A New Wrap On Kids Activities

We have been raising poultry for about the last three or four years at our house, and you know what? As a result, we have a TON of feathers floating around the yard. Whether it's by unfortunate bird snatchings by coyote, dive bombing by ravens, or just plain molting, birds tend to shed feathers the way toddlers shed clothing; here, there, and everywhere, and especially when you've just gotten them cleaned up :-)

Feathers hold a certain fascination for me. As a craft embellishment icon, they are wings down one of my faves. In fact, I rarely use them, and just look at how pretty they are still in the packaging most times- gah! Native and First America cultures have long used feathers for symbolizing a connection to Nature, and even adorn  their outfits and costumes with Spirit Animal representations of their strength and power

Figuring on my desire to inspire others and get more kids interested in artistic expression, my internet friend Jessica Lightle, Community Manager for Education.com,   sent me this amazing post to share with you, and lo and behold, it puts to use all those beautiful, fancifully enticing feathers!

Activity: 

Branch Weaving

Combine nature and art with this creative craft idea. In the process your kid will learn the art of branch weaving. This fun project is easy to do, and it will get your child out of the house, exploring nature. She'll use mostly natural materials to make her new, original piece of artwork. In the process, she'll practice her fine motor skills, and learn a little about weaving while she works.

What You Need:

• Twigs
• Leaves
• Rope, or raffia
• 1 Liter bottle, clean and dry
• Optional - feathers or beads

What You Do:

1. Ask your child to hold a twig in one hand and line it up with the mouth of the bottle. Tie the twig to the bottle using the rope. 
2. Holding the twig and bottle with one hand, ask him to hold another twig up to the bottle, lining the base of the twig to the mouth of the bottle. Help him tie this twig in place, weaving the rope in and out of the previous twig.
3. Repeat this process with at least one more twig, or as many twigs that will go around the bottle.
4. Encourage him to add in feathers and leaves into the rope weave, adding more rope as needed.
5. Tie additional rope at the top of the twigs for hanging his branch weaving from a tree.

Ta-Da! You've just created a masterpiece! Adorn your front entry way, line your driveway, or give them away as dream catchers to your older kids heading off to college.  However they turn out, you'll have a few less floaties around the house to pick up this summer <3 Thanks, Jessica!
If you enjoyed this activity and want to see more incredibly inspiring projects to keep your kids busy this summer, follow THIS LINK ...and let the creativity abound!