Blossom Tree

When I was asked to write about a craft activity on the theme of “A Fresh Start,” I found it quite a challenge. My first thought was to do something about cleaning, but I didn’t feel that was going to be a particularly enjoyable craft! I then decided to look for something fresh that would brighten up a cold, dreary winter afternoon. This activity fitted my idea beautifully, and while it does not involve cleaning, there is a small element of recycling.

Materials:

• A3 white paper
• Black, pink and light green paint
• 500-ml beverage bottle
• Paint brush
• Optional: green and pink tissue paper and glue

Instructions:

1. Paint a black tree trunk with plenty of branches and let it dry for a few minutes.

2. Dip the bottom of the bottle in the green paint and use to print leaves all over the branches.

3. Repeat using the pink paint to make blossoms.

4. If you like, tear up and scrunch small pieces of tissue paper to add extra leaves and flowers.

By Karen Clayton
Karen is originally from Scotland and now lives in Zurich with her husband and two sons.  She is a primary school teacher who now runs her own business, Smart Owls, offering English tuition for children and workshops for different age groups.  More information can be found at smartowls.wordpress.com.