Sponge-Painted Leafy Tree

crayola supplies

household supplies

Why

Take a walk with your child to enjoy nature's tall art. Then recreate the scene with this sponge-painted tree that gets to the root of creative inspiration.

Steps

  1. 1. With Crayola® Erasable Colored Pencils, ask a helper to trace your arm and hand (with fingers spread wide) on a large piece of construction paper. Cut out with Crayola Scissors. This is your tree trunk and branches.
  2. 2. Use a Crayola Glue Stick to glue the tree trunk to another large piece of construction paper.
  3. 3. Spread newspaper over your work area. Pour Crayola Washable Kid's Paint in seasonal colors into foam produce trays. Gently dip sponges in paint and press into the branches of your tree to create leaves.
  4. 4. Celebrate Arbor Day by creating a forest of trees in your favorite season. Or make one for each season.

When & Where

"This is the perfect craft after a hike in the woods. Kids really noticed different branch patterns."
- Lycynda H., day camp counselor.

"Hand-y Tree Trunks is a great way for children to learn to recognize trees and their leaves."
- Connie W., home-school parent of ages 6 and 9.

Interesting Info

Growth rings on a tree can tell more than tree's age. They indicate the tree's overall health as well. A tree that has received a lot of water and sunlight has thicker rings, while a less healthy tree has thinner growth rings.

Safety Guidelines

Crayola Washable Paints—Not for use as body/face paint.

Recycled Foam Produce Trays—Wash in hot, soapy water. No meat or poultry trays should be used.

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.

Sponges and Foam—Sponges, foam, and other expandable materials should not be used with children 3 years old and younger.

© 2000 - 2006 Binney & Smith, Inc.