13 Easy Driftwood Crafts Kids Will Love Making

Finding fun activities for kids can be a bit of a challenge sometimes, right?

But what if you could turn a simple walk on the beach into an afternoon of creativity?

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Driftwood offers so many cool possibilities for making unique crafts with your little ones. Gather up some pieces and let’s get crafting!

1. Make Driftwood Sailboats

Gathering some flatter driftwood pieces is the first step for this fun project.

You can attach a small fabric sail with a twig mast, maybe even use a little bit of clay to hold the mast in place.

These little boats are perfect for floating in a puddle or a bathtub.

2. Create Photo Holders

Pick out some interesting, upright pieces of driftwood for this craft.

With a grown-up’s help, you can cut a small slot in the top, or simply glue a small clothespeg to the side.

These make lovely, rustic displays for favorite family photos or drawings.

3. Simple Wall Hangings

Find a longer, sturdy piece of driftwood to be the base for your hanging.

You can tie different lengths of string or yarn from it, then attach shells, beads, or other small treasures found on the beach.

It’s a great way to display your collected keepsakes.

4. Craft Driftwood Animals

Look for driftwood pieces that remind you of animal shapes, like a long piece for a snake or a rounded one for a turtle body.

Use googly eyes, pipe cleaners, or small bits of felt to bring your creature to life.

It’s amazing what a little imagination can do to a simple piece of wood.

5. Make Picture Frames

This project is all about collecting lots of tiny, thin pieces of driftwood.

You can glue these around the edge of a sturdy piece of cardboard or even an existing plain frame.

It gives a really natural, beachy look to your favorite drawings or printed photos.

6. Make Keychains

Small, smooth pieces of driftwood are perfect for making custom keychains.

With adult supervision, drill a small hole through one end and then attach a metal keychain ring.

Kids can even decorate their driftwood piece with paint or markers before adding the ring.

7. Hang Driftwood Mobiles

This is similar to a wall hanging but designed to turn and sway.

Find a balanced piece of driftwood for the top, then attach various small items like pebbles, seashells, or even painted leaves with string.

Hang it near a window to catch a gentle breeze.

8. Create Stick Figures

Collect several small, thin pieces of driftwood of varying lengths.

You can then glue these together to form little stick figures, just like drawing them but in 3D!

These can be simple or more complex, depending on how many pieces you find.

9. Make Driftwood Magnets

For this project, you’ll want to find the smallest, flattest pieces of driftwood you can.

Kids can paint or draw little designs on them, and then you simply glue a small magnet to the back.

They’re perfect for holding up artwork on the fridge.

10. Craft Plant Markers

Look for flatter, wider pieces of driftwood that have enough surface area for writing.

Kids can use a permanent marker to write the names of plants, flowers, or herbs on them.

These add a charming, natural touch to any indoor or outdoor garden.

11. Rock Art Bases

First, have your kids paint some smooth rocks with fun designs or colors.

Once dry, you can glue these painted rocks onto larger, flatter pieces of driftwood.

It turns simple rock art into a little sculpture that stands on its own.

12. Make Pencil Holders

Find a thicker, sturdier piece of driftwood for this practical craft.

With an adult’s help, small holes can be carefully drilled into the top surface, just wide enough for pencils or pens.

It creates a really unique and natural desk organizer.

13. Build Fairy Houses

Gather various sizes of driftwood pieces, along with moss, small pebbles, and tiny shells.

Kids can use these materials to construct miniature fairy houses or tiny garden scenes.

It’s a wonderful way to encourage imaginative play and connection with nature.