When we think of countries that have made a massive global impact despite having a small population, Sweden is at the very top of the list. With a population density of just 26 people per square kilometer, this Nordic nation is vast, beautiful, and incredibly influential.
From the music of ABBA to the innovation of Alfred Nobel (founder of the Nobel Prize) and Anders Celsius (who gave us the temperature scale), Sweden is a powerhouse of talent. And let’s not forget the brands that fill our homes and closets, like IKEA and H&M, or modern icons like Greta Thunberg.
But beyond the famous names, Sweden is a land of rich folklore, stunning nature, and unique traditions. From the sun-soaked celebrations of Midsummer to the cozy winter lights of St. Lucia Day, there is so much for children to learn.
What better way to explore this Scandinavian wonderland than through art? We have curated 20 splendid Sweden crafts for kids that celebrate the heritage, history, and values of this amazing country.
Fun Facts: Why Sweden is “Cool” (Literally and Figuratively)
Before we dive into the glue and glitter, share these fun facts with your kids to set the scene:
- Recycling Superstars: Sweden is so good at recycling that they actually run out of garbage! They import waste from other countries to power their recycling plants. This makes upcycling crafts the perfect way to honor Sweden.
- Fika Time: The Swedes have a concept called Fika—a coffee break that involves pastries and socializing. It’s a vital part of their culture.
- The Midnight Sun: In the northern parts of Sweden, the sun never sets for weeks during the summer. Conversely, in winter, it barely rises!
- Forests Everywhere: More than half of Sweden is covered in trees, which explains their love for wooden crafts and nature.
20 Creative Sweden Crafts for Kids
We have categorized these crafts to help you explore different aspects of Swedish life, from Vikings to modern traditions.
The Iconic Symbols of Sweden
1. Cardboard Dala Horse (Dalahäst) The Dala Horse is the most famous symbol of Sweden. Originating from the Dalarna region, these were traditionally hand-carved wooden toys painted bright red with intricate “kurbits” (floral) patterns.
- The Craft: Cut a horse silhouette out of sturdy cardboard. Paint it bright red. Use white, blue, and yellow paint (or markers) to draw the harness and floral designs. This is a great lesson in symmetry and pattern making.
2. Swedish Flag Mosaic The Swedish flag features a yellow Nordic cross on a blue background.
- The Craft: Use torn pieces of blue and yellow construction paper or old magazines. Have younger kids glue them onto a rectangular sheet to create a mosaic flag. This is excellent for fine motor skills.
3. Viking Helmets and Shields While modern Swedes are peaceful, their Viking history is thrilling for kids.
- The Craft: Use a paper bowl for the helmet base, adding cardboard horns (historically inaccurate but fun!) and silver paint. For the shield, use a large circle of cardboard, paint it with wood grain textures, and add a silver boss in the center.
4. Pippi Longstocking Wigs Created by Swedish author Astrid Lindgren, Pippi is a national treasure.
- The Craft: Use orange yarn to create braids. Attach them to a headband or a paper strip. Insert pipe cleaners inside the braids so they stick straight out, just like the strongest girl in the world!
Celebrating Swedish Holidays
5. Midsummer Flower Crown (Midsommarkrans) Midsummer is perhaps the most beloved Swedish holiday, celebrating the longest day of the year. Everyone wears floral wreaths.
- The Craft: Create a ring using paper plates (cut out the center) or pipe cleaners. Use tissue paper to create faux wildflowers—daisies, cornflowers, and poppies—and wrap them around the ring.
6. The Maypole (Midsommarstång) During Midsummer, people dance around a decorated pole.
- The Craft: Use a paper towel roll as the base and a chopstick or straw for the crossbar. Wrap the whole structure in green paper or yarn to simulate leaves. Hang two small rings from the crossbar and decorate with paper flowers.
7. St. Lucia Candle Crown On December 13th, Sweden celebrates St. Lucia, the bearer of light. The eldest girl in the procession wears a crown of candles.
- The Craft: Make a headband from green construction paper (to look like lingonberry branches). Cut “candles” from white paper with yellow flames and staple them upright around the crown. (Safety first: no real fire!).
8. Star Boys (Stjärngossar) Hat Boys in the St. Lucia procession wear tall, cone-shaped hats with stars.
- The Craft: Roll white paper into a tall cone shape. Decorate it with gold star stickers or glitter. Cut eye holes if the cone is large enough to be a mask, or simply wear it as a hat.
9. Easter Feather Twigs (Påskris) Swedish Easter decorations are unique. They don’t just hunt eggs; they decorate birch twigs with brightly colored feathers.
- The Craft: Go on a nature walk to collect fallen twigs. Buy colorful craft feathers. Use wire or glue to attach the feathers to the ends of the twigs. Display them in a vase for an authentic Swedish Easter look.
10. Woven Heart Baskets These are a staple on Swedish Christmas trees.
- The Craft: This is a classic paper weaving activity. Take two pieces of colored paper (traditionally red and white), fold them, and cut strips. Weave them together to form a heart-shaped pouch that can hold candy.
Nature and Folklore
11. The Swedish Tomte (Gnome) A Tomte is a mythological creature from Nordic folklore, often associated with the winter solstice and Christmas. They are short, have long beards, and wear conical hats.
- The Craft: Use a toilet paper roll as the body. Glue on a piece of gray felt or fabric for the clothes. Use a cotton ball or white faux fur for a beard. Top it with a red felt cone hat pulled down over the “eyes” (use a wooden bead for a nose peeking out).
12. Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) Chalk Art Northern Sweden offers spectacular views of the Northern Lights.
- The Craft: Use black construction paper. Rub green, purple, and blue chalk pastels across the sky. Use a tissue to smudge the chalk upwards to create the “dancing” light effect. Cut out black silhouettes of pine trees and glue them at the bottom.
13. Toilet Roll Moose The moose (or elk) is the king of the Swedish forest.
- The Craft: Paint a toilet roll brown. Cut handprints out of brown paper to serve as the large antlers. Glue googly eyes and a large snout onto the roll.
14. Salt Dough Cinnamon Buns (Kanelbullar) Swedes love their cinnamon buns.
- The Craft: Make a simple salt dough (flour, salt, water). Roll it into “snakes” and coil them to look like buns. Bake or air dry, then paint them golden brown. Glue on white beads to look like the pearl sugar traditionally sprinkled on top.
15. Runestone Rocks Vikings left behind large stones carved with runic alphabets.
- The Craft: Find large, smooth river stones. Use gray paint for the base. Use red or black paint to draw “runes” (ancient letters) and serpent designs on the rocks.
Science & Innovation
16. The Nobel Medal Alfred Nobel left his fortune to establish the Nobel Prize.
- The Craft: Cut a circle from cardboard. Cover it with gold foil or paint it gold. Have children emboss their own profile or a symbol of “Peace” or “Science” onto the medal using a dull pencil. Attach a ribbon.
17. Celsius Thermometer Teach kids about Anders Celsius.
- The Craft: Create a paper thermometer with a sliding red strip (ribbon or paper) to show the temperature rising and falling. Mark the freezing point (0°C) and boiling point (100°C).
18. Recycled Robot (The Swedish Way) Since Sweden is a recycling giant, challenge the kids to a “Zero Waste” craft.
- The Craft: Dump out the recycling bin (clean items only!). Use egg cartons, cereal boxes, and bottle caps to build a robot or a castle. The only rule: You cannot buy any new supplies; you must use what you have.
19. Paper Snowflakes Sweden has long, snowy winters.
- The Craft: Fold white paper into triangles and snip away shapes to create intricate snowflakes. Tape them to the window to create a winter landscape.
20. The Red Cottage (Stuga) The Swedish countryside is dotted with iconic red cottages with white trim (painted with Falu red paint).
- The Craft: Use a small milk carton or box. Paint the walls a deep, rusty red. Paint the corners and window frames bright white. Add a black roof. These make adorable little villages.
A Deeper Dive: Making the Dala Horse
If you only do one craft from this list, make it the Dala Horse. Here is a detailed guide to ensure it looks authentic.
Materials:
- Thick cardboard or stiff cardstock.
- Red acrylic paint (the traditional base color).
- Fine tip markers or paint brushes (White, Yellow, Blue, Green).
- Scissors.
Instructions:
- The Shape: Unlike realistic horses, a Dala horse has a very specific shape—no tail (it’s usually tucked in or carved as a stump) and a thick, sturdy neck. Search for a “Dala Horse Template” online or sketch a simple outline.
- The Base: Cut out the shape and paint it solid red on both sides. Let it dry completely.
- The Kurbits: This is the floral painting style. Start by painting a “saddle” across the back and a band across the chest.
- The Details: Use teardrop shapes to create flowers on the saddle and hips. Use white dots to outline the harness. The more intricate the pattern, the more authentic it looks!
Why These Crafts Matter
Engaging in Sweden crafts for kids is about more than just keeping little hands busy. It is an opportunity to open a window to the world.
When you make a St. Lucia crown, you are teaching your children about light in the darkness and the importance of hope. When you build a recycling robot, you are instilling the Swedish value of sustainability and caring for our planet. When you paint a Dala horse, you are connecting with a folk tradition that has survived for centuries.
So, put on some ABBA, brew a warm drink (maybe a hot chocolate for the kids to simulate Fika), and start crafting. You don’t need a plane t
