Big List of Bible-Based Craft Ideas for Catholic Kids

Over 100 craft ideas to help emphasize Biblical truths as you read the Bible with your children.

Reading the Word of God

Do you choose a word for the year? I have for several years now. This year my word is “Hear.” I am feeling really called to hear God’s Word more often in my life.

For this reason, I am also feeling a renewed dedication to reading God’s Word with my children.

Can I let you in on a little secret? I am not the homeschool mom who does a bunch of crafts. However, at certain ages especially, there is something about creating things with their hands that really helps kids learn and integrate what they are hearing.

Craft Materials:

Not all crafts need to be paper, crayons and the dreaded glitter glue. Playdough, plasticine, and even Lego bricks are awesome materials for building and can really help get kid’s creativity flowing.

So here’s to a quiet afternoon reading Bible stories and crafting with our kiddos!

Kids Craft Ideas From the Old Testament

I didn’t get all 46 books of the complete Catholic Old Testament here, but there are lots of ideas you won’t find in typical Protestant Bible story craft round-ups.

Genesis:

Creation Collage: Create a collage depicting the days of creation using pictures or drawings.
Noah’s Ark: Make a giant ark out of a big cardboard box and invite all your stuffed animals to join you within.
Abraham’s Starry Night: Create a night sky with stars using black paper and glow-in-the-dark paint to represent God’s promise to Abraham about his descendants being as numerous as the stars.
Joseph’s Coat of Many Colors: Craft a coat using an oversize t-shirt and Sharpies or fabric paint, inspired by the story of Joseph and his coat of many colors (Genesis 37:3).

Exodus:

Moses and the Burning Bush: Craft a burning bush using tissue paper as flames on brown construction paper. (Exodus 3:2-4).
Red Sea Crossing: Use playdough or plasticine to make your own model of the crossing of the Red Sea.
Manna in the Wilderness Jar: Decorate a jar and fill it with small, edible items to represent manna, reminding children of God’s provision during the Israelites’ time in the wilderness (Exodus 16).

Joshua:

Joshua and the Battle of Jericho Trumpets: Craft trumpets using paper rolls to represent the trumpets used in the Battle of Jericho.
Promised Land Map: Create a map of the Promised Land with symbols representing key locations in Joshua’s journey.

Ruth:

Ruth and Boaz Harvest Basket: Decorate a small basket with harvest items to represent Ruth gleaning in Boaz’s field.
Ruth and Naomi Friendship Bracelets: Make friendship bracelets to illustrate the bond between Ruth and Naomi.

Samuel:

Samuel Hears God’s Voice Craft: Craft an ear shape with a message about listening to God, inspired by Samuel hearing God’s voice.
Eli and Samuel Lamp Craft: Get some dollar store tealights and some mason jars. Decorate them as lamps with messages about staying in God’s light, inspired by Eli and Samuel.

Tobit

Tobit’s Fish Craft: Tobit 6:1-9 (Tobit and the Angel): Create fish using paper or craft foam, and attach a small paper angel to represent the angel Raphael guiding Tobit.

Esther:

Queen Esther Crown: Craft a crown using paper and jewels to represent Queen Esther’s royal position.
Esther’s Courageous Scroll: Create a scroll with Esther’s prayer for courage using paper and markers.

Maccabees

Maccabean Shield Craft: Story Inspiration: 1 Maccabees 3:1-9 (Judah Maccabee’s leadership) Design and decorate shields using paper plates or cardboard, incorporating symbols representing courage and faith.

Psalms:

Psalm 23: The Lord is My Shepherd:

Shepherd and Sheep: Create a picture depicting a shepherd caring for sheep. Use cotton balls for the sheep’s wool and craft sticks for the shepherd. Discuss the comforting imagery of God as our Shepherd in Psalm 23.
Green Pasture Diorama: Build a diorama with green paper or fabric to represent a pasture. Add small figures of sheep and a shepherd. Discuss the symbolism of green pastures and still waters in Psalm 23.

Psalm 46: Be Still, and Know that I am God:

Reflection Jars: Fill small jars with water, oil, and glitter. When shaken, the glitter represents the chaos of life. As it settles, discuss the concept of being still and finding peace, as mentioned in Psalm 46:10.
Mountain Collage: Create a collage featuring mountains and streams using torn paper or magazine cutouts. Discuss the strength and stability found in God, as described in Psalm 46.

Psalm 100: Enter His Gates with Thanksgiving:

Thanksgiving Tree: Create a tree using craft paper. Attach paper leaves with words of thanks written by children. Discuss gratitude and entering God’s presence with thanksgiving, inspired by Psalm 100:4.
Praise Tambourines: Decorate small tambourines with praise-related symbols and words from Psalm 100. Use them during a time of praise and worship, connecting the craft to the theme of joyful praise.

Psalm 139: I am Fearfully and Wonderfully Made:

Mirror Craft: Provide small mirrors for children to decorate. Discuss the idea of being fearfully and wonderfully made as they personalize their mirrors with positive affirmations.
Body Outline Art: Trace the outline of a child’s body on large paper. Have them decorate the body outline with words and images representing uniqueness and being fearfully and wonderfully made, inspired by Psalm 139:14.

Psalm 121: The Lord is My Help:

Hiking Stick Craft: Decorate craft sticks as hiking sticks. Attach a small card with Psalm 121:1-2. Discuss the symbolism of the Lord being our help and guide in life’s journey.
Mountain Climber Collage: Create a collage featuring mountains and climbers. Discuss the theme of God being our helper and protector in Psalm 121.

Psalm 19: The Heavens Declare the Glory of God:

Starry Sky Art: Allow children to create their version of a starry sky using dark paper and glow-in-the-dark stars or paint. Discuss the beauty of the heavens and God’s glory, as mentioned in Psalm 19:1.
Sun and Moon Mobile: Create a mobile with sun and moon cutouts. Attach phrases from Psalm 19:1-6, emphasizing the declaration of God’s glory by the celestial bodies.

Psalm 34: Taste and See that the Lord is Good:

Tasting Colors Activity: Provide various fruits with different colors. Let children taste and then draw or paint their favorite fruit. Discuss the goodness of the Lord and the analogy of tasting and seeing in Psalm 34:8.
Recipe Cards: Decorate recipe cards with illustrations of favorite foods. Discuss the idea of “tasting and seeing” God’s goodness in different aspects of life, inspired by Psalm 34:8.

Proverbs

Wisdom Jar: Decorate jars or containers with Proverbs verses about wisdom. Have children write or draw their favorite wisdom verses on slips of paper and place them in the jar. This can serve as a Wisdom Jar that they can refer to for guidance.
Path of Wisdom Footprint Art: Create a path on a large piece of paper or on the floor using footprints. On each footprint, write or illustrate a different proverb. Discuss the idea of walking the path of wisdom as they step on each footprint.
Proverbs Bookmarks: Design bookmarks with Proverbs verses on them. Encourage children to use these bookmarks in their Bibles or other books. They can also give these as gifts to family and friends as a reminder of the importance of wisdom.
Fruit of the Spirit Tree: Draw or create a tree and add different types of fruit cutouts, each representing a virtue or quality mentioned in Proverbs (e.g., love, kindness, humility). Discuss how these virtues lead to a wise and fulfilling life.

Sirach

Wisdom Scrolls Craft: Provide paper or parchment-style paper, and have children write or draw their favorite verses from Sirach. Roll the paper into scrolls and tie them with ribbon or twine.

Isaiah

Messiah Star Ornament: Cut out star shapes from cardboard or heavy paper. On each star, have children write or draw a verse from Isaiah that foretells the coming of the Messiah (e.g., Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:6). Decorate the stars with glitter or paint, and attach a string for hanging. This craft serves as a visual reminder of the prophetic messages in Isaiah.

Jeremiah

Torn and Mended Paper Craft: Provide sheets of paper and instruct children to tear them into pieces. Discuss how Jeremiah used a broken and marred pot as a metaphor (Jeremiah 18:1-6). Have the children glue the torn pieces onto another sheet of paper to create an image or symbol. Emphasize the message that, just as God can reshape the broken pot, He can heal and mend broken lives.

Lamentations

Prayer Wall: Set up a large piece of paper or cardboard on the wall, creating a communal “Prayer Wall.” Provide markers or sticky notes for children to write down prayers, concerns, or reflections. This activity encourages a collective expression of sorrow and a shared space for seeking comfort.

Ezekiel

Visionary Wheel Craft: Create paper or cardboard wheels divided into sections. In each section, have children draw or write representations of Ezekiel’s visions, such as the wheels within wheels (Ezekiel 1:15-21). Attach the wheels together with a brad in the center, allowing them to turn. This craft visually depicts Ezekiel’s vivid visions.
Valley of Dry Bones Diorama: Set up a diorama depicting the Valley of Dry Bones (Ezekiel 37:1-14). Use craft materials like clay or modeling dough for bones, and create a diorama with cardboard or shoeboxes to represent the valley. Discuss the significance of this vision and the message of hope and restoration.

Daniel:

Daniel in the Lion’s Den Puppet Craft: Make lion puppets with yarn manes and act out the story of Daniel in the lion’s den.
Daniel’s Prayer Rock: Decorate rocks with messages of prayer and faith, inspired by Daniel’s commitment.
Susanna’s Garden Craft: Plant a small indoor garden in a pot, and discuss the importance of truth and justice inspired by Susanna’s story.

Jonah

Whale Craft: Provide paper plates, colored paper, googly eyes, and markers. Instruct children to create a paper plate whale, representing the sea creature that swallowed Jonah. They can add Jonah inside the whale’s belly (the plates).

Kids Crafts from the New Testament

Here are craft ideas for each book of the New Testament in canonical order:

Matthew:

Parable Puppets: Create simple finger puppets featuring characters from Matthew’s parables, such as the Good Samaritan or the Prodigal Son. Use these puppets to act out the parables and discuss their meanings.
Sermon on the Mount Scene: Construct a small diorama depicting scenes from the Sermon on the Mount. Use paper cutouts or small figurines to represent Jesus and the crowd. Discuss the Beatitudes and their significance.
Fishers of Men Craft: Craft fishing rods using sticks and string with fish cutouts featuring Bible verses from Matthew 4:19. Discuss the concept of being “fishers of men” as children “catch” fish with verses.

Mark:

Good News Newspaper: Create a “Good News” newspaper with headlines and articles summarizing key events from the Gospel of Mark. Discuss the urgency and excitement in Mark’s narrative.
Feeding the 5000 Collage: Make a collage of a basket filled with loaves and fishes using cutouts from magazines or colored paper. Discuss the miracle of feeding the 5000 and Jesus’ compassion.
Jesus Heals Craft: Craft band-aids or healing hands using paper. Write or draw instances where Jesus healed people in Mark’s Gospel. Discuss the healing power of Jesus.

Luke:

Good Samaritan Art: Create art inspired by the Good Samaritan story. Use paint or markers to illustrate scenes and characters, emphasizing the message of compassion.
Zacchaeus Tree Craft: Construct a tree with Zacchaeus figures climbing up. Discuss the story of Zacchaeus and the theme of repentance and transformation.
Prodigal Son Story Stones: Decorate stones with images or words representing the stages of the Prodigal Son story. Use these stones to retell and discuss forgiveness and reconciliation.

John:

Jesus and Nicodemus Craft: Create a nighttime scene with Jesus and Nicodemus using glow-in-the-dark paint or stars. Discuss the conversation about being born again from John 3.
Bread of Life Baking: Make bread together to represent the Bread of Life discourse in John 6. Discuss the significance of Jesus placing such emphasis on this and why it represents the Real Presence in the Eucharist.
Foot Washing Activity: Set up a foot washing activity, allowing children to wash each other’s feet as a reenactment of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet. Discuss the humility and servanthood emphasized in John 13.

Acts:

Pentecost Windsock: Create windsocks with flames to represent the Holy Spirit coming upon the disciples at Pentecost (Acts 2).

Paul’s Missionary Map: Design a map showcasing Paul’s missionary journeys. USe the teabag method to make it look aged. Discuss the spread of the Gospel and Paul’s dedication to sharing it.

Shipwreck Legos: Build a diorama depicting Paul’s shipwreck (Acts 27) using Lego bricks. Discuss God’s protection and guidance in difficult times.

Romans:

Armor of God Craft: Create paper armor pieces representing the “Armor of God” mentioned in Romans 13:12. Discuss the importance of spiritual readiness and putting on God’s armor.

Love in Action Poster: Make a poster illustrating Romans 12:9-21, emphasizing love in action. Include images or drawings representing kindness, forgiveness, and compassion.

Road to Salvation: Draw a picture featuring a road with signposts pointing to salvation. Discuss key verses from Romans that highlight the pathway to salvation.

1 Corinthians:

Love is Patient, Love is Kind Frame: Decorate picture frames with the words “Love is patient, love is kind” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). Children can add personal photos and discuss the characteristics of love.

Body of Christ Puzzle: Create a puzzle featuring body parts to represent the “Body of Christ” analogy from 1 Corinthians 12. Discuss the importance of unity within the church.

Resurrection Seed Cups: Decorate small seed cups with resurrection-themed symbols. Plant seeds and discuss the concept of resurrection and new life from 1 Corinthians 15.

2 Corinthians:

Treasure in Jars of Clay Craft: Decorate clay pots or jars to represent “treasure in jars of clay” (2 Corinthians 4:7). Discuss the idea of God’s light shining through us despite our imperfections.

Galatians:

Fruit of the Spirit Tree: Create a tree with different fruits, each representing a “fruit of the Spirit” from Galatians 5:22-23. Discuss the importance of cultivating these qualities.
Freedom Chains: Make paper chains symbolizing freedom in Christ. Write or draw on each link ways in which believers are free in Christ (Galatians 5:1). Discuss the concept of spiritual freedom.

Ephesians:

Armor of God Shield Craft: Design shields representing the “Armor of God” from Ephesians 6:10-17. Discuss the importance of each piece of armor for spiritual warfare.
Body of Christ Mobile: Create a mobile featuring interconnected body parts to symbolize the “Body of Christ” analogy from Ephesians 4:11-16. Discuss the idea of each believer contributing to the unity of the church.

Philippians:

Joyful Banner: Decorate a banner with the word “Joy” and uplifting images. Discuss the theme of joy in Philippians and the importance of rejoicing in the Lord.
Mind of Christ Crown: Create crowns with phrases or images representing having the “mind of Christ” from Philippians 2:5. Discuss the humility and attitude of Christ.
Pressing Toward the Goal Race Bibs: Design race bibs with the phrase “Pressing Toward the Goal” from Philippians 3:14. Discuss the concept of persevering in the Christian journey.

Colossians:

Rooted and Built Up Planters: Decorate small planters with the words “Rooted and built up in Him” (Colossians 2:7). Plant seeds and discuss the importance of being rooted in Christ.
Clothed in Compassion Clothesline: Create a clothesline with paper clothes representing virtues mentioned in Colossians 3:12-14. Discuss the importance of putting on virtues like compassion and kindness.
Thanksgiving Tree: Construct a tree with leaves on which children can write things they are thankful for, inspired by Colossians 3:15. Discuss the theme of gratitude and thanksgiving.

1 Thessalonians:

Encouraging Letters: Have children write or draw encouraging messages on small pieces of paper. Fold and seal them in envelopes, inspired by the theme of encouragement in 1 Thessalonians 5:11.
Trumpet Craft: Create trumpets using paper rolls and decorate them with words like “shout” and “trumpet,” inspired by 1 Thessalonians 4:16. Discuss the theme of the trumpet sounding at Christ’s return.
Day of the Lord Sun Catchers: Make sun catchers featuring images of the sun and clouds to represent the coming of the “Day of the Lord” from 1 Thessalonians 5:2. Discuss the importance of being prepared.

2 Thessalonians:

Prayer Chain: Create a paper chain with links representing prayers for endurance and faithfulness, inspired by 2 Thessalonians 3:5. Discuss the role of prayer in maintaining faith.
“Stand Firm” Shield Craft: Design shields with the words “Stand firm” from 2 Thessalonians 2:15. Discuss the importance of standing firm in the teachings of the apostles.
Do Not Grow Weary in Well-Doing: Draw tools of the labour and toil and talk about the importance of hard work in 2 Thess 3.

1 Timothy:

Armor of God Poster: Create a poster featuring elements of the “Armor of God” from 1 Timothy 6:12. Discuss the idea of spiritual warfare and the importance of standing firm.
Shepherd and Sheep Craft: Make simple shepherd and sheep cutouts to represent the pastoral theme in 1 Timothy. Discuss the responsibilities of a shepherd and the care provided to the flock.
Run the Race Relay: Have your own little relay race with a baton labeled “Run the Race” based on 1 Timothy 6:12. Discuss the concept of persevering in the race of faith.

2 Timothy:

Faithful Torchbearers Craft: Create torches using cardboard and tissue paper. Discuss the metaphor of passing the torch of faith from one generation to the next in 2 Timothy 2:2.
Scripture Memory Cards: Design cards with verses from 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Encourage children to decorate and memorize these verses, emphasizing the importance of Scripture.
“I Have Fought the Good Fight” Banner: Decorate banners with the phrase “I have fought the good fight” (2 Timothy 4:7). Discuss the concept of finishing the race and keeping the faith.

Titus:

Good Works Wreath: Create a wreath with paper leaves featuring phrases from Titus 3:8 about maintaining good works. Discuss the importance of believers engaging in acts of kindness.
Sound Doctrine Megaphones: Decorate paper megaphones with the words “Sound Doctrine” from Titus 2:1. Discuss the significance of teaching and adhering to sound biblical doctrine.
Builder’s Toolbox: Decorate small boxes or toolboxes to represent a builder’s toolkit, inspired by Titus 1:5. Discuss the role of leaders in building up the church.

Philemon:

Forgiveness Chain: Create a paper chain with links representing acts of forgiveness, inspired by the theme of forgiveness in Philemon. Discuss the importance of reconciliation.

Hebrews:

Jesus, Our High Priest Crown: Make crowns with the words “Jesus, Our High Priest” from Hebrews 4:14. Discuss the role of Jesus as the ultimate High Priest.
Faithful Heroes Banner: Design a banner featuring images or symbols of faithful heroes from Hebrews. Discuss the examples of faith and endurance highlighted in the book.

James:

Taming the Tongue Craft: Craft a large tongue from paper and discuss James 3:1-12 about the power of words. Decorate the tongue with positive and negative words.
Fruitful Tree Craft: Decorate a tree with paper fruits representing the “fruit of righteousness” from James 3:18. Discuss the concept of producing good fruits in the Christian life.

1 Peter:

Living Stones Collage: Create a collage with images of stones and the phrase “living stones” from 1 Peter 2:5. Discuss the idea of believers being built into a spiritual house.
Shield of Faith Craft: Design shields with the words “Shield of Faith” from Ephesians 6:16. Discuss the importance of faith as a protective shield, as mentioned in 1 Peter 1:5.
Hopeful Anchor Craft: Make anchors with the word “Hope” from 1 Peter 3:15. Discuss the theme of hope and being ready to share the reason for our hope.

2 Peter:

Building on a Solid Foundation Craft: Create a scene with houses on different foundations, inspired by the analogy in 2 Peter 1:5-7. Discuss the importance of building on a solid foundation of faith.
Lighthouse of Prophecy Craft: Decorate lighthouse cutouts with phrases from 2 Peter 1:19. Discuss the role of Scripture as a guiding light in our lives.

1 John:

God is Love: Create a mobile with hearts and the phrase “God is love” from 1 John 4:8. Discuss the central theme of love in 1 John.
Light and Darkness Collage: Make collages representing light and darkness, inspired by themes in 1 John 1:5. Discuss the metaphor of light and darkness in the Christian life.
Friendship Bracelets – Love One Another: Make friendship bracelets with the words “Love One Another” from 1 John 4:7. Discuss the importance of love within the Christian community.

2 John:

Truth and Love Weave: Create a weaving craft featuring the words “truth” and “love” from 2 John 1:4. Discuss the connection between truth and love in the Christian walk.
Hospitality Coasters: Decorate coasters with images representing hospitality, inspired by 2 John 1:10-11. Discuss the biblical importance of showing hospitality to fellow believers.
Walking in Truth Footprints: Create footprints with the words “walking in truth” from 2 John 1:4. Discuss the concept of walking in truth and living according to God’s Word.

3 John:

Gaius’ Generosity Box: Decorate small boxes representing Gaius’ generosity, inspired by 3 John 1:5-8. Discuss the importance of supporting fellow believers.
Loving Actions Cards: Create cards with actions representing love and hospitality, inspired by 3 John. Discuss the value of loving actions within the Christian community.

Jude:

Build Up Your Faith Tower: Create a tower using building blocks with phrases representing elements of the faith mentioned in Jude. Discuss the need to build up one’s faith.
Shield of Faith Craft: Design shields with the words “Shield of Faith” from Ephesians 6:16. Discuss the concept of faith as a protective shield, as mentioned in Jude 1:20-23.

Revelation:

Heavenly Scene: Create a drawing depicting scenes from Revelation 21-22, focusing on the new heaven and earth. Discuss the hope of eternal life and the promise of a new creation.
Seal of God Stamps: Design stamps featuring the “Seal of God” from Revelation 7:3. Discuss the significance of God’s protection and sealing of His people.
St Michael Swords: Make swords for the war in Revelation 12.

Conclusion

These craft ideas provide a hands-on and creative way for children to engage with the messages and teachings found in all 73 books of the Bible (give or take).

I hope this idea list helps you get your creative juices flowing! Of course you may want to adjust the complexity based on the age group and preferences of the kids involved, and use them as opportunities for discussion about the Bible, which is why we are here.