The Badge Archive

Craft and Tinker is ideal with any craft that uses tools. Painting does require brushes and Pastel sticks are a tool and can qualify, but most troops will use those as part of exploring different mediums in the Art and Design badge.

Projects that are required:

• Daisy & Brownie – one project with a purpose (Daisy: solve a problem, make a gift; Brownie: play, wear, solve a problem).
• Junior – one project that is user centered (interview users, reflect, OR research) and practice (make a new tool, upcycle a material, OR add a new part to a project you make).
• Brownie & Junior – second project with a specific Form, Fit, and Function (NOTE: Juniors Learn what Form, Fit, and Function are and create a user-centered project (something to entertain, simplify life, OR useful to a user).)

Possible Crafts

Pick the craft you are interested in and then make a project your level requires:

(NOTE – Currently a list of ideas. The Badge Archive will slowly add detailed pages for each craft, like we have done on Foam Printing. In the meantime, please do your own internet search for step-by-step instructions for any craft your troop is interested in.)

Simple Tools

• Cardboard Crafting: Making creative items like sculptures, dioramas, or reusable crafts from cardboard.
• Clay Art: Shaping and molding clay to create textured designs, impressions, or small sculptures inspired by nature or imagination.
• Foam Printing: Using foam sheets and simple tools for printmaking.
• Nature Crafts: Uses nature directly in the process: through materials (like rocks, leaves, or soil), outdoor spaces, or natural forces (like sunlight or wind)
• Nature Inspired Crafts: Art that creates something that reflects nature’s colors, patterns, themes, or messages.
• Paper Crafts: Origami, paper flowers, or paper mâché projects.
• Stencil Art: Using stencils and sponges or brushes.
• String Art: Using nails and thread or yarn to create intricate patterns or designs on wooden boards.

Advanced Crafts

• Crochet: Looping yarn with a hook to make small items like bracelets, toys, or decorations.
• Embroidery: Learning basic stitches to create designs on fabric.
• Felting: Using wool to create small sculptures or decorations.
• Knitting: Using two needles to stitch yarn into flat or shaped fabric pieces
• Loom Beading: Creating patterns with beads using a small loom.
• Macramé: Making wall hangings or plant holders with knotting techniques.
• Pottery: Crafting small clay items that can be air-dried or kiln-fired.
• Textiles: Simple weaving projects or fabric dyeing with natural materials.

Jewelry Making

• Beaded Jewelry: Making necklaces, bracelets, or keychains with beads.
• Friendship Bracelets: Knots and patterns using thread or yarn with different tools to hold the threads as you are knotting them.
• Shrink Plastic Jewelry: Drawing designs on shrink plastic to create charms or pendants.
• Wire Wrapping: Using wire to wrap stones or beads for unique jewelry pieces.

Artisanal Crafts

• Basket Weaving: Crafting small baskets using natural or synthetic materials.
• Bath Bombs: Making colorful, fizzy bath bombs.
• Lip Balm or Lotion Bars: Simple recipes for skincare items.
• Pressed Flower Art: Incorporating dried flowers into candles or soap.
• Perfume Blending: Creating custom scents using essential oils.

Science and Nature Crafts

• Bug Hotels: Assembling small shelters for beneficial insects like bees or ladybugs.
• DIY Terrariums: Building tiny ecosystems in jars with soil, plants, and small decorations.
• Solar Ovens: Making small ovens out of cardboard to cook simple treats using the sun.
• Wind Chimes: Creating chimes out of natural items like shells or sticks.

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For More Fun Ideas and Plans

for Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Scouts

This is a supportive Facebook community for Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Girl Scout leaders. Whether you’re seeking advice, fresh ideas, or meeting plans, you’re in the right place! Let’s inspire each other, share our experiences, and make every troop meeting a memorable adventure.

for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Scouts

This is a supportive community for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Girl Scout leaders. This group offers solutions to keep older scouts engaged in scouting amidst their busy lives. Share strategies, tackle challenges, and exchange ideas for fun, meaningful activities that resonate with teens and build lasting connections.

Find out how you can support The Badge Archive!

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Return to the D/B/J Craft and Tinker Activity List for how to fulfill the other requirements beyond the Craft Projects.

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