Friday, March 20, 2009

It's Spring!

It's the first official day of spring!!! And I've prepared a little celebration with music, pictures and even a fun craft.

Here is a slide show of some images from Spring 2006 at Blue House Academy and around town. Right now we're just starting to see signs of spring, but this is what it will look like very soon -- I can't wait! The music is from one of our favorite Cd's, Beethoven's Wig 2. If you're not familiar with these Cd's please go check out their website. My kids love all four volumes. You will recognize this song, "It's Spring!" as Vivaldi's Spring, from The Four Seasons.



Doesn't that put you in a happy mood? Okay, now it's craft time. The same year I took the above pictures I was asked to come up with a craft for Anna's 2nd grade spring class party (this was when she was still going to Christian school), and it turned out much better than I expected.



After a dozen tries this was the best picture I could get, so my apologies if it's hard to see (you can click the image to enlarge though). Here is what the text says:

"Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands, robed in the blooming garb of spring; J e s u s is fairer, J e s u s is purer, who makes the woeful heart to sing." From the hymn, Fairest Lord Jesus

This creates a great opportunity to incorporate hymn study. And if you don't know about The Cyber Hymnal go check it out because it will give you the words, lyrics and tune to just about any hymn, including Fairest Lord Jesus.

Want to try the craft project? Here's what you need to do:



Supplies

6 inch sqaure cork tiles (found at most major craft stores)

8.5 x 11 cardstock (a pretty spring green color looks best)

favorite photo of a spring scene (mine was trimmed to 4 3/4" width and 3 1/4" heighth)

twigs from your backyard or park

scrap of coordinating ribbon


Directions

First, you want to print the text on your cardstock. You're welcome to use my template, found here. Make sure your photo will fit in the space. After you have printed the cardstock, trim off excess paper. Using glue or tape, affix the photo to the cardstock.




I tied a knot at the top of the ribbon so it would hang better, but that step is optional. Staple the ribbon to the back of the cork. Then using a hot glue gun, affix the cardstock to the cork.








Trim the twigs with garden clippers to fit the edges of the cork. Hot glue the twigs around the picture to create a frame. We were able to find some interesting curly twigs that added a nice touch in the bottom corner.



All done!

Kids and parents alike seemed to enjoy this project, and three years later I still have Anna's hanging on the refrigerator. If you do this project I would love to hear about it, or better yet, see it. Just leave me a comment or send me and email.

So even if everything still looks brown outside like it does here, take heart that it is officially spring and color is coming soon. Happy Spring!

P.S. If you have a preschooler be sure to check out yesterday's post.

3 comments:

  1. That is a great project...beautiful!

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  2. What a great post! I enjoyed the video and music - love the craft idea - I would love to hang that in my home

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  3. I loved your frame project. I think I will have to remember that one!

    About those pots...I have killed flowers too and it was probably from over watering. Can you believe that is possible. A man once told me to get a drill and make lots of holes for the water drain properly. HTH I love potted plants. The full sun kind are harder to kill.

    Have a great day! We are headed to see King Tut in Atlanta today. I can't wait.

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