Maybe it is because we are in a region where the season changes are more subtle, but I love autumn arts and crafts! The fiery reds, oranges, and earth tones unmistakably mark this transitional time of year. Halloween just happened, and Thanksgiving is on the way. Why not have your kids look to nature for creative inspiration? This project is as easy as it is cute! The miniature scale makes it look magical.
We made these with kids at MakeSpace ARTS and discussed expressionism, gesture, movement. Some of the children’s trees looked incredibly knarred and spooky, others were gently lilting and delicate. The great thing about this project is that while there are steps to follow, there is plenty room to be creative.
A cool variation on the project could be to create a faux bonsai tree! You could use green tissue paper instead of the fall colors for leaves. You could even roll the tissue in your fingers and make pine needle-like foliage. You could place the tree in a recycled container, (like a take-out carton). Then make gravel out of wadded up tissue paper and cover the base of the tree for effect. So cute!
Enjoy and remember to MakeSpace for art in your life!
Level of difficulty: Easy
Recommended Ages: 3 and up
Mess Level: low
What you will need:
- 1 brown paper lunch bag
- Scissors
- School glue
- Colorful tissue paper squares
- Starting at the top, cut four 3” slits in lunch bag. They should only go about half way down the bag.
- Open the bag and flatten the bottom.
- If you are using the tree as a goodie bag, place jelly beans, trail mix, or whatever you like in the bottom of the bag.
- Using both hands, twist the middle of the bag in two directions to create the trunk.
- Twist the strips at the top into branches.
- Crumple tissue paper squares and glue onto the branches and base of the tree.
Sara Hunsucker is Owner and Director of Programs at MakeSpace ARTS in Pasadena, and a brand new mom! MakeSpace ARTS is a teaching art studio in Pasadena, California with programs for kids of all ages. To see upcoming activities like the featured project, visit their website at www.makespacearts.com.
