Fall Fun: Berry Branches

A simple idea for a kid-made Autumn centrepiece, inspired by Mountain Ash berries.  

Materials

• Wood beads
• Paint (we used acrylic)
• Paint brushes
• Paint container
• Smock
• Toothpicks or skewers
• Floral foam
• Branches (thin)

Directions

• Go out on a nature walk and collect thin branches (that have a thickness where your beads would fit snuggly once you push them down).  If this is difficult to find, you could have an adult glue gun the finished beads on.

• Don your smock.

• Put your beads onto skewers or toothpicks depending on the size of the holes.  Spread them out a bit so they don’t accidentally stick together when painted.  You could either put your skewers into the floral foam at this point or hold onto them to paint them, depending on your age and/or abilities.

• Paint your beads with a thin layer of paint.  We went with red and orange.

• Depending on your paint, you may need to add another layer.

• Once they are dry, push the beads onto your branches until they fit snuggly.  You could add a bit of glue if need be.

• Put them into a vase or attach them them to a present with a ribbon for a festive touch.

Purpose

• Get out into nature.
• Use nature as an inspiration for creating.

Safety Notes

• Have an adult use the glue gun (if you need this option).
• Don your smock and use a craft tray to protect surfaces and your clothes from paint.
• Be sure to use non-toxic paints and wash your brushes immediately after doing your painting.
• Beads can be a choking hazard.  Be sure to keep them out of reach from children 0-3 years or those that tend to put items into their mouths.

“Yikes!”