As a child, my summer holidays were often spent doing sewing projects with my grandmother, even today I remember that buzz and excitement of creating something usable from scraps. Now I’m a mum, I’m enjoying repeating some of those projects with my two sons. It’s not only a fun activity to keep them entertained, but also so lovely to see them proud of their creations. Whether it’s stitching, painting, or decorating, these crafts for Halloween and Diwali are the perfect way to spend time together over the half term holidays.
Halloween Craft Idea: DIY Felt Treat Bag
This half-term holiday, we’re making our own Halloween treat bags from old offcuts of felt, the perfect way to upcycle and make memories.
What you’ll need: 2 pieces of felt, ribbon for straps, and decorations (beads, fabric pens, or patches).
Steps:
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Cut out two squares of felt, each 7" x 7".
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Decorate one square with a ghoulish design — draw on a pumpkin face, sew on beads, or add iron-on patches.
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Place the plain square on top so the decorated side faces inward (right sides together).
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Sew around the two sides and bottom, leaving the top open.
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Turn inside out.
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Fold the top edges down into the inside and sew them neatly.
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Cut two 18" ribbons and sew them inside the top hem to create straps.
Halloween Craft Idea: Spooky Jar Lantern
On chilly October evenings, it’s fun to light up the windows with glowing jars and kids love to chose what shapes to cut out.
What you’ll need: An empty glass jar, orange or black paint, black paper cut-outs, glue, and an LED tealight.
Steps:
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Clean the jar and dry it thoroughly.
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Paint the outside in orange or black, leaving small gaps.
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Cut out spooky shapes (bats, ghosts, or spiders) from black paper and glue them onto the outside of the jar.
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Let it dry completely.
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Place an LED tealight inside to show the cutout shapes in full relief.
Diwali Craft Idea: DIY Torans (Door Hangings)
What you’ll need: Coloured card or felt, string, scissors, glue, and optional sequins or beads.
Steps:
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Cut out flower, leaf, or star shapes from coloured card or felt.
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Decorate them with glitter, sequins, or beads.
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Glue or tape the shapes onto a length of string or ribbon.
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Add tassels or bells to the bottom for a traditional touch.
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Hang the toran across your front door or over a doorway inside the house.
Diwali Craft Idea: Kid-Friendly Rangoli
What you’ll need: Cardboard base, glue, coloured sand, and a pencil.
Steps:
- Draw a simple rangoli design on cardboard (like circles, swirls, or flowers).
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Spread glue or double sided sticky tape along the lines of your design.
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Sprinkle coloured sand onto the glue.
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Shake off the excess gently to reveal the pattern.
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Once dry, place the finished rangoli board by the front door or use it as a colourful table decoration.