Hey guys! I was wanting a craft my 1 yo and 4 yo could both enjoy. While scrolling through pinterest nothing quite fit soooo I thought this up and decided to try it out! I’m so glad it turned out so cute and I spent only 1.25 getting it to happen since I had everything except the adhesive ribbon. I will give a list of the supplies and a more detailed explanation on how to hang it below if you’re interested in trying this one out for yourself!
Supplies:
Cardstock
paper plates
scrapbook ribbon (reg ribbon would work too but you’d have to glue instead of just stick)
marker for outlining
scissors
various blue paints
zip lock bag
Yarn and hole puncher (for hanging)
Directions:
🌧️ 1. Cut out the clouds! This could be done with parent help or by the parent depending on the ages you’re working with.
🌧️ 2. Put your paper in the bag with squirts of blue all over it.
🌧️ 3. Allow your little ones to enjoy smacking, poking, and no mess finger painting until they’re all done and allow it to dry.
(Note: I chose to keep mine in the bag bc I wanted the drops to be shiny however you can choose to remove them as long as you don’t allow the paper to become over saturated.)
🌧️ 4. Map out and cut out a bunch of raindrops
🌧️ 5. Cut the ribbon and arrange it however your heart or little hands desire by carefully removing the adhesive backing and placing it sticky side facing you. Than add your raindrops flip over and repeat on both clouds.
🌧️ hanging instructions🌧️
In order to hang the mobile you will have to cut some yarn or twine to your desired length (set aside) hole punch four holes in the top of your clouds than carefully assemble the two clouds together by sliding them into each other (that’s why we cut one on to one on bottom) than you will weave one end through the holes until the yarn in even. Than weaved the other one opposite to give more stability tie a bow and ta-da! You have a lil rain mobile! 🥰
... Read moreLet's be real, navigating rainy days with energetic little ones can feel like a marathon! As a parent, I'm always on the hunt for engaging activities that don't involve hours of cleanup or breaking the bank. That's why I adore crafts like this no-mess rain cloud mobile. It’s not just about keeping them busy; it’s about fostering creativity and saving your sanity!
One of the biggest wins with this craft is the "no mess" factor, especially when you're doing rainy art and craft with toddlers or looking for preschool rainy day craft ideas. Using a ziplock bag for painting is pure genius! It allows little hands to explore textures and colors without paint getting everywhere. This sensory experience is fantastic for development, and it makes it really special needs friendly too, as it reduces sensory overload from sticky hands directly on paint while still providing tactile stimulation. Kids can squish, poke, and spread the paint to their heart's content, creating beautiful patterns for your raindrop craft without a single drop on the table.
Looking for more ways to fill those indoor hours? Rainy day craft ideas don't have to be complicated! While our rain mobile is a star, think about other simple enhancements or entirely new projects. For spring crafts for toddlers, connection to nature is always a hit. Beyond raindrops, you could adapt the no-mess painting technique to create paper flowers, buzzing bumblebees, or even colorful butterflies – just change the paint colors and cut out different shapes! These activities aren't just fun; they're vital for development. Kids refine their fine motor skills through cutting and arranging, learn about colors, and even begin to understand basic concepts like patterns and shapes.
If you're thinking about rainy day school activities for a group or even just multiple children at home, consider setting up a "craft station." Have different colored papers, child-safe scissors, glue sticks, and perhaps some glitter or stickers available. You could challenge them to create their own weather-themed art or build a mini indoor "garden." This fosters independent play and decision-making. Don't forget the story time element – pairing a craft with a book about rain, clouds, or spring animals can turn a simple craft session into a rich learning experience. These moments can be incredibly valuable for rainy art and craft sessions, linking creativity with educational themes.
Another tip I've found incredibly useful is to embrace crafting with everyday items. Just like this rain mobile only cost $1.25, many of the best rainy craft ideas come from what you already have around the house. Old magazines can become collages, paper towel rolls can transform into binoculars or castles, and even cardboard boxes are canvases for endless imagination. It teaches kids resourcefulness and saves you a trip to the craft store every time the clouds roll in, making creative play accessible and sustainable. The beauty of these simple, inexpensive projects is that they remove the pressure of perfection, allowing children to freely experiment and enjoy the process. So next time the rain starts to fall, don't despair – grab some simple supplies and turn those gloomy skies into an opportunity for creativity and connection!
This is SO cute 😍