Q: I have two grandchildren, 3 and 4, who will be with me a lot this fall and I don't know what to do with them when they can't play outside. People say do crafts, but I don't know how. Do you know simple things I can do with them? I don't have much money, but I can buy some things. I just don't know what.

A: Here are some fun, inexpensive craft activities you can do with your grandchildren. Some of them are messy, so be sure to have a plastic cover on your table -- and maybe aprons on yourself and the kids!

• Cut up construction paper into small pieces, varying colors and shapes (or allow them to help with safety scissors). Give them the pieces, along with a large sheet of paper and some glue, so they can make their own art. For a less messy version, you can replace the plain paper and glue with clear contact paper.

• Use what's already in your kitchen. Mix different food colors and water in ice cube trays. The grandchildren can use the ice cubes as paint brushes on construction paper or card stock. Or you can buy some inexpensive paints and use an ear of corn, a piece of kitchen sponge, or a halved potato or apple (carve simple shapes into them) as "paint brushes."

• Help the children write letters or designs on paper using white crayon. Then use watercolors to paint over the crayon to watch their picture appear. Another version is to arrange masking tape in a design on paper. Have them color over it with paint or markers, then carefully peel the tape off to reveal the design.

• Make boats with empty milk or juice cartons. Let them paint or color the cartons, then glue construction paper to a toothpick inserted in the carton to make a flag. Sail the boats in the sink or tub.

• Make inexpensive picture frames by gluing tongue depressors or popsicle sticks in the shape of a square. The children can decorate the frames and then glue one of their art projects or a family photo to the backs.

• Make wonderful "crowns" with construction paper, scissors, glue (or a stapler), and glitter pens -- or just decorate the crowns with pieces of colored paper the kids have cut into interesting shapes.

• One day when you have some time, go to the dollar store and roam around, taking a "kid's-eye" view of what you see. You'll probably spot a load of inexpensive, fun things you can use: for art projects, to make costumes for dress-up play, and more.

It's great that you'll be taking care of the kids. Enjoy!

First Published: September 10, 2008, 4:00 a.m.