When you think of Sweden, what comes to mind? perhaps snowy landscapes, delicious meatballs, or furniture that comes in flat boxes. But this Nordic nation is so much more than that! It is a land of innovation, breathtaking nature, and deep-rooted traditions.
Sweden is a country with a relatively small population—about 10 million people spread across a large area—giving it a population density of just 26 people per square kilometer. Yet, despite its small numbers, it has made a massive impact on the world. From pop music legends like ABBA to modern icons like Greta Thunberg and PewDiePie, Sweden is a powerhouse of talent.
Did you know that many things we use daily have Swedish roots? Alfred Nobel gave us the Nobel Prize, Anders Celsius helped us measure temperature, and global brands like IKEA, H&M, and Volvo originated here.
To celebrate this fascinating culture, we have compiled a list of 20 Splendid Sweden Crafts for Kids. These activities are not just fun; they are a gateway to learning about geography, history, and sustainability.
Sweden: The Recycling Superpower
Before we get to the glue and scissors, there is one very important lesson we can learn from Sweden: Sustainability.
Sweden is arguably the world’s best recycler. They are so good at it that less than 1% of their household waste ends up in landfills. Here are some mind-blowing facts to share with your kids while you craft:
- Waste to Energy: Sweden burns about 52% of its waste to generate electricity and heat for homes.
- Importing Trash: It sounds crazy, but Sweden actually imports about 2 million tons of waste from other European countries just to keep their recycling plants running!
- The Result: In 2019 alone, they recycled over 2.14 billion cans and bottles.
In the spirit of Sweden’s eco-friendliness, many of the crafts below can be made using upcycled materials like cardboard boxes, toilet rolls, and scrap paper!
20 Fun & Educational Sweden Crafts for Kids
We have categorized these crafts to help you explore the different aspects of Swedish life, from ancient Vikings to modern holidays.
1. The Iconic Dala Horse (Dalahäst)
If Sweden had a spirit animal, it would be the Dala Horse. Originating in the 17th century in the Dalarna region, these were originally carved by woodcutters during long winter nights as toys for their children. Today, they are a symbol of Sweden.
- The Craft: Cut a horse silhouette out of sturdy cardboard. Paint it a bright “Falun Red.” Once dry, use fine-tip markers or paint pens to draw the harness and saddle in floral patterns (white, green, blue, and yellow).
- Learning Moment: Discuss how simple toys became national treasures.
2. Midsommarstång (The Maypole)
Midsummer (Midsommar) is perhaps the most beloved holiday in Sweden, celebrated on the longest day of the year. The centerpiece is the Maypole—a cross-shaped pole decorated with greenery.
- The Craft: Use two popsicle sticks (or twigs from the garden) to form a cross. Wrap them entirely in green yarn or floral tape. Glue small tissue paper flowers all over the pole. Don’t forget to create two rings of greenery to hang from the crossbar!
3. Viking Longships
Long before modern Sweden existed, the Vikings ruled the seas.
- The Craft: Cut a milk carton in half lengthwise to form the boat’s hull. Paint it brown to look like wood. Use a skewer and a square of paper (striped red and white) for the sail. Cut circles out of cardboard to act as shields and glue them along the sides of the ship.
4. St. Lucia’s Day Wreath
On December 13th, Sweden celebrates St. Lucia Day. The eldest girl in the family dresses in white and wears a wreath of candles on her head to bring light to the winter darkness.
- The Craft: Create a headband using green construction paper. Cut out white paper “candles” with yellow flames and glue them upright onto the green headband. It’s a safe, fire-free version of the tradition!
5. Star Boy (Stjärngosse) Hat
Boys also participate in the St. Lucia procession as “Star Boys.” They wear white gowns and tall, cone-shaped hats decorated with stars.
- The Craft: Roll a large sheet of white paper into a cone shape and staple it to fit the child’s head. Let the kids decorate it with gold and silver star stickers.
6. Woven Paper Hearts (Julhjärtan)
These are a staple of Scandinavian Christmas. They are usually red and white and are hung on the Christmas tree. Because they form a little basket, you can hide a candy inside!
- The Craft: Take two pieces of paper (one red, one white) folded in half. Cut strips from the folded edge, but stop before hitting the end. Weave the strips together to form a checkered heart pattern.
7. Pippi Longstocking Braids
Astrid Lindgren is one of Sweden’s most famous authors, and her character Pippi Longstocking is known worldwide.
- The Craft: Create a wig using orange yarn. Braid thick strands of yarn, inserting a pipe cleaner inside the braid so that you can bend them to stick straight out, just like Pippi’s gravity-defying hair!
8. The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) Art
Northern Sweden (Lapland) is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights.
- The Craft: Use a sheet of black construction paper. Take chalk pastels in green, pink, and purple. Draw wavy lines and then smudge them upward with your finger to create a glowing, ghostly effect against the night sky.
9. Swedish Flag Mosaic
- The Craft: Draw the Swedish flag (a yellow Nordic cross on a blue background). Have children tear up small pieces of blue and yellow magazines or tissue paper and glue them into the correct sections. This is great for fine motor skills.
10. Cinnamon Bun (Kanelbullar) Play Food
Swedes love their coffee break, known as Fika. The most popular treat is the cinnamon bun.
- The Craft: Use beige salt dough or playdough. Roll it into a “snake” and flatten it. Sprinkle cinnamon (real spice!) on it, roll it up into a spiral, and let it dry. It will even smell authentic!
11. The Friendly Tomte (Gnome)
A Tomte is a mythological creature from Nordic folklore associated with the winter solstice and Christmas. They look like garden gnomes with long beards.
- The Craft: Use a toilet paper roll as the body. Cover it with grey felt. Glue on a white cotton beard and add a wooden bead for a nose. Top it with a tall, pointy red felt hat that is pulled down over the “eyes.”
12. Runestones
Vikings left behind large stones carved with runic alphabets to tell stories or honor the dead.
- The Craft: Find a smooth, flat rock or shape a piece of grey air-dry clay. Use a toothpick to carve straight, angular “runic” letters into the clay before it dries. Paint the grooves red (historically accurate) to make them pop.
13. The Majestic Moose (Elg)
The moose is the King of the Swedish Forest.
- The Craft: Trace the child’s foot on brown paper (for the head) and both hands on darker brown paper (for the antlers). Glue the handprints to the top of the footprint. Add googly eyes and nostrils.
14. Sami Bracelet Inspired Craft
The Sami are the indigenous people of northern Scandinavia, known for their reindeer husbandry and beautiful crafts.
- The Craft: Sami bracelets are made of leather and spun silver wire. Kids can braid three strands of leather (or thick brown yarn) and weave in silver beads or tin foil twisted into wire to mimic this traditional jewelry.
15. Kurbits Floral Painting
Kurbits is a traditional style of painting from the Dalarna region, featuring large, fantasy gourds and flowers.
- The Craft: Provide kids with a wooden spoon or a small wooden box. Teach them to paint large, teardrop-shaped brush strokes to create fantasy flowers in blues, reds, and yellows.
16. Paper Flower Crown (Midsommarkrans)
Everyone wears a flower crown during Midsummer!
- The Craft: Cut a strip of cardstock to fit the child’s head. Make dozens of tissue paper flowers in various colors. Glue them densely onto the strip until no cardboard is visible.
17. The Straw Goat (Julbock)
The Yule Goat is an ancient symbol of Christmas in Scandinavia. Giant versions are built in town squares (and unfortunately often burned down!).
- The Craft: Gather a bundle of beige pipe cleaners or drinking straws. Bend the bundle to form a U-shape (body and head). Tie it with red ribbon. This is a simplified version of the straw goats found in Swedish homes.
18. Tetra Pak Red Cottage
Honoring Sweden’s recycling culture and architecture!
- The Craft: Take an empty milk or juice carton (Tetra Pak). Cut a hole in the side for a bird feeder, or leave it whole for a house. Paint the outside a deep red (Falu Rödfärg) and paint the corners and window frames white.
19. Easter Twigs (Påskris)
In Sweden, Easter decorations involve birch twigs decorated with colorful feathers—not just eggs!
- The Craft: Go on a nature walk and collect fallen twigs. Place them in a vase. Glue brightly colored craft feathers onto the ends of the branches.
20. Fika Cup Design
- The Craft: Since Fika (coffee/cake break) is a cultural institution, have kids design their own Fika mug. Use a plain white ceramic mug and let them draw patterns using porcelain markers. Bake the mug (per marker instructions) to set the design.
Why These Crafts Matter
Engaging in these crafts does more than just keep hands busy. It introduces children to a culture that values nature, creates art from simple materials, and takes care of the planet.
Whether you are building a Viking ship or weaving a paper heart, you are taking a small trip to the beautiful North. We hope these Sweden crafts for kids inspire your family to learn more about the world.