My son has been coming home from school with Christmas on the brain for a few weeks now, and we have been reading Christmas books over and over and OVER (Caillou, Busy Town, Max and Ruby - everyone, it seems, has a Christmas version). When I saw this ornament craft kit at Michael's, I knew it was just the right level for both boys to be able to do, and that it would fulfill the "Is this for Christmas?" requirement that all activities now seem to have. Once the glitter and sequins had been properly applied and the goops of glue had dried, we needed somewhere to display them. (I have decided to hold off on the tree for a bit longer because it dried out so badly last year.)
So I did what I always do and scrounged around for something I could re-purpose. This green flower pot has been sitting idle for a few seasons, and by idle I mean upside down in the dirt under our porch. I had the gold paint left over from the buddha project, and this awesome ScotchBlue painters tape that I had been itching to try out. I sprayed the bottom and couldn't believe how crisp a line that tape made - nothing got under it to leave a little squiggle, which is saying something with this spray paint (it seems to be very, very runny). I was actually out doing this in the SNOW, and was worried the tape might not stick well with the moisture on the pot, but it worked great.
The boys had I had been hunting for the perfect stick on our walks and this one made it's way home from the park with us one day. I sprayed it (and part of my patio furniture) white and stuck it in the pot using some sand from our sandbox in the back (I should really probably clean that guy out...). We hung the ornaments (which weigh nothing) and voila, two happy boys and one happy momma. I wasn't sure if I liked the green and gold combo as much as I thought I would, but it is growing on me. I like that it is delicate and sculptural. And wouldn't the branch look pretty hung with little gold balls on gold ribbon too?
I love this idea! I did a larger version for our Christmas tree last year, though this year we're going back to the needle-dropping tree. Was nice for a change though and I love the idea of a table-top version :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Amelia! Yes, I like how simple it is, but I don't think I could get away with not getting the great big needle-dropping tree. :)
ReplyDeleteLooks great. What a great DIY!
ReplyDeleteIt's a great Christmas craft to do with kids. I bet they're so proud!
ReplyDeleteThanks Nicole! They don't get much easier, as long as you have all the stuff on hand! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Carol, they are indeed. William likes to stand in front and declare "I made that one!" to whomever happens to walk by... or just the empty air... ! :)
ReplyDeleteHi, Lisa! I just found you via the BlogTrends chat and your blog is lovely. I have two young boys, too, who love finding sticks on our nature walks, so we just might have to make this craft! :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a good idea for all those million of ornaments they make when the kiddos are young. If you are smart you will hang on to the tree and use it at Easter too. I love that you went all out and spray-painted the pot (by the way, where do you spray-paint at this time of the year?).
ReplyDeleteHow is the basement going?
this is super cute, like it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Heather! I am kind of amazed at how much I like it considering how easy peasy it was - it felt like I was cheating somehow! :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a good idea Sylvia, there are endless possibilities for a good old stick - could be fun at Halloween too! I spray painted in the back yard, in the snow, and managed to get it all over my coat and patio furniture. Sometimes I ressemble my father in frighting ways...
ReplyDeleteOh, and the basement is NOT going, at least not yet. But I still have faith!
ReplyDeleteYou should Catherine - it is so, so simple but effective. And it works for all those light-weight kids crafts - snowflakes, popsicle sticks, pipe cleaner ornaments... and gives them some nice display space. :)
ReplyDeleteSuper cool creation, Lisa!
ReplyDelete