Ingredients
- 8 sheets of 8.5 by 11 inch cardstock in fall colors (rust, gold, brown, cream, and muted green)
- 4 sheets of 8.5 by 11 inch lightweight colored paper for collage pieces
- 1 sheet of 8.5 by 11 inch white cardstock for leaf templates
- 1 spool containing at least 5 feet of 1/4 inch cotton twine
- 1 bottle of 4 fluid ounces of water-based white craft glue (such as Elmer's)
- 1 disposable paper plate or 5 inch scrap of cardboard for holding glue
- 1 pair of child-safe scissors with blades about 4 inches long
- 1 pair of adult scissors with blades about 8 inches long
- 1 pencil with a medium-soft graphite point
- 1 ruler measuring at least 12 inches
- 1 small paintbrush, about 1/2 inch wide, for spreading glue
- 8 small clothespins or 8 binder clips for holding tabs while they dry
- 1 sheet of 24 by 36 inch newspaper, kraft paper, or a reusable table covering
- 1 package of 10 baby wipes or 2 damp cotton rags for quick cleanup
- 1 roll of 3/4 inch painter's tape for holding the template and twine
Instructions
- Cover the table with kraft paper or newspaper.
- Make the leaf template by drawing one simple leaf on white cardstock, about 5 inches long by 3 inches wide, and cut it out.
- Trace the leaf template around the colored cardstock eight times, varying the direction of the leaves.
- Cut out the leaf shapes using child-safe scissors or adult scissors.
- Tear the lightweight colored paper into pieces between 1/2 inch and 1.5 inches wide.
- Arrange the paper scraps on one leaf without glue to explore different designs.
- Pour about 1 tablespoon of glue onto a paper plate and brush a thin coat over part of the leaf.
- Place a paper scrap on top and smooth it gently from the center outward.
- Leave some small spaces if desired to allow the background to show through.
- Draw simple veins on each leaf using a pencil.
- Create the hanging tabs by cutting eight pieces of cardstock measuring 1 by 2 inches and folding each piece in half.
- Measure and cut 4 feet of cotton twine and lay it straight across the table.
- Attach the leaves to the twine using the folded tabs, spacing them about 6 inches apart.
- Secure each tab with a clothespin or binder clip.
- Let the garland dry flat for 2 to 4 hours, or overnight if necessary.
- Remove the clips, peel away the painter's tape, trim loose twine ends, and clean the workspace.
Notes
Children ages 4 and up can help with simpler tasks. Keep scissors pointed down when carrying them. Supervise young children closely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
