Creative Steps

Each issue of Creative Steps includes dozens of fun ideas, with step-by-step instructions, for you to get crafty with your kids during the coming months. The projects are all designed to encourage learning through creative play and many make use of recycled household materials. Perfect for anyone caring for young children; such as childminders & nannies, pre-schools, playgroups & nursery settings, primary schools, homeschoolers, guiding leaders... and parents & grandparents! Also includes prize competitions, book reviews, fun facts and printable templates.

CREATIVE COLOURS

Creative Steps

ITS A GIFT

The Creation Station

The Cygnets National Art Awards • The Cygnets National Art Awards for young creatives returns for its second year

AUTUMN LEAF LION • Turn fallen leaves into an autumnal lion!

LEAF PRINTING ART • Encourage children to look around for fallen, fresh or dry leaves and use them to create positive and negative prints. This fun activity encourages children to explore different leaf shapes, sizes, textures and patterns through printing, while experimenting with colour, placement and composition to create their own imaginative artwork.

Nursery Rhyme Week • These projects have been designed to mark World Nursery Rhyme Week which takes place 9th - 13th November 2026

Paint Splat Monsters • Have great fun creating these unique splat monsters!

BEATRICE THE BEADED SPIDER

PLAY WITH COLOUR

READING CORNER • Great books for growing minds

Cotton Pad Snowman

Paint Tester Christmas Trees

Cupcake Case Angels

Crafty Christmas Cards • Make your own special Christmas greetings cards with these fun ideas.

Christmas Lights • Add some festive sparkle to your home this Christmas! Use colourful pipe cleaners to create your own decorations for LED tea lights. Experiment with shapes, patterns and symmetry to make little glowing decorations for your family and friends. This playful STEM-based activity encourages children to explore shapes, patterns, symmetry, size and form while creating their own festive designs.

MIRROR DRAWING • Practise your drawing skills with festive colouring pictures!

Festive Makes

CONE CHARACTERS

WINDING STARS • Turn recycled cardboard into these attractive stars for your Christmas tree or setting

Cat Stocking Cards

AUTUMN OWL • Transform a sock into a soft, cuddly owl.

HALLOWEEN GLASSES

Halloween Lights

MONSTER MASH • A selection of fun crafts to help you decorate and celebrate Halloween!

HOLLOW TREES • Create a spooky Halloween tree from a cardboard tube!

Always Up Bouncing Pumpkin • Make your own bouncing pumpkin for Halloween and watch as you throw it, as it always lands on its bouncing feet!

Diwali Decoration - Thoran • Decorate your home or setting for Diwali by creating a colourful Thoran, a traditional decorative hanging, using simple paper shapes, patterns and lacing. This playful STEM-based activity encourages children to explore shapes, symmetry, patterns and sequencing while creating a joyful decoration for family and friends to enjoy.

Diwali Designs • Create your own beautiful cards with colourful, geometric patterns.

Diwali Rangoli with Dots • Create your own colourful rangoli using dots, shapes and patterns, and bring a personal touch to your festive celebrations. This activity encourages children to explore patterns, repetition, symmetry, shapes, colours and counting while creating their own rangoli designs. They can experiment freely and discover how simple dots can come together to form beautiful patterns.

READING CORNER • Great books for growing minds

EUROPEAN DAY OF LANGUAGES •...