Around Town Community
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Bitsy Hall
Ah, parents and all those who work with children, you’ve made it to summer! At this point in the year, you’re probably a kids’ craft extraordinaire, or very, very tired and out of ideas (or hey, maybe both). In either case, the start of summer is a great time to explore nature-inspired crafts and get kids away from the screen. Here are some ideas to get you started!
KIDS’ CRAFTS
Veggie Tie Dye To tie dye, you will need: WHITE FABRIC of your choosing. This can be an old tee shirt, a dress, a onesie, anything you’d like! You can even dye white doll clothes. Rubber bands YELLOW A fairly large pot onion skins Water Vinegar A large salad-sized bowl Vegetable scraps RED Strainer Beetroots and stems 1. First, begin by boiling water and your selected vegetables. The veggie to water ratio you choose depends on the richness of color you want. If you want softer hues, start with a smaller amount of veggies. If you’re looking for bold and bright, pack lots of veggies into your water. 2. After you bring your water and veggies to a boil, switch to a simmer. This should take anywhere from 2030 minutes. 3. Place a strainer over your bowl. Pour the vegetable and water mix over and dispose of the vegetable scraps. *These are good for a composter if you have one! 4. Add some vinegar. You are looking for about a 1:4 vinegar to water ratio. This step depends on the amount of water used. 5. A s the water/vinegar is cooling, start prepping your fabric. Get your fabric and rubber bands ready!
14 • Benicia Magazine
Hang on to your veggie scraps, because believe it or not, they make excellent fabric dye!
YELLOW
Turmeric powder/root
PINK
Avocado skins and pits
Nature Walk Bracelets This craft is quick and easy to prepare! It’s also perfect for a long hike or a stroll through the park. However, this also works for a backyard activity. You will need: Masking tape (that’s it, seriously).
GREEN
Whole Artichokes or Spinach
PURPLE Red Cabbage
6. Begin by twisting the fabric in either fashion: a. Put your hand in the center of the shirt and twist until it bunches into a circular spiral. b. Twist your fabric until it looks like a tail. c. E xperiment with any type of fabrictwisting you would like! 7. Attach rubber bands to either method. 8. Drop your twisted fabric into your bowl of cooled down, but still slightly warm, water/vinegar dye. Let it sit until the white fabric resembles the color of your choosing. 9. Remove the rubber bands to see your tie dye pattern. 10. Wash gently before wearing. Do not wash with other light colors until it has been washed at least once!
1. Wrap the masking tape, sticky side up, around your child’s wrist 2. A s you walk, pluck small leaves and flowers to attach to the bracelet. By the end, you should have something that looks like this:
I hope you enjoy these nature inspired crafts. Be sure to tag us @beniciamagazine on Facebook or Instagram with pictures of your creations!
