I was unpacking all my Christmas decorations and when I opened the box of used bows some were a little misshapen, which is perfect for this craft! So I gathered them and my son up and we made this tree that is now adding some shine to our foyer.
- Gather your materials. You will need some strong paper my favorite choice are grocery bags, a marker, some green paint ( optional) , glue , a bunch of Christmas bows , some wax paper and heavy books!
- Start by drawing a large outline of a Christmas tree. As you can see there is no need for it to be perfect it’s just getting covered anyway!
- Paint the tree if you want, this fills in any gaps between bows and also adds some extra fun, but is totally optional.
- Add the glue , lots and lots of glue!
- Add your bows. Older children can try to make patterns , or stripes of different colors.
I helped fill in the tree , after my son had done 5 or 6 by himself, I asked him which color he wanted and I found the right size in that color to fit. Older children can do it all by themselves though. - Lay some wax paper on top of your tree and lay some heavy books on for about an hour, this will keep all the bouncy bows in place until the glue gets tacky.
- When the glue is dry cut the extra paper off and you have a fun and “Bow”tiful tree!
Additional Activities
Matching, Sorting and Counting Oh My !
Matching, Sorting and Counting Oh My !
All of these activities are crucial pre-math exercises, introducing your child to them with a novel manipulative like Christmas Bows is fun and memorable for little guys. We want to challenge children when they are learning so if 3 colors are too easy , add another, if they are struggling take one away. When kids are challenged the lesson will mean more and will sink in , however if it’s too hard, it will frustrate them and a frustrated toddler or preschooler is fun for no one!
- There is no need for fancy containers , I just used matching construction paper but if you have something fun to pop the bows into go for it! Start with labeling the colors and matching them with the paper.
- Next try counting them, each color, all together, whatever you want.
- Find the largest bow and find the smallest.
- With preschoolers you can play a guessing game , stuff all the bows in the bowl and ask them to make a prediction about how many bows are in the bowl, count and find out !
I just wanted to say I just recently found your blog. As a mommy to two girls ages 2 and 4 and a former elem. teacher I couldn’t be more thrilled with your great ideas. My girls and I have made the Thanksgiving hand wreath and the glitter snowman. Thanks for some great ideas.
Rachel
Mommy to Rose and Pearl
So simple – yet so beautiful when you’re kiddos make it!
I too recently found your blog and love it. I have two boys ages 2 and 1 and am always looking for fun activities to do with them that promote learning. I check everyday to see your latest ideas. Thank you!
Meredith
Thank you so much, I really appreciate your comments, they mean so much!
What a great idea! I’ll be linking. I just can’t get enough of that serious crafting face!