Man Made Cherry Blossom Branch

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Here is a pretty tutorial from:
 bookhoucraftprojects: Project #53 Cherry Blossom Branch:
What You'll Need
*Tape
*Scissors
*Bare branches                                                          
*Vase or frame
Step One:
If you are not using origami paper, cut your paper into squares. I used two different sizes of squares, 3 in. and 2.5 in.
Step Two:
Cut your branches to a size that will suit the frame or vase that your will be using.
Step Three:
Fold your squares into cherry blossoms. You can find out how to fold them
 here  http://en.origami-club.com/flowers/sakura2/index.html
You can create slight variations in the flowers by the you cut them.
Step Four:
After you have arranged your branches in a vase or frame, attach the folded cherry blossoms to the branches using tape. I happened to have a pink masking tape that matched my paper, but clear tape would also work."

Birch Branch Reindeer

Materials (for each)

Birch branch, 2-inch diameter, cut to 4-inch length (body)
Birch branch, 1-inch diameter, cut to 1 1⁄2-inch length (head)
Twigs in varying lengths (for antlers, legs, and neck)
Drill with 1⁄8- and 3⁄8-inch bits
Twine or yarn

Directions

1. Drill four 1⁄8-inch holes into bottom of body for legs; drill two 1⁄8-inch holes in top of head for antlers.

2. Drill 3⁄8-inch hole on top of body and on bottom of head for neck.

3. Insert four legs into drilled holes and secure with glue or hot glue.

4. Trim legs with scissors so that body stands squarely.

5. Attach neck, head and antlers in same way.

6. Knot twine or yarn to form tail and glue onto back of reindeer.

Leaf Preserving

Preserving Leaves

Preserving leaves from your trees or shrubs is an easy and fun way to make beautiful decorations for your home. The preserved leaves turn a bronze color and look very pretty arranged in a vase.

©2007 Publications International, Ltd.Preserving leaves gives them a beautiful bronze color.

Be sure to ask an adult's permission before you cut any branches from trees or shrubs. You also might use the branches that are cut off when pruning the shrubs in your yard.

What You'll Need:

• Branch cut from a leafy shrub
• Jar or bucket
• Glycerin (available at drug, farm, and garden stores)

Step 1: With an adult's help, mix a solution of one part glycerin and two parts hot water. The amount you mix up depends on how many branches you want to preserve, but you should make enough to cover the bottom of your jar or bucket several inches deep.

Step 2: Cut branches about 18 inches long. Trees or shrubs with firm, waxy leaves work the best.

Step 3: Carefully crush the cut ends of the branches with a hammer, peel away the bark, and stand the branches in the glycerin mixture.

Step 4: Let them sit about three weeks. The branches will absorb the glycerin slowly through the miniature pipelines in their stems. The leaves will turn a bronze color and feel slightly greasy when preservation is complete. Wipe off the ends of the branches, and arrange in a pretty vase.

Another interesting craft that uses leaves is a leaf batik. Keep reading to learn how to create this centuries-old craft.

For more fun nature activities, check out:

• Tree Activities for Kids
• Plant Activities for Kids

How to Make a Twig Star Tree Topper

• Branches
• Hot Glue
• Branch cutters
• Twine
• Scissors
• Cut one twig to be 10 inches long. Take a second twig and cut it to 8 inches long.Cut two final twigs to 6 inches long each.

  Lay the 10-inch twig on a flat work surface. It should be running vertical.
• Lay the 8-inch twig across the 10-inch twig, running horizontally. This stick should be about 4 inches down from the top of the twig. Use hot glue to hold the stick in place.
• Take one of the inch twigs and glue it in across the center of the twig cross point at a diagonal. Use the hot glue to glue this twig behind the 10-inch stick.
• Glue the final 6-inch twig across the center of the twigs, running in the opposite diagonal from the first 6-inch twig. This twig should be glued onto the front of the star made from twigs.