1. Fluffy Cloud Mobiles: Dreamy Decorations from Cotton Balls

• Cotton balls (lots of them!)

• Light blue or white cardstock or construction paper

• Scissors

• Glue (white school glue works perfectly)

• String or clear fishing line

• Optional: Glitter glue, small clear or blue beads for raindrops

1. Cloud Shapes: Help your child cut out various cloud shapes from the cardstock. Don't worry about perfection; whimsical clouds come in all sorts of shapes and sizes!

2. Fluffy Fun: Now comes the best part! Let your little one generously apply glue to the cloud shapes and then stick on the cotton balls. Encourage them to pull the cotton balls apart a bit to make them extra fluffy and three-dimensional.

3. Raindrop Dangles (Optional): If you want to add a touch of rain, thread some clear or blue beads onto short pieces of string or fishing line. Tie one end of the string to the bottom of a cloud.

4. Assembly: Once the glue is dry, punch a small hole at the top of each cloud. Thread a longer piece of string or fishing line through the hole and tie a knot to create a hanger.

5. Display: Hang your fluffy cloud mobiles from the ceiling, a window, or even a coat hanger for a delightful display that will make any room feel like it's floating in the sky.

2. Smiling Sun Masks: Spreading Sunny Cheer Indoors

• Yellow paper plates

• Orange and yellow construction paper

• Scissors

• Glue stick

• Markers (black and red)

• Googly eyes (optional)

• Craft sticks or elastic string

1. Sunny Base: Each child gets a yellow paper plate. This will be the base of their sun.

2. Smiling Face: Let them draw a big, happy smile on the paper plate with a red marker. They can also add googly eyes for extra character or draw their own with a black marker.

3. Radiant Rays: Cut out long, thin strips of orange and yellow construction paper. These will be the sun's rays.

4. Glue Them On: Have your child glue the paper strips around the edge of the paper plate, radiating outwards like sunshine. They can alternate colors or create their own pattern.

5. Finishing Touches: Once the glue is dry, you can either tape a craft stick to the back of the mask to hold it up or punch small holes on either side and tie a piece of elastic string so it can be worn.

3. Rainbow Ribbon Wands: Dancing Colors in Your Hands

• Small wooden dowels, craft sticks, or even sturdy twigs from the yard

• Ribbons in all the colors of the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet) – different widths and textures can add interest

• Scissors

• Glue or strong tape

1. Prepare the Ribbons: Cut several pieces of ribbon in each of the rainbow colors. Make them varying lengths for a more dynamic look.

2. Attach the Ribbons: Gather one end of all the ribbons and attach them securely to one end of the wooden dowel or stick using strong glue or tape. Make sure they are firmly attached so they don't come loose during enthusiastic waving!

3. Let the Colors Fly: Once the glue is dry or the tape is secure, let your child twirl, wave, and dance with their rainbow ribbon wand! Watch as the colors swirl and create beautiful patterns in the air.

4. Magical Rain Shakers: The Sound of a Gentle Shower

• Empty cardboard tubes (paper towel or toilet paper rolls)

• Construction paper or cardstock

• Scissors

• Tape (colorful washi tape adds a nice touch)

• Dried rice, beans, or small beads

• Optional: Markers, crayons, stickers, glitter for decoration

1. Seal One End: Cut out a circle of construction paper or cardstock that is slightly larger than the opening of one end of the cardboard tube. Tape it securely over the opening.

2. Add the "Rain": Pour a small amount of dried rice, beans, or beads into the open end of the tube. Experiment with different amounts to find the sound your child likes best.

3. Seal the Other End: Cut out another circle of construction paper or cardstock and tape it securely over the remaining open end of the tube.

4. Decorate: Now comes the fun part! Let your child decorate their rain shaker with markers, crayons, stickers, glitter, or whatever their heart desires. They can draw raindrops, clouds, or even create abstract designs.

5. Shake, Shake, Shake: Once the decorations are dry, let your little one gently tilt the rain shaker back and forth and listen to the soothing sound of the "rain" falling inside.

5. Whirly Wind Spirals: Colorful Movement in the Air

• Lightweight cardstock or construction paper in various colors

• Scissors

• Markers, crayons, or colored pencils

• Glitter (optional)

• Hole punch

• String or yarn

1. Spiral Shape: Draw a large spiral shape on a piece of cardstock. You can start with a dot in the center and draw a line that gradually curves outwards until you reach the edge of the paper.

2. Cut it Out: Carefully cut along the spiral line.

3. Decorate: Let your child decorate their spiral with colorful markers, crayons, or colored pencils. They can draw patterns, pictures, or simply color it in. Add glitter for extra sparkle!

4. Hole and Hanger: Punch a small hole near the center of the spiral. Thread a piece of string or yarn through the hole and tie a knot to create a hanger.

5. Hang and Watch: Hang your whirly wind spirals near a window, a doorway, or anywhere there's a bit of air movement. Watch as they gently twirl and create a mesmerizing display.

6. Sparkling Lightning Jars: A Safe and Shimmery Storm

• Clear glass jars with lids (various sizes work well)

• Yellow and white acrylic paint

• Silver glitter

• Water

• Spoon or stirring stick

1. Prepare the Paint: In a small bowl, mix a little bit of yellow acrylic paint with a few drops of water until it has a thin, runny consistency. Do the same with the white paint in a separate bowl.

2. Layer the Colors: Pour a small amount of the yellow paint mixture into the bottom of the jar. Then, gently pour in a small amount of the white paint mixture.

3. Add Sparkle: Sprinkle in a generous amount of silver glitter.

4. Swirl and Mix: Gently swirl the jar to mix the paints and glitter, creating a lightning-like effect. You can add more paint or glitter as desired until you achieve the look you like.

5. Seal and Display: Once you're happy with your lightning jar, put the lid on tightly and display it on a shelf or windowsill. Watch as the light catches the glitter and makes it sparkle like real lightning!

7. Dancing Umbrella Puppets: A Parade of Rainy Day Fun

• Small paper or fabric umbrellas (you can find these at craft stores or party supply stores)

• Craft sticks or thin wooden dowels

• Googly eyes

• Felt scraps in various colors

• Yarn or string

• Glue

• Markers

1. Attach the Handle: Glue or tape a craft stick or thin wooden dowel to the inside of the umbrella handle, extending it to create a puppet stick.

2. Add Faces: Let your child get creative by adding faces to their umbrella puppets. They can glue on googly eyes, cut out mouths and noses from felt, and even add yarn or string for hair.

3. Decorate: Encourage them to decorate the umbrellas with markers or by gluing on small pieces of felt or other embellishments.

4. Put on a Show: Once the glue is dry, it's time for a puppet show! Kids can make their umbrella puppets dance, talk, and tell stories, bringing their imaginations to life on a rainy day.

8. Miniature Tornado Bottles: Swirling Wonders in a Jar

• Two empty clear plastic bottles (the same size)

• A tornado tube connector (you can find these online or at science supply stores)

• Water

• Glitter (silver or blue works well)

• Optional: Dish soap

1. Fill One Bottle: Fill one of the plastic bottles about three-quarters full with water.

2. Add Sparkle (and Soap): Sprinkle in a generous amount of glitter. You can also add a drop or two of dish soap to help make the tornado more visible.

3. Attach the Connector: Screw the tornado tube connector onto the top of the filled bottle.

4. Connect the Other Bottle: Screw the empty plastic bottle onto the other end of the tornado tube connector. Make sure both bottles are tightly secured.

5. Create the Tornado: Flip the bottles over so that the bottle with the water is on top. Hold the top bottle and quickly swirl the bottle in a circular motion. Watch as a miniature tornado forms in the water and spins down into the bottom bottle! You can repeat this as many times as you like.

9. Watercolor Raindrop Art: Beautifully Blurry Creations

• Watercolor paper or thick drawing paper

• Watercolor paints in shades of blue and gray

• Paintbrushes (various sizes)

• A cup of water

• Paper towels

• Optional: Salt

1. Prepare Your Space: Cover your work surface with newspaper or a plastic tablecloth to protect it from paint.

2. Paint the Raindrops: Using your watercolor paints and brushes, paint various raindrop shapes on your paper. Experiment with different shades of blue and gray to create depth and interest. Don't worry about making perfect shapes; real raindrops are often irregular.

3. Add Texture (Optional): While the paint is still wet, you can sprinkle a little bit of salt onto some of the raindrops. As the paint dries, the salt will absorb some of the color and create interesting textured effects.

4. Let it Dry: Once you're finished painting, let your artwork dry completely. If you used salt, you can gently brush it off once the paint is dry to reveal the textured patterns.

5. Display Your Masterpiece: Frame your watercolor raindrop art or hang it up to add a touch of rainy day beauty to your home.

10. Glimmering Sun Catchers: Catching Sunlight Through the Rain

• Two clear plastic plates or two sheets of clear contact paper

• Colorful tissue paper cut into various shapes (stars, circles, squares, etc.)

• Scissors

• Glue stick (if using plastic plates)

• Hole punch

• String or fishing line

1. Prepare the Base: If using plastic plates, apply a thin layer of glue to one of the plates. If using contact paper, peel off the backing from one sheet and lay it sticky-side up.

2. Arrange the Tissue Paper: Let your child arrange the colorful tissue paper shapes on the glued plate or the sticky side of the contact paper. Encourage them to create a beautiful and colorful design.

3. Seal it Up: If using plastic plates, carefully place the other plate on top, pressing gently to secure the tissue paper in between. If using contact paper, carefully peel off the backing from the second sheet and place it sticky-side down on top of the first sheet, sandwiching the tissue paper.

4. Trim and Punch: Trim any excess plastic or contact paper around the edges of your sun catcher. Punch a small hole near the top.

5. Hang and Enjoy: Thread a piece of string or fishing line through the hole and hang your glimmering sun catcher in a window. Watch as the light shines through the colorful tissue paper, creating a beautiful stained-glass effect that will brighten up even the gloomiest of days.