Mixed Media Apple Craft for Kids

We are so excited to share our mixed-media apple craft for kids with you today! It’s a simple craft that involves a few of our favorite craft supplies- paint, beads, and glue. We were really happy with the results and we know you will be too. This would make the perfect back-to-school craft or fall craft. Or, maybe you’re working on the letter “A” and are looking for a fun craft to make with the kids. To see all the fun, continue reading below.

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What You’ll Need

• Cardboard
• Paint – red, green, and brown
• Paintbrush
• Newspaper, paper plate, or craft tray (something to protect your work surface while painting/gluing) 
• Pony beads – red, green, and brown
• Clear school glue
• Scissors
• Marker, pen, or pencil

What to Do

Begin by drawing an outline of an apple (with leaf and steam) on a piece of cardboard and cut it out. Our apple was about 3″ across but you can make your apple any size you’d like.

I always like to ask the children to complete each step themselves (before automatically completing it myself), unless, of course, it isn’t appropriate for their skill level – such as giving a hot glue gun to a one-year-old, for example (she thinks she’s ready but I know better 😉 ).

In most cases, though, I prefer to have the children complete as many steps as they are able. It might not look the same as if I had done it myself (in fact, it often ends up looking better!) but ultimately, I want a craft made by them, not myself. 🙂

In addition, by allowing them to complete a majority of the steps, you are allowing them to build their confidence and skill level. In my experience, they are often times very capable and eager to try new things independently.

Okay, now back to the craft. 🙂

Next, paint your apple (we used acrylic paints) and allow it to dry. We placed our apple on a mini paper plate but a plastic craft tray or newspaper would also work well.

Once the paint has dried on your apple, squeeze some clear school glue on (depending on the age of your child, you may want to do this step) and begin attaching the pony beads. [clickToTweet tweet=”The kids had a lot of fun gluing all the beads on and it’s great for improving fine motor skills.” quote=”The kids had a lot of fun gluing all the beads on and it’s especially great for improving those fine motor skills.”]

Allow your beaded cardboard apple to dry fully. We left ours to dry overnight and were so thrilled with the results! In fact, this mixed media craft inspired us to create a few other beaded crafts (more on that soon!).

Does this activity sound like something you’d like to try? If so, please share it on social media. Or, pin it to save for later.

What is your kid’s favorite craft supply? Let us know in the comment section below.

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Want more? Be sure to check out some of our other fun activities:

• Apple pie playdough
• Art on the go
• DIY LEGO Friends Minifigure capes (another use for those old sheets or t-shirt)