Paint, Pots, and Paper Flowers

by Jill Dvornik

Time: An hour or more

Materials needed:

• Clay flower pots
• Newspaper
• Poster or Acrylic paints
• Paint brushes and/or sponges
• Paper plates
• Miscellaneous objects such as ribbons, buttons, and other craft items to use for decorating
• Dull-pointed scissors (use only with an adult's help)
• Tissue paper in assorted colors
• Green pipe cleaner
• Styrofoam

Painted Pots
Decorative pots can be used for more than just flowers -- although there's nothing better to brighten up a room. In addition to the paper flowers you will make, your painted pot can also be used to hold candy, pencils, or even toothbrushes!

What to do
First cover the table or floor with newspaper in case of spills. You might also want to wear an old t-shirt in case you get paint on yourself. Ask an adult to help you set out the pots, paints, and other art materials.

Try to use all of the materials and see how creative you can be. If you're going to be using sponges for your designs, ask an adult to pour the paint onto a paper plate so you can dip the sponge easily. You can add a finishing touch by gluing on a few buttons, ribbons, or other decorative materials. After you have completed your work, leave the pots where they won't be disturbed to dry completely.

Paper Flowers
These flowers will look great in the newly painted pot -- and you never have to worry about watering them!

What to do
Pick out a few sheets of tissue paper in different colors and unfold them. With dull-pointed scissors, ask an adult to help you cut the tissue paper into 8-inch squares or circles. After you have cut the shapes, pick out a few sheets (three to four) to make into flowers.

Put the sheets together in a pile, but not on top of each other. Spread them out a bit to give the flower shape. Gather two opposite sides in the middle. Take the green pipe cleaner and wrap the end around the pinched tissue paper to make a stem. Then all you have to do is fan out the tissue to make a flower.

To "plant" the flowers in the pot, ask an adult to cut a circle in the styrofoam the size of the base of the pot. Place the styrofoam inside the flower pot -- this will be your "soil." Stick the flower stems wherever into the painted pot!