The perfect project for preschool and kindergarten kids to create one of a kind mini-masterpieces
Looking for an alternative to painted rocks or plastic plant labels? This 10-minute seed project might be exactly what you're looking for. With only a handful of tools and a bit of prep work you can create these lovely little canvases for anyone to make lasting artistic impressions in their garden.
What you'll need
A Glue gun (I use this one: https://amzn.to/3XE0yNC)
Paint pens (I use these: https://amzn.to/3JAJOmv)
Wooden plant labels (https://amzn.to/3WHTa2k)
Wooden squares, rectangles, or circles (https://amzn.to/3WG7bxI)
Instructions
If you're interested in making them exactly the way I have them in the picture then you'll need to cut them in half using a saw of your choice (I used a chop saw) however, you can absolutely make these without cutting them Simply add a spot of glue to the top of your plant label and then press your wooden rectangle piece firmly on top so that they form together. It's truly that simple!
Class Time Prep and Set up Tips
I made 100 of these little forms in about 20 minutes including chopping everything in half. I would also recommend opening your paint pens, removing the plastic, and preparing them to work prior to class. Most paint pens require that you activate them via pumping the tip several times. This can be a hard thing for little hands to do successfully, so I've started doing this part ahead of time so that they can get straight to creating.
For set up, it helps to break your classroom into smaller groups so that there are more paint color options for each little artist to use at a time. Set up a big folding table in the garden with the pens in the center and a mini canvas set where you'd like each person to stand and work. Each child can make anything they want on their canvas, it's a completely open-ended activity! Once they're satisfied with their art they can place them anywhere around the garden.
Bringing Joy to the Garden
These are such a wonderful project for the kids, particularly if they aren't writing yet but would still like to place their own marker in the garden. Instead of having them make 1000 plant labels with varying degrees of success, why not let them have a bit of creative expression and create mini garden art at the same time? And although I originally designed this for little gardeners, I can see virtually any age group enjoying the chance to make something special like this for their garden, potted plants, or house plant. Seeing all of these lovely creations will certainly bring lots of smiles to any garden visitors all year long.
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