faux floral fun part 2

 Another fun project you can do with your kiddos is decorate vases for their flower shop. There are many ways this can be approached but I think using happy washi and masking tape is great for small/fine motor skills. It also helps kiddos to work on problem solving as the tape can be tricky when it folds over upon itself. If you have a fancy pants tape dispenser your kiddos can help themselves otherwise, you can prepare tape by ripping of various lengths and sticking them to the edge of the table. This is how I do it with toddlers. Sometimes they will ask for a longer or shorted piece. If they want shorter tape, I have them cut or tear what they have.

*fake flowers separated with stems trimmed to about 8"-10"

*clear bottles and jars (mayo and nut butter jars and coffee drink bottles work)

*assortment of washi and/or colored masking tape

*marbles, rice, dried beans or other weight to pour into bottles

Washi tape is no longer only available at fine paper stores or online. Craft stores carry a small variety and some big box stores such as Target have a couple of different packs as well. Painters tape will always work in a pinch. Colored masking tape can be found here and/or here. You will want to use these tapes as they are not permanent and allow for easy removal.

 Have your kiddos add their tape first. This way they can lift and turn and turn and lift their jars or bottles how they like without spilling any contents. A little or a lot, it's all pretty!

Using beans, marbles or rice will add weight to the bottom of the jars/bottles. Fake flowers are very light and everything will tippy-tip without that extra weight. This too is a good process to aid in small motor skills. Children can pour from a lipped measuring cup or they can drop handfuls into a funnel. Have them count out marbles or beans, etc. You child may wish to add water, if you do, make sure the flower stems are stuck securely into glass flower cabochons or marbles. The cabochons can be found at your craft store and/or local dollar spot. Otherwise the flowers will float uppity up and not jive with the presentation.

Add flowers and ta-da! A fancy-pants floral bouquet.