60 Outstanding Lenten Arts and Crafts Ideas

Author:
Loraine Brummer
Updated date:
Sep 16, 2021

Loraine loves arts and crafts and used to volunteer at an elementary art class. She loves sharing fun and easy craft tutorials.

These prayer jars with popsicle sticks are a lovely kids' craft idea for Lent.

Kid-Friendly Arts and Crafts for Lent: Sunday School Activities and More

I used to find it difficult to find arts and crafts projects suitable for the Lenten season for my elementary art classes. In this article, I will share the site names of projects that I found in my search for Lenten arts and crafts. Only those projects that have directions are included.

How Do I Make the Popsicle Stick Prayer Jars?

For the instructions for making the prayer jars shown above, go to S&S Blog.

1. Crucifixion Cross

I'm so impressed with this Lenten project. I think the kids will love making this cross, and it is beautiful enough to be framed. Find this outstanding art project at Campfires and Cleats.

2. Resurrection Eggs

The tutorial for making these Resurrection eggs can be found at faithgateway. An outstanding Lenten idea for the family or as a school project. Be sure to check this out.

3. Easter Story Wreath

You'll appreciate the Scripture verses included in this Easter story wreath. Go to wee little miracles for the instructions and downloads.

4. Handprint Easter Prayer

The prayer reads: “I fold these hands into a prayer To thank the Lord for love and care. Fold your hand right next to me And He will love us both, you’ll see.” Tutorial is found at FreeKidsCrafts.com.

5. Agony in the Garden Diorama

This is an incredible Lenten craft to help teach about the suffering of Jesus before His Crucifixion. Go to Catholic Inspired for the instructions and the printouts.

6. Crown of Thorns Bracelet

Making, and then wearing, this Crown of Thorns bracelet through the Lenten season, will be a reminder of Jesus' love for us and the extreme length, dying on the cross, that He went through proving this love. You'll find the tutorial for making this bracelet at lovetoknow crafts.

7. Prayer Journal

You'll find the printable templates for making this outstanding prayer journal at the MOTHER’S niche site. This is a great Lenten project to start at the very beginning of Lent and continuing until Holy Saturday.

8. Mouse Tails

This is such a cute and appropriate Lenten project that can be done with even the littlest kids. Each act of kindness causes a new knot to be tied in the mouse' tail. Find the instructions for this Lenten project at Kate Wicker.

9. Giving Back Bucket List

Usually we stress "giving up" something during the Lenten season, but I really like this "giving" something idea. Make this Lenten season a real positive one, either in your home or in the classroom, by adding this outstanding project. You'll find all the information that you need, and the downloads, at mom envy. Make this for your classroom now, and experience the benefits of "doing for others." If you don't have a bucket, use a basket or decorate a box.

10. Wall Cross With TP Rolls

11. Stations of the Cross Votives

This is a beautiful family or classroom project. Directions and photo downloads can be found at Homeschool Goodies.

12. Good Deed Bracelet

The directions for this attractive bracelet can be found on the ARMA DEI site.

13. Easter Triduum

This spinning paper plate spins to reveal the days of the Triduum until Easter. You'll find the directions for this spinning paper plate project at Catholic Inspired.

14. Seashell Cross

A beautiful reminder of the fun you experienced at the shore. Find the instructions for this cross at Christian Games and Crafts.

15. Stations of the Cross Carousel

This site gives an address for buying the Stations pictures, but you could also use the photos from the place mat project shown on this page. For the instructions on making the carousel, go to EQUIPPING CATHOLIC FAMILIES.

16. Cross in My Pocket

This is a project that is suitable for Lent, but also any other time of year. I love the prayer and think this would make a great gift for any one. Think about graduates of school or college, Confirmation, Communion, birthdays, or any season. The tutorial and prayer for this Cross in my pocket is found at thriftyfun. If you aren't into working with plastic canvas, consider making the cross another way, but including the prayer with the gift.

17. Easter Cross Wreath

If you are making this as a classroom project, I'd suggest using this project with the older kids, 3rd grade and above. They will be able to do all the steps alone. Find the easy to follow tutorial at DLTK.

18. Lenten Coin Cross

This is a very nice project with a Lenten lesson to be learned. Go to Mom On TIMEOUT for all the specifics.

19. Stations of the Cross Grottos

This is an outstanding Lenten project. Be sure to check out this site. Directions for this project are also found on this site, Pondered in My Heart.

20. Stations of the Cross Shrines

You'll find the directions for these shrines, by following the link in the first sentence on Inside My Domestic Church The finished shrines are shone on this page.

21. Calvary Hill Planting

A beautiful and inspiring way to teach the death and resurrection of Jesus. For the instructions for this project, go to HOUSE of JOYFUL NOISE.

22. Lamb of God

If you want to print this or any project onto black paper, use a green pen or marker to make your original copy—it will show up on the black paper. For the directions for this project, go to JACKETFLAP.

23. Last Supper

You'll use an egg carton and downloaded images to make this project. Go to Catholic Icing for the instructions and downloads.

24. Marshmallow Lamb Calendar

Some of the littlest kids will love making this countdown to Easter calendar. The directions can be found at wee little miracles.

25. Colorful Rosary

With a little help, even the littlest crafter can do this project. Go to Pondered in My Heart for the directions.

26. Lenten Calendar

This is a great idea for the Lenten season. This calendar runs from Ash Wednesday through Easter. Find the printable Lenten Calendar at Catholic Icing.

27. Lent in a Bag

A great Lenten project for Church or home. Go to building faith for instructions and reflections.

28. Ascension of Jesus

Forty days after Jesus died on the cross, He ascended into heaven. This 3-D project includes printables. Go to Catholic Inspired for the instructions and printables.

29. Stations of the Cross Cards

Print off these beautiful Stations of the Cross from the site at Family in Feast and Feria. Use prints of the stations to make placemats to use during the Lenten season. A great classroom project.

31. Holy Week Box

This is such a great project for Holy Week. Be sure to check this tutorial at God Venture.

32. Jelly Bean Prayer Cross

You can use this jelly bean prayer cross as a plant poke, or just make a piece of art with it, and hang it on the wall. You'll find the tutorial for making this Lenten cross at Church House Collection Blog.

33. Lent to Easter Crosses

This is an outstanding classroom project. Find the directions at Catholic Family.

34. Family Lenten Journey Poster

This is a very impressive Lenten project for use by the family or in a classroom. You'll find the printables and directions at Miss Mae's Days.

35. Refrigerator Magnet Cross

You'll find the instructions for making a refrigerator magnet cross by going to Mama to 6 Blessings.

36. Stations of the Cross Gems

I love these Stations of the Cross gems and I just know there has to be a way to use them in a classroom setting. Maybe a board game, or can you think of something else? Go to The Diary of a Sower for the tutorial for making the gems.

37. Wooden Clothespin Cross

This is the most impressive clothespin cross that I have seen. It looks easy enough to make. Go to Muy Bueno for the instructions.

You can either hand draw the images you want to put on your Holy Week banner, or consider searching Google images for lenten clip art. Making a banner with the kids will help make Holy Week special and meaningful. Find the instructions for this project at The Diary of a Sower.

39. Fishes and Loaves

After reading the bible story of Jesus feeding the crowd of 5000, the kids will understand the meaning of this fishes and loaves art project. Go to Crafting The Word Of God for the instructions and templates for this great Lenten project.

40. "You've Been Egged" Game

A great message included in this game, the you'll find directions and printables for at FAB N’ FREE Be sure to check this out, especially if you like to include your neighbors in Easter activities.

41. Jesus Lives Poster

This appears to be an art project that the kids will really enjoy. And I love the finished look of this Easter cross project. You'll find the instructions for making this art project at apples and abc’s. Be sure to check the site for other examples of the finished crosses. Very impressive.

42. Jesus Rose From the Dead Mobile

Colored printable templates are included with the instructions for making this Easter mobile. The instructions and printable templates are found at Church House Crafts.

43. Resurrection Cross

Be sure to make a sample Resurrection cross before class so you are comfortable with where to cut and where to fold the printable sheet. This great classroom project and it's tutorial is found at AMY’S FREE IDEAS.

44. Lenten Tree

Like the Jesse tree of Advent, this project features a bare tree. Pictures of the Stations of the Cross and bible readings complete this project. Find the tutorial at Catholic Inspired. You can use the images from the "The Way of the Cross Circle" project at the top of this article.

45. Easter Cross

This beautiful Easter cross is made using plastic canvas. There are a number of suggestions on ways to use the cross also. You'll find the instructions for making this Easter cross at CRAFTS-FOR-ALL-SEASONS.

46. Peter Denies Knowing Jesus Rooster

During this time, the rooster becomes a symbol of Peter denying any knowledge of Jesus. After reviewing this bible story, the kids will understand this Lenten art project. Go to Crafting The Word Of God for the instructions and rooster template. This site also includes other Lenten projects.

47. Paper Plate Easter Egg

You'll want to check the other Lenten and Easter projects, included with this paper plate craft, on the AMY'S FREE IDEAS.

48. Haitian-Inspired Foil Cross

This project uses foil tape, which I have to admit that I'm not familiar with. That alone is a good reason to make this art; it's always nice to find new methods. Go to teach kids ART to find out what supplies are needed and the instructions for making this cross.

49. Hands of Prayer Coloring Page

Guide the children about who and what to pray for by giving them a copy of this coloring page by Look to Him and be Radiant. This is teaching without preaching. Kids love to learn about God, and this is a perfect way to encourage them to pray.

50. Acts of Kindness Inspiration

You'll find the printables for this Lenten project at Look to Him & Be Radiant . This project uses the Stations of the Cross to suggest acts of kindness. There is a page with suggested acts and a blank one to write your own activities on.

51. Holy Week Poster

This Holy Week poster is a great idea for either the classroom or the home. Make Holy Week really meaningful by following the instructions at the domestic NOTEBOOK, to make the poster and find the suggested readings and activities.

52. Good Deeds Chain

The good deeds chain emphasizes doing good for others rather than giving up something. This is an especially good way to teach children compassion and caring for others. You can find the information for this project at KINDER CRAZE.

53. Resurrection Story Cards

Printables and game suggestions are included in this tutorial by True Aim. Read the Resurrection story before playing the games. Consider this as an Easter activity in lieu of an Easter egg hunt. Give candy or small toys as game gifts.

54. DIY Stations of the Cross

Check out this outstanding Stations of the Cross project at Young Catholic Mums. A great Lenten project for elementary kids.

55. Montessori Box

Be sure to read through the article to see the improvements and printables available for this project. Go to Three Sided Wheel for the tutorial.

56. Lent Butterfly

A perfect lenten project for little kids. Go to A Thrifter in Disguise for instructions and printables.

57. Printable Stations of the Cross Booklet

The prayers in this little booklet are the ones I remember as a little child. Make Lent a personal experience by making and using this booklet. Find the tutorial at Saint Anne's Helper.

58. Prayer Hands for Kids

Draw around your child's hand to make this a special individual project. Find the directions for making this craft at Your Modern Family.

59. Prayer Box

Be sure to visit the S & S Blog to check out this prayer box project. A great idea for the Lenten season, but also for daily use.

60. Start and Finish Strong Wheel

This is but one Lenten project at Kids & Glitter. More are listed on the Lent to Easter page.

We'd Love for You to Leave a Comment

Diana on February 15, 2019:

Thank you so much for putting all this together. I am preparing a "Celebrating Lent in your Home" session at my parish and you have all I need in one place. THANKS!!!

Denise on February 11, 2018:

Wow, God bless you for all your work!! Thank you for the resource and great ideas. From Toronto!

Helen on April 12, 2017:

This is a fantastic collection of inspiring ideas for Lent and Easter. Thanks you!

Paulette on January 18, 2017:

Thank you for your collection of wonderful ideas to help our children prepare for the great Feast Day

Chris on January 04, 2017:

Lorraine~ Thank you so much--not only for organizing such a comprehensive list of amazing projects, but for inc one of my crafts here ( the Crucifixion Art)

I'm honored to be included on this fabulous list.

God bless,

Chris

Kristen Howe from Northeast Ohio on February 22, 2016:

Great ideas, Loraine, since this is the lenten season. Very crafty and ingenious. I love the coin cross ideas. Nice work!

MonetteforJack from Tuckerton, NJ on February 20, 2016:

I'm browsing through and my mind is on Lent. And here it is your hub, Lenten Arts & Crafts. I found this hub very useful. Thank you!

Loraine Brummer (author) from Hartington, Nebraska on March 18, 2015:

I like it that there are so many different Lenten projects, especially for classroom and home school classes. Thanks for your comment, jill of alltrades.

jill of alltrades from Philippines on March 15, 2015:

These are cool ideas! Thanks for sharing!

Loraine Brummer (author) from Hartington, Nebraska on February 20, 2015:

Thanks for your comment, BAMwer. I'm happy to hear that you've found some ideas for your Sunday School class. I'll be visiting your articles shortly.

Loraine Brummer (author) from Hartington, Nebraska on February 20, 2015:

Paperimages, I'm so sorry to hear that your transfers from Squidoo didn't work. That has to be so frustrating, to lose all the work that you had done.

Beverly Werner from Catasauqua on February 20, 2015:

Great ideas, I am going to use some of these in my Sunday School Class! Thank you

PaperImages on February 18, 2015:

You are welcome. I, was on Squido, however I, was not able to make any transfers and all was lost. I, contacted them, but they could not help.

Loraine Brummer (author) from Hartington, Nebraska on February 18, 2015:

Hi Paperimages! I see you are new to HubPages. Looking forward to reading your hubs. You'll like it here. Good luck. Thanks for visiting my Lenten crafts.

PaperImages on February 17, 2015:

Very lovely. I, love arts and crafts and have an artfire.com and etsy site, which I sell on.

bedrestedteacher on March 29, 2014:

Great ideas! Thank you so much for including my thank you bucket! You definitely gave me an idea for next year to modify it.

Scottf13 on March 28, 2014:

These are very cool and creative! I'm sure kids will love and more than a few adults might think they were awesome too.

Smashbooks LM on March 27, 2014:

Thank you for all the great ideas!

Charito Maranan-Montecillo from Manila, Philippines on March 15, 2014:

Great lens for the Lenten season! Hope more Christians read this!

blestman lm on March 14, 2014:

I really love the Easter garden and the Stations of the Cross votive ideas

Heidi Vincent from GRENADA on March 10, 2014:

This is a wonderful addition to the Catholic niche, Ibrummer! Thanks for sharing and have a blessed week.

Mickie Gee on March 03, 2014:

A few years ago I participated in a Lenten Bible study where we used a book about making crosses with recycled stuff. Yes, I wrote a page here on Squidoo!

anonymous on March 19, 2013:

LOVED YOUR IDEAS FOR LENT GRACIAS!

ContentbyCasey LM on March 28, 2012:

You have some really great ideas here. I can't wait to try them with my kids

snappycanvas on March 28, 2012:

This stuff inspired to do my own Lenten symbol as well! We do have our own creative idea and with no doubt they are all great!

SimplyTonjia on March 15, 2012:

Great lens, I look forward to trying some of your crafts. Thank you.

Haveagood1 on March 07, 2012:

What an original idea for a lens! Lenten and Easter blessings to you.

Tonie Cook from USA on March 04, 2012:

Wonderful. Lenten is one of my favorite times of year, and a time when I make a point of creating smething hand made. Thank you for sharing your craft links and information here.

Nita9 on March 03, 2012:

Very, very nice. I love it. The clothes-pin cross is wonderful. I should do some of these with my children.

julieannbrady on February 24, 2012:

This is a great topic for you to cover as I don't think we hear too much about Lenten projects or crafts.