It’s time to add a bit more fun and vibrancy to our DIY series. I’ve given you lots of tips and tricks to start making your very own natural homemade products for the family that can also help towards producing less waste in the home, but now its time for some TLC DIY that will put a smile on the little ones’ faces. In this week’s post I have a fun project for you and the kids which can double up as a keepsake and be a practical addition to the home.
I’m being kind and don’t expect you to make your own pottery, but there are plenty of DIY pottery stores in and around Beijing, where for a small fee you can get access to all the materials and machinery that you need to make your own mugs, dishes, pots, and more. You need a flowerpot for this DIY project, and I would encourage you to consider making your own to take home and finish off using my instructions.
What you will need
- 1 medium to large clay flowerpot
- Finger paints in choice of three colors
- 1 small paint brush
- 1 small bag of soil
- 1 -3 packs of flower or herb seeds (if your flower pot is large enough you can plant more than one kind of flower or seed
- Two cute hands or feet!
Instructions
- Paint a simple design for the body of the butterfly on the sides of the flowerpot. You can use a swirly design for the antennae and any other added details you would like (including white dots along the back of the butterfly’s body) except for the wings.
- Using your paintbrush, generously apply the three colors of your choice to the bottom of your child’s feet or the palms of their hands. Paint in sections, using one color at a time, so that you achieve a rainbow effect.
- Using one foot or hand at a time, make a print on each side of the painted butterfly to achieve a wing-like pattern. You can repeat this process on the other side of the flowerpot.
- Set aside to dry in a ventilated area or outside.
- Once it’s dry, get the kids involved in filling the flowerpot with soil and carefully place your chosen plant, flower, or herb seeds at least an inch or two beneath the soil. If you’re using a selection of seeds, leave ample space between each area for growth.
- Water and watch your family plant, flower, or herb grow!
- When whatever you have planted begins to sprout, get the kids involved in pruning and watering. If you have planted herbs, when cooking make the kids responsible for cutting off whatever herbs are needed for a family meal, washing and cutting them, and then sprinkling them onto vegetables or meat.
Tip: If making your own flowerpot, you will want to wait at least 24hrs before decorating.
This is a lovely keepsake and will encourage you to start planting your own seeds at home, while cutting back on unnecessary spending at the supermarket if you decide to go with the herb option. Enjoy!
Photos: Pixabay, involver.com
