Five crafty things to do with your First News in the holidays
Published: 16th July 2023
Updated: 7th August 2023
During the holidays, it’s not always easy to keep the kids busy – especially when it’s raining. If you’re running out of fun things to do that don’t break the bank, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with plenty of brilliant crafty DIY ideas for you, which won’t require spending any money at all! That’s right, all you need is your First News newspaper (once you’ve read it of course!), and maybe a little tape and glue!
Below you’ll find five fantastic craft creations that will be sure to keep you all occupied, and having a lot of fun while you do it.
If you make any of these crafts using your First News newspaper – we’d love to see your images! Either tag us @FirstNews on social media, or send your images in to [email protected] with a chance of being published in the newspaper!
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Newspaper rose
Decorate your home with roses that won’t wilt, by turning your issue of First News into a decorative rose!
What you will need:
- A copy of First News
- Scissors
- Pencil or pen
- Glue
How to make:
Cut a circular piece of paper and draw a spiral shape on it. You don’t need to be too precise, as this will give your rose a more random look.
Starting at the outer edge, start cutting the spiral, till you reach the centre of the paper and are left with one small round bit in the middle. You should now have one long spiral strip.
Start at the outer edge and start rolling the entire length of the spiral. Make sure that you roll it tightly!
When you have rolled it all up, paste the last circular bit at the base of your roll. Make sure to adjust the tightness of the rolls before you do this. Glue the bottom of the roll together.
When you let go of the rose, the petals will open out, the glued part being the bottom of the flower. Voila! Your rose is ready! Feel free to decorate your rose, display it around your house or give it to a loved one.
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Newspaper tree
This one is both easy and beautiful. Once you’re done, why not unleash your creative side and paint it!
What you will need:
- A copy of First News
- Rubberbands
- Scissors
How to make:
Roll the newspaper and tie the bands around it, one at the bottom, and the other at the middle.
Make four cuts around the roll from the top and all the way to the middle band.
Put your finger into the centre of the roll and pull out the inner pages to make layers.
You now have your newspaper tree! Nice work getting crafty!
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Newspaper picture frame
This is a super easy craft that kids of all ages can try. Why not gift your awesome handmade photo frame to a family member or friend?
What you need:
- A copy of First News
- Cereal box
- Scissors
- Tape
How to make:
Cut out a frame from the cereal box and then cut out a matching frame-back to go with it and tape it together on three sides. Make sure to leave one side open so that the picture can slide in.
Your child can now use the newspaper to decorate the frame. You can shred the pieces of newspaper and simply stick them onto the frame; or if your child is wants to be even more creative, you can cut out some shapes to stick onto the frame as well.
Slide a picture into the frame and your crafty DIY frame is complete!
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Newspaper bag
Practical AND stylish – this fun newspaper craft is everything!
What you need:
- A copy of First News
- Ribbon
- Glue
- Coloured paper
How to make:
Cut the newspaper into a long rectangle and fold its two edges to meet overlapped at the center. Stick the overlapping sheets sheets together and then fold one end up to 5 cm to form the bottom of the bag. Open the fold.
Use the folded line to split both the sheets to form 2 long edges and 2 short triangular ones at the corner. The folded bottom will look like an elongated hexagon.
Fold the long edges on both insides to meet at the center. Glue the overlapping edges.
Wait for the glue to dry and gently open the bottom with your hand. You can put the gifts into the bag before sealing it.
Fold the upper open edge of the bag 2 cm and stick the lace or fancy paper. You can now make holes in the lace paper to insert the ribbon and tie a bow!
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Newspaper globe
If your child is a fan of space or is fascinated by the world, you can make Earth globes with newspapers.
What you need:
- A copy of First News newspaper – cut into thin strips
- Small balloon
- White craft glue
- Paper cup
- Pencil
- Watercolours
- Paintbrush
- Water
How to make:
Make a papier mâché paste by mixing two parts of white craft glue with one part of water and blend well.
Inflate the balloon, tie its mouth, and place it inverted on a cup. Next, soak the strips of newspaper in the papier-mâché paste for a few minutes and then remove each strip and let the excess paste drip away.
Stick each strip on the balloon and smooth out the wrinkles – keep layering the strips until the entire balloon is covered. Let the paper dry overnight.
You can repeat the process the next day and let it dry overnight again. Add multiple layers of paper to make the globe sturdier. You can then colour the dried globe with blue and green colours to resemble a globe and then let it dry.
Pop the balloon with the tip of a pencil and then gently remove it, and the paper globe is ready!
