Halloween: Centrepiece

Personalized hanging elements make this centrepiece playful and spooky.

This activity was featured on The Crafty Crow!  Check them out for all sorts of seasonal fun to do together.

http://www.thecraftycrow.net/2014/10/child-art-halloween-tree-ornaments.html

Materials

• Air dry clay*
• Sealant (optional)
• Bamboo skewer
• Black permanent marker
• Branches
• Vase
• Circle, square, rectangle cookie cutters or clay knife
• Rolling pin
• Clay board or old cutting board
• Ribbon, twine or cord
• Smock

* Another option (that we have also shown) is purchasing “blank” ready-made ornaments (which are often out for Christmas) to draw on.

Directions

• Go on a nature walk and collect fallen branches.

• Don your smock.

• Roll out your clay to a thickness about 1 1/4 centimetres/ 0.5 inches.

• Cut out your shapes using either cookie cutters or a clay knife.

• Poke a hole where you would like your ornament to hang, using a bamboo skewer.

• Let your shapes dry according to the package’s directions.  (We found this was a few days, with flipping them over for the undersides to dry.)

• Once dry, draw Halloween themed items on your clay shapes in black permanent marker.  Add a border to each.

• Have an adult brush sealant onto your ornaments lightly or apply sealant outdoors in a well-ventilated area according to the directions. (Optional)

• Loop a piece of ribbon through the hole you made.

• Put your branches in a vase, hang your ornaments and place them at the centre of your table, on a mantle etc.

Purpose

• Developing fine motor skills, working with different materials.
• Recognizing various symbols of cultural celebrations.

Safety Notes

• Follow the directions on the package of the air dry clay for use and storage.
• An adult should apply any sealant type materials in a well-ventilated area.
• Be careful when using permanent markers, protecting surfaces and clothes.
• Exercise caution when using a bamboo skewer as the tip can be quite sharp!