Kids and crafts go together pretty well. Crafts give children a chance to make things with their hands, try new ideas, and have a little fun away from screens.
Still, some projects are better suited to adults or older teens. Hot tools, sharp objects, strong chemicals, and tiny pieces can turn an innocent afternoon craft into something that needs much closer supervision.
Here are 15 home craft projects that deserve a little extra caution before you hand them over to younger kids.
Soap Making
Soap making can look like a fun way for kids to make something they can actually use, but traditional methods may involve lye. Lye is highly caustic and can cause serious burns or irritation if it comes into contact with skin or eyes, so an adult should handle it.
Related: 10 Craft Supplies Every Beginner Needs to Get Started
Candle Making
Candle making involves hot wax, heated containers, and sometimes an open flame, which makes it a poor choice for young children. If kids want to make candles, look for a kit or method that avoids high temperatures, or have an adult handle all the heating and pouring.
Resin Art
Resin art has become popular, but many resin products are meant for adults rather than young children. Fumes and skin contact can cause problems, so gloves, ventilation, and the product’s safety instructions are important.
Sewing With Needles
Learning to sew can be a great skill for kids, but sharp needles can easily cause painful pokes. Younger children can start with plastic needles and yarn before moving on to real sewing needles as their coordination improves.
Related: 13 Craft Ideas That Will Instantly Spruce Up Your Bedroom
Wood Burning
Wood burning uses a heated tool that can reach temperatures high enough to cause serious burns from a quick touch. The process can also produce smoke, so this craft is better suited for older kids with close adult supervision.
Papier-Mache With Glue
Papier-mâché may seem harmless, but some glues can contain ingredients that aren’t meant for prolonged exposure or inhalation. Stick with child-safe glue and keep the work area well ventilated, especially if kids will be crafting for a while.
Jewelry Making With Beads
Small beads are easy to lose and can pose a choking hazard for young children. For little kids, larger beads and pieces are a much safer choice until they are old enough to handle small craft supplies.
Related: What Can I Make with Craft Wire? Quick and Easy Projects
Pottery With a Kiln
Making pottery can be a fun creative activity, but kilns reach extremely high temperatures and should never be treated like a kids’ craft appliance. Air-dry clay or other kiln-free pottery kits let children make their own pieces without putting them near extreme heat.
X-Acto Knives and Sharp Scissors
Some craft projects call for precision cutting with X-Acto knives or very sharp scissors. These tools can cause deep cuts if they slip, so younger children should stick with child-safe scissors while an adult handles the sharper tools.
Hot Glue Gun Crafts
Hot glue guns are useful for all kinds of crafts, but the glue and metal tip can cause painful burns. Even low-temperature models get hot enough to hurt, so younger children are usually better off with regular craft glue.
Small Particle Crafts and Glitter
Glitter can get into the eyes, stick to the skin, or become airborne during a messy craft session. For younger kids, try safer substitutes such as larger confetti or washable paint.
Floral Arrangements With Sharp Wire
Flower arranging can involve floral wire with pointed ends that can easily poke or scratch small hands. Kids can still make flower crafts with pressed flowers or wire-free artificial flowers without dealing with those sharp pieces.
Related: How to Make a Daisy Flower with Craft Paper
Mosaic Tile Projects
Mosaic projects often use glass or ceramic pieces with edges that can cut fingers. Grout may also contain ingredients that require protective gloves and careful handling, so kid-friendly mosaic kits with soft or plastic pieces are a better choice for younger children.
Kinetic Sand Sculptures
Kinetic sand is usually easy for kids to play with, but loose particles can still get into the eyes or be inhaled. Keep the sand contained and supervise younger children, especially during larger projects that involve lots of loose material.
Plaster Casting
Plaster is often used to make handprints and keepsakes, but the dust can irritate the lungs and skin. Plaster of Paris can irritate the skin and lungs, and the mixture can also become hot as it sets, so an adult should handle the mixing and pouring.
