of riddles tha. t show them how to think outside the box.
- 350 riddles for kids—Have hours of fun with riddles, puns and jokes, and math and logic puzzles that’ll get their wheels turning!
- Level up their skills—Riddles get trickier as kids progress through the book, challenging them as they get better at solving puzzles!
- Double-check their work—Kids can check their answers in the back of the book with a handy answer key.
Help children expand their minds while having fun with this puzzle book for kids!
Designed for kids ages 6 years old and up.
TV Show: Curious Crafting
I’m so excited to share my crafting TV show Curious Crafting which launched in July 2022 on TVOkids and TVOkids YouTube! Season 2 aired in August 2023! My show was also nominated in 2023 for Best Live Action Preschool Series by the Youth Media Alliance Awards of Excellence.
Curious Crafting Season 1 is also now airing in Australia on ABC! Watch it here!
Set in the ultimate crafting space, Curious Crafting is a short form pre-school age series about the joy of making crafts. I lead a rotating cast of adorable little preschoolers (including my own) making magic out of common household objects.
In each episode we transform recycled items into magical crafts like a milk carton school bus, paper bag puppet or cotton pad turtle. The crafters learn and laugh their way through each activity while demonstrating what their young imaginations can create.
Curious Crafting shares the adventure and joy of making art with takeaway lessons for creating crafts at home.
This show designed for toddlers and preschoolers 2.5 years old and up.
