Create special, core memories and beautiful keepsakes with this simple bonding activity!
As a mom of three, I know how important it is to make one-on-one memories with each of my children. In our busy household, intentionally creating these special bonding opportunities is one of my goals. My daughter absolutely loves crafting, and when I saw this idea by @debtrette, I knew it'd be perfect for some meaningful mother-daughter time!
After having such a blast with it, this activity would also be perfect for birthday parties, play dates, or the holidays.
Why Fun Craft Ideas for Girls Are Perfect for Any Occasion
When I spotted this adorable decorated photo frame idea on @debtrette's Instagram, I immediately knew that B would love it! Not only does it create a beautiful frame, but the entire process brings so much joy and creativity.
Fun craft ideas for girls like these decorated frames work perfectly for so many occasions:
- Birthday party activity stations
- Rainy day projects
- Mother-daughter bonding time
- Playdates with friends
- Girl scout meetings
- Themed holiday stations (imagine these for a Christmas party!!)
What makes this particular craft so special is that it's endlessly customizable to reflect any theme or personality your little girl loves. Brooklyn's eyes lit up as she picked out her charms!
What You'll Need for This Fun Photo Frame Craft
I've created an Amazon shopping list with all the items we used, making it super convenient for you to recreate this craft at home. The charms we found had so many adorable options that Brooklyn had trouble choosing her favorites!
Here's what you'll need:
- Small clear or plastic photo frames - you want the frame itself to be flat so the charms can stick to it easily.
- Assorted decorative charms (animals, foods, flowers, hearts, etc.)
- Super glue or hot glue gun (I used rhinestone glue in a pinch!)
- Small tray or plate to arrange your decorations
- A special photo to display (optional during craft time)
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Set Up Your Craft Space
- Clear a table or workspace for crafting - feel free to add a cute craft-friendly tablecloth!
- Set out a sorting tray for the charms and an individual tray for each crafter.
- Have the glue on hand!
- Put on some upbeat music!
2. Sort and Select Decorations
- Pour out all charms onto the sorting tray.
- Let your child explore and group similar items.
- Encourage her to select her favorite pieces!
- Set aside the chosen decorations for the frame.
3. Plan the Frame Design
- Arrange charms around the frame without glue (take a photo of the layout if helpful!)
- Make any adjustments before gluing.
4. Attach the Charms
- Working in small sections (1-2 inches at a time), apply a small amount of glue to the frame edge.
- Place the charms on the glue.
- Hold each piece for 15-30 seconds until it sets
- Continue around the entire frame
- Use super glue, hot glue, or rhinestone glue (what we used!)
5. Allow Time to Dry
- Set the frame aside on a flat surface
- Let dry completely (30+ minutes depending on glue type)
- Avoid touching or moving during this time
- Use this waiting period for a quick snack break or time to take photos that will go in the frames!
6. Once Dry...Add Photo and Display!
Benefits of Fun Craft Ideas for Girls
Projects like this decorated photo frame offer so many benefits beyond just a creative activity:
- They spark imagination and storytelling.
- They develop artistic confidence and design skills.
- They create opportunities for self-expression and personalization.
- They provide screen-free engagement that's genuinely exciting!
- They result in meaningful keepsakes that preserve special memories.
- They foster fine motor skills and patience!
I love watching Brooklyn's face light up when she creates something beautiful. The confidence and joy these crafting sessions bring is absolutely magical for girls as they develop their creativity!
Your Turn to Play!
What I love most about this charm frame craft is how versatile it is for both ordinary days and special occasions! On a regular Tuesday afternoon when my kids were feeling restless, pulling out these craft supplies turned an ordinary day into something memorable. Those spontaneous crafting moments often create the deepest connections - just you and your daughter creating something together while chatting about her day!
We've also used this same craft idea for:
- A rainy Saturday afternoon activity
- When Brooklyn needed some one-on-one attention after a challenging day
- During a quiet weekend morning while her siblings were still sleeping
- As a "just because" surprise after school
This craft scales beautifully for special occasions too! It makes an excellent activity station at birthday parties where each girl creates a personalized keepsake . For playdates, it encourages conversation and shared creativity in a structured way. I've even prepared little craft kits with all the supplies as party favors - much more meaningful than typical goody bag items!
The beauty of fun craft ideas for girls like this one is that they bridge the gap between everyday moments and celebrations. Whether it's just you and your daughter on a Tuesday afternoon or six excited girls at a birthday party, these creative activities create connections and memories that last.
If you try this charm frame craft with your little one, I'd love to see how it turns out! Tag me in your creations on Instagram @stayathomeactivitymom. And don't forget to save this idea for later—it's perfect for any moment when you want to create some magic, whether it's an ordinary day that needs brightening or a special occasion you want to remember forever!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. All recommendations are based on items I personally use and love with my own children.
Written by Brittany, Stay at Home Activity Mom
Brittany is a former elementary school teacher turned stay-at-home mom of three. Passionate about children learning through play, she began sharing her simple, hands-on, and education activities on her Instagram @stayathomeactivitymom so that other parents could see how fun this type of at-home learning can be.
