Give peace (crafts) a chance! For your next afternoon of creativity, we’ve rounded up projects with a peace-themed twist. These ideas are perfect for International Day of Peace (September 21) or a regular ol’ Saturday. And while you’re getting crafty, you can use the opportunity to talk with the kiddos about what peace means to them. Scroll through the crafts below for painted peace rocks, a special pinwheel, and more.
Photo: Peace Rocks
1. Painted Peace Rocks
We love this idea for spreading peace via colorful painted rocks, discovered on the Peace Rocks blog. This is an easy craft if you’re not big on supplies–just snag a rock from the backyard and paint away. Decorate your own home or leave your painted treasures for someone to find. Learn more here.
Photo: Cupcakes & Cutlery
2. Easy Yarn Dreamcatcher
For cute bedroom decor and peaceful dreams, why not whip up a yarn dreamcatcher? This craft from Cupcakes & Cutlery is made all the easier if you’ve got an embroidery hoop handy. If not, a hanger or cookie cutter could sub in as a circle base. Learn more here.
Photo: Buzzle
3. Peace Sign Coloring Page
The bonus of this peace sign coloring page is that there will likely be some peace and quiet while your little artists are at work. You can head to Buzzle to download this page (plus lots of other peace-themed coloring pages) for free.
Photo: To the Lesson!
4. Fingerprint Peace Dove
This idea from To the Lesson! is a great way to explain to the youngsters that there are lots of symbols for peace–and they’ll love using their fingerprints to put their own personal stamp on a dove of peace. Head here for more inspiration.
Photo: Working Mom Wonders
5. Paper Plate Peace Signs
Little finger painting enthusiasts will get a particular kick out of this idea from Working Mom Wonders. If you’ve got masking tape, paper plates, and some paint, you’ll all set for some easy-peasy peace signs. Learn more here.
Photo: No Time for Flashcards
6. DIY Peace Poster
We love how this idea from No Time for Flashcards gets kids thinking and lets them be creative, too. Outfit them with a clipboard, coloring tools, and this peace poster and then let them find a peaceful place outside and get down to artsy business. Learn more here.
Photo: Lea Rankin
7. Peace Chalk Art
The easiest way to create a path toward peace? With sidewalk chalk! This activity will get the kids outside, doesn’t need any special materials, and may even make the whole neighborhood smile. Shout out to Lea Rankin for the inspiration!
Photo: ASHLEY10043 via Artsonia
8. Sign Language Peace Sign Craft
This is a great way to teach the littles the sign for peace. It’s as easy as tracing their hands on construction paper, folding the fingers to create the peace sign, and decorating! Thanks to ASHLEY10043 for this craft’s inspiration.
Photo: One Crayola Short
9. Pinwheels for Peace
Take a cue from One Crayola Short and make your own Pinwheel for Peace. It’s a fantastic Peace Day project started by two Florida art teachers as a way for kids to express their feelings about what’s going on in the world and in their own lives. With a downloadable template, the pinwheel is easy enough to create. Add colorful decoration and some words about what “peace” means, and you’ve got a craft that perfectly represents the day. Learn more about Pinwheels for Peace here.
Photo: A Little Craft in Your Day
10. Peace Shirt
Give this peace tee a chance! Sure, it may need a little more prep than the rest of our roundup, but the result is a reminder of Peace Day that can be worn all year long. Grab some spare tees for the kids, some Sharpies, and then make your own peace stencil. Get the whole scoop from A Little Craft in Your Day here.
Which craft will you try out for Peace Day?
—Abigail Matsumoto
