When you think of a country that gave the world pop music legends like ABBA, the genius of Alfred Nobel, and the environmental passion of Greta Thunberg, who comes to mind? That’s right—Sweden!
This stunning Nordic nation might have a sparse population, but its cultural impact is massive. From the furniture giant IKEA to the safety-first Volvo cars, Sweden is a powerhouse of innovation. But beyond the brands and the famous names, Sweden is a land of deep traditions, folklore, and a profound respect for nature.
Did you know that Sweden is arguably the world’s recycling superhero? It is the fifth-best country globally for recycling! In fact, the Swedes are so efficient that:
- 99.3% of household waste is reused or recycled.
- They generate energy by burning 52% of their waste.
- They actually import waste from other countries just to keep their recycling plants running!
To celebrate this eco-friendly, culture-rich nation, we have compiled a list of 20 Splendid Sweden Crafts for Kids. These activities will take you on a journey through Swedish history, from the Vikings to modern-day Midsummer celebrations.
1. The Iconic Dala Horse (Dalahäst)
If there is one symbol that screams “Sweden,” it is the Dala Horse. Originating in the 17th century in the Dalarna region, these were originally hand-carved wooden toys made by men working in the forests for their children. Today, they are a symbol of Sweden.
- The Craft: You don’t need to carve wood! Cut a horse silhouette out of thick cardboard. Paint it a bright, vibrant red (the traditional color). Once dry, use white, green, blue, and yellow paint pens to draw the intricate floral “kurbits” patterns on the saddle and neck.
- Educational Moment: Explain how a simple toy became a national symbol of strength and good luck.
2. Swedish Woven Hearts (Julhjärtan)
These “pleated hearts” are a staple of Scandinavian culture, especially during Christmas. While traditionally made with red and white paper to represent the Danish flag (where they originated), they are hugely popular in Sweden.
- The Craft: Use two pieces of colored paper (felt works too!). Fold them and cut strips, leaving the bottom connected. Weave the strips together to create a checkerboard heart that opens up like a basket.
- Usage: In Sweden, these are often hung on Christmas trees and filled with nuts or candies.
3. Midsummer Maypole (Midsommarstång)
Midsummer is arguably the most beloved holiday in Sweden, celebrated on the longest day of the year. The centerpiece is the Maypole, a large cross covered in leaves and flowers.
- The Craft: Create a miniature table-topper version. Use two sticks or sturdy straws to form a cross. Wrap them in green floral tape or ribbon. Glue small faux flowers or tissue paper blooms all over the structure. Add two wire rings hanging from the crossbar for the authentic look.
- Fun Fact: After decorating the pole, Swedes dance around it singing Små grodorna (The Little Frogs)!
4. Midsommar Flower Crowns (Midsommarkrans)
You cannot have a Midsummer party without a flower crown! It connects the wearer to nature and the magic of the summer solstice.
- The Craft: Twist pipe cleaners together to form a circle that fits your child’s head. Use artificial flowers or fresh wildflowers and tape them onto the frame. Add trailing ribbons in blue and yellow (the colors of the Swedish flag) for extra flair.
5. Pippi Longstocking Puppets
Pippi Långstrump is Sweden’s most famous fictional export, created by author Astrid Lindgren. She is the strongest girl in the world, lives without parents, and has a horse on her porch!
- The Craft: Create a Pippi paper bag puppet. The most important features are the mismatched stockings, the freckles, and, of course, the bright red braids that stick straight out sideways! Use orange pipe cleaners or stiff yarn to get that gravity-defying hair look.
6. St. Lucia Crowns
On December 13th, Sweden celebrates St. Lucia Day. The procession is led by a girl wearing a white dress and a crown of candles.
- The Craft: Safety first—no real fire! Cut a band of green construction paper to fit the head. Cut “candles” out of white paper and “flames” out of yellow or orange tissue paper. Glue the candles upright onto the green band. It creates a beautiful, safe version of the traditional wreath.
7. Star Boy Hats (Stjärngossar)
Boys in the St. Lucia procession are called “Star Boys.” They wear white cone hats decorated with gold stars.
- The Craft: Roll a large sheet of white paper into a cone shape and staple it to fit. Have the kids cut out gold stars from metallic paper or use gold stickers to decorate the hat. Attach a “wand” with a gold star on top to complete the look.
8. Swedish Flag Mosaic
The Swedish flag is a yellow Nordic cross on a blue background.
- The Craft: Tear up small pieces of blue and yellow construction paper (a great fine motor skill activity). Draw the flag outline on a white sheet and have the child glue the torn pieces to fill in the design. This mosaic style mimics the tiling found in some Swedish metro stations.
9. Viking Shields
Before modern Sweden, this land was home to the Vikings.
- The Craft: Cut a large circle from cardboard (a pizza box is perfect). Paint it to look like wood planks. Glue a plastic bowl or a smaller cardboard circle in the very center (the boss). Decorate the shield with geometric patterns or runic symbols using silver paint.
10. Viking Runes on “Stones”
Vikings used an alphabet called Runes and carved them into stones to mark territory or honor the dead.
- The Craft: Collect smooth river rocks or use grey air-dry clay to shape “stones.” Use a carving tool or a black marker to write messages using the Runic alphabet. Kids can write their names in “Viking” style!
11. Easter Witches (Påskkärringar)
In Sweden, Easter looks a bit like Halloween! Children dress up as “Easter Witches” with headscarves and painted red cheeks to ask neighbors for candy.
- The Craft: Create an Easter Witch collage. Use fabric scraps to create the headscarf and apron on a paper drawing. Use real blush or red crayon to give the drawing those rosy red cheeks.
12. The Swedish Feather Tree (Påskris)
Another Easter tradition involves decorating birch twigs with brightly colored feathers.
- The Craft: Go on a nature walk to collect fallen twigs. Place them in a vase. Glue colorful craft feathers onto the ends of the twigs. You can also hang small painted eggs from the branches. It creates a stunning, minimalist centerpiece.
13. Kurbits Folk Art Painting
Kurbits is a traditional style of decorative painting from Dalarna, featuring gourd and floral motifs.
- The Craft: Give kids a smooth stone, a wooden spoon, or a canvas. Teach them to paint large, swirling flowers using two colors on their brush at the same time to create a shaded, gradient effect typical of this folk art.
14. Recycling Robots
Since Sweden is a world leader in recycling, this craft honors their eco-friendly spirit.
- The Craft: Raid the recycling bin! Use empty tin cans, yogurt pots, bottle caps, and cereal boxes to build a robot. Use a hot glue gun (with supervision) to assemble the parts. Paint the finished robot silver or gold.
15. The Tomte (Gnome)
A Tomte is a mythological creature from Nordic folklore, often associated with the winter solstice and the protection of the farm.
- The Craft: Use a pinecone for the body and a wooden bead for the nose. Glue a tall, conical hat made of red felt on top of the bead. Add a fluffy white cotton beard. These make adorable ornaments.
16. Cinnamon Bun (Kanelbulle) Clay Charms
Swedes love their fika (coffee break), and the Cinnamon Bun is the king of fika.
- The Craft: Use brown and white polymer clay or playdough. Roll them into long snakes. Twist the two colors together and roll them into a spiral “bun” shape. If using polymer clay, bake it to create a permanent charm or keychain.
17. Paper Snowflakes (Snöflinga)
Sweden has long, cold winters, making snow a huge part of life.
- The Craft: Teach children the art of folding paper (kirigami) to cut intricate six-pointed snowflakes. Hang them in the window to create a Swedish winter wonderland indoors.
18. The Moose (Elg) of the Forest
The Moose is the king of the Swedish forest.
- The Craft: Trace the child’s foot on brown paper for the head, and trace their hands on darker brown paper for the antlers. Glue the handprints to the top of the footprint. Add googly eyes and nostrils for a goofy and cute moose keepsake.
19. Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) Art
In the north of Sweden (Lapland), you can see the magical Northern Lights.
- The Craft: Use black cardstock as the base. Use chalk pastels in green, pink, and purple. Draw wavy lines and smudge them upward with a finger or tissue to create the glowing, “dancing” effect of the lights. Add white splatters of paint for stars.
20. Swedish Clog Planters
Wooden clogs hold a special place in Swedish traditional dress.
- The Craft: Use an empty plastic milk jug or juice carton. Cut the bottom half off, but shape the front to look like the rounded toe of a shoe. Paint it yellow or black and decorate it with painted flowers. Fill it with soil and plant a seed!
Why Learn About Sweden Through Craft?
Crafting is one of the best ways to teach children about geography and sociology. When a child makes a Dala Horse, they aren’t just painting cardboard; they are connecting with a child from the 1600s who played with a wooden version. When they make a Recycling Robot, they are learning the modern value of sustainability that Sweden champions.
These 20 crafts offer a mix of history, mythology, nature, and modern values. They show that Sweden is a country that honors its past (Vikings and Folk Art) while looking forward to a greener future.