Dive headfirst into a world sprinkled with educational fun and creativity with these color by number coloring pages that are yours to freely download and print! Whether you’re a teacher seeking engaging classroom activities or a parent looking for a quiet afternoon project, these sheets are sure to spark joy and reinforce number recognition!
Included below are a variety of charming illustrations, featuring festive Christmas scenes, prehistoric dinosaurs, and spooky Halloween characters, and a myriad of other cute animals like turtles and elephants waiting for your creative touch. Dive in and let the coloring adventure begin!
10 Craft Ideas To Do With Educational Color by Number for Kids Coloring Pages
Once your little ones have finished their vibrant masterpieces, don't let those beautiful educational color by number pages just sit in a stack! Transforming these completed works into fun, hands-on crafts is a fantastic way to extend the learning and boost creativity while giving your child a sense of accomplishment.
From personalized school supplies to unique room decorations, these ten craft projects will breathe new life into your children's finished coloring pages. Let's turn those colorful numbers and educational designs into tangible treasures that can be used every day.
1. Create Educational Color by Number Bookmarks
Transform those colorful pages into durable bookmarks that encourage reading. Simply cut the finished educational color by number artwork into three-inch wide strips, focusing on the most vibrant sections. For extra durability, glue the strip onto a piece of colorful cardstock to provide a sturdy backing.
Once the glue is dry, you can laminate the strips or use clear contact paper to protect them from wear and tear. Punch a hole at the top and thread through a piece of yarn or a silk ribbon to complete the look. These make wonderful gifts for friends or family members who love to read and appreciate handmade art.
2. DIY Educational Jigsaw Puzzles
Turn a finished masterpiece into a fun brain-teaser by creating a custom jigsaw puzzle. Start by gluing the entire coloring page onto a piece of thin cardboard, like an old cereal box, ensuring there are no air bubbles. Let it dry completely under a heavy book to keep the surface flat and even.
Using a pair of scissors, cut the cardboard into various shapes and sizes depending on the child's age and skill level. For younger kids, keep the pieces large and simple, while older children might enjoy smaller, more intricate shapes. Store the pieces in a labeled envelope for a quick and educational rainy-day activity that reinforces their problem-solving skills.
3. Personalized School Supply Organizers
Give plain pencil holders or desk organizers a colorful makeover using your child's favorite colored pages. Measure the height and circumference of a clean tin can or a plastic jar, then cut the educational color by number page to fit those dimensions perfectly. Apply a thin layer of craft glue or double-sided tape to the back of the paper.
Wrap the paper carefully around the container, smoothing out any wrinkles as you go. This is a great way for kids to personalize their study space and take pride in their artistic achievements. You can even add a layer of clear varnish or decoupage glue over the top to make the organizer waterproof and easy to clean during homework sessions.
4. Colorful Learning Space Bunting
Celebrate learning by turning finished pages into festive bunting for a playroom or classroom. Cut the coloring pages into uniform triangle shapes, ensuring each triangle showcases a colorful part of the educational image. Use a hole punch to make two small holes at the top corners of each triangle piece.
Thread a long piece of twine or ribbon through the holes to connect the triangles together. This colorful banner adds a personalized touch to any room and serves as a visual reminder of the progress made while coloring. It is also a fantastic way to decorate for a school-themed party or an educational milestone celebration at home.
5. DIY Educational Greeting Cards
Nothing says "I care" like a handmade card featuring original artwork. Fold a piece of cardstock in half to create a card base, then cut out specific elements from the finished educational color by number page, such as animals, flowers, or numbers. Glue these cut-outs onto the front of the card using foam dots to create a 3D effect.
Kids can add glitter, stickers, or hand-written messages to personalize the card even further for the recipient. These unique creations are perfect for birthdays, thank-you notes, or simply sending a smile to a grandparent. It teaches children the value of repurposing their hard work into something meaningful and useful for others.
6. Storytelling Character Puppets
Bring the characters from the educational pages to life by making simple paper puppets. Carefully cut out the main figures from the finished coloring sheets, following the outlines closely. For added stability, you can glue the cut-outs onto a second layer of thick paper or cardstock before cutting them out again.
Tape a popsicle stick or a sturdy straw to the back of each character to serve as a handle. Children can then use these puppets to act out stories, practice their numbers, or put on a mini-theater show for the family. This activity encourages imaginative play and helps develop oral communication skills as they narrate their puppet's educational adventures.
7. Custom Notebook or Journal Covers
Protect school notebooks while making them stand out with a custom-made cover. Take a finished educational color by number page and trim it to match the size of the notebook's front cover. Use a glue stick or spray adhesive to attach the paper firmly to the notebook, ensuring all the edges are sealed properly.
To make the cover extra durable, you can wrap the entire notebook in clear contact paper or use wide clear packing tape to create a protective laminate. This not only keeps the artwork safe but also helps students easily identify their specific subjects by the colors on the front. It is a practical and artistic way to start the school year with confidence.
8. Laminated Educational Placemats
Make mealtime more engaging by turning finished coloring pages into reusable placemats. Once the child has completed the coloring, take the full sheet and place it inside a lamination pouch. Run it through a laminator to create a stiff, waterproof surface that can easily handle spills and crumbs.
If you don't have a laminator, clear contact paper works just as well to seal both sides of the page. These placemats provide a great visual tool for children to look at while they eat, reinforcing the educational concepts they colored earlier. They are easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth and can be swapped out whenever a new page is finished.
9. Decorative Wall Gallery Collage
Instead of taping single pages to the fridge, create a structured wall gallery to showcase several finished works. Select a few completed educational color by number pages that share a similar theme or color palette. Frame them using inexpensive plastic frames or make your own "frames" out of colorful construction paper.
Arrange the framed pages in a grid or a fun pattern on a bedroom or playroom wall. This turns their educational exercises into professional-looking wall art that boosts their creative confidence. As they finish new pages, you can rotate the artwork to keep the gallery fresh and exciting for the little artist in your home.
10. Festive Party Favor Bags
Use your child's finished coloring pages to create one-of-a-kind party favor bags for their friends. Fold the colored page into a small pouch or envelope shape, securing the sides with colorful washi tape or a few staples. These bags are perfect for holding small treats, stickers, or colored pencils.
The vibrant, hand-colored designs make the packaging just as special as the gift inside. This is a wonderful eco-friendly alternative to store-bought plastic bags and allows your child to contribute to the party planning in a creative way. It’s a great way to share their love of coloring and learning with their peers while recycling their finished work.
