We made this apple wreath weeks ago but wanted to wait until people were settled in the school year and the leaves turned a little more before posting. Originally I planned this as a garland ( which is why there is no paper plate in the materials picture) but decided that a wreath would be nicer and my son could do more of the steps with me if it was a wreath.  So grab an apple, some paint and make this fall decoration for your house today.

1. Gather your materials. You will need an apple, a plate, some red and green paint, knife,  craft paper , painters tape, scissors, glue and a paper plate.
2. Before inviting your child to come paint cut a large piece of craft paper off a roll ( find them for cheap at walmart – in the office supply section) and tape it to your work surface with painters tape. 
3. Pour some red paint into the plate.
4. Cut your apple lengthwise.
5. Start printing! If you have never done this with your child show them how to make a print by stamping and removing. If they just want to smear it that is fine too – you can just cut the smears into apple shapes if you want to make the wreath or just let them explore. My son did a little of both.
6. Next dip your child’s thumb or finger into the green paint to make stems.
7. Let dry.
8. Cut the apples out.
9. Cut the middle of the paper plate out.
10. Add glue to the ring of plate. Did you notice the new PJs? It’s the next day, when the apples dried my son was not interested in finishing the craft, so we waited until the next day. Don’t force them to finish ( I am preaching to myself here too    ) keep it casual and fun.
11. Add the apples!

Apple Picking!

I have more than a few apple picking field trips under my belt and you can too with  this website that lists a wide range of pick your own farms in the US and around the globe.

www.pickyourown.org

Valentine’s is only days away, so I thought I better get to sharing an activity that can be made into a special Valentine’s activity. Apple printing is great any time of year, just skip the last step of cutting the paper into the shape of a heart!

1. Gather your materials. You’ll need an apple, some paint, a plate, and some paper. I am re- using a paper grocery bag. Whenever I use paint I like to put an extra layer between the project and the table surface, so I cut the paper bag in two and used half for an under layer and taped it to my table using painters tape.
2. Cut your apple in two lengthwise, this way you will get a heart shape when you print it!
3. Pour some paint on to your plate , you don’t need much at all. If you put too much you will just get a blob of paint instead of a nice print.
4. Print !!
5. Let the prints dry before drawing a heart and cutting it out!

Books!

All of these books have love as a theme , ” Daddy Hugs” is a great counting book for young toddlers, “The Kissing Hand” is a wonderful story and great for kids experiencing separation anxiety at school, and ” I love you forever” will make any mom cry, and most dads too!

“ Daddy Hugs” by Karen Katz
“ I love you Forever “ by Robert Munsch
“The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn