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Autumn Activities
5 Crafts from Nature By Kymberly Pratt
No other season supplies more craft materials than fall. Pinecones, fall leaves, acorns, sticks and other adornments of autumn will help you and your toddler bring the season inside and add a festive feel to your Thanksgiving dinner.
Corn CandlesYou'll need:
Wide 4- to 5-inch white round candle in several different heights
Dry, ornamental corn on the cob
White tacky glue or hot glue
Small plate
Here's what you do:
Remove the corn kernels from the cob by using a knife or fork. (This part is for Mom or Dad only!)
Show your child how to dip the kernels in the glue and then stick on the candle. Cover the entire candle and then allow to dry completely.
When the candle is dry, set it on the small plate and use to decorate your Thanksgiving table.
You'll need:
Wide mouth straight vase
Long candle taper
Dry corn, beans or legumes, or macaroni shapes
Paper plates
Here's what you do:
Start by standing each vase you are filling up on the table, each on a paper plate to help catch anything that falls out during the process. Help your child fill each vase about two-thirds full with different beans, legumes, corn or pasta shapes, or a combination of all. You can mix them before you pour, or layer them for a fun look.
After the vase is filled, stick the candle taper into the middle. Place on the dinner table or any other place that needs a fall accent.
You'll need:
Styrofoam wreath, any size
Paper lunch sacks
White tacky glue or hot glue
12 inches of ribbon or twine
Here's what you do:
Give each child a paper bag and then take a nature walk! Look for sticks, leaves, acorns, pinecones anything that has that fall feel to it.
When you get home, pour the contents of the bags onto newspaper. Make sure everything is dry and there were no little passengers (bugs!).