Make Your Own Vase

What You Need:

• Shallow plastic container or glass jar (yogurt containers and baby food jars work well), washed well and dried
• Non-toxic, clear-drying glue
• Disposable cup
• Paint brush
• Scissors
• Assorted small natural objects such as flower petals and leaves (go on a scavenger hunt with your child to find these)

What You Do:

1. Start by looking over the natural objects your child found outside. Talk about the plants they came from and how the plants look different depending on the season. Did she see that flower in winter? How does the natural world change in the spring?
2. Now start the vase. Help her cut the leaves and flowers into smaller pieces.
3. Squeeze a small amount of glue into the disposable cup and mix in just a tiny bit of water to help thin it out.
4. Have her paint a thin layer of glue on the outside of the plastic container or glass jar using the paint brush.
5. Now have her decorate the vase by pressing the flower and leaf pieces firmly onto the container or vase. Add an extra layer of glue if needed.
6. Set aside to dry.
7. Once the glue is dry, fill the vase with fragrant potpourri and display!

Try making vases for other times of the year. Use seasonal or holiday-themed flowers and plants, such as red, orange, and yellow leaves for a fall vase.