DIY Pussy Willow Boutonniere

I remember making pussy willows and gluing them to paper branches as a child and we translated this experience into a handmade (and ever-lasting) boutonniere for Dad to wear on Father’s Day!  Give it to anyone special to you!

Materials

• Cotton swabs (We used the child-safe style for a more full “puff”) OR Cotton balls
• Twigs
• Floral tape
• Inexpensive grey eye shadow
• Clip or stick pin/boutonniere pin
• Scissors
• Felt
• Feathers
• Glue gun (*Optional, but helpful.  To be used by an adult or with direct supervision, assistance)

Directions

• Go on a nature walk with an adult, collecting small twigs.

• Cut your cotton swabs in half.  Cut the tip off.  (You could also use a piece of cotton ball, rolled into an ellipsoid shape.)

• Rub the swab gently in light grey eyeshadow.

• Tape your swab end to your small twig using floral tape.  Remember to pull the tape taut to activate the glue.  You may need some adult assistance for this process.  Make as many pussy willows mini branches as you would like.

• Cut a rectangle out of felt to make it manageable to cut out a leaf shape.

• Add a little sewing detail if you like.

• Put a spot of glue on one end your leaf.  Lay one end of your twig into the glue and gently squeeze the leaf around it.  You could also tape it on, using your floral tape.

• Make a mini bundle of your pussy willow twig(s), leaf branch(es) and a few feathers.  Have an adult help you tape it together.  If you are giving this to a younger person, you could tape or glue your bundle to your clip.  An adult could use a stick or boutonniere pin.

• Give your handmade boutonniere to your dad or someone special!

Purpose

• Thinking of others
• Developing one’s fine motor skills

Safety Notes

• Be sure to go on a nature walk with an adult, selecting only sticks that you find on the ground.  (Rather than removing from trees.)
• A glue gun should be used by an adult or with direct adult supervision.
• Use stick or boutonniere pins with caution.
• Use scissors with care and supervision.