Young ones love to help set the table, especially when company's coming over. This year get them involved early with crafty centerpiece ideas they can lend a hand in creating. The end result will be a refreshing change from a fresh flower arrangement that will make you all feel proud.
Remember making those crepe paper flowers when you were young? Pass along the tradition by twisting and tying some Thanksgiving blooms with your kids. These oversized blossoms are so easy to make. Plus the large scale means you only have to make a few -- an important factor when you're working with short attention spans. See supplies list below.
What You'll Need:
2 package 16-piece Luncheon Napkins, about 8 1/4" x 4 1/4" folded (each package will make four flowers)
Green tissue paper
Pipe Cleaners, brown and green
Ruler
Scissors
Floral Picks, about 12 inches long
Floral tape
Tin Container
Spray Paint, 2 tonal or contrasting colors
Painters tape, 1 inch
1 Block Floral Foam
Glue
Photo Credit: Gina Provenzano
Step 1: Cut several brown/rust pipe cleaners in half. Make a small loop at one end of each to make three flower centers. Unfold four luncheon napkins (about 8 1/4" x 4 1/4" folded) and cut along folds to make three, 16 1/2" strips from each. If kids are old enough to cut straight lines they can certainly help with this task.
Photo Credit: Gina Provenzano
Step 2: Younger kids can get involved twisting each paper strip at the center point so that right sides face out, then fold in half lengthwise to form petals. Make 12 petals.
Photo Credit: Gina Provenzano
Step 3: This part takes some strength, so it's probably best done by an adult. With one hand, hold three brown pipe cleaner centers. Gather the bottom of each petal. Begin by placing one petal around pipe cleaner centers, holding firmly at base. Continue adding each folded strip to the bunch until there are twelve.
Photo Credit: Gina Provenzano
Step 4: Wrap a pipe cleaner around the base of the gathered petals several times, then twist tightly to secure.
Photo Credit: Gina Provenzano
Step 5: Now make 2 to 3 leaves from green tissue paper in the same manner as the flower petals. Secure one leaf at a time to the base of the flower by wrapping floral tape around the base of the leaf and flower. Repeat to add one or two more leaves.
Photo Credit: Gina Provenzano
Step 6: Next, dab one end of a wooden floral pick (about 12 inches) in glue and insert it into the center base of the flower until secure (about 2 1/2 inches). Wrap entire base of flower with floral tape and extend down the pick to secure stem. Repeat the above steps to make about 6 to 8 flowers.
Photo Credit: Gina Provenzano
Step 7: To make the tonal striped container, an adult should spray a low long aluminum container (about 12 to 14 inches in length) with cherry red spray paint. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly (overnight). Use 1-inch painter's tape to create stripes around container.
Photo Credit: Gina Provenzano
Step 8: Using darker color paint, spray over taped lines. Again, allow the paint to dry thoroughly. Carefully peel tape back in a downward motion to reveal stripes.
Photo Credit: Gina Provenzano
You're finished!
Photo Credit: Gina Provenzano
Before you reach for the stuffing this Thanksgiving, grab a camera and send us a great image of your Thanksgiving table décor for a chance to win...
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