If you've ever scrolled past a perfectly staged DIY project on Pinterest and sighed, “I don’t have a Cricut… or the time,” — you’re not alone.
Let’s be real: crafting has become a little intimidating lately. Fancy machines. Specialty paper. Digital cutting files. It’s easy to feel like you're not crafty enough without the right tools.
But here’s the truth:
You don’t need high-tech gear to create something beautiful, meaningful, or memory-making with your child. When I was a child there was no Cricut and even if - I'd never thought of it!
What you do need?
- Scissors
- Glue
- A printer (or the Cut out and Collage Book)
- And just a little inspiration — which is where my School Days Cut & Collage Book comes in.
Let me show you how to create magic with the basics you already have at home.
5 Ways to Craft Without Fancy Tools (and Still Create Something Beautiful)
1. Print, Cut & Play
Start with the basics: print a page, cut out the shapes, and let your child decorate a background. Layer pieces, write captions, create scenes.
- Bonus: It builds creativity and fine motor skills while feeling like pure play.
- Supplies needed: printable, scissors, glue stick, optional markers
2. Make DIY Flashcards or Labels
Forget laminators or sticker machines. Simply cut out items from the collage book and tape them onto index cards to make word flashcards, classroom labels, or scavenger hunts.
- Perfect for preschool learning and visual recognition.
- Supplies needed: printables, paper or cards, tape or glue
3. Create Storybooks with Folded Paper
Fold 3–4 pieces of plain paper to make a booklet. Add a collage item to each page and have your child write a sentence or tell a story around it.
- Encourages early writing and storytelling with zero pressure.
- Supplies needed: paper, scissors, printable cut-outs, pen or pencil
4. Make Memory Pages (No Scrapbook Needed)
Use a single sheet of printed paper as a base. Add a photo, your child’s handwriting, and a few collage elements to create a keepsake page you can pop into a folder or binder.
- Memory-making that doesn’t require a “kit.”
- Supplies needed: printables, scissors, a photo, pen, glue
5. Design Your Own Paper Toys
Create bookmarks, paper dolls, or even cut-out puppets using your collage items. Tape to a straw or fold to make stand-up characters.
- Great for play-based learning and dramatic play.
- Supplies needed: printable, scissors, tape, optional craft sticks
Let Me Help You Get Started
All of these ideas (and 10 more!) are part of my free printable download:
15 Creative Ways to Use the School Days Cut & Collage Book
You don’t need a craft room. You don’t need a cutting machine.
You just need a few minutes, a pair of scissors — and this free idea list.
Already in the Pepper Printable Club? Your full School Days eBook is in your library, ready to use today.
You’ve got everything you need to make magic. Let’s create.
The Pepper Printable Club
Join the Pepper Printable Club for the fun in life and get 100s of Printable, Learning Sheets and SVG files along with graphic sets for scrapbooking and more! Additionally, you'll find video lessons there as well!
It's a lovely place to be to relax from the everyday life!