Materials
Flowers
Newspaper
Heavy book
Green construction paper
Scissors
Glue
Clear adhesive paper, optional
Instructions
1. A few weeks in advance of the project, collect flowers for pressing.
2. Have the children gently place the flowers on newspaper, arranging the petals so they are lyingflat. Ask the children to place several sheets of newspaper over the flowers. Place a heavy bookon top of the newspaper and leave the flowers to dry for three or four weeks.
3. When you are ready to begin the project, draw five or six lines from the bottom of each child'spaper to about 2" (5 cm) from the top.
4. Ask the children to cut along the lines.
5. Place the dried flowers within reach and have the children carefully glue one at a time to thestrips on their paper. Let them glue a few flowers to each strip and a few along the 2" (5 cm)band at the end of their paper.
6. When the children are done, cover the strips with clear adhesive paper, if you choose.
7. Show the children how to pull the two ends of the paper together, letting the flower stems falloutward. Glue or staple the two ends together.
8. Hold a tea or luncheon for a special occasion and decorate your tables with the children's centerpieces.More to doMore art: Design note cards or bookmarks with pressed flowers. Hang fresh flowers in a sunnycorner of the room to dry, then use them to create wreaths and other ornaments.Science: Plant seeds and keep a journal of the plants' progress.
