During this time of uncertainty, it can be difficult to find new ways to keep families entertained whilst remaining indoors, with many looking to learn new skills and keep minds active. Canon’s (Canon-CNA.com) free Creative Park (bit.ly/3bAy3bb) is on hand to help keep people occupied with thousands of fun papercraft kits available through the website and mobile app, to bring the whole family together creatively.

From personalised greeting cards and calendars to picture frames and 3D art, Creative Park makes crafting simple and fun with easy to follow instructions. From tiny tots to seasoned crafters, Creative Park has something that will challenge and inspire people of all ages to unleash their creativity, by simply downloading and printing one of the easy design templates. To help get started, here’s a selection of Creative Park crafts to keep the whole family busy:

• Help combat loneliness with a personalised card: During this period of social distancing, loneliness will be more prevalent than ever. But its never been simpler for people to show they are thinking of someone than with a hand crafted, personalised card from Creative Park. With multiple designs for every occasion, crafters can show their loved ones just how much they care even when they can’t see them in person.

Try the Carnation Card (bit.ly/2UOPeim) pattern to brighten someone’s home, or for a message that truly pops, use this Pop-up Heart card (bit.ly/2wQdPeK).

• Bring the outside in: While a trip to the Zoo might be temporarily on hold, why not create your own safari or zoo at home? Parents can spend some time making paper animals with their kids and with everything from cats to capybaras, they are sure to find their favourite animal amongst the selection of templates available. Children can truly transport themselves with one of the dioramas which will help them imagine the environments their favourite animal might live in.  Or, they can try to eleviate boredom with a striking white tiger (bit.ly/39qVfr6) or a cuddly looking giant panda (bit.ly/33W0C05), not forgetting to give them a home in this Asian Bamboo forest (bit.ly/39vdKdI).

• Spark your childs curiosity: With schools closed and children having to stay home at the moment, its very important they have time for creativity and opportunities to learn new skills. Creative Park hosts a plethora of educational content to support and stimulate pre or primary school children during this time. Engaging activities such as pop-up fairytales, picture matching flash cards, puzzles and time telling tools offer different challenges for children of different ages.

Make story time memorable with Little Red Riding Hood (bit.ly/2JqnZ8U), help children tell the time with the  paper clock (bit.ly/2UsN8WJ) or practice naming everyday items with  Flash Cards (Everyday Items). (bit.ly/2vVw02e)

• Hobbies At Home: For many, spending extra time at home allows people the time to brightening up their space. From wall hangings and decorations, to ornate floral paper crafts, Creative Park has a collection of patterns that enable homemakers to add personal touches to their home.

This Bonsai Paper Craft Cherry Blossoms (bit.ly/2w3b7Cu) pattern will bring serenity to any home, while the Tile Decals (Northern European/Snowflakes/White) (bit.ly/2vZ3H37) offer a nice change of scenery to a kitchen.

Take creativity even further with the Creative Park app [1]. Easily personalise paper creations with text and photos for a one of the kind design. Simply download the free app and create a Canon ID to get access to a world of creative materials that will stave off boredom.

Canon would love to see what you create, so please share your crafts on social media using the hashtag #FreeYourStory.

Ten Creative Park highlights:

• Use papercraft to help children with their geography: bit.ly/39zKMK5
• Enjoy this work of art without the museum: bit.ly/2w43USI
• Create an indoor garden with the family for a fresh space: bit.ly/39qVHWk
• Get set for Easter at home: bit.ly/2Jo3YzD
• Double the fun with papercraft and puzzle challenge! bit.ly/2UL7b1w
• Try putting on a puppet show as an alternative to TV: bit.ly/2WUId2g
• This Mars rover is out of this world: bit.ly/2wDC3Jp
• Planes, trains and automobiles:
  • bit.ly/341Xwb1
  • bit.ly/2xCrBSd
  • bit.ly/33WasPD

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).