by Lisa Rosenkranz

Created on: August 06, 2011   Last Updated: August 11, 2011

Crafting is a wonderful way for young people to spend their time.  While simple crafts may seem a little unpretentious, they provide many benefits for children, teens, and adults alike.   Creating a handmade project can be very fulfilling.  For young children and teenagers, it can be a positive way to seek parental approval and support.  Since crafting is often a social hobby, it’s something families and friends can do together.  

There are many crafts out on the market that can appeal to teenagers.  Many of them are easy and inexpensive and available at local craft stores.    Certain crafts come in kits that contain all the items and tools necessary. 

Teenagers love to take pictures and are often attracted to scrapbooking at some time or another.  The phenomenal popularity of this hobby has given birth to an endless selection of scrapbooking supplies which allows you to make unique creations to preserve your most precious memories. 

Teenagers also love jewelry.  There are many different kinds of jewelry making possibilities at the craft store from creating your own earrings, beading necklaces or bracelets, braiding leather, or making macramé jewelry from natural hemp and cotton twine.  You can also find kits for making beautiful jewelry from copper and silver wiring.  Charm bracelets are very popular and craft stores carry many different types and styles of charms.   Crafting jewelry is fairly inexpensive and simple. It’s also possible to invest a lot of money in a certain piece if you decide to use precious metals and stones, but with just a small investment and a little time, you can make a stunning piece of fashion art. 

With today’s technology, it’s easy to make your own t-shirts.  The craft isle at every department store usually carries the common selection of puffy fabric paint.  Kits that come with adhesive decorations like diamonds, rhinestones, studs, and more can also be purchased for a reasonable price.  Craft and electronic stores sell iron-on transfer paper that you can use with your printer, making it possible to create any image you want and put on a piece of fabric.    With all of these items available and more, it’s possible for your teen to create her own fashion line.  You can also find all the supplies for customizing your own designer flip-flops and making handbags and purses.  However some might include having to use a sewing machine. 

Another popular craft item is the duct tape wallet.  With just a roll of duct tape and scissors, you can make a cool looking wallet that stores your money and credit cards.  With all the different colored tape out there today, it’s easy to create any style for everyone’s taste.  There are many tutorials available online about how to make these nifty pieces.

There also many websites that offer craft ideas, kits, and supplies especially for older children and teens.   They offer many different projects that are very popular among kids in the 13 to 16 year old bracket.  A simple Google search can lead you to a whole world of crafting opportunities. 

Once your teen finds a craft they like, make sure you continue to encourage and praise them for efforts while making yourself available to help and join in the fun with them.  If your teen really enjoys their craft, you could help them set up and manage their own online store or help the find other ways to market their creations.  

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