Spring is so amazing, with all the fresh new plants and flowers growing. With this craft you can enjoy spring and make it into a beautiful keepsake! It's easy to do, just follow these steps in this tutorial sponsored by our friends with The Nature Link! The Nature Link teaches a form of this craft in some of the classes they offer. They have session on the books for adults that is more in depth and looks like a lot of fun! Check out Surface Explorations in Clay!
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What You Will Need
- a simple salt dough recipe (see recipe below)
- leaves from plants or trees*
- food coloring, optional
- a paintbrush
- a rolling pin
- a spray bottle filled with water
Simple Salt Dough
Ingredients
- 1 c. flour
- 1/2 c. salt
- 1/2 c. water
Directions: Stir flour and salt until well combined. Add water a little bit at a time, mix well until water is well incorporated. Knead dough for 5-10 minutes. The longer you knead the smoother your dough.
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What To Do
- Go outside to search for leaves that you will use to make an impression in your dough. As you search talk about the patterns the item may make. Ask questions like "If we try this leaf, what pattern or texture do you think we will get?" or "How do you think this pine stem would look if we used it as a stamp?" Let creativity take over as you search for items. (*Note: Please be mindful of picking flowers and plants that are still growing. If you choose to pick a flower, only pick a few and leave the rest for our birds, bees and butterflies!)
- Shape your dough into small balls, matching the size needed to make a good impression with your leaf.
- Place dough on a flat surface, (a cutting board works well). Gently flatten your ball using the palm of your hand.
- Lightly mist the top of your dough and one side of your leaf with water. (The water helps the dough take on the shape of the impression)
- Place the leaf on top of your dough then gently roll to flatten the dough to about 1/4" thinkness. This will create your impression
- Carefully pull the leaf off of your dough.
- Dry your keepsakes by placing in a 250 degree F oven until firm, about two hours.
To add color to your impression: Add 1 drop of water to 1 drop of food coloring. Using paintbrush gently add food coloring to one side of your leaf. Proceed from step four to complete the impression.
We'd love to see your creations!
Share on social media and tag Macaroni KID at Facebook: @MacaroniKidEBC or Instagram: @mackidjulied and The Nature Link on Facebook: @thenaturelinkllc or Facebook or Instagram @thenaturelinkllc.
 | The Nature Link 30403 Kings Valley Dr, Ste 1-113 Conifer, CO 80433 Website: thenaturelink.com |
Upcoming Events with The Nature Link:
- 6/17: Soul Scribble
- 6/19 - 20: Native Plant Sale
- 6/26: June Bird Walk at Flying J Ranch
- 6/28: Painting with the Plants: Outdoor Herb and Art Teaching
- 7/7: Creations in Clay (Wednesdays July 7-28)
- 7/7: Beginning Wheel Throwing for Adults (Wednesdays July 7-28)
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