Nature Finds: Branch Blooms

A simple bloom technique that beautifully transforms a branch.

Materials

• Tissue paper (you can purchase this inexpensively at the dollar store)
• Scissors and/or fringing scissors (optional)
• Tacky glue
• Brown floral tape (optional- you can purchase this at florists, dollar stores, craft stores or online)
• Branches

Directions

• Collect fallen branches.  We selected ones that were more delicate in nature.

• We bought a tissue paper “fold” which assisted in the ease of the next step.  Unfold a few sheets, but leave them together.  (E.g., 3 layers depending on the sharpness of your scissors).

• Cut out a strip that is about 10 centimetres (approximately 2 inches) tall and 25 centimetres long (approximately 5 inches).

• Fold it on half longwise (see photograph).  A few teachers I used to work with referred to this as a “hot dog fold” which was really easy for the kids to understand.

• Cut down from the fold to about the half way point with each incision being an equal distance apart (we did approximately 1/2 a centimetre apart).

• Depending on the thickness of your branch cut your tissue paper into 2-3 sections along 2 or 3 of cuts.

• Put a thin line of glue along the bottom of your tissue paper (where there are no cuts). Wrap it around the end of your branch gently.  If you want a more full bloom, wrap it around several times.

• We wrapped the bottom of the bloom with a little bit of floral tape just to firmly secure it and give it a polished finished.  When using floral tape, be sure to pull it taut to activate the glue.

• Use your blooms to brighten up your table, a room or tie them with a ribbon to the top of a present.

Purpose

• Hand/eye coordination, fine motor skill development, scissors handling skills.

Safety Notes

• Use scissors with adult supervision.
• Be aware of other people when handling sticks.
• Follow the directions on glue products.