Summer handicrafts?

Boys or girls? Ages?

I try to do summer handicrafts that are useful.  Last summer my daughter pressed wildflowers, and we used these to create candles to give as Christmas gifts.  She also took some digital photos of flowers and did some nature drawings which we scanned and printed out as notecards for gifts.  While you are at the beach, keep your eyes out for sea glass which could be crafted into jewelry.  Also, you can make some lovely candles from larger shells.  Directions for all these type of projects can be found via Google search.

Another thing that I think is nice is to work on handicrafts that can then be enjoyed when the cooler weather sets in.  This might mean knitting a new little rug for the schoolroom or dishcloths in fall colors.  Personally, I am working on an Irish Aran afghan for my daughter’s hope chest.  I love the fact that it is knit in strips, so I won’t have a large project on my lap come July and August!  This would be a good time to start a cross-stitch project with a fall or Christmas theme, giving plenty of time to finish.  I have cross-stich patterns of bible verses with seasonal themes that are quite simple for younger ones to tackle.

I’m encouraging my 13yos to build a catapult and plant some pumpkins – he could have some major fun this fall launching them!  (We’re on 40 acres of land, so no neighbors will be injured!)  I have a much harder time with handicraft ideas for him!  If anyone has ideas for guys his age, I’d love to hear them!