Our recycling bin is usually filled with boxes, containers and bottles. I confess that I often raid it to find materials for crafting with the kids. Yup, nothing but the best for my kids. When I was visiting another blog and saw Flower Prints From Soda Bottles I knew I wanted to try it and add my own spin to it. And I knew just where to look for some free art supplies. These Bottle Print Flowers are a great way to more use of a plastic bottle.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO MAKE BOTTLE PRINT FLOWERS?
- Empty plastic bottles (we used one liter, two liter and pint bottles)
- Tempera paint
- Tray
- Large white paper
- Green construction paper
- Glue
HOW DO YOU MAKE BOTTLE FLOWERS?
I squirted 4 colors of paint on a tray (you could use less or more, but my girls sometimes get overwhelmed with too many choices).
I showed the kids how they could hold a bottle and dip it in the paint so that the bottom of the bottle would get thoroughly coated. Then we pressed the bottles onto the paper to make our bottle print flowers. I liked that I used the different bottles because each one had a different bottom which resulted in a nice variety of flowers.
We are big Disney theme park fans in our house and A already sees hidden Mickeys everywhere. Maybe the brainwashing is working! I had to laugh when she made some prints and said "look, it's a Mickey head!" That's my girl!
They did many, many bottle print flowers and I almost ran out of places to put all the drying pictures. This ended up being a 2 day project since I got the idea that it would be cute to add some stems and grass to our paintings when they had dried. So the next day, I taped another piece of paper to their finished paintings and drew some stems on the flowers. If you have an older child you could have them draw the stems. I think pipe cleaners glued on the paper would make adorable stems too. For the grass I gave the girls some green construction paper to tear.
I then provided the girls with some recycled applesauce cups filled with Elmer's glue and a water color paint brush. They carefully glued the torn "grass" on the bottom of the paper.
See how careful they are being? Well that lasted about 3 minutes and then they started being un-careful and just putting the grass wherever they darn well pleased. Luckily they ran out of green paper before they could cover up the all the prints. Maybe the grass had just been mowed and a strong wind came along and blew it everywhere. Yes! Now that I think about it that must be what they were trying to convey. My daughters are geniuses!
GOT A CRAFTY KID?
The folks at Annie's know crafting, so you know they have put together some amazing kits for your kids.
For girls:
The Creative Girls Club subscription box will get your girl's creative juices flowing. Girls get two kits each month full of crafting fun. Best of all, the crafting can be done with minimal adult supervision. While she is creating, she will be learning valuable skills such as painting, beading, stitching, paper crafting, and much more!
For boys and girls:
These Young Woodworkers Kits have everything your little builder needs to create crafts and toys they can enjoy, while learning important woodworking skills along the way. Your child's first three kits will include 5 kid-sized, high-quality tools they'll use again and again. A new woodworking project is delivered every four weeks, with a new and exciting skill to master. Each project teaches a real world skill that kids will use for years to come.
For more flower activities check out:
Vicky
Material Girl, Thanks for the idea! Sounds like a good extension for next time.
Vicky
Hines Sight, Thanks for the kind words. Really if I can do it anyone can. I am not the perfect mom with perfect projects but I figure if they have some fun, learn something and kill some time then I'm happy.
Vicky
Sarah, you do amazing work with your students. They are lucky to have you. Thanks for commenting!
Vicky
Mindie, thanks! I am sure my kids will be into angry birds soon enough. Who knew it was so easy to make those fun cupcakes. I will check out the link up.
Vicky
Working mommy, they will be before you know it. Thanks for following!
Material Girl Green
Vicky, I'm following you back from http://materialgirlgreen.blogspot.com
Great idea for an activity! Next time they do this activity, you can encourage them to make ABA or AABB patterns with the colors to develop their cognitive skills!
Hines-Sight
Vicky.
As a parent, I'm going to say that your blog is wonderful. Thank you so much for reaching out to me, so that I could come and see your blog. I really like your ideas.
I am not a craft mom at all. Don't like to do it, but I think I will honestly do some things on here. It is so refreshing. I am definitely doing the fruit loop thing today for my son. We don't have fruit loops, but I"m hoping cheerios will work.
Many thanks. I'm following you as well.
Sarah
Torn paper can be used for so much. I make landscapes with my students actually. They love them!
Mindie Hilton
New follower with GFC. Thanks for visiting Bacon Time and your comment on my angry bird cupcakes. The cupcakes were for my sons 9th birthday but I made the mistake while waiting for an appointment one day and let my 2 year old play, now he always wants mommies cell phone. Looks like a lot of fun ideas on your site, can't wait to see more. Would love for you to link up at my any linky goes party. It is still up if you want to link up but starts each Friday Afternoon.
Working Mommy
Such a great project!! I wish my kiddos were old enough to appreciate all of your great ideas!
WM
Vicky
Brit, thanks so much for the follow back.
Vicky
May, thanks so much for checking us out.
Vicky
Coupon Saving Sista, Thanks for much for the visit!
Vicky
Jacque, Thanks for the follow! I'll be sure check out you Sunday link up.
Vicky
Asia, thanks for following Mess For Less.
Vicky
Reese, thanks - love your blog!
Vicky
Kristin, thanks for following!
Vicky
Sandy, thanks! Following you back!
Vicky
Michelle, thanks for checking us out!
Vicky
Andrea, LOL! Thanks for coming by!