I have two children ages 5 and 1, and I am always looking for new activities for us to do together. Craft projects are my most common choice, and both of my kids love them. However, I can't justify spending a lot of money on craft supplies and kits. After all, the fun is in making the craft. After it's complete, it often goes on display for a while and is later forgotten.

Why spend money on crafts when there are plenty of free or very inexpensive craft projects you can do together and still have fun?

Where to Find Free Craft Project Ideas Online

There are many sites online that provide free or very inexpensive craft ideas for kids. There are many more than these, and a quick search for "free crafts for kids" will provide a lot more!
One of my favorite locations to find free craft ideas is Pinterest. A search for "free crafts" leads to tons of results! Be sure to include the words "free" or "cheap" in your search to pinpoint these inexpensive ideas.

 Free Craft Sites

• FreeKidsCrafts.com
• FreeCraftUnlimited.com
• Dollar Store Crafts
• AllFreeCrafts.com
• About.com Family Crafts

Blogs About Free Kids' Crafts

There are many, many blogs that focus on free or cheap crafts for kids. Many of these are "mommy blogs", and they are written by people who have tried the crafts with their own children. These blogs often have color photos and excellent descriptions, along with explanations of what not to do, which can be very helpful. We usually only have one chance to do a particular craft with our kids, so we want to do it right the first time!

• No Time For Flash Cards (one of my favorites!)
• Art Projects for Kids
• Full of Great Ideas: Spend free month
• Angry Chicken
• A Little Hut - Patricia Zapata

Check out Babble's Top 50 Craft Mom Blogs for more great craft blogs!

Recycled Crafts

Another popular method for free or cheap craft ideas is to use recycled items. Not only are you keeping these items out of landfills, but you are also teaching your kids how important (and fun!) it is to recycle. Using everything from paper towel tubes to old clothes to soft drink cans, there are so many fun projects to create!

Great Recycled Craft Sites

• Recycling Crafts for Kids: Art on a Shoestring
• Recycled Crafts from FaveCrafts.com
• Recycling Craft Ideas | Family Fun

Locations for Free Craft Projects

Aside from craft projects at home, there are many locations where your kids can do craft projects for free! Check out the following places in your area for free craft project days"

• Your local library - they often have crafts associated with kids' movie nights or story time sessions. If there is more than one library near you, check them all!
• Hardware Stores - they have kids' workshops in which children can build birdhouses and other fun crafts in the store
• Craft stores - check for free kids' craft workshops
• Schools - ask your local schools if they have craft days or nights for kids
• Churches - like schools, churches also often have kids' activities that include a craft project

Share Your Ideas

• Don't forget to ask other parents and teachers for great free craft ideas, and share yours with them. You never know what you may find!
  Many sites such as No Time For Flash Cards have weekly "Link and Learn" features, in which readers share their craft ideas. Check these often for free project ideas.
  Have some great free craft ideas to share? Leave your best free crafts in the comments below. Happy crafting!
  [this is written by Amy Gillie]