How to make Nature Crowns.
A quick ‘how to’ post on making these Nature Crowns. Everyone wants to be a Tribal Lord or Forest Queen so suitable headgear is a must!
This is an activity featured in The 365 Nature Journal on April 18th, although its good for anytime of the year!
We did these in The Smart Happy Club and I admit I spent more time prepping them than i wanted to but they were worth it as the didn’t struggle over the glue and they got straight into the decorating with nature bit. So they were good for the younger folks and will last them a few play sessions.
I took the leaves from a large Phormium plant, commonly known as New Zealand flax. I picked it for its wide, strappy leaves. Using PVA glue I stuck strips of hessian or tough paper onto the back of the leaves and allowed them time to dry. This was so that the leaves didn’t split and rip when I stitched through them. Using double sided tape would probably be easier.
Using garden string (for its colour and texture) I stitched large cross stitches along the length that I had backed with the fabric. It was about a 40cm distance which left enough room either end of the strip to be fastened together at the correct size on the child’s head (using double sided tape).
Use a hole punch tool to make stitch holes through the leaf and fabric if it is tough.
As I said , it took a bit longer to prep than i wanted but i enjoyed the sticthing and it gave me a good idea for another nature and geometry craft so it was worth it for me!
When the children joined i fitted them to their heads and they collected the flowers, leaves and twigs that they wanted to decorate them with.
The cross stitch pattern suggested a tribal look so it worked for girls and boys. It fired up their imaginations and they will last them for a bit so they can replace the decorations when it fades.
Thanks to my little Warriors – love you all x
