The SIS Outdoor/Nature Club finished off our first term with making two fall leaves projects. This project was to make a bowl out of fallen leaves.
We started by going on a nature hike to collect the fallen leaves before they got too soggy in the coming rains. The leaves were then dried and pressed between newspaper and squished by books for one week.
Once the leaves were dried, we started our project. First thing to do is blow up a balloon to however big you would like your bowl to be and have a circular contraption (like a bowl, or large roll tape frame) to stand the balloon up. Then mix white craft glue with a little bit of water to make it slightly thinner for painting.
On the top of the balloon (the part without the knot), paint a layer of glue to stick the leaves to the balloon. Then paint over each leaf as you add it, to ensure it stays and other leaves can stick to them. You need to make the layers thicker and make sure each leaf is touching another leaf in some way. Go up the sides of the balloon, as far as you would like your bowl deep.
Once done, leave the balloon and leaves to dry for a day or two, until the glue is solid, and before the balloon starts to shrink. Then make a hole in the balloon, slowly let the air out of the balloon and help to peel the leaves off the balloon as it shrinks. Don't let the air out too fast, or the bowl will be disfigured.
Once the bowl is separated from the balloon, you may want to add another thin layer of white glue/water to the inside to keep the leaves protected from the air.
This bowl can be used for many purposes around the house, but not for any liquids!
A great project for upper elementary grades, or great for buddy classes.
