. . . diy color theory may day cones

Door

May day is full of colorful celebrations, so this year. . .

Comp

. . . we thought we'd incorporate. . .

Cone

. . . a little color theory. . .

Bench

. . . into our May Day cones. . .

Knob

. . . filled with all of the potential this season has to offer.

It's time for our annual May Day for Mother's Day cone! Great for sharing a little love with moms on their special day or to share with anyone on May Day.

DIY Color Theory May Day Cones

Materials:

Tissue paper in red, yellow and blue
White glue
Water
Tin foil
Paintbrush or foam brush
String
Scissors

This year we mixed in a little color theory lesson with our crafting, and we're smitten with the results: a foil backed papier mache cone that can hold flowers and plants with ease, and maintain its shape using only a bit of string to tack it in place.

Instructions:

Cut the tissue paper into rectangles that are 12" x 9". Make sure there are 2 pieces of each color.

Once you have your paper cut, cut it again into 3/4" x 12" strips until all the paper is cut. The strips need not be perfectly straight or exactly 3/4" wide.

Lay out a sheet of tinfoil that is about 14" long. Mix the white glue with water until it is the consistency of 2% milk.

Place a strip of red tissue paper on the tinfoil and wet it with glue. Then place a blue piece slightly offset on top of it and brush it down with glue. Where the two colors overlap you will see purple (see image above). Repeat this process until you have a sheet that is 12" x 9".

Do the same thing with red and yellow strips (to make orange) and blue and yellow strips (to make green).

Allow the sheets to dry completely. When dry trim the excess tinfoil off the edges so that it is the same shape as the paper. Fold over each edge 1/2" and roll in the long direction so that you have a cone like the ones pictured above.

Using the point of scissors or an exacto knife (adults need to help with this part) gently poke two holes about 3/4" apart in the overlapping flap as well as the sheet behind it. Use these holes to tie the cone closed (see image above).

To make the handles I braided the thinner string, but you could also just use a small rope or ribbon. To attach it, simply poke holes in the sides and tie knots in the handle ends to secure.

If any of the holes begin to rip or tear, just use a bit of scotch tape on the inside to reinforce the opening.

Fill with your favorite spring gifts (we shared some of our seed tape flowers, tulips, and succulent cuttings) and share with someone you love.

If you'd like more May Day fun, check out our past May Day cones and activities: