Here is a simple and beautiful keepsake ornament to make with kids. Kids will love making pretty pine needle designs on the ornaments and these little pieces of art will become a special reminder of this holiday season! Just pick a few pine needles off your tree (or the floor), add a couple more supplies and you are all set to make this eco-friendly ornament you and your family will treasure forever.
This handmade ornament is so fun to make for children of all ages! The dark green against the white clay looks so beautiful and each ornament is guaranteed to turn out unique in it’s own way! My boys loved making these ornaments so much, that they couldn’t stop at just one, so we’ll use the extras for family gifts and gift wrapping tags. I even made a couple! Give it a try and you will be hooked too!
Ready to make one (or ten)? Here’s what you’ll need….
Supplies:
- Pine Needles
- Air Dry Clay
- Christmas Cookie Cutters
- Straw
- Twine
- Mod Podge– I suggest using this starter kit to see which type you prefer. Glossy is a shiny finish and matte is a flat finish. I use my fingers to apply the Mod Podge so I can control it better. I don’t want any pine needles to brush off with the sponge brush.
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RELATED: Check out Pine Needle Sweep {A Fine Motor Christmas Activity}
Here’s What We Did:
Step 1:
Roll out the clay. My six year old helped me with this step. In fact, my kids helped me with each step!
Step 2:
Choose cookie cutter designs and cut out your ornaments! We chose Christmas trees and stars.
Step 3:
Just grab some pine needles from outside or from your Christmas tree and you’re all set to start decorating. My boys instantly loved this activity and wanted to make multiple ornaments!
Make sure you push the pine needles into the clay with gentle pressure. This will help them stay in place when you apply the Mod Podge.
Once your ornaments are finished, put a layer of Mod Podge over the pine needles. This will help them stay in place. I used a cookie rack to help the ornaments dry quicker but this isn’t necessary.
I have found that the ornaments dry in about 48 hours, but the drying time on the box is 2-3 days.
This is one of those activities that is totally doable for kids of all ages and will turn out beautiful every time! And of course those pine needles make your home smell so good!
I also love this ornament because it makes taking down that beautiful Christmas tree a little easier.
It can be difficult taking down your Christmas tree after spending a month in your home. You shared many memories around that tree and taking it down can be a little sad for everyone. This ornament helps that tree live on! You can pull out these ornaments year after year and part of that tree is right there with you again!
Pin this activity to save it for later!
I hope you give this simple activity a try! I promise, your little nature lovers will love it as much as my boys.
∼Tara
Looking for more pine activity ideas?! Check out:
A Simple and Adorable Holiday Wreath for Kids
Pine Needle Sensory Writing Tray
