Popcorn Tree

Spring came early this year and the fruit trees I planted in our backyard last year are all blossoming. The nectarine, peach and apricot trees inspired this popcorn tree art activity.

While it does require some simple preparation beforehand, this activity is simple and looks great with its three dimensional 'blossoms'. Eli loves anything that involves glue and was very proud of his tree.

I popped some popcorn in a brown paper bag in the microwave (1/3 cup for 1 minute or until the popping slows down to 1 - 2 pops per second) and then shook it around in a freezer bag with a few drops of food colouring. I won't bother with the food colouring the next time we do this, as the colour is barely noticeable!

After painting a tree shape on an A4 piece of cardboard (I bought a pack of 10 at my local $2 shop, though the inside of a cereal box also works well!) and letting it dry we were ready to go.

Glue sticks aren't up to the task when it comes to popcorn trees, so get out the pva glue and plop it all over the tree. I gave Eli free reign with a small, squeezy bottle of pva glue and there was very little clean up to be done. On with the popcorn and voila! Another piece of art for the display wall.

Fathers Day Gift Idea

Coming up with a different idea each year for Fathers Day is not an easy task. While the older children usually create at least one thing at school, my two year old cutie needed something to make for his Daddy! I came across this quick, easy and fabulous looking gift idea from Hannah over at  Paint on the Ceiling and decided that this would be perfect.

What you'll need:

• t-shirt (ours is from Target)
• bleach cup/container for bleach
• paintbrush
• newspaper
• protection for clothing and floor surfaces!

Choose a practical painting area that is well ventilated, as the bleach can be a tad smelly. I chose the floor for Eli and spread out a flannel backed plastic table cloth that appears whenever painting is to be done.

Get everything ready and then paint! Eli loved this and so did his Daddy!

This is our dedicated painting cup - clearly marked and always stored in a different place to the drinking cups!

A practice drawing before painting on the shirt.

Newspaper inside the shirt to prevent the bleach from seeping through to the back of the shirt. I tucked the sleeves underneath the newspaper so that only the front area to be painted was exposed.

Ready to start.

The bleach painting starting to appear.

The finished shirt!