Here are some essentials to have on hand so you’re prepared for a long day indoors.
Paper: You don't want the kids coloring on the walls or the table. Instead, make sure you have plenty of copy and construction paper! For winter, you can make different styles of paper snowflakes or chains of paper hearts or people.
Craft glue: Even without other crafting accessories, glue is fun in and of itself. Do you have memories of dragging toothpicks through a pool of glue, or adding food coloring to it and making designs? Help your kids make some of these memories of their own. White glue, like Elmer's, is perfect for most craft projects.
Markers/pens/pencils/crayons: Let's cheer for something less messy than paint! You can't have a craft closet without these staples, which are good for drawing on paper and even some fabrics. Keep the caps on markers when not in use, and test them occasionally to make sure they still work. Store them in a zip-top bag or container with a lid, so they stay together, and so strays don't clutter up the area.
Felt: Soft, colorful and versatile, felt is great for making small stuffed creatures. You can fill them with cotton balls and hand-stitch them closed. By sewing or gluing, add designs like buttons, cut felt pieces and string.
Beans: Beans, beans, they're good for your art. Different kinds and colors of dried beans are perfect for mosaics. Create your own designs on construction paper, wood or a glass jar. White glue works well as the adhesive. Just remember to let it dry thoroughly.
Toilet- and paper-towel tubes: Reuse, recycle, reclaim! Instead of throwing out your cardboard tubes, save them for crafting. Using your imagination and basic supplies, make tubular snowmen, people, robots, Santa Claus, finger puppets and castles.
Pasta: Preschool teachers love dried pasta for a reason. Whether you use it plain or dye it, you can make pasta necklaces, garlands or mosaics with different shapes. To dye it, put the pasta in a zip-top bag, and add enough vinegar to cover it, along with food dye. Let it sit for an hour, then dry the pasta on wax paper for four hours. Make it ahead of time, and it will be ready for any snow day.
Adapted
from Walmart.com