Allons-y (let’s go) on a creative adventure to France! No plane tickets required, just a sprinkle of imagination and some readily available craft supplies.
France, with its rich culture, iconic landmarks, and delectable treats, offers endless inspiration for engaging and educational crafts for kids of all ages.
So, put on a beret (or grab a headband!), crank up some French tunes (think classics like “La vie en rose”), and get ready to explore France through these 20 delightful DIY projects!
Early Explorers (Preschool – Kindergarten):
Eiffel Tower for the Littlest Engineers:
This is a classic! Use cardboard tubes, straws, or even popsicle sticks to construct a simple Eiffel Tower. Decorate it with paint, glitter, or even construction paper cutouts of French flags.
Bonjour, French Flag!
This is a no-brainer for little hands. Cut out red, white, and blue construction paper squares and glue them onto a cardstock background. For a sensory twist, have them glue on blue buttons or red and white felt squares.
Vive la France! Paper Plate Masks:
Let your child unleash their inner Parisian with paper plate masks! Cut out a mask shape from a paper plate and decorate it with markers, crayons, or paint. Add feathers, sequins, or pipe cleaners for that extra French flair.
French Kitty Fancies:
Turn cardboard boxes into adorable French cat houses! Paint the box white, blue, and red, and add a little cutout door and windows. Don’t forget to adorn it with a tiny French flag! If you don’t have a cat, this can easily be a playhouse for dolls or stuffed animals.
French Bakery Treats (Pretend Play!):
Craft some delectable French pastries out of construction paper, felt, or even playdough! Croissants, baguettes, and macarons are all perfect for a pretend French bakery playdate.
Primary Pastimes (Grades 1-3):
The Joys of the Jardin du Luxembourg:
Bring the beauty of this iconic Parisian garden indoors with a paper flower mobile. Let your child create paper flowers using construction paper or tissue paper. Thread them onto string or yarn and hang them from a coat hanger for a delightful mobile.
French Bicolor Bookmarks:
Encourage reading with beautiful French flag-inspired bookmarks! Fold a piece of construction paper in half and decorate one side with blue and red stripes. On the other side, your child can draw their favorite French landmark or a charming Parisian scene.
Tour de France Time!
Craft your own miniature bicycles for a Tour de France race! Use cardboard tubes, bottle caps, and yarn to create these adorable bikes. Line them up on a table for a pretend race, complete with French flag-waving spectators (played by you!).
Bonjour, Mademoiselle!
Design a paper doll with a French twist! Draw or print a basic doll outline. Let your child create a beautiful outfit for her, inspired by French fashion – think berets, striped shirts, and long flowing skirts. Decorate the outfit with markers, paint, and even fabric scraps.
French Market Frenzy:
Turn a shoebox into a bustling French market stall! Decorate the box with colorful paper and add miniature fruits and vegetables made from clay, playdough, or even painted bottle caps. You can even create little price signs with French words like “pomme” (apple) and “tomate” (tomato).
Expanding Horizons (Grades 4-6):
Let Them Eat Cake (Macarons, That Is!):
Macarons are a delightful French treat, but they can be tricky to bake. Opt for a fun and mess-free alternative with paper mache macarons! Use balloons as molds and layer strips of newspaper dipped in a flour and water paste. Once dry, decorate them with vibrant paint and glitter for a truly Parisian look.
Lights, Camera, Action! Parisian Puppet Show:
Paris is a city steeped in theater. Create a charming Parisian-themed puppet show! Design and build your own puppets using paper bags, cardboard boxes, or even socks. Craft a simple stage from a cardboard box and put on a show with iconic French landmarks as the backdrop.
Vive la France! Board Game Bonanza!
Design your own French-themed board game! Create a game board depicting famous French landmarks or even the streets of Paris. Come up with fun and educational questions related to French culture and history. This is a fantastic way to learn while playing!
Stained Glass Magic: Notre Dame Windows:
Use tissue paper or cellophane to recreate the stunning stained glass windows of Notre Dame Cathedral. Let your child choose their favorite colors and designs, or research actual Notre Dame windows for inspiration.
French Fashion Show:
Turn your living room into a Parisian runway! Dig out old clothes, scarves, hats, and jewelry to create unique French-inspired outfits. Let your child strut their stuff and even have them design little “advertisements” for their creations.
French Film Festival Fun:
France has a rich cinematic history. Host a French film festival at home! Pick a French movie appropriate for your child’s age (think classics like “Ratatouille” or animated films by Studio Ghibli). Make some popcorn (or popcorn alternatives!), create a movie poster, and even practice saying “bon film” (good movie) before you start watching.
For the Budding Artiste (All Ages):
Monet’s Water Lilies in Bloom:
Immerse yourselves in the world of Impressionist art with a Monet-inspired water lily painting. Use watercolors or paints to create a colorful pond scene with lily pads and vibrant flowers.
Van Gogh’s Starry Night Over the French Countryside:
Explore the world of Post-Impressionism with a nod to Van Gogh. Paint a swirling night sky with bold stars and a quaint French farmhouse nestled beneath it.
French Landscape Collages:
Create a beautiful French landscape collage. Use magazine clippings, fabric scraps, or dried flowers to depict rolling hills, vineyards, lavender fields, or charming French villages.
French Market Still Life:
Channel your inner artist with a French market still life. Use paint, crayons, or markers to create a vibrant composition featuring fruits, vegetables, flowers, and perhaps a traditional French baguette.
Design Your Own French Perfume Bottle:
France is renowned for its perfumes. Upcycle an empty bottle into a beautiful French perfume bottle. Decorate it with paint, glitter, ribbons, or even lace. This is a perfect project for older kids who can appreciate the artistry behind perfume design.
En Bon Appétit!
These crafts are just a springboard for your French-themed adventures! Don’t forget to incorporate some delicious French treats while you’re crafting. Whip up some buttery croissants, bake some decadent chocolate éclairs, or try your hand at making simple crêpes.
So, there you have it! With these 20 creative projects, you and your child can embark on a delightful journey to France, all from the comfort of your home. From iconic landmarks to delicious treats, these crafts will spark your child’s imagination and introduce them to the rich tapestry of French culture.
Maintenant, on y va! (Now, let’s go!)
