Winter days feel so much cozier when you’ve got a fun craft to enjoy with the kids. These paper mittens are the perfect blend of simple and creative.
With the free printable mitten template, this winter activity is easy. This mitten craft is fantastic for a winter theme or a quiet afternoon project. Kids can color, paint, or even jazz them up with pom poms and glittery stars. Plus, you can string them together to make a cheerful mitten garland.
Enjoy for a classroom craft, homeschool project, or frugal activity at home. Grab your free printable template and learn more ways to use for learning fun.
A Frugal Activity for Winter and Learning Fun
Mittens are such a cute part of winter, don’t you think? There’s something so cozy and cheerful about them.
The Mitten by Jan Brett is one of our favorite books for winter fun. My boys and I have always loved this story and the beautiful illustrations that go along with it.
This mitten craft actually came about when I wanted a simple activity to do with the boys. I wanted a project that felt seasonal and fun. And I also wanted to help them work on matching, patterns, and colors. And that’s exactly what this craft one does!
I love how something simple like mittens can spark creativity and brighten up cold days.
What You’ll Need for This Mitten Craft
This kids craft requires little prep and is easy to set up. I do recommend using the free mitten template to make it even easier. If you don’t have access to a printer or just want to add your own unique touch, I encourage you to sketch a mitten shape on paper for your students.
Also, I recommend having these materials ready to make craft time a breeze:
- Mittens template (use this free printable instant download)
- Crayons, markers, or paint (tempera paints sticks work well, too!)
- Scissors
- Glue
- Foam stickers, pom poms, or other decorations
- Hole punch
- String or yarn
How to Make Your Paper Mittens
Prepare and paint the mittens.
Print out the mitten template. Paint or color the mittens in any design you like. Cut out the mittens carefully.
Decorate the mittens and connect.
Decorate the mittens with foam stickers, pom poms, or other craft supplies. Use a hole punch to make a hole at the bottom corner of each mitten. Tie a piece of string or yarn to connect two mittens together. Repeat the steps to make several pairs of mittens. String all the mitten pairs onto a long piece of yarn to create a colorful garland.
Tips & Creative Ideas for This Paper Mittens Craft
- Add different colors: Explore patterns like stripes, polka dots, or zigzags. Talk about how mittens come in pairs and practice symmetry by decorating both sides to match!
- Try a variety of art tools: Mix it up with watercolor pencils, metallic crayons, or tempera paint sticks. You could also use fabric scraps or tissue paper for a textured look.
- Make it a matching game: Print several sets of mittens and design them in pairs. Cut them apart and mix them up for a simple matching or memory game.
- Create a mitten garland: String together a few pairs. Hang your DIY garland across a window, mantel, or bulletin board for some winter cheer.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Paper Mittens Craft
This mitten craft is great for preschool through early elementary ages (around 3–8 years old). Younger kids may need help with cutting and tying. Older students may want to join the fun, too. Everyone can enjoy coloring and decorating!
Regular printer paper works just fine. If you want sturdier mittens (especially for a garland), go with cardstock. It holds up better when kids add glue, stickers, or extra decorations.
Absolutely! This craft is perfect for classrooms, homeschool co-ops, or library programs. Print multiple templates ahead of time and set up a simple craft station with coloring tools, scissors, and stickers.
Simple Winter Fun with This Colorful Craft
There’s something special about winter crafts that bring warmth and creativity into the season. These paper mittens are simple and full of opportunities for connection winter fun.
If you enjoyed this paper mittens craft, you’ll love my Winter Fun Bundle! It has print-and-go activities to help you celebrate the season with ease. Everything’s designed to make fun activities relaxed and stress-free.
Now, grab your printable mitten template and enjoy a little creative winter magic today!
