Here's a great recycled project that even the youngest kids can complete with minimal supervision. Using found items is a great way for kids to get interested in art. Take them on a nature walk or a scavenger hunt around your house. Make it a theme—by color or place such as the beach. Use these items, glue and a plastic lid to make a fun craft. These can be done year round, during the summer with items you find at the beach or with a holiday theme for your Christmas tree. There are so many themes you can use and your kids will love making them—just think you could even make these as gifts for the grandparents!
In this project we used red and green buttons to match the colors on our Christmas tree; however, you could use pine needles from your tree or pieces of pinecone and glitter to resemble snow. You could include beads or pearls or if you do this during the summer you could use sea glass and seashells. Have fun experimenting with what you have around your house!
Instructions
STEP 1:
Take a plastic lid, such as a Pringles can lid or other plastic lid. Fill the lid with white school glue.
STEP 2:
Add ribbon and press into the glue.
STEP 3:
Place a solid or heavier object on top of the ribbon, such as a marble, pebble or large button.
STEP 4:
Fill the rest of the lid with found items.
STEP 5:
Let dry. There is a lot of glue in these little lids, so it takes time to dry. Maybe two of three days—and if when you pop them out the backside is wet just flip it over and let it dry one more day.
STEP 6:
Pop out of the lid.
STEP 7:
Hang on your Christmas tree as an ornament or in your window as a sun catcher.