This one is simple, silly, and very fun. Using yarn, a yarn loom, and some plastic faces, me and my two boys made a bunch of pompom phone charms for Mom, Laolao, and Laoye. They were meant as small gifts, but the boys are still playing with them.
I do not have the proper jargon or vocabulary to explain this craft in a very technical way, and honestly, you do not need it. This is one of those crafts that is much easier to understand when you see it done. A quick video online will show the process clearly, and after that it is very easy.
What you need
- Yarn in any colors you like
- A yarn loom for making pompoms
- Small plastic faces or similar decorations
- String or loops for attaching to phones or bags
- Scissors
About 25 minutes of focused, hands on crafting.
Scissors and small parts were used. Adult supervision is important, especially for younger kids.
How we did it
We used the yarn loom to make simple pompoms. Once the pompoms were formed and trimmed, the boys chose faces and helped decide where they should go. There was a lot of laughing involved because the faces instantly gave each pompom its own personality.
If this is your first time making pompoms, I strongly suggest watching a short video tutorial. Seeing the steps makes it click right away, and after one try it becomes very straightforward.
Why this craft works
This craft is great for fine motor skills, creativity, and sensory play. Yarn has a nice texture to work with, and the process of wrapping, cutting, and shaping keeps kids focused without feeling rigid.
It is also very forgiving. There is no perfect outcome, and the sillier they look, the better.
Final thoughts
This is an easy win of a craft. Short setup, short build time, and a finished object kids actually want to keep and play with. It also makes a great small gift, especially when it comes with a story about how it was made.