One of our favorite things to do is pull out the sensory bin and try something new – especially if it involves water! So back when the world wasn’t completely locked down we were able to get the kids together to experiment with blooming flowers in water (which we have done about a million times since…). Before you pull out the scissors (or Cricut!) and construction paper read below to see our tips and tricks.
This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience, from which we may earn a small commission.
What you need:
- A clear bin (basically anything semi large to hold water that is not breakable)
- Construction paper (it has to be construction paper, cardstock is too heavy and the flower won’t bloom)
- A glue stick
- Scissors or Cricut (I started using my Cricut for this activity since I could be cutting a batch of flowers while my son and I folded another batch)
- Food colouring (optional but highly suggest!)
Cutting & Assembling your flowers
Two ways to cut your flowers:
Cut using your Cricut:
- Search flowers in design space, filtered to single layer
- Select flowers with petals that do not overlap and are not too thin
- Add a circle into the center
- My son asked for a lilypad with a frog in the middle so I printed some of those as well (I thought they were meh but the kids loved them)
Cut by hand
- Fold a piece of construction paper in half diagonally
- Fold in half again (folded edges together)
- Use scissors to cut a round petal shape, unfold
- Cut out a circle that will fit into the centre of the flower
Assemble
- Glue the centre circle into the middle of each flower (this is not a design element.. you need this to weigh it down so the flower blooms)
- Fold the petals on top of the circle until all petals are folded in
- Fill your bin with water and add a few drops of food coloring for fun!
- Have your toddler toss the flowers in (folded petals up) and watch them bloom!
Happy Blooming!
Jo
Like what you read?
Check out more!
READ:
Wondering where to buy a Cricut in Canada? Check out our guide!
Need some kids craft ideas? Try this Baking soda and vinegar activity
Sensory Bins 101: What you need to make endless sensory play
Kids drive through Fire Station
Pingback: Sensory Bins 101: What you need to make endless sensory play »