Pine Cone Turkey

Here is a fun idea to do with pretty leaves from your yard.  You can use fresh leaves or ones that you have pressed, dried and preserved between clear contact paper.   Lay a pine cone down on its side.  Stick in leaf "feathers" at the widest end of the pine cone.  Use white craft glue to attach "googly" eyes. Small leaves can be used for the beak and wattle of your turkey.

These make cute centerpieces and are tons of fun to create for ages preschool to senior citizen.

Inspired by the book:

Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes: Over 500 Quick, Easy Activities for Adults and Children to Share

by Becky Baxa

Available from http://www.Amazon.com

in both paperback and electronic versions.

Blog posts are many times an extension of this book. 

We started at 500+ and are counting upward and onward!

This book would make an excellent Christmas gift!

Order your copy today from 

http://www.Amazon.com

Leaf Person/Family

Fall is the perfect time to explore the beautiful, bountiful treasures of nature.       

Give each child a bag to pick up their favorite Fall treasures, then head outdoors to explore.  After your expedition, come inside and have a show and tell of what each person found.  This is a great time to share feelings and thoughts about why each person chose their items.  You will discover the inner thoughts and some of your child's values, too.

 

There are many things you can do with the natural items that you found.

But, one idea is to make pictures of leaf people.

Leaf people

Sort through your bag of treasures. 

Lay out the items in piles of different sizes, shapes, textures and colors.  

Plan your design.

Arrange leaves onto a piece of paper of your choice into people shapes.

You can also use your natural materials to make objects around your people: sun, trees, grass...

Glue on your design.

  Markers, construction paper or foam pieces can be used to make eyes, nose and mouth.

 

Have your child make a picture of the whole family using leaves and outdoor treasures. 

Don't forget the family pets in your creation.

 

Be sure to have your child sign and date this creation!