Every child loves glue, scissors, colored paper, and paint. These are means of expression that, when encouraged, can help build your child's imagination. Plus, arts and crafts time offers a great opportunity for bonding. When the flurry of paper bits, felt, and yarn settle, you and your kids will have made your fun crafty creations you can treasure and display around the house.

Need a few ideas for new projects? Check out the gallery below.

(First published in Good Housekeeping, Features section in April 2009 as "Crafty Together"; photos by Jun Pinzon; adapted for use in Female Network)