One of my favorite things about spring is its constant transformation. From the first tentative shoots of green to. . .
. . .the riot of color that follows.
One of my least favorite things about spring, is how quickly it seems to rush by. In the past we've set up Spring Theaters and gone on Micro Hikes to help us slow down and appreciate every moment of this wonderful season. This year. . .
. . . we made something. . .
. . . that takes the best properties of both of those activities and wraps them up. . .
. . . in one pretty package.
Spring Pin Board
Activity:
Go on a short walk each day (it could even be just around the block) and take note of five things that have changed or appeared since the day before. Pin this list to your board along with any nature study items you happened to find along the way. Take the opportunity to find out more about the items on your list or the specimens you collected (in your favorite nature study books) or simply enjoy your daily portrait of spring.
Materials:
- Fabric
- Cardboard
- String
- Colored thread
- Tape
- Paint/Stamps/Pens (optional)
- Tree branch
Modeled after the Star Pins we've loved so much, this Spring Pin Board is quick and easy to pull together. For the board itself, simply wrap a piece of fabric over a piece of cardboard and secure with tape on the back (use something sturdy like duct tape or gaff tape to make sure it stays in place). The size of the board is completely up to you, it can be as small or large as you'd like it to be.
To make the miniature spring bunting, cut scraps of your favorite bright fabrics into triangles and hand sew them onto a piece of string long enough to stretch across the top of your pin board. The easiest way to do this is to fold the widest part of the triangle over the top of the string and sew it closed to secure it. Then trim back any excess fabric that sticks out beyond the triangle.
Once you have your bunting, you can paint, stamp, sew, or draw your letters onto the fabric. I happened to have some vintage letters hanging around so I glued those to my banner. Secure the bunting by sewing or taping it on the back side of the board. Then using your thread, attach the branch by sewing through the corners and wrapping around the branch a few times before tying off the thread. Make the hanging string using a similar method, wrap the thread around the branch a few times and tie off before connecting the thread to the other side leaving as much slack as desired to hang the board.
Hang, pin, and enjoy!
~ Sarah
*Last time in Crafts and Activities: Spring Love
