Play: Fall tree craft

Every so often I try to have my boys make a craft project that can be used as a seasonal decoration through the years. I still remember the pilgrim I made in kindergarten that my mom got out every Thanksgiving! I hope that this fall tree craft will be a yearly reminder of all the time we've spent doing fun art projects together.

 

 

Supplies:
puzzle with small pieces (I got mine from the dollar store)
heavy paper
brown felt
paint in fall colors

First I had the boys paint the puzzle pieces to look like fall leaves. It took my perfectionistic son awhile to get the hang of NOT painting the leaves with geometric shapes. When I joined in the painting the kids saw that the leaves looked fun and realistic when you let the colors blend together.

Next I traced the boys’ hands/arm on the brown felt and cut the handprints out.

On heavy paper, I had the boys paint some green grass. You'll notice in the photo of the finished project that the grass is shorter than in this photo. I thought this grass looked like it could use a mowing, so I had the kids try again.

After the grass was dry I glued the "trees" onto their papers. I used white paper instead of blue (sky colored) because I plan to keep this project and construction paper will fade. Another option would be to get blue scrapbooking paper. Then the boys glued the fall leaves where they wanted them. I had them use cue tips to spread the glue, since that tends to keep things a little less sticky.

I think they turned out cute and colorful! I know when my boys are grown I'll be looking at those little hands and feeling all nostalgic. Just promise me that if I start telling young moms with tantruming preschoolers at the grocery store that "these are best years" of their lives, you will come slap me upside the head. Cute little handprints notwithstanding.  (Disclaimer: I am very happy with "these years of my life".  Just those particular moments at the grocery store are not my favorite.)

 

Other suggestions for using painted puzzle pieces:
-Purchase a inexpensive frame and decorate the frame to hold a fall photo
-Put a few puzzle pieces on the front of a homemade greeting card
-Decorate a jar or can with paper and puzzle pieces to make a vase that can hold fall flowers

Until next time, MaryAnn

I've linked up with rainydaymum.co.uk and http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/