DIY with mama saigh: Fairy gardens, popsicle-stick bracelets, and nature brushes.

I was back on The Jason Show this week for another "DIY with Mama Saigh" segment.

This time, my producer asked me to focus on crafts for kids. So, I showed how to put together a fairy garden, make popsicle-stick bracelets, and paint brushes using things found in nature. Here are a few of the ideas I shared on the show...

DIY FAIRY GARDENS

Our fairy garden is set inside a bird bath that we filled with dirt.

We used an empty water bottle for the fairy houses, and covered them in stones and moss from Lowes. We
painted rocks for the stepping stones, used skinny popsicle sticks, string, glue and paint to make the door and,
clothes line (I used old tool to make the fairy tutus). Clay, paint, and skewers were used to make the toadstools.

Succulents make nice plants for fairy gardens, but you can also just clip some pine tree branches and
other tree branches, and stand them upright with a clothes pin. The, bury the clothes pin in the dirt to create a tiny tree.

POPSICLE-STICK BRACELETS

Boil popsicle sticks for 10 minutes (covered), then let them soak in the water for at least an hour. When the wood is wet,
it will let you bend it into the shape of a bracelet (slowly). Boil extra sticks because you will break a few in the process.

Once you've molded the sticks into the shape of a cup, place inside the cup and let it dry for at least 12 hours. I
stuck my glasses in the oven at 200 degrees to allow the sticks to completely dry. Once the popsicle sticks are completely
dry, they will hold the bracelet shape.

Paint or decorate the bracelet however you wish, or just leave the wood unfinished. Once your paint/stain/etc. is dry, drill two small holes (slowly) in the wood to attach string to (to keep the bracelet on your wrist).

PAINT BRUSHES USING THINGS FOUND IN NATURE

This one is pretty self-explanatory. Have the kids go outside and find nature items, such as leaves, feathers, bark, etc.
(the more creative, the better). Attach the items to sticks, using string or rope. Let the kids paint using their new
nature-brushes. This is a fun way to get kids outside, and teaches them about different textures and brush strokes.