Some of the best gifts I have received have been those given to me by my younger friends and relatives. I will always cherish my handmade clay paperweight that loosely resembles a turtle, as well as my popcorn kernel and cotton ball landscape mosaic. I’m sure you have your own set of favorite mementos.
A picture frame made of treasures found in the garden is a gift that you can help your children make that anyone would be happy to receive. It becomes extra special when combined with a school or family photo If you play your cards right, you might even turn out to be the lucky recipient.
Materials:
- 2 pieces of 9"x12" cardboard, one piece cut with a 5" x 7" opening for a photograph, the second piece used for backing.
- 5" x 7" photograph
- Natural objects such as berries, leaves, feathers and small pebbles gathered from the garden or a walk in the neighborhood. Select lightweight objects that will be easy to glue to the frame. (If you are short on time, pick up a variety of dried beans or lentils from the grocery store.)
- Twigs to be used as borders around the outer and inner edges of the frame
- Sheet moss or colored paper for background
- White glue
- Tape
- Thin copper wire
STEPS:
- Take a walk in your garden, around the neighborhood or through a park to gather natural objects.
- Sort through the objects with your children, allowing them time to pick out their favorite objects and plan their design.
- Set out the two pieces of cardboard.
- Cut the 5" x 7" opening for the photograph in one piece of cardboard to create the picture frame.
- Set aside the second piece of cardboard that will be used as the back, for later use.
- Cover the cardboard frame with glue, adhere either the sheet moss or the colored construction paper to the glued area.
- Outline the edges of the cardboard frame with twigs and glue them into place.
- Glue your found objects onto the moss or construction paper.
- Let dry overnight then tape a favorite picture to the back of the frame so that it faces out through the opening.
- Finish by making a picture hanger by putting two small holes in the cardboard back and threading copper wire through the holes. Twist it together to make a wire loop. Then glue the cardboard back to the frame.
HELPFUL TIPS:
Cut cardboard frame and back ahead of time.
Cereal boxes or recycled cardboard boxes can be used.
Sheet moss can be purchased from a florist or hobby store.
Cover work table with newspaper.
This is an easy project and a great way to spend time with your children during the holidays.