No reason to stop creating and learning once school lets out. Our back-to-school projects are fun, and kids will get a kick out of mastering some time-honored crafting techniques such as origami and diorama. So, roll up your sleeves and join in!

Paper napkins are used to create a menagerie of origami animals: bunnies, a dog, and a bear that can be made after school.

Conceiving a diorama is an adventure in scale and spatial relationships. Choose a container, then put yourself in the shoes of one of its future inhabitants.

Reading lists can be daunting even for avid readers, but turning the list into a game will make this task more enjoyable. For each book your child reads, she earns a segment of the bookworm; every fourth or fifth segment hides the promise of a prize, such as an ice cream cone or stickers. Glue construction-paper segments onto paper or poster board (cut a worm pattern from plain paper first); for prize segments, cut segments from folded paper, glue down the back, then open and draw a picture of the prize inside. Tack down flap with a sticker.

Using aluminum foil, tissue paper, and stickers, kids can become kings and queens.

With sequins, seashells, or confetti hand-punched from colorful paper, kids can make the movie-star sunglasses they've always dreamed about. All they need to do is apply craft glue to the object and press it onto the frame. For heavier items, an adult should use craft cement. Once glue is completely dry, kids can start posing for the camera.

Little football fans can create their own fluffy pom-poms out of tissue paper.

If your kids can't find a sneaker style they like, give them the creative reigns. You can help them create one-of-a-kind kicks.

Apples aren't just for eating. The cut side of an apple half, dipped in candy-colored paint, can be stamped onto everything from canvas tote bags to book covers.

Have kids string pretty buttons on elasticized cords. With a bit of help from an adult to fasten the ends, these handmade bracelets will be your daughters' favorite new accessory.

Clear some floor space and roll out an indoor hopscotch mat. This ancient British game was used for military training exercises at the time of the Roman Empire; kids eventually became its most passionate devotees, because it's just plain fun.

Made with only pipe cleaners and felt, these little creatures can keep kids company anytime, anywhere.

The only thing more fun than collecting stickers is having a sticker collection you've designed yourself.

Children will love making and wearing this chic pin. Using crepe paper, a feather, stars, and ribbon, kids can layer items on a triangle precut from card stock. Once they add a self-adhesive pin backing (available at crafts stores), they'll be ready for the fanciest of events.

It only takes paper-towel tubes, buttons, feathers, and ribbon to create these glitzy bangles, ideal for young girls. Slice the tubes into rings with a utility knife and give to kids to decorate. After they're done, snip the rings open for wearing and glue while they're still intact.

Create a 3-D version of your child's drawing with a custom stuffed animal.

These felted finger puppets are sure to entertain little children of all ages.

Give kids this absorbing activity, and on the next wet day, they can show off their handiwork in the rain.

In minutes, you can make tiny tops that are durable and compulsively twirlable.

Using our pocketbook template, children can make no-sew felt purses decorated with plastic rhinestones, butterflies, and flowers.

When things get stuffy, a felt hankie holder will come in handy. With felt, glue, and a needle and thread, young sewers can make this simple tissue pouch. Cut a 6 1/4-by-4 3/4-inch rectangle of felt with pinking shears; fold in edges to meet at center. Sew ends with a running stitch. Backstitch an initial on a cutout heart; apply with fabric glue.