Paint a Pot and Plant a Seed for Mother's Day, Arbor Day, Earth Day or a Life Science Lesson

Using Recycled Materials

Did you ever take a close look at the glass jars that go into the trash or recycling bin? Some of them are really quite decorative and lovely. I've noticed that pickle jars and jam jars are especially nice. And they are a good size for planters and vases.

Here is a wonderful activity for Earth Day or Arbor Day on April 22 and Mother's Day on May 13. Using recycled materials, it's a perfect craft to help focus on reusing our resources in creative ways. This activity is an excellent craft for Arbor Day, in which we are mindful of the bounty of our fauna. As we will plant a living seed, this activity will give students a first hand look at all aspects of plant development.

This craft will make a lovely, thoughtful gift. The plant will be begin to flower around Mother's Day so it will make an ideal gift for mom. This craft would also make a nice summer camp activity for botany and crafts as well.

I have used it as a religious education teaching tool also. Most all religions focus on spring as a time of regeneration and new life. What better way to celebrate the new life than by observing a plant grow and by making a gift for a loved on as well.

You'll Need:

for the plant:
any round plastic or paper container form recycling bin (one for each student)
Styrofoam tray, pot pie tin from recycling bin (for drip tray)
potting soil
any flower seed that's fairly hardy (sunflower, daisy, astor)
plant food
a sunny ledge with some air flow
a box with circles cut out to place plants in and use as a tray

for the planter:

a clean glass jar with a wide mouth (one for each student)
assorted craft paints (Fabric paints like Tulip work very well; jewel paints are pretty, window cling paint is useful, too.)
paint brushes
water for rinsing brushes
old paint shirt
stencils (if desired)
ribbon in different styles
hot glue gun or craft glue

Instructions:

for the plant