Christmas Poinsettia Wreath

crayola supplies

household supplies

Why

What plant looks like Christmas because of its starry blossoms and festive red and green colors? The poinsettia! This cut-paper wreath will brighten your holiday for years!

Steps

  1. 1. Read a book such as "The Miracle of the First Poinsettia: A Mexican Christmas Story" by Joanne Oppenheim about how the poinsettia became the "flower of Christmas Eve." The red and green parts are really the leaves, while the small green or yellow dots in the middle are the flowers. Here is how to make an attractive poinsettia wreath.
  2. 2. Using Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils, draw five or more large (at least 5-inch or 13 cm) squares on white paper. Cut them out using Crayola Scissors. Save the end pieces. Color the squares on both sides with colored pencils and/or Crayola Super Tip Washable Markers. These are your leaves.
  3. 3. For each square: Fold in half to form a triangle. Fold in half again. Hold the double-folded triangle point in one hand. Cut two lines, evenly spaced in the triangle, starting at the two folds. (Cut at the same angle as the unfolded side of the triangle.) STOP cutting about 1/2 inch before you get to the single fold. (On larger leaves, make three or more cuts.)
  4. 4. Open the square. Roll up the two inside points and tape them together. Flip the square over and tape the middle points together. Flip the square over again and tape the outer points. Repeat these steps for the other four squares.
  5. 5. To form the wreath, tape the tips of all pieces together in the center. Punch a hole at the top of one of the points. Thread string or ribbon through to hang.
  6. 6. On the leftover paper, draw and cut out two small circles for the flowers. Color them. Tape them to the center of the leaves. Add Crayola Glitter Glue to embellish. Air-dry the glitter glue.

When & Where

"Our class read about how the poinsettia became the Christmas flower. Children created their own hand-crafted poinsettia wreaths to take home."
- Mary R., school teacher of ages 7 and 8.

"My daughter had an early December sleepover so the girls created these wonderful paper poinsettias. Their families were delighted!"
- Cheresse R., mother of age 10.

Interesting Info

Did you know that the poinsettia has a special day all its own? The flower is named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States ambassador to Mexico, who introduced the plant in the U.S. in 1825. On December 12, 1851, Mr. Poinsett died. To honor him, Congress set aside December 12 as National Poinsettia Day.

Safety Guidelines

Glitter Glue— WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD—Small parts. Not for children under 3 years. Not for use on skin.

Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.

String-Like Materials—Includes string, raffia, lacing, yarn, ribbon, and other similar material. Children 3 years and younger should not be given any string-like material that is longer than 12 inches. Close adult supervision is essential whenever children use string-like material. When crafts are to be worn around the necks of children 8 years and younger, attach the ends of the “string-like material” with clear adhesive tape, which allows easy release of the bond if the craft becomes entangled or caught on equipment. For children older than 8 years, the ends of the “string-like material” may be tied and knotted.

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