We start out the spring break busy and eager to get everything done on our spring cleaning checklist, but just as you break out the scrub bucket, microfiber cloths and Aretha Franklin’s “Respect”, the kids attack with the dreaded phrase that every mom hates to hear, “Mom, we're bored!” The electronics are not cutting it anymore, they've watched all the episodes of their favorite shows at least three times and now they are itching to be active and get crafty. To the rescue - a fun and frugal craft for you and the kids to make without breaking the bank or spending hours trying to figure it out. The kids will have so much fun watching the bright colors of this project swirl together and come to life. Your home will be energized and in the vibrant spring spirit before you know it.
Coffee Filter Posies
What You’ll Need:
Plastic Surface (Placemat, Container, Bakery/Catering Lid)
Large White Coffee Filters
Scissors
Liquid Watercolor Paints or Food Coloring Diluted in Water
Eyedropper/Paint Brush
Hot Glue Gun/Glue Sticks
Green Pipe Cleaners
Medium Jar or Glass to display your creations
Jar Filler (Salt, Sand, Pebbles, Gems etc)
Directions:
- Take two coffee filters and flatten them out.
- Lay together and fold in half 3-4 times until you get a small triangle.
- Next, take your scissors and cut about ⅓ of the top off in a curved motion, like you would to make a heart with construction paper.
- Unfold the filters and lay them flat again.
- Cut down the folded lines at different lengths to make your petals look natural and more flowery.
- Place the cut coffee filters on a cookie sheet, plastic or silicone mat or plastic lid from a bakery/catering tray.
- Using your eyedropper or paint brush, drip small drops of paint on each petal, you want to use as little paint as possible to prevent muddy colors or dull colors.
- Once you have the flower fully colored with paint, transfer to a nonporous surface to dry (plastic or wire metal drying racks work best, paper towels or wood will soak the paint up and dull the colors).
- Dry. This takes at least 3-4 hours.
- Take the 2 filters apart. Pinch one in the middle and gather, making a small crimp to hold it together. Fluff/scrunch your flower to make it look natural. Take your second filter and put under the first and repeat that process.
- Once both filters are gathered and shaped, attach them to a green pipe cleaner utilizing your hot glue gun.
- Fill your vase with any decorative filler (coarse salt, pebbles, sand, etc) and stick your pipe cleaner stems down in the vase.
Voila, kids are happy, parents are happy, everyone is happy! Coffee Filter Posies are such a fun way to spend time with your family and create a beautiful project that can proudly be displayed throughout the spring and summer months. Sometimes creating the most special moments with family is spent doing a very simple and frugal projects like this one. Hope this blesses your family with lots of fun, laughter and bright memories.
