Endless Summer Projects | Crafting a Bug House

by Jennifer Cooper, posted on June 19th, 2013 in Endless Summer Projects

Are your kids on Summer Vacation yet? How are you holding up so far? This is our first week and so far I’ve caved on screens. But we’ve also done journal writing, gardening, errand running and this project I’m sharing today in Endless Summer Projects—creating bug houses.

I’ll be honest, this is a more labor intensive project than I normally do. Which is great for these long summer days when you need to fill time. And you’ll need to be involved since craft knives and glue guns are involved. In full disclosure, I sustained a craft-related injury on this project—I accidentally stabbed myself in the finger with the craft knife, yikes—so please, be careful with those craft knives.

I have to say, I think the kids’ bug houses turned out super cute and they loved them. I could totally see these as a cool summer camp project or favors at a bug themed birthday party. Okay, let’s get to it already…

For this project you’ll need:
oatmeal or other round container
nylon window screen
paint
glue gun
scissors
craft knife

Step 1
Have your kids draw windows and a door on their container.

Step 2
Cut out the door and windows with a craft knife. Be careful!

Step 3
Cut a large hole in the lid.

Step 4
Paint.

Step 5
Cut a length of screen to cover the windows and doors. It’s easiest to cut it to the circumference of the container. Apply hot glue to the inside of the container (this is the trickiest part) and affix.

Step 6
Cut out a circle of screen larger than the hole you cut in the lid. Glue it.

Step 7
Place leaves, rocks and whatever else your kids would like inside.

Step 8
Option 1: Catch bugs for the house. Keep them for a short observation period and then release them.
Option 2: Create little bugs out of clay or paper to stick inside for pretend pets and play.

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Check out the other great ideas in this series:
Mosaic Stepping Stones DIY
Weeknight Barbecue
Sharpie Dyed Tee Shirts

About Endless Summer Projects
Now through August, I’m teaming up with my friends Melissa aka Lulu the Baker, Alexandra Hedin and MJ from Pars Caeli to bring you crafts, games and party ideas all summer long. Visit any of our blogs on Wednesdays for a new project each week.